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By Way of Autumn
Returning home from her weekly visit with her incarcerated stepdaughter, Tess Lordes pulls over the family car on the mountain highway ten miles outside of her small town of Falcon’s Way, California. It is a brief, unscheduled stop that saves their lives. Cars lose control and crash around Tess and her two children just before a blinding light envelopes the entire sky. No sound of an explosion. No blast waves. In an eerie silence the western sky is transformed into an inferno. The unexplained phenomenon extinguishes all power and disables communication. Although unscathed, it doesn’t take long for things to fall apart in Falcon’s Way. Law and order in the quaint town quickly evolve into chaos and violence. Without phones, radio or television, no one knows what has happened. Soon enough, those in Falcon’s Way learn the fiery event is only the first of many devastating and heartbreaking occurrences that sweep through their town. Tess’ number one priority is to keep her family alive and safe. To her, staying in Falcon’s Way is the means to do so. But is it? Being in the dark breeds so many questions. Was the event isolated or global? And are Tess and the others better off standing their ground or is time truly running out? Not just for Falcon’s Way but for mankind.
226 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2015
107 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 27, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
September 24, 2020
I loved it!
I am never disappointed when I read one of Ms. Druga's books. She can tell a story that you become immersed in right from the first page. Her characters become like family as you read about their triumphs and their tragedies. I highly recommend this book.
I am never disappointed when I read one of Ms. Druga's books. She can tell a story that you become immersed in right from the first page. Her characters become like family as you read about their triumphs and their tragedies. I highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2023
An absolutely brilliant read.
A truly amazing book. I spent a good bit of the book wondering what the outcome was going to be, I thought it was the same all over and if they did get out where would be safe. I have to say that it is heart rending and quite a few times i had tears in my eyes. Jacqueline Druga has never disappointed me in any of her books so far but By Way of Autumn is at the top for me.
A truly amazing book. I spent a good bit of the book wondering what the outcome was going to be, I thought it was the same all over and if they did get out where would be safe. I have to say that it is heart rending and quite a few times i had tears in my eyes. Jacqueline Druga has never disappointed me in any of her books so far but By Way of Autumn is at the top for me.
October 14, 2015
Great book!
I absolutely love this authors books. I've never read one I didn't like. Her writing style will keep you riveted! This particular book was.... Awesome! Emotional highs and lows that will make you not want to put it down until you get to the end.
I absolutely love this authors books. I've never read one I didn't like. Her writing style will keep you riveted! This particular book was.... Awesome! Emotional highs and lows that will make you not want to put it down until you get to the end.
October 17, 2015
Keeps you guessing to the end
I did enjoy this read, I was so sure that it would end. I was actually crying towards the end, with sorrow at the losses and happiness that the group found. Thank you for such great books.
I did enjoy this read, I was so sure that it would end. I was actually crying towards the end, with sorrow at the losses and happiness that the group found. Thank you for such great books.
June 29, 2016
Amazing!!!!
February 4, 2022
I have read numerous of Druga's books but I cannot say this was my favorite but not her worst either.
This is a first-person narrative told by the main character Tess. From the book's jacket, we know that a SHTF event is taking place resulting in a loss of power and all things electronics. Tess is already at a disadvantage with her step-daughter in jail, Tess taking care of her son, she herself pregnant, and her husband away on a business trip when all this happens. What's the saying - if it weren't for all the bad luck she wouldn't have any luck at all? But the disaster is not limited to the EMP, the "event" has triggered other nasties that will eventually hit the town - no zombies - phew!
But this does introduce a sense of urgency throughout the whole book.
Be prepared this is not a happy book or a book about preppers who survive the apocalypse with ease. The tragedies that Tess must endure are tough and heartbreaking. Tragedy hits in ways that the reader (unless they are totally without empathy) could easily relate to. This was a bit formulaic, however. A heroine supporting her family, with loved ones missing and the death of people close to her has been explored in her other book(s).
The only reason I did not score this book higher was that it was so sad. It's one thing to see the asshole character bite the big one and totally another to see characters you have grown close to die.
All that said, there is a satisfying ending with no real cliffhangers. Character development was good too (otherwise I wouldn't have cared if certain people died).
Give the book a try - just have the tissue at the ready.
This is a first-person narrative told by the main character Tess. From the book's jacket, we know that a SHTF event is taking place resulting in a loss of power and all things electronics. Tess is already at a disadvantage with her step-daughter in jail, Tess taking care of her son, she herself pregnant, and her husband away on a business trip when all this happens. What's the saying - if it weren't for all the bad luck she wouldn't have any luck at all? But the disaster is not limited to the EMP, the "event" has triggered other nasties that will eventually hit the town - no zombies - phew!
But this does introduce a sense of urgency throughout the whole book.
Be prepared this is not a happy book or a book about preppers who survive the apocalypse with ease. The tragedies that Tess must endure are tough and heartbreaking. Tragedy hits in ways that the reader (unless they are totally without empathy) could easily relate to. This was a bit formulaic, however. A heroine supporting her family, with loved ones missing and the death of people close to her has been explored in her other book(s).
The only reason I did not score this book higher was that it was so sad. It's one thing to see the asshole character bite the big one and totally another to see characters you have grown close to die.
All that said, there is a satisfying ending with no real cliffhangers. Character development was good too (otherwise I wouldn't have cared if certain people died).
Give the book a try - just have the tissue at the ready.
March 16, 2018
Yet again, another great book by this author. There were some writing errors in this book but the story was so well told it was not as bothersome as with some of her other books (better editor?). The author has a way of having the story unfold in an emotional way for us just as it does for the characters. I also like that the main character, Tess, is not a rock solid person in her decisions. She makes mistakes, sometimes fails, but always cares and always tries. I'm not so sure about the science of the effect of GRB, but it did provide a different kind of disaster which was refreshing. Were there some amazing coincidences that occur? Yep, but I don't care about that either. Those coincidences made me feel good in the midst of so much loss and devastation.
May 21, 2019
A JD. SYFY. Novel/A Brilliant Flash in the Sky and Everything Goes Dark
JD. has. penned a SYFY. novel about a flash of light in the sky and Everything quits.. Everything. A woman and her children has stopped to overlook the valley where they lived Stephen the light struck and Everything shut off. Cars and trucks were going everywhere. After the dust settled the lady started her clunker and drove into her home town and realized how many problems the people faced before the summer was over. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JD. has. penned a SYFY. novel about a flash of light in the sky and Everything quits.. Everything. A woman and her children has stopped to overlook the valley where they lived Stephen the light struck and Everything shut off. Cars and trucks were going everywhere. After the dust settled the lady started her clunker and drove into her home town and realized how many problems the people faced before the summer was over. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
October 11, 2017
4.5 stars on this one. I have been a fan of Jacqueline Druga for several years now. By Way of Autumn reminds me of why I became a fan. The writing paints vivid pictures and the characters are easy to relate to. The story moved quickly and was hard to put down. Tess was someone that was so easy to understand and I appreciate a heroine that isn't perfect and is able to recognize her own flaws. Readers should settle in for a roller coaster ride and keep a box of tissues handy!
August 2, 2025
excellent read!
A couple parts are real tearjerkers! But the end was very well done. Loved it! You immediately care about these people. And the lack of highway bandits and people creating tiny dynasties in the hills was a refreshing change to this genre. I get reeeeeeallly tired of reading books where the bad guys are just taking over during the apocalypse. It’s soooo tired. This was not like that. 10/10. Definitely recommend.
A couple parts are real tearjerkers! But the end was very well done. Loved it! You immediately care about these people. And the lack of highway bandits and people creating tiny dynasties in the hills was a refreshing change to this genre. I get reeeeeeallly tired of reading books where the bad guys are just taking over during the apocalypse. It’s soooo tired. This was not like that. 10/10. Definitely recommend.
September 1, 2017
Great book!!!!
Jacqueline has a consistent way of getting you hooked on the first page of everyone of her books. This book was long, which I
loved, and it never slowed down. A page turner all the way through. I hate when I finish her books... I always want more.. what's next?
Jacqueline has a consistent way of getting you hooked on the first page of everyone of her books. This book was long, which I
loved, and it never slowed down. A page turner all the way through. I hate when I finish her books... I always want more.. what's next?
September 12, 2017
Very good story
This story is based on something that could happen but hopefully won't. The characters in this story behave realistically & most of them fight to survive as best they can without causing harm to others trying to survive.
This story is based on something that could happen but hopefully won't. The characters in this story behave realistically & most of them fight to survive as best they can without causing harm to others trying to survive.
February 8, 2018
Good Book !!!
Couldn’t put this book down .Ms Druga has a way of grabbing you into the story and you can’t stop reading .There was so much loss but in the end they all came together.It made me want to stock up.And be prepared.
Couldn’t put this book down .Ms Druga has a way of grabbing you into the story and you can’t stop reading .There was so much loss but in the end they all came together.It made me want to stock up.And be prepared.
April 13, 2018
Another amazing book !!!
This is my 3rd book by Jacqueline Druga and I am hooked !!! She has a way of pulling you into her story and you get highly invested !!! I have not enjoyed an author this much in years !!! I cannot wait to read more !!!
This is my 3rd book by Jacqueline Druga and I am hooked !!! She has a way of pulling you into her story and you get highly invested !!! I have not enjoyed an author this much in years !!! I cannot wait to read more !!!
April 5, 2022
Δεν είναι το καλύτερο Δυστοπικό βιβλίο που διάβασα... έβαλα τέσσερα αστέρια γιατί μου υπενθύμισε κάτι που ξεχνάμε όλοι μας<< είμαστε ευτυχισμένοι και δεν το ξέρουμε το συνειδητοποιούμε αφού τα χάσουμε όλα >>
October 29, 2022
A fantastic read!!
I enjoyed this story so much. I fell in love with all the characters. I almost didn't notice the misspelled and misplaced words. But even with that it still deserves 5 stars or at least 4¾.
I enjoyed this story so much. I fell in love with all the characters. I almost didn't notice the misspelled and misplaced words. But even with that it still deserves 5 stars or at least 4¾.
May 28, 2025
Marvelous
Another incredible book! This story had me on edge from page one, until the end. The characters were so real. So much wonderful action. Beautiful moments of connection and resilience. Another of my favorites! Absolutely perfect!
Another incredible book! This story had me on edge from page one, until the end. The characters were so real. So much wonderful action. Beautiful moments of connection and resilience. Another of my favorites! Absolutely perfect!
September 4, 2017
Another great book. What keeps it from getting 5 stars is that parts of it, especially the ending, is rather similar to that of other of her books.
September 8, 2017
This needs a million stars, two million. I loved it so much!
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
November 5, 2018
Great book
Loved this book...so many twists & turns-really kept me glued! Another great masterpiece from a fabulous author-Jaqueline Druga. Check out all her books...
Loved this book...so many twists & turns-really kept me glued! Another great masterpiece from a fabulous author-Jaqueline Druga. Check out all her books...
August 22, 2020
3.5 stars
April 25, 2021
As usual.
As usual this is another book by Druga. Great story line and character development. I almost wish she would continue the story with a part 2!
As usual this is another book by Druga. Great story line and character development. I almost wish she would continue the story with a part 2!
May 2, 2021
The best book I have read in years. And I read alot
I love everthing this author writes. Would love to be able to review all her booKs
New and old.
Wish there were more
I love everthing this author writes. Would love to be able to review all her booKs
New and old.
Wish there were more
July 3, 2023
Excellent!
Fast moving, well written, believable characters, an excellent addition to this genre! It is definitely a "stay up way too late reading" type of book!
Fast moving, well written, believable characters, an excellent addition to this genre! It is definitely a "stay up way too late reading" type of book!
November 8, 2023
Good read from start to finish
I recommend this book because it is very well written and does have a happy ending. The family has an emotional journey through very bleak times.
I recommend this book because it is very well written and does have a happy ending. The family has an emotional journey through very bleak times.
February 28, 2024
This is probably my favorite Jacqueline Druga book I've read in a really long time. So many twist and turns and so believable. AND it ended amazingly. Loved it!
October 20, 2024
only thing i can really say is the emotional damage in this book is unreal
March 20, 2021
Like I said, this has all the feels. Kleenex is required also. The characters are well developed. I love apocalyptic books. No matter what. I get helpful tips to prepare for survival what if’s. I love everything this author writes. I recommend this book!! Enjoy!!
February 15, 2017
Okay, honestly I should have disliked this book more. It's filled with typos and very stilted in the writing in a lot of places. But there was something that kept me reading. Enough emotional pull that I'll probably give the next book, if there is one, a shot to see if the roughness has gone away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews