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Lights Out: EMP Post Apocalyptic Fiction Super Boxset
Dystopian masterminds James Hunt, author of “Static”, and Roger Hayden, author of “Grid Down”, which have collectively accumulated 200+ five-star reviews come together in this SUPER BOX SET for the first time! That’s TWO complete book SERIES comprised of SIX NOVELS at a discounted price! Static (White Noise, Fade to Gray, Blackout) Wren Burton, one of the top architects in Chicago, has never let anything stand in the way of providing a better life for her family, but those choices haven’t been without sacrifice. And when the power shuts down across the city, which submerges the masses into chaos and cuts her family in half, tough decisions are only the beginning. Grid Down (The Beginning, Strike Against America, EMP Survival) A small, northeastern town is crippled after a mysterious electromagnetic pulse causes a massive blackout, leaving residents stunned and unprepared. But the loss of power is only the beginning. Communications and mobility have been disabled with vehicles stopped dead in their tracks for miles. Grocery stores, banks, hospitals, and other services no longer function. Cell phones, computers, televisions, and radios are rendered inoperable. In the chaos that follows, one family embarks on a journey of survival in a vastly different world, changed within a flash.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2016
477 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 30, 2016
Not happy... (spoilers)
I really feel like I wasted my time reading both of the series' in this collection. The first one by Roger Hayden was overblown in so many ways. The main character was super aggravating and honestly I don't think she could have actually done any of the stuff at the end due to supreme sleep deprivation, I don't care how "angry" she was.
While the second series by James Hunt was at least better written the characters made me angry time after time by not killing the bad guys when given the opportunity, instead allowing things to get worse and worse through inaction. Then at the end when they've actually finally done the right thing and killed just about all the evil men... what do they do but NOT kill the leader because they are "better" than that. Really, how stupid can you get.
I really feel like I wasted my time reading both of the series' in this collection. The first one by Roger Hayden was overblown in so many ways. The main character was super aggravating and honestly I don't think she could have actually done any of the stuff at the end due to supreme sleep deprivation, I don't care how "angry" she was.
While the second series by James Hunt was at least better written the characters made me angry time after time by not killing the bad guys when given the opportunity, instead allowing things to get worse and worse through inaction. Then at the end when they've actually finally done the right thing and killed just about all the evil men... what do they do but NOT kill the leader because they are "better" than that. Really, how stupid can you get.
July 1, 2016
Editing needed
While the premise is not terribly far fetched, given today's uneasy political climate, the lack of adequate proofreading, especially in the first few tales, is distracting, pulling this reader out of the story. There are many missed words, and even misused words most of which could have been caught and fixed by a competent, knowledgeable editor. Both authors tried hard, and mostly succeeded, in creating fast-moving tense scenes. If it's bloodshed you want, then you'll enjoy this series. If you're interested in learning more about being prepared, the nuts and bolts of how to survive, chances are you should look elsewhere.
While the premise is not terribly far fetched, given today's uneasy political climate, the lack of adequate proofreading, especially in the first few tales, is distracting, pulling this reader out of the story. There are many missed words, and even misused words most of which could have been caught and fixed by a competent, knowledgeable editor. Both authors tried hard, and mostly succeeded, in creating fast-moving tense scenes. If it's bloodshed you want, then you'll enjoy this series. If you're interested in learning more about being prepared, the nuts and bolts of how to survive, chances are you should look elsewhere.
September 21, 2017
Terrible, horrible, awful.
I'm a fan of post-apocalyptic novels and I've read a couple of good EMP based ones. When I saw this boxed set supercheap on Amazon, I snatched it up. I only read the first series before I quit, but honestly it wasn't even worth the $0.99 I paid for it.
The main character of the first trilogy, Wren, is quite possibly the most unlikable character I've ever read about, while at the same time, apparently being superwoman. This suburban wife/architect who has never lived rough before suddenly learns to be an expert shot with a military-grade rifle and cold-blooded murderer in about 10 mins. After a few test shots, she's picking off running targets and gunning down men w/out a second thought. She can also apparently walk 30 miles on no sleep, while suffering from being beaten, blown up, shot at, beaten again, nearly raped (2x, maybe 3, I lost count), beaten yet again, and still plot, plan, and execute a daring rescue of her family.
Other characters in the book have the same level of superpower. Apparently being knocked unconscious with the butt of a rifle means that you're dead to the world for 4 hours and then suddenly spring to life, ready to fight and flee - no ill effects or cognitive issues at all. Broken ribs, broken legs, concussions, and various other injuries are no barrier to any of the characters. They "wince in pain" and "spit a wad of blood" and soldier on.
Characters are either complete psychopaths (Ted, Edric, and yes, Wren) or utter milquetoast useless blobs. There doesn't seem to be any in-between and not one character you can actually connect with and root for.
The story is nothing more than fight porn - lots of beating up, lots of blood flowing, people getting shot, hit with rifle butts (over and over and OVER), broken bones, threats of rape, and plenty of blood (and "claret") flowing. Seriously the line about "claret flowing" was the one that had me saying "enough" and beginning to compose this review in my head.
Overall the quality of the writing and the story is quite simply abysmal. I could see giving it 3* simply for the utter ridiculousness of the writing and justifying a "so bad it's kinda good" idea. Maybe.
I'm a fan of post-apocalyptic novels and I've read a couple of good EMP based ones. When I saw this boxed set supercheap on Amazon, I snatched it up. I only read the first series before I quit, but honestly it wasn't even worth the $0.99 I paid for it.
The main character of the first trilogy, Wren, is quite possibly the most unlikable character I've ever read about, while at the same time, apparently being superwoman. This suburban wife/architect who has never lived rough before suddenly learns to be an expert shot with a military-grade rifle and cold-blooded murderer in about 10 mins. After a few test shots, she's picking off running targets and gunning down men w/out a second thought. She can also apparently walk 30 miles on no sleep, while suffering from being beaten, blown up, shot at, beaten again, nearly raped (2x, maybe 3, I lost count), beaten yet again, and still plot, plan, and execute a daring rescue of her family.
Other characters in the book have the same level of superpower. Apparently being knocked unconscious with the butt of a rifle means that you're dead to the world for 4 hours and then suddenly spring to life, ready to fight and flee - no ill effects or cognitive issues at all. Broken ribs, broken legs, concussions, and various other injuries are no barrier to any of the characters. They "wince in pain" and "spit a wad of blood" and soldier on.
Characters are either complete psychopaths (Ted, Edric, and yes, Wren) or utter milquetoast useless blobs. There doesn't seem to be any in-between and not one character you can actually connect with and root for.
The story is nothing more than fight porn - lots of beating up, lots of blood flowing, people getting shot, hit with rifle butts (over and over and OVER), broken bones, threats of rape, and plenty of blood (and "claret") flowing. Seriously the line about "claret flowing" was the one that had me saying "enough" and beginning to compose this review in my head.
Overall the quality of the writing and the story is quite simply abysmal. I could see giving it 3* simply for the utter ridiculousness of the writing and justifying a "so bad it's kinda good" idea. Maybe.
May 2, 2018
Not bad, some issues with the second trilogy
The first books held my interest fine, but the second trilogy , especially book 3, had some plot holes and less character development than the first. It seemed rushed, like the author was trying to get to the climax in as few days as possible after first 'contact'. I had less invested with the cast of characters.
The story was compelling, however, and the escape from the city in both stories was well crafted, albeit a little too easy in the second.
I really had a lot of hate for Arthur until the beginning of the last book, thinking him more of an opportunist with warped morals, but he turned into a psychopath seemingly out of nowhere. And what happened to his wife in the end? She conveniently disappeared in the last chapter, at Arthur's supposed coronation?
The author could have ended the book with the families reunion at the camp, or an epilogue in the rescued town, with Carlos saved, the kids playing happily while Clarkson's new mayor, the Sheriff, visited and met with the returning military. It just felt like it was ended too abruptly.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
The first books held my interest fine, but the second trilogy , especially book 3, had some plot holes and less character development than the first. It seemed rushed, like the author was trying to get to the climax in as few days as possible after first 'contact'. I had less invested with the cast of characters.
The story was compelling, however, and the escape from the city in both stories was well crafted, albeit a little too easy in the second.
I really had a lot of hate for Arthur until the beginning of the last book, thinking him more of an opportunist with warped morals, but he turned into a psychopath seemingly out of nowhere. And what happened to his wife in the end? She conveniently disappeared in the last chapter, at Arthur's supposed coronation?
The author could have ended the book with the families reunion at the camp, or an epilogue in the rescued town, with Carlos saved, the kids playing happily while Clarkson's new mayor, the Sheriff, visited and met with the returning military. It just felt like it was ended too abruptly.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
June 19, 2017
Great Set of Books!
Excellent read! Looking forward to more from this author. An EMP is a very viable premise for these books. Could use more detail as in regards to prepping and what was needed.
Excellent read! Looking forward to more from this author. An EMP is a very viable premise for these books. Could use more detail as in regards to prepping and what was needed.
March 5, 2018
Could be a little better
In the first story weapons could be taken from the killed bandits instead she sharpened a spear...story was disjointed. Second story Rob should have executed Arthur first time at the cabin
In the first story weapons could be taken from the killed bandits instead she sharpened a spear...story was disjointed. Second story Rob should have executed Arthur first time at the cabin
February 10, 2019
I liked it-good read, characters weren’t extremely developed but story moved quickly
Good read -story moved quickly. Characters weren’t well developed but post apocalyptic works aren’t always. It’s an enjoyable book and I’d definitely read more.
Good read -story moved quickly. Characters weren’t well developed but post apocalyptic works aren’t always. It’s an enjoyable book and I’d definitely read more.
October 27, 2020
Great Storytelling
But....in need of an editor for spelling issues. A fact checker would be good too. A Ford Ranger doesn't hold close to 20 gallons of fuel, nor would it burn half a tank on a ten mile trip.
But....in need of an editor for spelling issues. A fact checker would be good too. A Ford Ranger doesn't hold close to 20 gallons of fuel, nor would it burn half a tank on a ten mile trip.
January 5, 2017
Great Read
I really enjoyed reading this. The characters were believable. There were a few grammar mistakes, but otherwise a great read.
I really enjoyed reading this. The characters were believable. There were a few grammar mistakes, but otherwise a great read.
May 11, 2017
Lots of excitement, danger, fast paced book. I have read this author before and like the way he keeps you interested. Will read more books by Roger Hayden.
August 30, 2017
Great read.
Well written, covers an apocalyptic event and those who survive along with those who try to take advantage.
Good job!
Well written, covers an apocalyptic event and those who survive along with those who try to take advantage.
Good job!
September 23, 2017
Great books!
Enjoyed reading these books. Kept my interest to the end. I liked the characters and their adventures. I highly recommend this series!
Enjoyed reading these books. Kept my interest to the end. I liked the characters and their adventures. I highly recommend this series!
March 14, 2018
Interesting
Gets the pulse racing with rising tension and vivid action scenes. Not an unreasonable story but lacks credibility and robustness.
Gets the pulse racing with rising tension and vivid action scenes. Not an unreasonable story but lacks credibility and robustness.
March 23, 2018
I couldn't put this series down
Mr Hayden is a new author to me. If like fast paced, believable characters, his books are a definite must.
Mr Hayden is a new author to me. If like fast paced, believable characters, his books are a definite must.
June 20, 2018
Excellent
This is very well thought out and put together, one of the best I've read and these are a favorite of mine.
This is very well thought out and put together, one of the best I've read and these are a favorite of mine.
January 31, 2019
Good tale
Well thought out story of how things might be after an emp. Technical details were very well done by the author.
Well thought out story of how things might be after an emp. Technical details were very well done by the author.
April 16, 2019
Great story!
I really enjoyed this whole set.
Great stories and would who read an after story. Like what happened after everything went down.
I really enjoyed this whole set.
Great stories and would who read an after story. Like what happened after everything went down.
July 3, 2019
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
January 2, 2020
Outstanding!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was exciting and scary at the same time. I loved the characters (the good ones) that is
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was exciting and scary at the same time. I loved the characters (the good ones) that is
June 14, 2020
Awesome series!
Action packed,heroics,love stories...everything you could want. Cautionary tales of what could happen when the best of us and the worst of us collide.
Action packed,heroics,love stories...everything you could want. Cautionary tales of what could happen when the best of us and the worst of us collide.
Read
July 2, 2020A good read
The series is well worth following as it deals with emp and ensuing survival yet I found the characters a little wooden and little to no backstory.
The series is well worth following as it deals with emp and ensuing survival yet I found the characters a little wooden and little to no backstory.
February 8, 2022
great story, decent writing
Great post emp story writing is decent if you can read past all the minor spelling errors. Wish someone would write one with a realistic ending.
Great post emp story writing is decent if you can read past all the minor spelling errors. Wish someone would write one with a realistic ending.
May 10, 2023
Long but good
Kept you at the edge of your seat. A very good read. Well worth the money. Everybody can read these books
Kept you at the edge of your seat. A very good read. Well worth the money. Everybody can read these books
May 13, 2016
This is six books in one as of May 8/16 I've finished the first one.
Static (White Noise, Fade to Gray, Blackout)
The story is very exciting but wanders into purple prose at time. The protagonist is supposed to be female but always acts like a male which makes this read like an action story. This is less about an EMP than a apocalyptic survival tale. I found it frustrating that the heroine only ever resorted to aggression...instead of never attempting collaboration, compromise or diplomacy.
Grid Down (The Beginning, Strike Against America, EMP Survival)
I guess it was a successful story because I would REALLY like to know what happens next.
Static (White Noise, Fade to Gray, Blackout)
The story is very exciting but wanders into purple prose at time. The protagonist is supposed to be female but always acts like a male which makes this read like an action story. This is less about an EMP than a apocalyptic survival tale. I found it frustrating that the heroine only ever resorted to aggression...instead of never attempting collaboration, compromise or diplomacy.
Grid Down (The Beginning, Strike Against America, EMP Survival)
I guess it was a successful story because I would REALLY like to know what happens next.
Read
August 25, 2016I had read this once before but reread it to make sure I remembered it well enough to write a review. The end of civilization as we know it happens in the blast of a bomb. Way above the ground. Most electronics are fried and people go crazy within minutes. Looting begins and the military tries to get a handle on the situation in bigger cities. But in quieter places, the vandals outnumber the good citizens by a big number.
Here is where we find our main characters. All hell breaks loose and you have very few moments of peace. With most modern technology having been fried, laws of the old west take over and it's an all out war to find a safe haven for your loved ones.
Good series.
Here is where we find our main characters. All hell breaks loose and you have very few moments of peace. With most modern technology having been fried, laws of the old west take over and it's an all out war to find a safe haven for your loved ones.
Good series.
January 15, 2017
I finished it, but...
I really can't recommend it.
The premise of the book is an EMP event happening over North America. Nearly everything electronic has been knocked out.
I don't want to spoil this for anyone who may want to read this. I will say that the flow of both stories are kind of a mess. They're full of totally unlikely occurrences and coupled with crippling bad luck. People are best to a pulp and can still wield an effective offensive. Additionally, the character development is very poor.
The first part of this set focuses on a definite terrorists attack in Chicago, but nothing like that is mentioned in New York City in the second part.
I really can't recommend it.
The premise of the book is an EMP event happening over North America. Nearly everything electronic has been knocked out.
I don't want to spoil this for anyone who may want to read this. I will say that the flow of both stories are kind of a mess. They're full of totally unlikely occurrences and coupled with crippling bad luck. People are best to a pulp and can still wield an effective offensive. Additionally, the character development is very poor.
The first part of this set focuses on a definite terrorists attack in Chicago, but nothing like that is mentioned in New York City in the second part.
Read
July 7, 2016The first book started very good and was a bit soft on the ending. I will say it did keep me reading. The 2nd book in the series just threw me completely off and I couldn't get into the story. The characters weren't relate-able or interesting to me. I kept trying to get into it, but gave up almost 3/4 through. If you are seriously into this kind of reading, you may enjoy it, this was my 1st book like this and just not my thing I guess.
June 9, 2016
First book: 3 stars. I just couldn't make myself like Wren. Even her heroics for her kids didn't make her likeable to me. Not sure why, just is. Secondary characters are good, you want them to succeed or fail depending on their side asst any moment.
Second book I've read before. I'll try to find the review.
Second book I've read before. I'll try to find the review.
May 30, 2016
Preferred the second story
I did not like the first story, but the second story...loved it. Survival to the fullest. Characters I connected with. Mr. Hayden I will certainly read more of your books. You are a wonderful story teller.
I did not like the first story, but the second story...loved it. Survival to the fullest. Characters I connected with. Mr. Hayden I will certainly read more of your books. You are a wonderful story teller.
June 2, 2016
Enjoyed it
Very good Dystopia. Well written. A few minor editing issues. In these days with global threats peppers may not have it wrong. There will always be those that seek power for powers sake. Exciting book but definitely not a relaxing beach read. I would recommend. Gbash
Very good Dystopia. Well written. A few minor editing issues. In these days with global threats peppers may not have it wrong. There will always be those that seek power for powers sake. Exciting book but definitely not a relaxing beach read. I would recommend. Gbash
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews