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Desolation #1
Desolation: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller
The bombs have fallen. Time to survive.
So far, college student Jenn Jansen has avoided World War Three. But today, the war found her.
A mysterious power outage leaves Jenn and the town of Flagstaff, Arizona, in the dark and isolated from the outside world. Then five mushroom clouds appear on the horizon, rising above Jenn’s home city of Phoenix.
Panic, fear, and desperation grip Flagstaff and pit its war-weary citizens against the police and against each other. Torn between finding her family in Phoenix and helping her friends in Flagstaff, Jenn is forced to confront the brutal realities of this new, post-apocalyptic world.
Perfect for fans of Kyla Stone, T.L. Payne, Mike Kraus, Jack Hunt, Harley Tate, Rebecca Fernfield, and Bruno Miller, Desolation: A Post-Nuclear Survival Series is the first entry in David Lucin’s Desolation series.
*PG-13: contains moderate violence and mild language (no hard cursing)
The Desolation Series:
Book 1: Desolation
Book 2: Into the Inferno
Book 3: The Wolves Within
Spinoffs:
Ground Zero: A Desolation Novella (exclusive to newsletter subscribers)
So far, college student Jenn Jansen has avoided World War Three. But today, the war found her.
A mysterious power outage leaves Jenn and the town of Flagstaff, Arizona, in the dark and isolated from the outside world. Then five mushroom clouds appear on the horizon, rising above Jenn’s home city of Phoenix.
Panic, fear, and desperation grip Flagstaff and pit its war-weary citizens against the police and against each other. Torn between finding her family in Phoenix and helping her friends in Flagstaff, Jenn is forced to confront the brutal realities of this new, post-apocalyptic world.
Perfect for fans of Kyla Stone, T.L. Payne, Mike Kraus, Jack Hunt, Harley Tate, Rebecca Fernfield, and Bruno Miller, Desolation: A Post-Nuclear Survival Series is the first entry in David Lucin’s Desolation series.
*PG-13: contains moderate violence and mild language (no hard cursing)
The Desolation Series:
Book 1: Desolation
Book 2: Into the Inferno
Book 3: The Wolves Within
Spinoffs:
Ground Zero: A Desolation Novella (exclusive to newsletter subscribers)
286 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2019
181 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
David Lucin
8 books10 followersI was born and raised in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada. After earning a master's degree in military history and spending a good chunk of my twenties studying the British Army in the First World War, I returned to BC and began writing fiction. Nowadays, I'm a husband, a pet owner, and the commissioner of my fantasy baseball league (though sadly not the champion). To hear about new releases and exclusive content, subscribe to my mailing list at https://subscribe.authordavidlucin.com/. You can also check out my Facebook page at https://facebook.com/authordavidlucin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 5, 2020
I received a free copy of this ebook from Book Sirens in return for a (voluntary) honest review.
I rather like a dystopian novel or a post-apocalyptic survival challenge so I was happy to give this a read. I particularly like ones set not too far in the future where the world is largely similar to our own and nobody is zipping about on hoverboards or eating tablet meals. 'Desolation' ticked a few boxes for me.
The problem is that I'm starting to wonder if I'm the only reader who didn't get the Memo. Which Memo? Well, obviously the one telling me that anything in a series is probably going to come to an abrupt end and require me to buy more follow-on books that may (or equally may not) give me the answers to the questions raised in the first book. At the end of Desolation (which is only 91% into the Kindle book with the rest given over to a trailer for the next book - though you could argue that the entire book was only a trailer for the next book) I was left feeling well and truly cheated.
I've had a bunch of these books recently and I'm getting really miffed about it. I read 'series' books my whole life but generally, each book had a beginning - middle - end and at the end you'd finished that chunk of the story. You didn't HAVE to go and buy the next one to find out what happens. A good series should consist of books that each stand on their own merits and develop and evolve as they go on.
I'm absolutely not convinced that I could be bothered to continue with this series even if part two were offered for free - which I don't think it is.
Jenn and her boyfriend Sam are students. Sam lives in college dorms whilst Jenn stays with an older couple - a retired policeman and his disabled wife - getting accommodation in return for helping out. When she wakes up one morning and her phone doesn't work, it soon becomes apparent that nothing else works any more. Some kind of massive electrical pulse has 'fried' most of the electrical equipment in Arizona. And this being the future, even more stuff is electrical in 2060-ish than it is today, most notably almost all the cars.
Jenn finds Sam and moves him in with her landlords and together they try to get by the best they can in the chaotic post 'fried' world. Oh, by the way, a bunch of nuclear bombs go off near the beginning but apparently have almost no impact on just about anything - as the Americans might say "Go figure!" Normal polite and considerate behaviour is the first casualty of such events and Sam and Jenn get caught up in some life-threatening events whilst attempting to get supplies and save Sam's family.
Honestly, it's a bit B-movie. I could imagine this as a rather poor US drama - think Revolution (that series where all the electricity went down for bizarre reasons involving nanobots or some such nonsense) - that probably wouldn't get recommissioned for a second or third series.
I've read a lot of these 'How will we cope when society breaks down?' books and this one offered nothing new or extraordinary. Sorry.
I rather like a dystopian novel or a post-apocalyptic survival challenge so I was happy to give this a read. I particularly like ones set not too far in the future where the world is largely similar to our own and nobody is zipping about on hoverboards or eating tablet meals. 'Desolation' ticked a few boxes for me.
The problem is that I'm starting to wonder if I'm the only reader who didn't get the Memo. Which Memo? Well, obviously the one telling me that anything in a series is probably going to come to an abrupt end and require me to buy more follow-on books that may (or equally may not) give me the answers to the questions raised in the first book. At the end of Desolation (which is only 91% into the Kindle book with the rest given over to a trailer for the next book - though you could argue that the entire book was only a trailer for the next book) I was left feeling well and truly cheated.
I've had a bunch of these books recently and I'm getting really miffed about it. I read 'series' books my whole life but generally, each book had a beginning - middle - end and at the end you'd finished that chunk of the story. You didn't HAVE to go and buy the next one to find out what happens. A good series should consist of books that each stand on their own merits and develop and evolve as they go on.
I'm absolutely not convinced that I could be bothered to continue with this series even if part two were offered for free - which I don't think it is.
Jenn and her boyfriend Sam are students. Sam lives in college dorms whilst Jenn stays with an older couple - a retired policeman and his disabled wife - getting accommodation in return for helping out. When she wakes up one morning and her phone doesn't work, it soon becomes apparent that nothing else works any more. Some kind of massive electrical pulse has 'fried' most of the electrical equipment in Arizona. And this being the future, even more stuff is electrical in 2060-ish than it is today, most notably almost all the cars.
Jenn finds Sam and moves him in with her landlords and together they try to get by the best they can in the chaotic post 'fried' world. Oh, by the way, a bunch of nuclear bombs go off near the beginning but apparently have almost no impact on just about anything - as the Americans might say "Go figure!" Normal polite and considerate behaviour is the first casualty of such events and Sam and Jenn get caught up in some life-threatening events whilst attempting to get supplies and save Sam's family.
Honestly, it's a bit B-movie. I could imagine this as a rather poor US drama - think Revolution (that series where all the electricity went down for bizarre reasons involving nanobots or some such nonsense) - that probably wouldn't get recommissioned for a second or third series.
I've read a lot of these 'How will we cope when society breaks down?' books and this one offered nothing new or extraordinary. Sorry.
January 3, 2020
This is the first book in this Post-Nuclear Survival series and has at its centre a college student called Jenn, who lives with a couple whilst studying at college in Flagstaff, Arizona. Her parents are still in Phoenix, but both her brothers have died in the Third World War, that has consumed the whole world for many years. She is from a struggling family, hence her ‘billet’ in Flagstaff with an older couple, who also lost their daughter to the war. She has a boyfriend, Sam who is from a well off family and can afford to stay on the campus.
On getting ready for college one morning, all the lights suddenly go out! The smarthome is not responding and nothing in the home will turn on. She has power to her phone, but can’t make any calls. This leaves her confused. The couple she lives with, Gary was an ex-cop and Maria has severe COPD and needs oxygen tanks to breathe. No warning came from her oxygen system and Gary shouts for her to get a spare tank to Maria. Once they have this under control, she goes outside, but can hear no traffic sounds which is very unusual. Gary has a great interest in old world wars and history and has some idea of what has happened.
Jenn leaves to check on Sam and on reaching his room, find other students rushing past in shock, On reaching the roof of the library, the reason is plain – there are smoke plumes coming from the direction of Phoenix where her family live and where Sam’s parents and sister may go soon. Some presume the clouds are from nuclear bombs, set off just as it was thought that peace was going to be coming soon. Panic and fear sets in and people rush to get indoors, anywhere they can, leading to battles on the streets. They are soon stuck in a garage with dozens of others as tempers fray. Hours later, black clad figures walk past and finally they find out there is no fallout. It had to be an EMP strike rather than nuclear.
It still leaves them in danger and with no power and no transport, water supplies quickly run out and leaves food starting to go off, people start fighting against each other and the police. Food was already super expensive due to the prolonged war, with only the rich able to eat real food. Now the problem has only gotten worse. Jenn wants to travel to Phoenix to rescue her adoptive parents, but soon realises this is futile. She either has to stick with Sam and her billet family in Flagstaff, or attempt to get to Phoenix, which may already be completely destroyed. Anything that was plugged in, has been destroyed by the EMP strike, but Sam and Gary’s electric self-driving cars still have some charge.
Jenn has to quickly come to understand what she must do to survive and protect those she loves and those close to them. What each of us might do in the same situation is something we will never know until we face it ourselves. You can plan for everything, but it can be the smallest of things that brings your plans down. Not everything can be planned for, but preparation and practice can only help. It gets you to think about all those called ‘preppers’ and that being prepared for such eventualities may not be such a bad idea. Most of us are poorly prepared to provide for ourselves from nature, as the modern world has made such knowledge unnecessary and we are too pampered. Most children don’t even understand or know where most of their food actually comes from.
A great read that makes you think more about what you might have to do one day and what could one day happen to the world we live in. We have people who are desperate enough to carry out terrorist attacks on civilians and governments with no real democracy or hint of people’s rights. The world we live in is messed up enough and it’s relaxing to read a little bit of fantasy about a world in a worse place than ours, to make us all feel a bit better about our lives. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I look forward to reading more of this series soon. I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
On getting ready for college one morning, all the lights suddenly go out! The smarthome is not responding and nothing in the home will turn on. She has power to her phone, but can’t make any calls. This leaves her confused. The couple she lives with, Gary was an ex-cop and Maria has severe COPD and needs oxygen tanks to breathe. No warning came from her oxygen system and Gary shouts for her to get a spare tank to Maria. Once they have this under control, she goes outside, but can hear no traffic sounds which is very unusual. Gary has a great interest in old world wars and history and has some idea of what has happened.
Jenn leaves to check on Sam and on reaching his room, find other students rushing past in shock, On reaching the roof of the library, the reason is plain – there are smoke plumes coming from the direction of Phoenix where her family live and where Sam’s parents and sister may go soon. Some presume the clouds are from nuclear bombs, set off just as it was thought that peace was going to be coming soon. Panic and fear sets in and people rush to get indoors, anywhere they can, leading to battles on the streets. They are soon stuck in a garage with dozens of others as tempers fray. Hours later, black clad figures walk past and finally they find out there is no fallout. It had to be an EMP strike rather than nuclear.
It still leaves them in danger and with no power and no transport, water supplies quickly run out and leaves food starting to go off, people start fighting against each other and the police. Food was already super expensive due to the prolonged war, with only the rich able to eat real food. Now the problem has only gotten worse. Jenn wants to travel to Phoenix to rescue her adoptive parents, but soon realises this is futile. She either has to stick with Sam and her billet family in Flagstaff, or attempt to get to Phoenix, which may already be completely destroyed. Anything that was plugged in, has been destroyed by the EMP strike, but Sam and Gary’s electric self-driving cars still have some charge.
Jenn has to quickly come to understand what she must do to survive and protect those she loves and those close to them. What each of us might do in the same situation is something we will never know until we face it ourselves. You can plan for everything, but it can be the smallest of things that brings your plans down. Not everything can be planned for, but preparation and practice can only help. It gets you to think about all those called ‘preppers’ and that being prepared for such eventualities may not be such a bad idea. Most of us are poorly prepared to provide for ourselves from nature, as the modern world has made such knowledge unnecessary and we are too pampered. Most children don’t even understand or know where most of their food actually comes from.
A great read that makes you think more about what you might have to do one day and what could one day happen to the world we live in. We have people who are desperate enough to carry out terrorist attacks on civilians and governments with no real democracy or hint of people’s rights. The world we live in is messed up enough and it’s relaxing to read a little bit of fantasy about a world in a worse place than ours, to make us all feel a bit better about our lives. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I look forward to reading more of this series soon. I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 1, 2020
This book is set in the future with war, all electric everything and food rationing. Honestly, it was an ok post-apocalyptic book. I just didn't connect with any of the lead characters. The lead characters were young and kind of ditzy. The character I did like was Liam the Cop, but he was a supporting character and we didn't see much of him. There were no surprises or unusual plot twists for me. I am sure other people who like post-apocalyptic stories will like it more than I did. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2023
A good read.
It was a good story but I found it hard to get into, I kept reading and just wasn't able to click with it at all. The main character Jenn was hot and cold and I couldn't like her although I tried and Sam her boyfriend was an insipid character. Gary and Marie, the couple Jenn stayed with were better but not enough to read the other books in the series. Sorry
It was a good story but I found it hard to get into, I kept reading and just wasn't able to click with it at all. The main character Jenn was hot and cold and I couldn't like her although I tried and Sam her boyfriend was an insipid character. Gary and Marie, the couple Jenn stayed with were better but not enough to read the other books in the series. Sorry
March 5, 2025
A post-apocalyptic thriller set in 2062, centering on college student Jenn Jansen who’s suddenly thrust into chaos after a mysterious blackout and nuclear explosions rock her world. Jenn, along with a ragtag group of survivors, has to learn fast how to deal with a life where dangers are everywhere and every day brings new challenges. The book dives into themes of survival, community, and resilience, showing us both the best and worst of humanity when everything falls apart.
At the start, Jenn is just your run-of-the-mill college student, wrapped up in studies and everyday life. But when disaster strikes, her world gets flipped upside down. Over the course of the book, she transforms from a sheltered, unassuming kid into a tough, resourceful survivor who’s forced to make some seriously hard decisions while dealing with personal loss. Along the journey, she grows into a leader among the survivors and meets characters like Markus, a no-nonsense ex-soldier, and Dr. Emily Carter, a scientist who brings her own kind of smarts to the table.
The story distinguishes itself from the wealth of post-apocalyptic novels with a strong female lead, Jenn Jansen, whose transformation from a college student to a resilient survivor is both compelling and relatable. The novel's realistic depiction of human nature under extreme stress, highlighting both the best and worst of humanity, adds depth and complexity. Additionally, the intense pacing and vivid world-building immerse readers in a gripping and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic scenario
Lucin does a solid job of building a world where fear and desperation are as real as the characters themselves. Jenn’s development—from a typical student to a determined leader—is believable and engaging, as she wrestles with her inner demons and external threats. The constant high stakes and relentless pace of the novel keep you on edge, making every chapter feel like a rush against time. Lucin’s straightforward writing style makes the dire circumstances hit home, reflecting just how fragile our modern way of life can be.
That said, the nonstop action might feel overwhelming for some, and while the novel offers a satisfying conclusion to the chaos at hand, it leaves several questions dangling for future installments. Overall, Desolation is a wild ride that mixes intense pace with thoughtful explorations of human nature under extreme pressure, making it a compelling, if a bit heavy, read for anyone who loves post-apocalyptic stories.
At the start, Jenn is just your run-of-the-mill college student, wrapped up in studies and everyday life. But when disaster strikes, her world gets flipped upside down. Over the course of the book, she transforms from a sheltered, unassuming kid into a tough, resourceful survivor who’s forced to make some seriously hard decisions while dealing with personal loss. Along the journey, she grows into a leader among the survivors and meets characters like Markus, a no-nonsense ex-soldier, and Dr. Emily Carter, a scientist who brings her own kind of smarts to the table.
The story distinguishes itself from the wealth of post-apocalyptic novels with a strong female lead, Jenn Jansen, whose transformation from a college student to a resilient survivor is both compelling and relatable. The novel's realistic depiction of human nature under extreme stress, highlighting both the best and worst of humanity, adds depth and complexity. Additionally, the intense pacing and vivid world-building immerse readers in a gripping and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic scenario
Lucin does a solid job of building a world where fear and desperation are as real as the characters themselves. Jenn’s development—from a typical student to a determined leader—is believable and engaging, as she wrestles with her inner demons and external threats. The constant high stakes and relentless pace of the novel keep you on edge, making every chapter feel like a rush against time. Lucin’s straightforward writing style makes the dire circumstances hit home, reflecting just how fragile our modern way of life can be.
That said, the nonstop action might feel overwhelming for some, and while the novel offers a satisfying conclusion to the chaos at hand, it leaves several questions dangling for future installments. Overall, Desolation is a wild ride that mixes intense pace with thoughtful explorations of human nature under extreme pressure, making it a compelling, if a bit heavy, read for anyone who loves post-apocalyptic stories.
January 27, 2020
Non-kindle epub edition - same cover picture; 208 pages (including 19 as preview for Book 2)
Post-apocalypse opener: Airburst EMP disables much of the US. Jenn and Sam, students in Flagstaff (Northern Arizona University) struggle to keep things together in the aftermath - no power, limited food and water availability. While there is no immediate danger from fallout the atmosphere quickly becomes smoke-laden - Phoenix (where Jann's family is) at least is burning, probably more cities.
A good start - the background is plausible and the events into which Jenn and Sam are thrown affect them both, in different ways.
In a near-future world the US is embroiled in a low-key World War. Increased automation and AI has led to economic depression and non-combatants largely follow a challenging life. Jenn and Sam are students at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff - but their lives are changed when the power fails. It seems that an aerial EMP has struck. While Flagstaff is not directly impacted Phoenix is burning and there are indications that nuclear bombs have been used. Jenn and Sam help Gary and Maria, an elderly couple with whom Jenn lodges, to meet their immediate needs (a compressor for Maria's oxygen supply, food) before setting out to find Sam's family and take them to Flagstaff. The problems they enounter change both of them.
This is a well-paced introduction to a series. Necessary information emerges slowly - no massive info-dumps here - and the main characters are clearly different. Not only has their world changed but they are forced to respond to those changes if they are to survive. Over the course of some five days Jenn grows in ways she could not previously have imagined.
Well worth following up with Book 2, a sample of which is appended to this ebook.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Post-apocalypse opener: Airburst EMP disables much of the US. Jenn and Sam, students in Flagstaff (Northern Arizona University) struggle to keep things together in the aftermath - no power, limited food and water availability. While there is no immediate danger from fallout the atmosphere quickly becomes smoke-laden - Phoenix (where Jann's family is) at least is burning, probably more cities.
A good start - the background is plausible and the events into which Jenn and Sam are thrown affect them both, in different ways.
In a near-future world the US is embroiled in a low-key World War. Increased automation and AI has led to economic depression and non-combatants largely follow a challenging life. Jenn and Sam are students at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff - but their lives are changed when the power fails. It seems that an aerial EMP has struck. While Flagstaff is not directly impacted Phoenix is burning and there are indications that nuclear bombs have been used. Jenn and Sam help Gary and Maria, an elderly couple with whom Jenn lodges, to meet their immediate needs (a compressor for Maria's oxygen supply, food) before setting out to find Sam's family and take them to Flagstaff. The problems they enounter change both of them.
This is a well-paced introduction to a series. Necessary information emerges slowly - no massive info-dumps here - and the main characters are clearly different. Not only has their world changed but they are forced to respond to those changes if they are to survive. Over the course of some five days Jenn grows in ways she could not previously have imagined.
Well worth following up with Book 2, a sample of which is appended to this ebook.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2025
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/desolation-...
Action-wise, it is fairly restrained, but there is a sense of escalation, with the book giving us good insight into Jenn’s thoughts. Of note, her reaction to having to use increasing degrees of violence is explored in more detail than I would have expected. It’s not easy or facile, but by the end, the blood on her hands is mounting. I sense that’s only going to increase, as it appears the next part has her becoming part of a reconnaissance expedition to Phoenix. That’s a story I am interested in reading, and not just for reasons of personal familiarity, also to see how Jenn develops. But perhaps my neighbourhood might make an appearance. Even if it’s going to be a bit radioactive.
Action-wise, it is fairly restrained, but there is a sense of escalation, with the book giving us good insight into Jenn’s thoughts. Of note, her reaction to having to use increasing degrees of violence is explored in more detail than I would have expected. It’s not easy or facile, but by the end, the blood on her hands is mounting. I sense that’s only going to increase, as it appears the next part has her becoming part of a reconnaissance expedition to Phoenix. That’s a story I am interested in reading, and not just for reasons of personal familiarity, also to see how Jenn develops. But perhaps my neighbourhood might make an appearance. Even if it’s going to be a bit radioactive.
February 16, 2021
Obtained from the author's website.
The main series is set in and around Flagstaff and begins after the event. This is a prequel - just - as it opens before the EMP. Following Charlie as she makes her way from Albuquerque to her son at home in Santa Fe, with her father. There is mention of Flagstaff right at the end: Charlie is a survivor and ready for the worst. She realises that Santa Fe is an untenable refuge...
I've enjoyed the series - this novella adds to the 'world feel' and it's good to see some different characters with different backgrounds.
The main series is set in and around Flagstaff and begins after the event. This is a prequel - just - as it opens before the EMP. Following Charlie as she makes her way from Albuquerque to her son at home in Santa Fe, with her father. There is mention of Flagstaff right at the end: Charlie is a survivor and ready for the worst. She realises that Santa Fe is an untenable refuge...
I've enjoyed the series - this novella adds to the 'world feel' and it's good to see some different characters with different backgrounds.
November 25, 2020
DNF'd and will have to revisit later.
The main character is really stupid and immature. Her actions in the tire store really annoyed the crap out of me along with her attitude with others in general.
This book was definitely a let down from the novella.
The main character is really stupid and immature. Her actions in the tire store really annoyed the crap out of me along with her attitude with others in general.
This book was definitely a let down from the novella.
April 15, 2021
My Musings
I enjoyed the intriguing plot and the emotional turmoil that the heroine experiences. The story is full of suspenseful scenes that are believable. I am so glad I found this book on Kindle. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I enjoyed the intriguing plot and the emotional turmoil that the heroine experiences. The story is full of suspenseful scenes that are believable. I am so glad I found this book on Kindle. Happy ☺reading 📚!
May 2, 2024
Apocalyptic
A good story about the apocalypse. An EMP takes out power and leaves humanity stranded! No bad language which I enjoy and no graphic sex. There is another apocalyptic series that was also a good story but way to many F words! I will finish this series!
A good story about the apocalypse. An EMP takes out power and leaves humanity stranded! No bad language which I enjoy and no graphic sex. There is another apocalyptic series that was also a good story but way to many F words! I will finish this series!
October 7, 2020
Arising as a new person
Learning just how strong you really are in the face of adversity. Can you stand up and fight when it is time. Will you be able too put your own life on the line for a stranger. Keep reading to see what choices out characters make.
Learning just how strong you really are in the face of adversity. Can you stand up and fight when it is time. Will you be able too put your own life on the line for a stranger. Keep reading to see what choices out characters make.
May 18, 2021
Finding family
You don't realize what you have until it is gone. Low life's are like cockroaches trying to take over everything. Another great book.
You don't realize what you have until it is gone. Low life's are like cockroaches trying to take over everything. Another great book.
December 6, 2022
Unless you want a short read, with bland characters, too fast solved plot and tropes instead of unique ideas - look somewhere else for a dystopian.
Read
May 14, 2023Good read, just bought part 2.
August 12, 2024
Great book, fast-paced and you truly want invest in the characters!
April 9, 2025
DNF, sorry just not a believer in this story of conflicted characters, EOTWAWKI. Purchased for free, Read with Alexia audio. Chapter 10 and quit.
March 24, 2020
I'm sitting here on the 11th day of "sheltering in place" in our home in a suburb of Phoenix waiting for the coronavirus curve to flatten as they tell us it will if everyone complies with the stay at home orders. And then I started reading Desolation. It is 2062 and Phoenix has been attacked by an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) from a nuclear blast above the city. The story begins in Flagstaff where the electric grid has been destroyed by the EMP. Almost all vehicles are immobilized. Jenn, a 20 year old college student, is living with Gary, a retired policeman, and his wife, Maria. Maria is on oxygen and needs battery operated compressors. Jenn"s boyfriend Sam is also a college student. Clearly it is an acopalyptic situation with people frantic to find food and water and keep their families safe. From the very first page I was completely hooked and couldn't stop reading. The story and our current crisis are not the same but it feels as if it could be if the virus is not soon controlled. The author has captured the emotions of the characters through his excellent writing. My typical genre favorite is mysteries, current times and historical, not science fiction about a future time. But I liked this book so much I look forward to reading the sequels.
I received an Advanced Review Copy from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an Advanced Review Copy from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
April 3, 2020This is very interesting post apocalyptic story written in the future. Cars that drive themselves. Battery charged. Very different look on things. The feeling of the first kill was bad enough, but then she had to kill again. The shock of how things changed in the blink of an eye. Beware. It could happen for real. I received this book as a gift in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review*
I’ve got mixed feelings about this book it’s got a good premise but like so many book series at the moment this book being the first felt more like an advert for the second book. Not a lot really develops it introduces the characters, the setting, some background information and then.. well not much. As other reviewers have said every book should have a beginning a middle and an end, it should have its own story. If it’s part of a series it should have a story that could continue yes but it shouldn’t just be an introduction for the second book.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this book it’s got a good premise but like so many book series at the moment this book being the first felt more like an advert for the second book. Not a lot really develops it introduces the characters, the setting, some background information and then.. well not much. As other reviewers have said every book should have a beginning a middle and an end, it should have its own story. If it’s part of a series it should have a story that could continue yes but it shouldn’t just be an introduction for the second book.
March 20, 2020
I have not read a lot by this author, so I was not sure what to expect. I also did not read the summary very well, so I was not aware that this was set in the near future. So I was a bit confused for the first couple of chapters, but it did not stop me from enjoying the book. The characters are all realistic and the story line is good. It drew me in and kept me interested. As with most books in the apocalypse genre - some of the people do some really dumb things and since the two main characters, Jenn and her boyfriend Sam, are young, I kind of expected it more from them. You also get some insight to what Jenn, is thinking - so you see her mental trauma in dealing with the situation. I will definitely be reading more in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 17, 2020
An great story Jenn and Sam and the family went through a lot. I wonder how many people could survive this. I wonder if I could go through this
March 3, 2020
It's a good read. I'm not a big fan of people that are thrown into a situation with no preparation. Saying that, I did enjoy the book. I know people that 'resemble' the idiotic actions of some of the characters. A gun, oh no. Get rid of it. So what if a bad guy has one and can kill us, we aren't stooping to 'their' level. Drives me crazy but there are real life people that think like that. Hopefully someone who thinks like that will read this and see another pov. Give it a read. I will be reading the whole series. Oh, I did receive this book for free and I am giving my honest review of it under no pressure to do so.
March 5, 2020
A fantastic read that grabs you from the first page to the last. Its a fast past read with epic scenes, the scenes are written so well that I can picture them in my minds eye. This is a real page turner with twists and turns that keeps you enthralled with this read. I definitely recommend this captivating read. Its a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
March 2, 2020
I could not stop reading this book. It was so realistic and could happen at any time. The characters were well crafted and so believable. The world building was really realistic, you felt like you were right there going through all the pain and happiness. This is a really well written story and I will be reading more by David Lucin, a new author to follow.
March 19, 2020
A great start to this exciting series! I love end of the world & this hits the spot! I will be looking for more by this writer! Can't wait!
January 4, 2020
In the blink of an eye you are thrust back in time, into a world with no phones, no electricity, no running water. As a result, the western portion of the US is instantly returned to a primitive and lawless state where society is rapidly dissolving into feral packs of opportunists who prey of the shocked and stunned population. Lucin shows us the amazingly scary aftermath of an EMP strike. We have known about this possibility for years; but has the government and the people taken the warning to heart?
Desolation in an excellent start to what promises to be a wonderful series. I know that it grabbed my attention so much that I read it in one sitting! I am anxiously looking forward to the adventures of the protagonists, Jenn and Sam, as they navigate life in the post EMP reality.
Thank you to Book Sirens who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Desolation in an excellent start to what promises to be a wonderful series. I know that it grabbed my attention so much that I read it in one sitting! I am anxiously looking forward to the adventures of the protagonists, Jenn and Sam, as they navigate life in the post EMP reality.
Thank you to Book Sirens who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2020
This book focuses on Jenn Jansen, a college student in Flagstaff, Arizona, who lives through nuclear strikes including one she sees over Phoenix which is her family’s home. I recommend this great Sci-Fi read which reveals the post-apocalyptic world following a nuclear war including the struggle for resources, the breakdown of society, the horror of not knowing if your family had survived, and the fear for your own survival. I plan to read the next installment in David Lucin’s The Desolation series entitled Into the Inferno.
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.
June 16, 2020
I don’t write a summary of the book here, nor do I critique the writer or the writing style.
So, if you want to know what the book is about, read the 1st few free chapters. :-)
The stars given on the other hand gives a better idea for it is per individual, not like movie reviews where one individual / or a few, rates a movie really bad yet the masses love it.
For me it is all about the feelings/ideas/fantasies/"living it" a book gives you, when you “get” into the story, it has to grab your attention. THOSE are the best books in my opinion. They deserve the STARS.
This book was quite a relaxing read ... but dang, to be in Jenn Jansens head, she is a busy one that one. :-)
So, if you want to know what the book is about, read the 1st few free chapters. :-)
The stars given on the other hand gives a better idea for it is per individual, not like movie reviews where one individual / or a few, rates a movie really bad yet the masses love it.
For me it is all about the feelings/ideas/fantasies/"living it" a book gives you, when you “get” into the story, it has to grab your attention. THOSE are the best books in my opinion. They deserve the STARS.
This book was quite a relaxing read ... but dang, to be in Jenn Jansens head, she is a busy one that one. :-)
February 17, 2020
EMP Survival
This is the story of Jenn, an Asian orphan with no knowledge of her background, and Sam, her boyfriend. There is a strong commitment to family and relationships. Jenn and Sam are attacked by other people more than once, making it obvious that survival is not going to happen easily. There are times when I’d like to shake more than one of the core group, especially Jenn. I guess that’s part of the flaws good characterisations should have in order to be more realistic. The storyline is good and worldbuilding overall is solid. I liked the ending.
This is the story of Jenn, an Asian orphan with no knowledge of her background, and Sam, her boyfriend. There is a strong commitment to family and relationships. Jenn and Sam are attacked by other people more than once, making it obvious that survival is not going to happen easily. There are times when I’d like to shake more than one of the core group, especially Jenn. I guess that’s part of the flaws good characterisations should have in order to be more realistic. The storyline is good and worldbuilding overall is solid. I liked the ending.
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