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Blackout Trail
Doctor Anna Hastings is no stranger to disasters, having spent much of her career as an aid worker in conflict zones around the world. Yet when an electrical phenomenon known as an EMP brings down the power grid, Anna faces catastrophe on a scale she never imagined. She must learn what it means to be a doctor in a world deprived of almost all technology.
As the blackout causes planes to fall from the sky, Anna crosses paths with devoted father Mark Ryan in the chaos at the airport. Mark convinces Anna to travel with him and his seven-year-old daughter Lily to their family’s cabin in remote Maine. There Mark hopes to reunite with his wife, and find a safe refuge from a society on the brink of collapse.
Journeying across a thousand miles of backcountry trails, they will face a daily struggle against nature. Their biggest peril, though, may come from their fellow survivors. As Anna grows closer to Mark and Lily, she resolves to see them safely home. But can she hold onto her humanity in a world gone mad?
As the blackout causes planes to fall from the sky, Anna crosses paths with devoted father Mark Ryan in the chaos at the airport. Mark convinces Anna to travel with him and his seven-year-old daughter Lily to their family’s cabin in remote Maine. There Mark hopes to reunite with his wife, and find a safe refuge from a society on the brink of collapse.
Journeying across a thousand miles of backcountry trails, they will face a daily struggle against nature. Their biggest peril, though, may come from their fellow survivors. As Anna grows closer to Mark and Lily, she resolves to see them safely home. But can she hold onto her humanity in a world gone mad?
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2023
368 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Linda Naughton
12 books78 followersLinda Naughton has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She is the author of several novels, children’s books, and the blog Self-Rescuing Princesses. A proud geek and gamer girl, she enjoys sci-fi, disaster movies, and role-playing games. She is a software engineer, paramedic, and mother of two. Visit her website at https://lindanaughton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 30, 2023
Mark and Anna meet when he's trapped under debris caused by an airplane crashing into an airport and she helps free him. It wasn't too weird that they stuck together until they figured out what was going on, but it was VERY WEIRD that she chose to walk hundreds of miles to Maine with him and his daughter to reunite with his wife (who may or may not even be in Maine).
Like all Apocalyptic books, there are many obstacles here: lack of food, lack of medicine, gangs/thugs, weather. Even though Anna was a doctor, their injuries seemed to heal a bit too quickly considering the severity. Having a seven-year-old child along should have been another obstacle, but Lily seemed to have an unbelievable temperament and endless energy.
I didn't care for the love triangle aspect, and I really didn't see how Mark was a catch. He was selfish and really like to lay guilt trips on Anna, who it seemed was doing him an enormous favor. Anna was pretty amazing, aside from her poor taste in men.
I don't know if the author had/has plans for a sequel, but the ending was underwhelming, it just seemed to stop.
Like all Apocalyptic books, there are many obstacles here: lack of food, lack of medicine, gangs/thugs, weather. Even though Anna was a doctor, their injuries seemed to heal a bit too quickly considering the severity. Having a seven-year-old child along should have been another obstacle, but Lily seemed to have an unbelievable temperament and endless energy.
I didn't care for the love triangle aspect, and I really didn't see how Mark was a catch. He was selfish and really like to lay guilt trips on Anna, who it seemed was doing him an enormous favor. Anna was pretty amazing, aside from her poor taste in men.
I don't know if the author had/has plans for a sequel, but the ending was underwhelming, it just seemed to stop.
January 11, 2023
I received an ARC copy of Blackout Trail by Linda Naughton for free and this is my honest impression of it.
Blackout Trail is a recommendation for people who read and loved David Koepp’s Aurora but wished that it had more action and accurate survival scenarios in it. From the first pages this book takes you into the fast-paced reactions of Anna, a nomadic Doctor on her way to a job interview when an EMP knocks out the power grid and sends the world into chaos. She immediately meets her travel companions to whom she agrees to help re-unite their family.
This book is filled with realistic medical triage and outdoor survival, without it becoming monotonous as the characters face the dangers of the new world. I found myself flabbergasted by how this book could possibly end well for any of the characters involved, especially with the main character going against her own personal integrity stated clearly at the beginning of the book but I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
My only critique, which did not take away from the book, is that it could have been edited down to have less “cards against them” plot points. Had the author done that, it still would have been just as impactful of a story but would have been more streamlined for the reader. That being said, I still found myself wanting to finish on every break at work, every free moment before bed, and any lull that I could find. 4 stars, a very surprising read and I will check out other titles by this author.
Blackout Trail is a recommendation for people who read and loved David Koepp’s Aurora but wished that it had more action and accurate survival scenarios in it. From the first pages this book takes you into the fast-paced reactions of Anna, a nomadic Doctor on her way to a job interview when an EMP knocks out the power grid and sends the world into chaos. She immediately meets her travel companions to whom she agrees to help re-unite their family.
This book is filled with realistic medical triage and outdoor survival, without it becoming monotonous as the characters face the dangers of the new world. I found myself flabbergasted by how this book could possibly end well for any of the characters involved, especially with the main character going against her own personal integrity stated clearly at the beginning of the book but I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
My only critique, which did not take away from the book, is that it could have been edited down to have less “cards against them” plot points. Had the author done that, it still would have been just as impactful of a story but would have been more streamlined for the reader. That being said, I still found myself wanting to finish on every break at work, every free moment before bed, and any lull that I could find. 4 stars, a very surprising read and I will check out other titles by this author.
January 14, 2023
I got a copy of this book in return for a review.
Anna met Mark and Lilly after an EMP changed the world. Mark and his daughter, are determined to walk across the country to get to his wife. Anna decides to come with them. On the way they encounter new friends and lots at desperate people trying to survive. An excellent post apocalyptic novel.
Anna met Mark and Lilly after an EMP changed the world. Mark and his daughter, are determined to walk across the country to get to his wife. Anna decides to come with them. On the way they encounter new friends and lots at desperate people trying to survive. An excellent post apocalyptic novel.
January 23, 2023
This was an interesting story and feel that it hasn't finished yet, as would like to see how it continues. There were interesting dynamics with the two love triangles. The focus was more about the journey and the struggles rather than the normal post apocalyptic issues which made it an interesting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2024
Quite an adventure read with a very positive ending after all the trauma to get there.
June 9, 2024
some regrets
I only finished this book because of my worst personality flaw- the inability to leave something incomplete. It’s most likely a trauma response and I fear this book has only added more weight to my pre-existing baggage.
I only finished this book because of my worst personality flaw- the inability to leave something incomplete. It’s most likely a trauma response and I fear this book has only added more weight to my pre-existing baggage.
April 23, 2023
This is an EMP disaster and starts right into it. The writing style is good and flows well and the descriptive action at the airport and immediate aftermath is quite good. I found it not believable that someone (a medical doctor who would be needed many places) would chose to go with two strangers (one a 7-year-old child), over a very long trek on the AT to find his wife (plus for her safety the child should have stayed with grandparents). The obstacles they encounter are also well done, but it bogs down frequently with the unfolding relationship between the female doctor and the man trying to get to his wife. The last part of the book really drags with the detailed exploration of the relationship of the doctor and the wife. I found the ending not credible and left the reader in limbo.
October 26, 2025
From the first page of Blackout Trail, Linda Naughton throws readers straight into the chaos; no slow burn, no gentle buildup, just airplanes literally falling from the sky. What follows is a tightly paced post-apocalyptic survival story that feels both cinematic and grounded.
We meet Dr. Anna Hastings, an emergency physician whose quick thinking saves Mark when the two are trapped after a catastrophic crash. Their meeting feels organic and their initial decision to stick together makes sense, at least until it doesn’t. When Anna decides to walk hundreds of miles alongside Mark and his seven-year-old daughter Lily to find his possibly-dead wife in Maine, it starts to stretch believability. Still, Anna’s pragmatism and quiet heroism keep the story moving, even when the choices don’t always add up.
This book shines brightest in its depiction of survival and triage. The medical realism feels sharp and well-researched, though sometimes a bit too miraculous. Those moments aside, Naughton’s medical detail grounds the chaos in real-world stakes.
The novel also captures the exhaustion and psychological unraveling of a world suddenly stripped of power, both literal and social. Its themes revolve around human connection in crisis, integrity versus survival, and the emotional labor women carry even at the end of the world. Anna shoulders the physical and moral weight of everyone around her, Mark’s indecision, Lily’s needs, and the endless stream of wounded strangers, all while wrestling with her own boundaries.
Motifs of light and darkness permeate the narrative: the blackout becomes more than a loss of electricity, it’s a metaphor for humanity’s moral dimming and the flickers of decency that survive it. Likewise, the journey motif transforms a simple trek into an odyssey of endurance and transformation. Each obstacle, gangs, hunger, disease, grief, strips away civilization and exposes what’s left when there’s nothing to rely on but each other.
Stylistically, Naughton’s pacing works well. The prose alternates between taut action and reflective quiet moments, mirroring the rhythm of survival itself. She employs strong foils, Mark’s selfishness throws Anna’s integrity into sharper relief, and subtle symbolism, such as recurring imagery of light, wounds, and healing. Even the landscape acts as a character: harsh, beautiful, and unyielding.
Not everything lands perfectly. The love triangle subplot feels unnecessary, and Lily occasionally veers into unrealistically angelic territory, her endless patience a little too convenient for a seven year old in crisis. The ending, while not unsatisfying, arrives abruptly, more like a pause between books than a true conclusion.
Still, it’s an engrossing read that hits most of the right emotional and thematic beats. Despite a few implausible medical heroics and “all the cards against them” coincidences, Blackout Trail delivers a compelling balance of grit, compassion, and atmosphere.
Verdict:
If you love post-apocalyptic stories that focus on human endurance over explosions, this one’s for you. A tense, character-driven survival tale with a capable heroine, brisk pacing, and just enough emotional bite to linger after you close the last page and wanting for another book to see how the characters fair.
We meet Dr. Anna Hastings, an emergency physician whose quick thinking saves Mark when the two are trapped after a catastrophic crash. Their meeting feels organic and their initial decision to stick together makes sense, at least until it doesn’t. When Anna decides to walk hundreds of miles alongside Mark and his seven-year-old daughter Lily to find his possibly-dead wife in Maine, it starts to stretch believability. Still, Anna’s pragmatism and quiet heroism keep the story moving, even when the choices don’t always add up.
This book shines brightest in its depiction of survival and triage. The medical realism feels sharp and well-researched, though sometimes a bit too miraculous. Those moments aside, Naughton’s medical detail grounds the chaos in real-world stakes.
The novel also captures the exhaustion and psychological unraveling of a world suddenly stripped of power, both literal and social. Its themes revolve around human connection in crisis, integrity versus survival, and the emotional labor women carry even at the end of the world. Anna shoulders the physical and moral weight of everyone around her, Mark’s indecision, Lily’s needs, and the endless stream of wounded strangers, all while wrestling with her own boundaries.
Motifs of light and darkness permeate the narrative: the blackout becomes more than a loss of electricity, it’s a metaphor for humanity’s moral dimming and the flickers of decency that survive it. Likewise, the journey motif transforms a simple trek into an odyssey of endurance and transformation. Each obstacle, gangs, hunger, disease, grief, strips away civilization and exposes what’s left when there’s nothing to rely on but each other.
Stylistically, Naughton’s pacing works well. The prose alternates between taut action and reflective quiet moments, mirroring the rhythm of survival itself. She employs strong foils, Mark’s selfishness throws Anna’s integrity into sharper relief, and subtle symbolism, such as recurring imagery of light, wounds, and healing. Even the landscape acts as a character: harsh, beautiful, and unyielding.
Not everything lands perfectly. The love triangle subplot feels unnecessary, and Lily occasionally veers into unrealistically angelic territory, her endless patience a little too convenient for a seven year old in crisis. The ending, while not unsatisfying, arrives abruptly, more like a pause between books than a true conclusion.
Still, it’s an engrossing read that hits most of the right emotional and thematic beats. Despite a few implausible medical heroics and “all the cards against them” coincidences, Blackout Trail delivers a compelling balance of grit, compassion, and atmosphere.
Verdict:
If you love post-apocalyptic stories that focus on human endurance over explosions, this one’s for you. A tense, character-driven survival tale with a capable heroine, brisk pacing, and just enough emotional bite to linger after you close the last page and wanting for another book to see how the characters fair.
December 24, 2022
I've read lots of post-apoc novels, and I'm noticing an upswing lately in EMP novels (considered by some to be the most likely next global problem.) Blackout Trail gets right into the action, with the attack happening within the first two pages (although the characters don't figure it out for a while after that.) Fittingly, no one ever finds out exactly what's happened, whether it was a natural occurance, perhaps a solar flare, or an attack, or even an accident. The whys don't matter; the results do.
And these are harrowing results. Our heroes are in an airport when the EMP strikes, and almost the first thing that happens is that planes literally start falling from the sky. I don't want to spoil too much of the story, but I'll tell you that there are action set pieces like that all the way through.
If I were going to complain about anything, it would be this, phrased as vaguely as I can to avoid spoiling (and remember this is my personal opinion, YMMV!) Some or one or a few of the characters fall victim to Geographically Convenient Feelings; being the only people around, they or he or she fall in love. I always find it a vaguely insulting mix of 'you're the only person around so I'm settling' and 'I can't control my horniness so I'm settling'. But again, this is just my opinion and doesn't reflect how it's presented here, I always feel like this about this trope! All the characters are well developed at least, so it seems to make sense as they go.
The hiking part of the story is very well described, considering that according to the author's note she's never done more than a day hike! The scenery is fantastic and I could visualise it as the story moved through different states. (Very minor point - as someone who isn't American and is only slightly familiar with the states, a map would have been a really big help, but I did look one up online to help.)
I really enjoyed this read; I'd love to get the chance to read some more when the next books in the series come out.
And these are harrowing results. Our heroes are in an airport when the EMP strikes, and almost the first thing that happens is that planes literally start falling from the sky. I don't want to spoil too much of the story, but I'll tell you that there are action set pieces like that all the way through.
If I were going to complain about anything, it would be this, phrased as vaguely as I can to avoid spoiling (and remember this is my personal opinion, YMMV!) Some or one or a few of the characters fall victim to Geographically Convenient Feelings; being the only people around, they or he or she fall in love. I always find it a vaguely insulting mix of 'you're the only person around so I'm settling' and 'I can't control my horniness so I'm settling'. But again, this is just my opinion and doesn't reflect how it's presented here, I always feel like this about this trope! All the characters are well developed at least, so it seems to make sense as they go.
The hiking part of the story is very well described, considering that according to the author's note she's never done more than a day hike! The scenery is fantastic and I could visualise it as the story moved through different states. (Very minor point - as someone who isn't American and is only slightly familiar with the states, a map would have been a really big help, but I did look one up online to help.)
I really enjoyed this read; I'd love to get the chance to read some more when the next books in the series come out.
July 31, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Blackout Trail
Author: Linda Naughton
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“If post-apocalyptic is your thing, this is for you. Well-written, fast paced, and packed full of twists. Very enjoyable.” Male reader, aged 23
“Reminded me a little of The Road, but not as dark or gritty. Plenty happening, exciting in parts, with a strong, female protagonist to root for.” Male reader, aged 29
“The Anna character is the jam who holds everything together in this exciting, post-apocalyptic novel. This is a story of survival and developing bond between a woman and a family. I thought it was skilfully plotted, imaginative, and utterly compelling.” Female reader, aged 59
“Solid storytelling, although the medical aspects are a little suspect. But there’s plenty to enjoy here with lots of chemistry between the central characters.” Female reader (doctor), aged 52
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly plotted, post-apocalyptic thriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Blackout Trail
Author: Linda Naughton
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“If post-apocalyptic is your thing, this is for you. Well-written, fast paced, and packed full of twists. Very enjoyable.” Male reader, aged 23
“Reminded me a little of The Road, but not as dark or gritty. Plenty happening, exciting in parts, with a strong, female protagonist to root for.” Male reader, aged 29
“The Anna character is the jam who holds everything together in this exciting, post-apocalyptic novel. This is a story of survival and developing bond between a woman and a family. I thought it was skilfully plotted, imaginative, and utterly compelling.” Female reader, aged 59
“Solid storytelling, although the medical aspects are a little suspect. But there’s plenty to enjoy here with lots of chemistry between the central characters.” Female reader (doctor), aged 52
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly plotted, post-apocalyptic thriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
February 12, 2023
This is a different kind of EMP book. I will read it again! Instead of taking us through all the awful activity in the cities, focusing on gangs or the horrible side of mankind's nature, this book centers around a few characters.
A man named Mark, and his daughter, Lily, and a doctor, Anna, hiked across the backcountry through Upper State New York, connecting to the Appalachian trail, crossed in to Vermont, New Hampshire then on into Maine. While on this venture to get to a cabin in Maine, they ran into the worst predators, man, where they fought for their lives.
A trip that should have taken about 3 months took many more months. Mark, Lily and Anna learned to fight, kill, steal, patch one another up with minimum medical surplus, who to trust or not, when to stay, when to go and how to leave someone behind. Who made it to the cabin in Maine, what was at the cabin, and did they stay? You'll have to read the book!
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys
Women Adventure Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction and
Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction books. This book is easy to read, a page-turner, leaves you with a good feeling and very entertaining. What more could you ask for?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A man named Mark, and his daughter, Lily, and a doctor, Anna, hiked across the backcountry through Upper State New York, connecting to the Appalachian trail, crossed in to Vermont, New Hampshire then on into Maine. While on this venture to get to a cabin in Maine, they ran into the worst predators, man, where they fought for their lives.
A trip that should have taken about 3 months took many more months. Mark, Lily and Anna learned to fight, kill, steal, patch one another up with minimum medical surplus, who to trust or not, when to stay, when to go and how to leave someone behind. Who made it to the cabin in Maine, what was at the cabin, and did they stay? You'll have to read the book!
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys
Women Adventure Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction and
Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction books. This book is easy to read, a page-turner, leaves you with a good feeling and very entertaining. What more could you ask for?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2025
Omg! Smirk much? This author has talent but avoids the word said like the plague, making it a really annoying read. I don’t think that word is used as a dialog tag at all. She took someone’s bad advice (I had heard it, too, when I was a fledgling writer) to replace said with more descriptive verbs. Most often her substitute word states the obvious, making it superfluous. If the audio talent skipped over the dialog tags it would have made a huge difference. Seriously, the word smirk is her favorite word next to quirked and demurred. Smirk is about 2x per page. How did this get to publication without anyone noticing? It was THE most frustrating good story I’ve read. I hope she has learned to correct this rookie mistake and discovered the wisdom in heeding the better advice of using the wonderfully invisible word “said.” I would gladly read another book by her if she has overcome these bad habits. Her characters, plot and pacing were solid. Also. Had to suspend my editor brain when the doctor didn’t ask for blood type before doing a transfusion and when she made some staging errors. Still, maybe her subsequent books have the benefit of an actual editor. Sorry for the rant, but it’s hard to turn all this off when you’re a writer yourself.
February 8, 2023
From start to finish, this book is an adrenaline rush of non-stop action. The main character is thoughtful, calm, collected, and an amazing problem solver, which is exactly what you need in an apocalypse. I had to stop reading several times to reduce the nail-biting stress I was experiencing. The book's engrossing mood and real-life experiences of the constant dangers that would result from going back to living in the natural world without our creature comforts were overwhelming in the best way. I felt the vulnerability and unpleasantness of the unknown, the lack of communication with anyone not within shouting distance, along with the fear of what strangers would do when faced with life-and-death options. It's a wild ride for the right reasons.
The book focuses on the real day-in-day-out issues that would plague someone in this situation, letting the characters keep their humanity, friendships, family, and love intact instead of becoming emotionally hardened slayers.
If you're looking for a "Walking Dead" post-apocalyptic book with lots of death and mayhem, there are plenty of choices out there. I was pleased this wasn't one of them.
The book focuses on the real day-in-day-out issues that would plague someone in this situation, letting the characters keep their humanity, friendships, family, and love intact instead of becoming emotionally hardened slayers.
If you're looking for a "Walking Dead" post-apocalyptic book with lots of death and mayhem, there are plenty of choices out there. I was pleased this wasn't one of them.
September 1, 2023
Enjoyable read
Enjoyable post EMP story, less gruesome than some. Also a love tangle. Wasn't sure I'd enjoy one of the 3 main characters being a young child, but the balance of focus was on the adults, and young Lily was endearing and realistic.
The story clips along at a quick pace, which I enjoyed.
Now for my one big issue-
If the author should read this review please never again use the word "smirk". It was used countless times, and only once did it make sense. Every character smirked, in every chapter, despite it making no sense for either the character or the situation. The definition of smirk is "a smug or conceited smile", which I do not think is what the author intended to convey. This word pulled me out of the story at least once every chapter, as I had to take a moment to figure out what emotion they were actually trying to convey. In fact I initially found the lead male protagonist unlikable (as in smug or conceited) due to his smirking in inappropriate moments.
Enjoyable post EMP story, less gruesome than some. Also a love tangle. Wasn't sure I'd enjoy one of the 3 main characters being a young child, but the balance of focus was on the adults, and young Lily was endearing and realistic.
The story clips along at a quick pace, which I enjoyed.
Now for my one big issue-
If the author should read this review please never again use the word "smirk". It was used countless times, and only once did it make sense. Every character smirked, in every chapter, despite it making no sense for either the character or the situation. The definition of smirk is "a smug or conceited smile", which I do not think is what the author intended to convey. This word pulled me out of the story at least once every chapter, as I had to take a moment to figure out what emotion they were actually trying to convey. In fact I initially found the lead male protagonist unlikable (as in smug or conceited) due to his smirking in inappropriate moments.
December 11, 2023
This very thrilling and completely engrossing tale of global disaster left me with one question. What would I do in Dr. Anna Hasting's position? Her decision played out before my eyes as she agreed to trek across several states to reunite a family. Lacking a happy homelife, I'm certain Dr. Anna was attracted to this father and daughter by their strong loving bond and open affection for each other. To say that this story was filled with exciting adventure and horrifying human and environmental danger, is an understatement of immense magnitude. The main characters were bold, courageous, resourceful, and endearing. As Anna, Mark, and his daughter, Lily, traveled through the wilderness, I expected more frightening encounters with the indigenous creatures. It was extra chilling that their biggest threat came from the human variety. Unfortunately, I think the author's representation of what humanity would evolve into if an EMP disaster actually occurred was probably very close to this scenario, a sobering thought from an exciting tale. Very Good Read!!!!!
June 16, 2024
The good - the pacing is spot on. The plot is mostly interesting. The characters are pretty ok, though there's not a lot of character building.
The bad - you expect unrealistic good luck in these types of books, but the amazing recoveries from near death experiences got a little tiresome. The 7yo is the best behaved, most roll-with-the-punches, most full of stamina child ever. There's OF COURSE emergency childbirth, which is so tiresome in these books. The love triangle was extremely ick. Extremely. Ick.
They are very proficient at survival skills despite only having read about them in a book.
But it wasn't awful. Not the best survival book I have read, but a solid decent read in this genre.
Author has evidently never done any of this stuff herself either, and isn't a prepper, survivalist, or outdoors person. She learned it all just for this book, which is pretty admirable. She credits Survival Mom, which explains why this is a Survival Mom book club selection.
The bad - you expect unrealistic good luck in these types of books, but the amazing recoveries from near death experiences got a little tiresome. The 7yo is the best behaved, most roll-with-the-punches, most full of stamina child ever. There's OF COURSE emergency childbirth, which is so tiresome in these books. The love triangle was extremely ick. Extremely. Ick.
They are very proficient at survival skills despite only having read about them in a book.
But it wasn't awful. Not the best survival book I have read, but a solid decent read in this genre.
Author has evidently never done any of this stuff herself either, and isn't a prepper, survivalist, or outdoors person. She learned it all just for this book, which is pretty admirable. She credits Survival Mom, which explains why this is a Survival Mom book club selection.
May 29, 2023
Medical errors and unbelievable crush
Why does Anna first accompany then fall for Mark? He’s demanding, entitled, and unfair. No reason given. It’s just not believable.
Also the author thinks he knows more medicine than he does. You do not primarily close a foot wound that’s contaminated with pond water. Open mid shaft forearm fractures cannot be adequately treated without surgery. Once they’re infected they cannot be treated without surgery. Even the best antibiotics will not clear the infection and spraying on homeopathic lotions is ridiculous. Dislocated knees always have major ligament damage. They are not fine in a couple of weeks. They are never the same again and without surgery the patient will be seriously lame forever. Nearly every other medical issue is also mishandled.
Why does Anna first accompany then fall for Mark? He’s demanding, entitled, and unfair. No reason given. It’s just not believable.
Also the author thinks he knows more medicine than he does. You do not primarily close a foot wound that’s contaminated with pond water. Open mid shaft forearm fractures cannot be adequately treated without surgery. Once they’re infected they cannot be treated without surgery. Even the best antibiotics will not clear the infection and spraying on homeopathic lotions is ridiculous. Dislocated knees always have major ligament damage. They are not fine in a couple of weeks. They are never the same again and without surgery the patient will be seriously lame forever. Nearly every other medical issue is also mishandled.
April 17, 2024
I wish the survival aspects of this were more believable. They loaded themselves down with books albeit backpacking newbies with a long way to go. They have no clue how to clean game and have failed to include oil, salt, etc for cooking. They do not take in the daily calorie load they need as two adults and a child to hike with heavy packs. It never seems to storm. As they lose time on the trail, they don't seem to be worn down enough to make them even think of others modes of travel. They make me tired. Editing for use of the same words over and over would have been good. Everyone smirks often, including the child. Or, their mouth quirks. Winter is coming and they're taking too long to walk to Maine where they are unprepared to live. It's also a fluffy romance.
December 18, 2022
Not a bad book; the pace is alright, and the characters are well-developed, but the plot is a little overreaching. Really, a total stranger is going to walk a thousand miles with you to help you find your spouse - I doubt it. No one is really that kind or selfless. Why wouldn't they want to get back to their own family? Or help a small community that really needed the skills that you possess. Also, some of the aspects in the book weren't quite accurate - you just can't ask random people to donate blood, you have to take blood types into account. That's not done in the book.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2023
Post Apocalyptic Survival Story.
Dr. Anna is flying back from visiting her sister, when her phone suddenly loses power, the lights go off and planes are crashing. Good thing she is a skilled ER Doctor. She meets 7
year old Lily in baggage claim, Lily is asking for help. Lily,s father, Mark is trapped under debris from a plane crash. Anna helps many people but follows Mark to his in laws home. Mark, Anna and Lily decide to walk to Maine to hopefully find Marks wife Lauren. This may be the Craziest idea they ever had, but you will enjoy this story of survival in an upside down world.
Dr. Anna is flying back from visiting her sister, when her phone suddenly loses power, the lights go off and planes are crashing. Good thing she is a skilled ER Doctor. She meets 7
year old Lily in baggage claim, Lily is asking for help. Lily,s father, Mark is trapped under debris from a plane crash. Anna helps many people but follows Mark to his in laws home. Mark, Anna and Lily decide to walk to Maine to hopefully find Marks wife Lauren. This may be the Craziest idea they ever had, but you will enjoy this story of survival in an upside down world.
July 9, 2023
A new author for me, but I'm definitely hooked!
I picked this up on a whim & so glad I did! Read it in one sitting & truly hope to see more from this author & these characters. She did an amazing job of bringing them to life & making the reader feel everything that they feel. The heartbreak & the triumph, the terror & the joy. At times not even realizing how close things were hitting until the pages became blurry through my own tears. That's how you know you just finished a really good book! When you feel a sense of loss when it's over. Hopefully this journey is just beginning for this extended family!
I picked this up on a whim & so glad I did! Read it in one sitting & truly hope to see more from this author & these characters. She did an amazing job of bringing them to life & making the reader feel everything that they feel. The heartbreak & the triumph, the terror & the joy. At times not even realizing how close things were hitting until the pages became blurry through my own tears. That's how you know you just finished a really good book! When you feel a sense of loss when it's over. Hopefully this journey is just beginning for this extended family!
February 28, 2025
This wasn't bad but it wasn't good either.
The high rating gave me a lot of encouragement but the unnecessary background drama of the relationships didn't work for me. I don't like love triangles, I don't like infidelity in my books and although for the most part, there wasn't any infidelity, there was always the hint that there might be and I just didn't care for that.
I had to skip all the way to the last chapter and listen to the end of the book, halfway through in order to give me a reason to keep reading.
I'm looking forward to reading the series from the perspective of other characters which seems to be the way this author is writing.
The high rating gave me a lot of encouragement but the unnecessary background drama of the relationships didn't work for me. I don't like love triangles, I don't like infidelity in my books and although for the most part, there wasn't any infidelity, there was always the hint that there might be and I just didn't care for that.
I had to skip all the way to the last chapter and listen to the end of the book, halfway through in order to give me a reason to keep reading.
I'm looking forward to reading the series from the perspective of other characters which seems to be the way this author is writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
Like the idea
I'm an atheist who tends to stop reading if a book appears to be preachy. While I expect religion to play a role in end of the known world novels I don't want it shoved down my throat. This book did a great job of balancing that. While there are frequent mentions of all we can do pray it doesn't get into the theology which made it a part of the story without being the main focus which I really appreciate!
They also were smart enough to get books on how to survive in the woods which makes me feel like it was more realistic!!
Kudos on writing an enjoyable end of modern world thriller!
I'm an atheist who tends to stop reading if a book appears to be preachy. While I expect religion to play a role in end of the known world novels I don't want it shoved down my throat. This book did a great job of balancing that. While there are frequent mentions of all we can do pray it doesn't get into the theology which made it a part of the story without being the main focus which I really appreciate!
They also were smart enough to get books on how to survive in the woods which makes me feel like it was more realistic!!
Kudos on writing an enjoyable end of modern world thriller!
December 21, 2022
This was excellent! A new writer which sometimes comes with risks, but not this one! A well written, Emp apocalyptic adventure which was super enjoyable! I really liked the characters & ideas, kept me interested from the start, right until the end! I was hoping there maybe another part to this as I enjoyed it so much! I do recommend & will for sure look for more by this author. A great end of the world!.
January 29, 2023
Excellent Read
I loved this book! The storyline flowed seamlessly I was not able to figure it out, what the ending would be. It was just a great. This is my favourite genre and I have read thousands of books. I really loved it because it had all the suspense, not over the top violence. It was not repetitive. It was very detailed but not wordy. It was so balanced. I will be following.
I loved this book! The storyline flowed seamlessly I was not able to figure it out, what the ending would be. It was just a great. This is my favourite genre and I have read thousands of books. I really loved it because it had all the suspense, not over the top violence. It was not repetitive. It was very detailed but not wordy. It was so balanced. I will be following.
April 20, 2023
Great book!
Loved this book! Writing is excellent. It dealt with survival during EMP disaster including self-defense but the violence was integral to story and not gratuitous. Loved it had faith but wouldn't call in a Christ centered book. Worth reading for apocalypse fans for sure. Not as much prepping info as some books but I'm glad author dedicated that time to building characters relationships.
Loved this book! Writing is excellent. It dealt with survival during EMP disaster including self-defense but the violence was integral to story and not gratuitous. Loved it had faith but wouldn't call in a Christ centered book. Worth reading for apocalypse fans for sure. Not as much prepping info as some books but I'm glad author dedicated that time to building characters relationships.
June 7, 2023
Blackout Trail is one of the best books I have ever read. I would love to see this made into a TV series. I do believe that it would be a TV show right up there with my all time favorite TV show The Walking Dead. I could see Blackout Trail becoming a #1 hit. I could read Blackout Trail over and over and never become bored.
Blackout Trail grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. Even now as I sit and write my review I can see it all playing over and over in my head. I can see Anna in the airport as everything started going down. I can see little Lily running through the airport looking for someone that could help her dad. I can see the moment she spots Anna standing there and she runs up to her and says help my daddy is hurt. I can see them both running through the airport as more planes come crashing down all around them.
I can see them as they make their way across several states going on back roads making their way to Maine and Mark’s wife Lauren. I can see them on their long and dangerous hike, climbing up mountains and all the ruff terrain. I can see them fighting their way up the mountain. I can seeing them as they fought dangerous men for their lives. Don’t get me wrong they did meet some very nice people who became friends.
I can’t wait to read more about Anna, Mark, and Lily. I can’t wait to read more about their world and where things go next for them. I do believe that Anna, Mark, and Lily have more to say and hopefully it will be soon as I need more now.
I more than highly recommend Blackout Trail to all post-apocalyptic fans and anyone who is looking for their next great read. Grab your copy of Blackout Trail today!
Blackout Trail grabbed my attention from the first page and never let go. Even now as I sit and write my review I can see it all playing over and over in my head. I can see Anna in the airport as everything started going down. I can see little Lily running through the airport looking for someone that could help her dad. I can see the moment she spots Anna standing there and she runs up to her and says help my daddy is hurt. I can see them both running through the airport as more planes come crashing down all around them.
I can see them as they make their way across several states going on back roads making their way to Maine and Mark’s wife Lauren. I can see them on their long and dangerous hike, climbing up mountains and all the ruff terrain. I can see them fighting their way up the mountain. I can seeing them as they fought dangerous men for their lives. Don’t get me wrong they did meet some very nice people who became friends.
I can’t wait to read more about Anna, Mark, and Lily. I can’t wait to read more about their world and where things go next for them. I do believe that Anna, Mark, and Lily have more to say and hopefully it will be soon as I need more now.
I more than highly recommend Blackout Trail to all post-apocalyptic fans and anyone who is looking for their next great read. Grab your copy of Blackout Trail today!
June 20, 2023
Excellent apocalyptic thriller!
This is the first book by the talented author, Linda Naughtiness and I hope it isn’t my last. Kudos to her.
I love the realistic characters and their adventures, both good and bad. The story is well-written and the danger very possible in such a situation. I usually read this genre in series but, it was super nice to have the entire story at my fingertips! I highly recommend this book.
This is the first book by the talented author, Linda Naughtiness and I hope it isn’t my last. Kudos to her.
I love the realistic characters and their adventures, both good and bad. The story is well-written and the danger very possible in such a situation. I usually read this genre in series but, it was super nice to have the entire story at my fingertips! I highly recommend this book.
August 30, 2023
Best EMP ever
Those that read my posts know I do like these kind of stories. It's not just the trials and tribulations that make it so, it is the resilience of the people. Plus the skill of the author to pull you in as if you were right there. This one is different and makes you think about what you would do. There aren't really any bandits like in others, no horrible messes of death and blood. This about family and the lengths they go to become a big one.
Those that read my posts know I do like these kind of stories. It's not just the trials and tribulations that make it so, it is the resilience of the people. Plus the skill of the author to pull you in as if you were right there. This one is different and makes you think about what you would do. There aren't really any bandits like in others, no horrible messes of death and blood. This about family and the lengths they go to become a big one.
November 9, 2023
A Rare PA Book With Depth
Not gonna lie, I have read dozens of PA books and only really liked a few for more than the educational value. Too many cardboard characters and unrealistic situations for me. Blackout Trail was such a pleasant surprise. It offers complex characters, dilemmas and situations. There are no Jason Bournes here, just normal people stretched beyond their abilities by circumstances. A really great read!
Not gonna lie, I have read dozens of PA books and only really liked a few for more than the educational value. Too many cardboard characters and unrealistic situations for me. Blackout Trail was such a pleasant surprise. It offers complex characters, dilemmas and situations. There are no Jason Bournes here, just normal people stretched beyond their abilities by circumstances. A really great read!
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