Grip of Fear

End of Days #1

by Sam J Fires, Seth Podowitz (Reader), Gerald Hill (Reader)

During the coldest winter on record, an EMP attack wipes out the nation's power and cripples the country. As the city spirals into lawless chaos, an investigative journalist, twenty-six-year-old Cassandra Drews, is forced onto the dangerous streets of Portland to begin the long walk to her parents' home in Oregon. But hypothermia and starvation aren't the only dangers Cass and her rescue dog, Daisy, face on their perilous trek. Danger is stalking them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Help comes in the form of troubled ex-marine Isaac Winters, who slips back into soldier mode with the city's collapse. Now, the trio must work together in a fight for survival as they race to escape the city before violence, or the bitter wintry storm, can claim them. Do they have what it takes to make it out alive? Or will they be crushed by the brutality of the unforgiving cold? Perfect for fans of Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Kyla Stone, and Jack Hunt, Grip of Fear is the first book in a brand-new End of Days series, a post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller featuring flawed, complex characters, and an adrenaline-fueled action-adventure.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Zombies, Survival

Audio CD

First published December 31, 2012

About the author

Sam J Fires is a #1 bestselling author of gripping post-apocalyptic and dystopian thrillers.

Her stories are driven by flawed, resilient characters forced to survive the unthinkable—when the power goes out, the world collapses, and every choice comes at a cost. Expect high-stakes tension, emotional depth, and characters who fight to the bitter end.

In real life, Sam would be the first to admit she probably wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her own worlds.

👉 Be sure to follow Sam on Bookbub for the latest on sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-j...

Reviews

[Rain]

EMP, post-apocalypse, non-romance (but possible chance in future books).

It was the thing her parents had always preached. When society would crumble, and people’s dependence on technology and society would be the downfall of humanity.

Decent first book, but the plot meanders around. There’s a psycho ex boyfriend, freezing cold winter temps, and a conveniently placed former Marine, with an emotional backstory.

Cassandra (26) has been abandoned by her roommate as soon as the power goes out, taking all of Cass’ camping supplies, but leaving her dog (what kind of asshole abandons their dog?!!) Cass decides to set out with her new dog (Daisy) and walk to her parents farm, many miles south of Portland.

Isaac (28) is tired of war and burying his friends. He decides to not reenlist. He leaves his cheating gf and decides to walk to his grandmothers house from Portland. He struggles with ptsd, and seeing the aftermath of the EMP gives him flashbacks.

This story has some gruesome visuals. The EMP hit when people were heading into rush hour traffic. Isaac and Cass walk past miles of vehicles with wounded and dying.

A decent start to the series. Easy and quick reading, ends on a cliffhanger.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books]

Full rtc in the morning

After enjoying the first book I'm dying to jump into this one...

[Debbie Mathis PA]

This story grabbed me and pulled me in from the very beginning. Cassandra is very easy to relate to and I can imagine being there, right alongside of her on her trek to find safety. I read a lot of these types of stories and this one is one of the best I have read this year. I am very excited to read the rest of the story. Book one was just too short and definitely left me wanting more. This is the perfect read for the fan of post-apocalyptic stories, less the zombies.

[Donna]

I like for books to have a beginning, a middle, and an end......not just a beginning.

I'm a huge fan of dystopian novels, but I wasn't a fan of this one. It was incredibly short and it was just the set up....nothing really happens and not really much of a cliffhanger at all. There wasn't enough time to get attached to the characters and I never really saw how/why the male MC attached himself to the female MC.

Overall, this wasn't my cup of tea. So 1 star.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed]

2.5 STARS

More of a novella than a book, the story seemed like it barely started and then it was over.

Not much happened, mostly Cass and Issac walking the highway. There’s also an ex-boyfriend stalker element that looks to be more of a storyline in the next book.

I bought this as a series, so I’ll at least read the next one to see if it gets better.

[Jackie]

Another amazing series. If this is the start, I can’t wait for the next An EMP has knocked out electricity. Of course it’s cold and how will people survive in this disaster, you wonder. I was gripped as I turned each page. Impossible to think, the worse might not have happened yet. Superb.

[Maria Fledgling Author Park]

Grip of Fear: End of Days Book One

The saga of Cass's struggle to get out of Portland continues as she makes her way through the city devastated by lack of power, cell phones and the growing chaos of panic.

Cass manages to get supplies at a Fred Meyer store on the outskirts of the city but runs into her crazy ex boyfriend, Nathan, again, and barely escapes unharmed. She meets up with an ex Marine named Isaac, who helps scare Nathan away.

Cass and Isaac, reluctantly agree to travel together, along with Molly, her roommate's golden retriever. As they head south, the ice storm turns into a deadly cold blizzard and the trek becomes more and more dangerous.

The scenes they encounter are triggering to them both and the spectre of Nathan continuing to stalk Cass is always present. Will they make it through the freezing weather and lack of food? I guess you'll have to read the next book in the series.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[DeeDeeWReads]

Wowwwwwwww.... I have read many post apocalyptic books, but somehow a similar 'concept' has taken a whole new direction. We have the survivors, we have them on their way to a destination, but the events happening during that 'adventure' are soooo not the norm.

Cass and Issac are together with sweet Daisy navigating the cold and ice to work on getting to their families. Little does Cass know, but Nathan is STILL stalking her, but Isaac is aware and has her back. If anyone had my back, I'd want someone like Isaac to do so.

That epilogue tho..... CREEPY stuff, this boy is NOT right in the head. What did poor Cass get herself into? Proves, you never know a person and what they are REALLY like.

I hope the wait for book 2, Grip of Darkness isn't too long!

[Billie]

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Catheryn]

A very gripping post-apoc story. Ends on a cliffhanger, but the series is made up of short books. The scenes described in the book were a bit tough to get through. But the story moved quickly.

[Lucie Aran]

This book is incredibly misleading with its cover, although I really like it. I was expecting some kind of dystopian cozy version, who wouldn’t with such a charming cover? However, the story pulled me in from the first pages; it manages to evoke emotions and captivate, while still being easy to read and not overly complicated, yet it still tugs at your emotions. Great. With a little teaser of what to expect in the next installment, I can’t wait to start reading it.

[Kim]

The only real action in this book is Chapter 1 and maybe 2.
Where’s the apocalyptic action??
Boring Boring Boring ..
yawn Yawn Yawn
If I read this book by book I wouldn’t have continued the series. But I bought the all in one book so I am stuck til the end..

[Patrick]

This is I believe my first emp post apocalyptic book and I've got to say it was pretty fucking good. The story it's self was very enjoyable, a little slow, but a good start to a 7 book series. The characters are very interesting, I can't wait to learn more about them. The writing style was perfect, very detailed, and well written. Can't wait to read book two 🫶

[Michele Rene]

Grip

Of Fear: End of Days Book 1
I enjoyed this book. The characters are great and the story is good.

[Dave and Joan]

Surviving Chaos
5/5
Talk about a story for our times.
From the beginning it caught my interest.
Everything in this short story is so possible .
I was a little miffed at the cliff hanger ending but I soon found the next chapters in a book called,
“Grip of Fear. And, this is a great read also.
Depth of the subject keeps you reading.

Depth of Fear
5/5
This follow-up of Surviving Chaos is a great read.
Character development and opening up of characters help fight the chaos and resulting issues.
This is a must read for the continuing life of Cass and now her new acquaintance/friend Isaac.
I hope for the next segment ASAP from Sam!

[Ellen Aish]

It's freezing cold, all power is down, planes are crashing to the ground and Cassandra is being stalked by an ex boyfriend. Another sure fire winner from this author. Can't wait for book 2.

[Olivia Arthur]

Didn’t realize that this was a short story or possibly in the middle of one? I thought this was the first book.

I kept thinking, I’ll give it a little more before I officially say it’s a book I chose to not finish, and bam, the epilogue came. Huh?

Cass and Issac - for two people who have backgrounds in prepping and military they didn’t use much of their knowledge. Grabbing an apple and banana and maybe some granola bars?

Also, I didn’t like the gore, I’ve read plenty of others that are post-apocalyptic but I hated how much and for what? Nothing.

Nothing happens in this book. They are just walking down a highway. I thought it would at least describe more of what they do to survive but no.

Yet, somehow I managed to finish the book so that’s why I gave it 2 instead of 1 star.

[Thomas]

2.5⭐️. This review is for the entire series…not just book 1.

I’ve watched a lot of pretty good b-movies in my day but they are almost always low budget, the acting is sub-par, the story & plot has obvious issues…I get that same feeling with this series (without the pretty good part).

It’s like the author is just writing books just to make money without trying to craft it into the best story possible. Please…take a writing class or two. I know writing is hard for most of us. I for one couldn’t do it so I’m certainly not going to write a series of “novels” and expect people to pay for it.

For starters…you don’t always have to use the same word(s)…

First example…“She introduced him to her sister, who had her TEENAGE DAUGHTER and three toddlers curled together under a blanket…” and then “Her sister and TEENAGE DAUGHTER jumped out to help.” Yes, we’ve already established that the daughter is a teenager. Also, I don’t think the 3 toddlers are all gonna jump out to help move a vehicle to the side of the road.

Here’s another example…”The middle-aged man and woman inside had their hands slammed against the steamed-up WINDOWS…,” and then ”The parents stopped banging against the WINDOWS. Sagging in their seats, they watched as Isaac searched for something to break the WINDOWS…,” and then “‘Can we break the WINDOWS?’ Cass asked.” You can use the word GLASS instead sometimes. 😳 Too much repetition hits the reader in the face and sticks out like a sore thumb.

No family is going to remain stuck in an SUV for 2 days without finding something in their car to break a window (yes, I know I just bitched about overuse of that word) and no Marine with a decade of experience is going to shoot out said window (wasting the limited ammo they have available and possibly putting that family in danger) when they can either just use the gun itself to break the glass or just find a damn rock anywhere nearby.

I just loved this line…”The NEWER homes across the park were NEWER and where the younger generations of Meadowview lived.” Um, is it possible for the newer homes to be older? 🤔 I guess they can be older than some homes that are even newer but then the homes the author is referring to wouldn’t be the newer homes.

You don’t have to say the exact gun a character has in their hand. What does it matter if he’s holding a specific “Glock 17”…just say he lifted him Glock. We get the picture.

Can candles heat up a room? The author seems to think so…”Her grandmother had lit several more candles to bring some warmth into the house” and ”Even with candles flickering in corners, the cavernous room still retained the cold.”

Here’s an idea for the starving town…hunting parties! You live in frickin’ Oregon. I’m sure there are quite a bit of wild animals that could be hunter for food. Humans have been doing it way longer than electricity has been around. Oregon’s wild game is heavily black-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk. Um, what about fishing? I understand that is winter out but people in much colder climates ice fish for God’s sake.

Do some research…
In the beginning books several older people with pacemakers instantly die (due to the EMP that no one ever truly seems to believe happened). A simple Google search states, “An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) could theoretically disrupt a pacemaker, but it is unlikely to fry large numbers of them or cause a mass casualty event for people with these devices. The body acts as a shield: Human tissue and the metal casing (can) of the pacemaker form a partial Faraday cage, which blocks and absorbs a lot of electromagnetic energy.” Also, it’s not just the elderly that need pacemakers (but it is more common for those over 65 so I’ll let the author have that one).

I’m pretty sure that every time it snows trees all over don’t just start cracking and falling everywhere. I have seen it happen (usually if there is a lot of freezing rain) but the author portrays in multiple books in this series this EXTREME DANGER of snow, gravity, and killer tree branches wiping everyone out. There are downed branches everywhere. In the prequel Cass prematurely rushes out of her apartment due to the possibility of frozen trees coming down to crush her building with her and Daisy inside. In book 3 Charlie gets all paranoid about cracking trees landing on her grandma’s house and killing them (scared enough that she couldn’t sleep). One of the houses that Cass and Isaac stayed at a branch comes down and scrapes down the side of the house. I’m glad I don’t live in Oregon if that’s what happens every time it snows. It gets a bit annoying hearing this constantly in the beginning novels.

I usually enjoy dystopian stories and this one wasn’t all about zombies and the like so I was looking forward to reading it. Eventually, I just gave up noticing all of the things that bugged me about the storyline and writing. I don’t mind suspending my disbelief to make a story enjoyable but this one was just driving me nuts. The sad thing is there is another series after this one (After the End) which I was planning on reading before year’s end but I’m not sure if I can make myself do it. Biggest problem is I’m stubborn and this series wasn’t the end of the story so there is still no confirmation as to what caused the power to go out. The only good thing about these books is they are at least quick reads. Maybe in a couple months of a break I’ll be able to trick myself into thinking these weren’t that bad. For the life of me I cannot figure out how this series and the next get nearly a 4 star average on Goodreads. People are way too liberal with their higher star ratings IMHO.

[Beth]

Only 3 hour audiobook
Not good.
Way too much “angst”
For a young woman raised with “prepper” parents-Cass is not smart in the ways of the world
Hard to believe she dated and lived with Nathan for 3 years!!! and didn’t realize he was unbalanced.
I don’t believe that Isaac and Cass would have stuck together. Not believable
Would have been better with more internal insight on “what next” or “ how should we proceed to survive”
Why in the world is this MULTIPLE books???
Should be one or 2 at most
Would not recommend
For a book about RMP aftermath, read One Second After series.
.

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit.]

This is a truly gripping read. I was so engrossed that I couldn't put it down till I was finished. The main characters were amazing, Cass and her lovely sidekick Daisy, a retriever. I love this author, I've only read a few of his books and they have been excellent. He's definitely number one for me. I can't wait to get Grip of Darkness.

[Erica Hernandez]

That was a book?

Nothing happened. No progress was made. All they did was walk down the freeway and sleep in cars. The characters mostly both acted like guys. The guy character was so stereotypical, it was kind of sad. This book is readable but I kept waiting for something to happen.

[Cindy]

Put the books together and make it a regular sized book instead of a short story. Waste of three hours of the main character walking down the highway running into injured and dead people.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader)]

Grip of Fear picks up right where its prequel Surviving Chaos left off with twenty-six-year-old Cassandra Drews an investigative journalist, gathering supplies and making plans to leave her hometown for a safer more secure place. Cassandra’s world has just been turned upside down.

The power has gone out. Planes are falling from the sky. Vehicles are dying right in the middle of the street leaving people stranded or at least their cars. Well, needless to say the world has been set in chaos. And this my friends is only the beginning for our little friends/characters in Grip of Fear.

Before Cass can leave she first needs a few supplies for her trip. While at the store she runs into her ex-boyfriend Nathan. Nathan is trying to take control of Cass. Nathan is trying to force her into going with him. Cass firmly tells him no that they are no longer together but Nathan is not listening but never fear as Issac an ex-military dude is standing by watching as their little conversation takes place.

Issac has been doing what he does best or what he was trained to do in the service. He is doing recon meaning he is standing back watching everyone and everything around him take place. Nathan is aware of his surroundings.

When Cass leaves the store Nathan is watching as unbeknownst to Cass her ex is following her. Nathan decides to go along with Cass to keep her safe without informing her that Nathan is following her.

The road ahead of them is very treacherous. The way will be long and hard. Winter has set in and the temp is freezing. But the freezing weather is the least of their worries as they have no way of knowing who they can trust and who they can’t. People are in the stage of figuring out who each other has become or going to be in an apocalypse type of situation.

Grip of Fear is the first book in the End of Days series and a great beginning to a new world. And speaking of new worlds the world-building for this was just that out of this world amazing. I love stories with worlds like this one and can’t seem to get enough of them. Oh, yes I love the end of days types of stories. I can’t wait to see where End of Days takes us next in book two Grip of Darkness.

I do highly recommend Grip of Fear to all dystopian and post-apocalyptic fans! Grab your copy of Grip of Fear today!

[Hope]

Sam J. Fires’s "Grip of Fear" plunges readers into a chilling post-apocalyptic world where survival is a daily battle against both the elements and humanity’s darker instincts. With its fast-paced narrative and high-stakes tension, the book offers a gripping start to the End of Days series, though a bit short for a first installment.

Cassandra Drews is a relatable protagonist—a determined, resourceful journalist who’s suddenly thrust into a life-or-death journey. Her loyal rescue dog, Daisy, adds a heartfelt touch to the story, grounding the bleakness with moments of warmth. Isaac Winters, the troubled ex-Marine, provides a solid counterpart - though his backstory at times feels a bit convenient. Together, the trio forms an unlikely but compelling team, navigating a landscape that’s both physically and morally treacherous.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its vivid portrayal of a crumbling world. Fires captures the brutality of a Portland plunged into darkness, where the cold, hunger, and lawlessness make every step perilous. The chilling winter storm becomes a character in its own right, its relentless presence heightening the sense of urgency.

However, while the action sequences and survival scenarios are well-executed, the plot sometimes leans on familiar post-apocalyptic tropes. Readers who have explored the genre might find some of the twists predictable. Additionally, the emotional connections between characters could be developed further to add greater stakes to their journey. This could be solved by not splitting the story into novella size bites.

"Grip of Fear" delivers a stark reminder of humanity’s fragility in the face of disaster. It’s a solid read for fans of survival thrillers who enjoy gritty realism, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense series.

[Angela Blount]

A quick read--more of a short story than a novella.

(Honestly, it felt like maybe the first 1/4th of a full book that had been chopped off. No satisfying resolution by the end, not much for answered questions, but some definite setup for later conflict.)

Told from the alternating male/female POVs of a pragmatic ex-Marine with PTSD and an investigative journalist with a "prepper" upbringing she had tried to forget... until the world went dark. Isaac and Cass are fairly sympathetic, though we don't spend much time getting to know them. Cass's determination to save her back-stabbing roommate's golden retriever wins her automatic empathy points, though her personality is a bit bland and her distancing from her parents never quite felt justified. (Maybe there's a better reason than embarrassment over their obsession with doomsday, but we don't really get to see it in this installment.)

Fires has a serviceable writing style--solid on the descriptions and action. The pacing is steady, and the points of tension are decently threaded. There's a bit of The Road feel as the plot turns into an on-foot journey, as the worst of humanity starts coming out within just the first day.

I liked Isaac well enough that I -might- consider reading onward. But I repeatedly found myself pretty annoyed with Cass--both her personality and choices. And the subplot about her extremely fixated ex-boyfriend felt more contrived than believable. So really... I'm undecided on continued investment.

[Rosemary]

Grip Of Fear - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

End Of Days, a new series by Sam J Fires', Grip Of Fear describes how terrifying events change American lives forever, in a dystopian 'what if...?' tale that will totally grip you by the imagination.

The backstories of 18 year old journalist Cass (and dog, Daisy), and 'former' Marine Isaac are gradually revealed, after Apocalyptic ice storms wipe out technology, inciting riots, looting and worse.

Thrown together by circumstance, the duo head towards Meadowview, (where, by complete coincidence, both their grandmothers live) hoping against hope, given current events, they're still alive.

In a journey full of both mental and physical trauma, a deranged stalker and many other horrors must be overcome in the struggle for survival.
Who will make it? Get your copy of Sam J Fires' riveting Post-Apocalyptic survival thriller, Grip of Fear, to find out!

[Cudeyo]

Este libro, más bien relato, es una introducción, una precuela al libro El fin de los días de la misma autora. Ambientado en la ciudad de Portland cuenta la historia de Cass, una joven periodista, que se encuentra en medio de la ciudad, lejos de casa, cuando misteriosamente la luz se va, los coches dejan de funcionar y los aviones se estrellan en el río que atraviesa la urbe, y todo esto cuando se acerca la tormenta de nieve del siglo. Sola y herida debe llegar a casa.

Esta es la típica historia de serie B. En pocas páginas se han estrellado dos aviones, la han atacado dos veces, ha discutido con su ex y nos enteramos que tiene entrenamiento de supervivencia. Es un libro entretenido, para pasar el rato, y continuaré en algún momento con la serie.

Lo peor es la traducción, que en algunos momentos parece fan-traducción, o más bien google-translator. Pero para pasar el rato, no está mal.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson]

I seemed a bit odd for the book to start in the middle of post-EMP chaos, but I thought it was by design, to see it unfold with the character. Now I see there was a prior book "Surviving Chaos"; so why is this one labeled End of Days #1??? A bit irritating. Cass is also a bit irritating. Raised by preppers, she seems very slow to come to grips with what she believes is an EMP and very slow to not want to stop and help everyone. She is even ready to absolve a woman who abruptly attacks her for her supplies, just because the woman was unprepared. ??? This includes the not uncommon element of an obsessive and possessive ex-boyfriend, but it does give the taciturn Isaac something to do. Still, there were parts that I did enjoy and I will continue the series AFTER I go back and read book #1.

[Kazz Mossman]

Another cracking read from this new to me author. I loved the Murder and Mayhem series, and this one was on my list. However, as soon as I saw the book trailer I had read it next.

Cassie and Isaac are strangers, they come together to walk the highways to the same destination. The power has gone down, and all machinery has stopped. That includes cars, which are still on the road, some owners still waiting for help.

Cassie and Issac must negotiate this as well as getting to know one another. Throw into the mix a jealous ex boyfriend, a snow storm, and the story ramps right up.

I loved this book, dare I say even more that the previous series? I can’t wait to get my hands on the next to see what happens to our intrepid heroes.

Apocalyptic lovers will enjoy this as much as I did, plus, it’s another quick read novella that pulls no punches.

[David Taylor]

Having not read the first book in this series, Grip of Fear serves as an excellent introduction to the End of Days series, while it’s a short book it isn’t short on well-developed characters or descriptions of the situations those characters find themselves in. I enjoy post-apocalyptic stories and Grip of Fear introduced me to Sam J Fires’ writing and what promises to be an entertaining post-apocalyptic series. My review is based on listening to the audiobook version expertly narrated by Seth Podowitz, Gerald Hill, Jorjeana Marie who each brought the characters and story to life. I received a review copy of the audiobook from the author through Audiobooks.com and chose to provide my honest review.