I just finished reading a gripping post-EMP survival thriller titled EMP’s, and I must say, it was quite the ride! As a fan of dystopian fiction and survival narratives, I was immediately drawn to the premise. The idea of an electromagnetic pulse catastrophe, particularly on the West Coast, piqued my interest, especially as the protagonist, Alan Hughes, must navigate the chaos with a group of boys while his wife, Zara, prepares their homestead for long-term survival.
The book dives into the urgent challenges of off-grid living, prepping for catastrophic events, and the psychological battles that come with survival in a society on the brink of crumbling. One element I really appreciated was Alan’s character development. His growth from a regular guy into a leader faced with impossible choices was compelling and added depth to the story. I also found the innovative solutions presented for survival quite refreshing. As noted by Marsha D. LaBarbera, a fellow reader, the "extremely fast-moving" narrative and "great characters" kept me enthralled throughout.
However, the book isn’t without its flaws. While many readers appreciated the pacing and character dynamics, there were mentions of some drawbacks, particularly regarding the writing quality. Some readers, including a reviewer who felt disappointed, pointed out that certain chapters could have been more concise and perhaps a bit more polished in terms of editing. This aligns with my observation that a few conversations felt drawn out and lacked the punch they could have had.
Another aspect that left me wanting more was the representation of the boys’ journey. Several reviews highlighted the abruptness of the ending, which mirrored my own feelings. While the conclusion offered new beginnings for the characters, it felt rushed and left some of the plot threads dangling. I was hoping for more detailed reflections on the boys’ survival tactics and their journey on the sailboat, which felt glossed over when it could have been a significant part of the narrative.
Despite these shortcomings, the thrilling premise and character-driven story kept my interest high. Readers like Amazon Customer noted that the different plot twists in the EMP genre made this book stand out. The mix of various survival scenarios—from desert settings to arctic landscapes—was indeed an exciting aspect, adding layers to the storyline.
Overall, EMP’s comes in with a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars from me. While there were areas that needed refinement, the engaging characters and fast pacing made it a worthwhile read. If you’re someone who loves tales of survival against all odds, this book is certainly worth checking out. Just be prepared for a few uneven moments along the way.
In conclusion, I recommend EMP’s to fans of survival fiction, but with the caveat to manage expectations regarding the ending and some narrative pacing. It’s a captivating journey that mostly delivers on what it promises, wrapped in an adventurous setting that will keep you guessing.
Dive into the gripping world of survival with Prepped for the Fall: An EMP Post Apocalypse Prepper Thriller Boxset.
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