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EMP Lodge #1
Dark Retreat
In a world gone dark, trust is a double-edged sword…
After an EMP attack shuts down the world, Megan Wolford has one goal: protect her daughter, Caitlin, at any cost. When a mysterious illness infects Caitlin, Megan must forage for medical supplies at a remote lodge. The last thing she wants is help from her fellow survivors when so many have let her down—but she’s running out of time.
Meanwhile, former Navy SEAL Wyatt Morris is doing everything he can to keep his family together after the tragic death of his father. When Megan trespasses on Wyatt’s land, he doesn’t trust her. But he can’t turn away a sick child, no matter how dangerous the world has become. Then the arrival of another stranger, Kyle, gives them all a new reason to be suspicious.
When Megan and Wyatt discover her daughter’s illness may be linked to this mysterious stranger, it sets them on a race to discover the truth, before it’s too late to save Caitlin—and the rest of the Morris clan. In this deadly new world, trust doesn’t come easy.
But if they want to survive, they’ll have to learn to work together…
After an EMP attack shuts down the world, Megan Wolford has one goal: protect her daughter, Caitlin, at any cost. When a mysterious illness infects Caitlin, Megan must forage for medical supplies at a remote lodge. The last thing she wants is help from her fellow survivors when so many have let her down—but she’s running out of time.
Meanwhile, former Navy SEAL Wyatt Morris is doing everything he can to keep his family together after the tragic death of his father. When Megan trespasses on Wyatt’s land, he doesn’t trust her. But he can’t turn away a sick child, no matter how dangerous the world has become. Then the arrival of another stranger, Kyle, gives them all a new reason to be suspicious.
When Megan and Wyatt discover her daughter’s illness may be linked to this mysterious stranger, it sets them on a race to discover the truth, before it’s too late to save Caitlin—and the rest of the Morris clan. In this deadly new world, trust doesn’t come easy.
But if they want to survive, they’ll have to learn to work together…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
945 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Grace Hamilton
139 books293 followersGrace Hamilton is the prepper pen-name for a bad-ass, survivalist momma-bear of four kids, and wife to a wonderful husband. After being stuck in a mountain cabin for six days following a flash flood, she decided she never wanted to feel so powerless or have to send her kids to bed hungry again. Now she lives the prepper lifestyle and knows that if SHTF or TEOTWAWKI happens, she’ll be ready to help protect and provide for her family.
Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"
It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.
Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"
It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 26, 2024
SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS THE WORLD TURNS DARK AFTER AN EMP ATTACK
Dark Retreat: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Saga Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info (EMP Lodge Series Book 1) by Grace Hamilton is a well written story of a small group of people, mostly family and a few friends) come together in the mountains outside of Spokane, Washington. Grace Hamilton writes with a voice that brings a flow to her book, drawing you into the story.
The Morris family and their friends take in a young woman and her four year old daughter who is on the edge of death. The family not only excepts the young woman (Megan) into their lodge/cabin but does everything in their power to heal Megan's little girl Caitlin.
In the aftermath of the EMP, this family goes well out of their way to help Megan and Caitlin, and in doing so, they find themselves not only caring for them but also become really attracted to them. Wyatt Morris our leading hero in this story does everything he can to get Megan to stay and join their group for the benefit of everyone and in doing so, he falls in love with her and her daughter.
This is a book of hardships and compassion, struggles with the harsh environment, and a phyco serial killer who wants to become a king in the chaos and take control of the surrounding area.
This is the first book in which I have read of Grace Hamilton, and it has truly caught my interest and I am planning on starting the second book in this series shortly. I hope you, too, will enjoy reading this book.
Dark Retreat: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Saga Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info (EMP Lodge Series Book 1) by Grace Hamilton is a well written story of a small group of people, mostly family and a few friends) come together in the mountains outside of Spokane, Washington. Grace Hamilton writes with a voice that brings a flow to her book, drawing you into the story.
The Morris family and their friends take in a young woman and her four year old daughter who is on the edge of death. The family not only excepts the young woman (Megan) into their lodge/cabin but does everything in their power to heal Megan's little girl Caitlin.
In the aftermath of the EMP, this family goes well out of their way to help Megan and Caitlin, and in doing so, they find themselves not only caring for them but also become really attracted to them. Wyatt Morris our leading hero in this story does everything he can to get Megan to stay and join their group for the benefit of everyone and in doing so, he falls in love with her and her daughter.
This is a book of hardships and compassion, struggles with the harsh environment, and a phyco serial killer who wants to become a king in the chaos and take control of the surrounding area.
This is the first book in which I have read of Grace Hamilton, and it has truly caught my interest and I am planning on starting the second book in this series shortly. I hope you, too, will enjoy reading this book.
January 2, 2024
I really wouldn't bother with this one if I were you. Wish I hadn't!
This book was a salutary lesson in me not occasionally glancing at the reviews of a book before downloading it!
Frankly, I'm rather incredulous at the vast number of four and five star reviews for this book. Seriously, that rather shocked me because it doesn't seem to accurately reflect in any way on the poor quality of the writing, the paper-thin characters who do/don't do things for no apparent reason, nor the trite and annoying romance.
This is so poorly written. The ex-SEAL is quite ridiculously inept; his demonstrated stupidity, let alone his total lack of common sense, would have ensured he'd never have made it into that elite group. It's actually quite insulting to the actual SEAL community. Or indeed pretty much any and everyone else. I think an actual seal (as in the aquatic mammal) might have had more insight than this nincompoop of an alleged ex-SEAL.
Can't even be bothered summing up the myriad of problems with this book, I'd rather spend the time reading something worthwhile.
It's badly written romance drivel masquerading as post-apocalyptic, un-researched, plot-hole-riddled, fanfiction. I'm going to start checking the one and two star reviews in future, would have saved me from totally wasting my time and a causing great deal of annoyance. And avoiding a frustration-induced headache!
Me cranky after reading this book? Yes indeed I am. Anyone have a couple of spare aspirin?
This book was a salutary lesson in me not occasionally glancing at the reviews of a book before downloading it!
Frankly, I'm rather incredulous at the vast number of four and five star reviews for this book. Seriously, that rather shocked me because it doesn't seem to accurately reflect in any way on the poor quality of the writing, the paper-thin characters who do/don't do things for no apparent reason, nor the trite and annoying romance.
This is so poorly written. The ex-SEAL is quite ridiculously inept; his demonstrated stupidity, let alone his total lack of common sense, would have ensured he'd never have made it into that elite group. It's actually quite insulting to the actual SEAL community. Or indeed pretty much any and everyone else. I think an actual seal (as in the aquatic mammal) might have had more insight than this nincompoop of an alleged ex-SEAL.
Can't even be bothered summing up the myriad of problems with this book, I'd rather spend the time reading something worthwhile.
It's badly written romance drivel masquerading as post-apocalyptic, un-researched, plot-hole-riddled, fanfiction. I'm going to start checking the one and two star reviews in future, would have saved me from totally wasting my time and a causing great deal of annoyance. And avoiding a frustration-induced headache!
Me cranky after reading this book? Yes indeed I am. Anyone have a couple of spare aspirin?
Read
April 12, 2017 DNF NOT GOING TO RATE. Good writing and good prepper book, but not enough action for me. It's has a slow pece, romance and prep information....
I found out that i like more zombies and bad guys in my apocalypse.
Three months after life as she knows it was decimated, Megan Wolford
has only one goal: protect her daughter, Caitlin, at any cost.
When a mysterious illness strikes Caitlin down, Megan is forced to forage for medical supplies at a remote lodge.
Ex-Navy SEAL Wyatt Morris
is doing everything he can to hold his family together after the tragic death of his prepper Dad, so when Megan enters their lands, he is mistrustful at first despite feeling drawn to her. He won't turn away an ill child though--no matter how deadly the world has become. But the arrival of another stranger named Kyle
soon gives them all a new reason to be suspicious. Wyatt knows he’ll have to forge alliances in order to keep his family safe, but trusting the wrong person could be a deadly mistake.
I found out that i like more zombies and bad guys in my apocalypse.
Three months after life as she knows it was decimated, Megan Wolford
has only one goal: protect her daughter, Caitlin, at any cost.
When a mysterious illness strikes Caitlin down, Megan is forced to forage for medical supplies at a remote lodge.
Ex-Navy SEAL Wyatt Morris
is doing everything he can to hold his family together after the tragic death of his prepper Dad, so when Megan enters their lands, he is mistrustful at first despite feeling drawn to her. He won't turn away an ill child though--no matter how deadly the world has become. But the arrival of another stranger named Kyle
soon gives them all a new reason to be suspicious. Wyatt knows he’ll have to forge alliances in order to keep his family safe, but trusting the wrong person could be a deadly mistake.
December 17, 2018
It's rare to find a book where you absolutely love every character, save for the villain.
In "Dark Retreat", I met a group of people I loved, rooted for, held my breath for, and rejoiced with throughout the story.
After the world is put on pause with an EMP, Megan vows to keep her daughter safe from harm, as she searches for a new home for them. When seven-year-old Caitlin becomes ill, Megan sacrifices some of her lonerism and accepts the help of Wyatt, an ex Navy Seal, and his family.
Making their home in a well-prepped mountain retreat, this loving family is grieving the loss of their patriarch, and yet they still laugh, love, and open their hearts to people in need. What follows is suspenseful, familial, and fantastic!
I love that Megan is vulnerable and feminine, but supremely strong when it counts. If I am looking for "empowerment" in a woman, this is the kind of character I seek out. Man-hating throat-slitting bad ass female characters have to work a hundred times as hard to impress me, because they aren't as realistic as a woman who struggles mightily, feels sincere and deep feelings, and triumphs. In Megan, I see a realistic character, one I can empathize with, and deeply admire. Her trust is not given easily. It is earned.
*gives standing ovation for a real heroine*
Wyatt is a strong alpha male, but he is such a sweetheart, and to see him so smitten with Megan is precious!
I love everyone in his family, and I can't wait for the next book. If I keep rhapsodizing, I'll unintentionally give spoilers, so i'll end with this.
If you like wonderful families, dogs, Navy Seals, and realistic female lead characters, read this book!
PS - As an added bonus, you will learn a few real-world tips on survival.
In "Dark Retreat", I met a group of people I loved, rooted for, held my breath for, and rejoiced with throughout the story.
After the world is put on pause with an EMP, Megan vows to keep her daughter safe from harm, as she searches for a new home for them. When seven-year-old Caitlin becomes ill, Megan sacrifices some of her lonerism and accepts the help of Wyatt, an ex Navy Seal, and his family.
Making their home in a well-prepped mountain retreat, this loving family is grieving the loss of their patriarch, and yet they still laugh, love, and open their hearts to people in need. What follows is suspenseful, familial, and fantastic!
I love that Megan is vulnerable and feminine, but supremely strong when it counts. If I am looking for "empowerment" in a woman, this is the kind of character I seek out. Man-hating throat-slitting bad ass female characters have to work a hundred times as hard to impress me, because they aren't as realistic as a woman who struggles mightily, feels sincere and deep feelings, and triumphs. In Megan, I see a realistic character, one I can empathize with, and deeply admire. Her trust is not given easily. It is earned.
*gives standing ovation for a real heroine*
Wyatt is a strong alpha male, but he is such a sweetheart, and to see him so smitten with Megan is precious!
I love everyone in his family, and I can't wait for the next book. If I keep rhapsodizing, I'll unintentionally give spoilers, so i'll end with this.
If you like wonderful families, dogs, Navy Seals, and realistic female lead characters, read this book!
PS - As an added bonus, you will learn a few real-world tips on survival.
August 6, 2017
This follows Megan and her daughter Caitlin. Caitlin is deathly ill and Megan is trying to find a way to save her. She stumbles upon a remote cabin that seems abandoned and breaks in to see if there is anything there to help her daughter. Extremely tired, she falls asleep only to wake up to some people in the cabin. Thankfully the people are friendly to her and agree to help Caitlin. She is hesitant to accept their help because so many people have let her down, but Caitlin is too sick to go anywhere.
This was an enjoyable read, though a little.... too easyish for Megan and Caitlin. It's hard to believe that they would stumble upon people who are so nice and so prepared, but that could be just my cynical self ;) I also rolled my eyes a bit at the predictable romance!! It felt too fast.
I did really like all the characters though. Megan is well prepared and knowledgeable in a lot of things and is well able to look after herself, but I liked that she didn't know anything and was willing to teach the family things, whilst also learning things herself. I liked the family too, especially the dog ;) They were all well written and developed!!
In all, a good solid start to what I'm hoping will be a great series. I liked the extra mystery within the post apoc element. Like life isn't hard enough, they have to figure out what happened Caitlin! I'm looking forward to thee next one.
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
This was an enjoyable read, though a little.... too easyish for Megan and Caitlin. It's hard to believe that they would stumble upon people who are so nice and so prepared, but that could be just my cynical self ;) I also rolled my eyes a bit at the predictable romance!! It felt too fast.
I did really like all the characters though. Megan is well prepared and knowledgeable in a lot of things and is well able to look after herself, but I liked that she didn't know anything and was willing to teach the family things, whilst also learning things herself. I liked the family too, especially the dog ;) They were all well written and developed!!
In all, a good solid start to what I'm hoping will be a great series. I liked the extra mystery within the post apoc element. Like life isn't hard enough, they have to figure out what happened Caitlin! I'm looking forward to thee next one.
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
October 4, 2019
So after saying about five hundred times how she can't rely on anyone but herself, a woman who almost dies trying to save her child leaves selfsame child alone with a stranger she says she doesn't trust and goes off to build a greenhouse. La la la. Really? Either she's an moron or she's a blowhard. Or she has no character at all, and this book runs on an idiot plot and a bunch of cliches: a woman done wrong, a healing wise woman, a magical pet, insta-love, and finding home where you don't expect it are just a few.
So bad.
So bad.
June 20, 2021
Dark Retreat. Grace Hamilton
An EMP has struck. Whether a result of nature, a solar flare or intentional is unknown. Total chaos now reigns. People are behaving like wild animals. Stealing and murdering to obtain food. A young mother, Megan and her daughter Katlin are on there own. Megan has basic survival skills but her daughter has become extremely ill. Unconscious. They stumble upon what appears to be an abandoned cabin. She manages to break in. Her and her daughter fall asleep on one of the beds. Then the owners return. A family and two close friends. The mother in the group quickly realize the small girl is very ill. Near death.The family immediately take her and her daughter in. Allowing them to stay. Megan has no idea her daughter has been poisoned at the last encampment they stayed at. Katlin witnessed a murder and she and her mother are now being hunted by the murderer and his group of men. Megan and Katlin need to be silenced. Permanently. What ensues is a story of friendship, survival and an extremely climactic end. An excellent read!!!
An EMP has struck. Whether a result of nature, a solar flare or intentional is unknown. Total chaos now reigns. People are behaving like wild animals. Stealing and murdering to obtain food. A young mother, Megan and her daughter Katlin are on there own. Megan has basic survival skills but her daughter has become extremely ill. Unconscious. They stumble upon what appears to be an abandoned cabin. She manages to break in. Her and her daughter fall asleep on one of the beds. Then the owners return. A family and two close friends. The mother in the group quickly realize the small girl is very ill. Near death.The family immediately take her and her daughter in. Allowing them to stay. Megan has no idea her daughter has been poisoned at the last encampment they stayed at. Katlin witnessed a murder and she and her mother are now being hunted by the murderer and his group of men. Megan and Katlin need to be silenced. Permanently. What ensues is a story of friendship, survival and an extremely climactic end. An excellent read!!!
August 30, 2017
While there were many things about this story that I liked the one glaring inconsistency that came about near the last part was when all of a sudden directionally challenged Megan became able to skillfully navigate her way from point A to point B with no errors or lost time. I am sorry but no matter how you slice or dice it when someone is in mortal peril they do not all of a sudden become near genius level at finding their way back to some place from a strange area they have never traveled to before.
Other than that there are only one or two minor annoyances associated with reading this post-apocalyptic/romance/second chance tale, they however are not even worth tallying up to share.
When you do have a group as talented as these individuals are it is a great idea to have them all end up together so their survival in a world without amenities or conveniences we take for granted everyday is easier to ensure, that and the fact that of course some of their groundwork for just such a change in lifestyle was set up well in advance do not hurt their chances either.
Predictable but still enjoyable set-up to a series.
Other than that there are only one or two minor annoyances associated with reading this post-apocalyptic/romance/second chance tale, they however are not even worth tallying up to share.
When you do have a group as talented as these individuals are it is a great idea to have them all end up together so their survival in a world without amenities or conveniences we take for granted everyday is easier to ensure, that and the fact that of course some of their groundwork for just such a change in lifestyle was set up well in advance do not hurt their chances either.
Predictable but still enjoyable set-up to a series.
June 24, 2017
Title: Dark Retreat - EMP Lodge Series Book 1
Author: Grace Hamilton
Publisher: Relay Publishing
Published: 2-7-2017
Pages: 307
Genre: Sci Fy & Fantasy
Sub-Genre: Outdoors & Nature; Dystopian; Post- Apocalyptic
ASIN: B01MV7S5FK
ISBN: 9781542996990
Reviewed For: NetGalley and Relay Publishing
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
What would you do to provide for those you live while the world goes up in flames around you. Megan Wolford must answer that question when her seven year old daughter, Caitlin, falls ill three months after an EMP strike had plunged the world into total blackout. If you had no survival skill you will die. Only the strong survive and Megan is determined that her daughter will survive.
Carrying her daughter for days, wading through the dead and dangerous wilderness she searches for shelter, food and medicine. When sees the lodge in the distance her hopes rises. Exhausted, bruised and bleeding she wonders what awaits her there. Salvation or death?
From the opening scene to the final lines "Dark Retreat holds you on the edge of your seat as you hold your breath waiting to see happens next. Characters that have depth and are multidimensional. Writing that will take you to the horrors of the dead and dying. So much to feel and experience. My rating of :"Dark Retreat" is 4.5 out of 5. I can not wait to see what happens in book 2.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MV7S5FK/...
B&N Link: Not Available
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Grace Hamilton
Publisher: Relay Publishing
Published: 2-7-2017
Pages: 307
Genre: Sci Fy & Fantasy
Sub-Genre: Outdoors & Nature; Dystopian; Post- Apocalyptic
ASIN: B01MV7S5FK
ISBN: 9781542996990
Reviewed For: NetGalley and Relay Publishing
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
What would you do to provide for those you live while the world goes up in flames around you. Megan Wolford must answer that question when her seven year old daughter, Caitlin, falls ill three months after an EMP strike had plunged the world into total blackout. If you had no survival skill you will die. Only the strong survive and Megan is determined that her daughter will survive.
Carrying her daughter for days, wading through the dead and dangerous wilderness she searches for shelter, food and medicine. When sees the lodge in the distance her hopes rises. Exhausted, bruised and bleeding she wonders what awaits her there. Salvation or death?
From the opening scene to the final lines "Dark Retreat holds you on the edge of your seat as you hold your breath waiting to see happens next. Characters that have depth and are multidimensional. Writing that will take you to the horrors of the dead and dying. So much to feel and experience. My rating of :"Dark Retreat" is 4.5 out of 5. I can not wait to see what happens in book 2.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MV7S5FK/...
B&N Link: Not Available
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
October 27, 2018
I felt I was ready, and this may sound odd but I had a craving for an impressive post apocalyptic read and as I had this one waiting to be read on my kindle I decided, after reading the blurb that hopefully this would be the perfect book for me to read now! I think most visitors to my blog will know I totally adore the post apocalyptic & dystopian genres, though I do like reading other genres too.
The cover depicts a scene from the book very well, showing Megan and Caitlin gazing at what must look like heaven or an oasis to them after being off grid so long. The dark thunderous looking sky really fits the post apocalyptic genre of the book. I think the cover sets the scene for the book very well. The genres I have seen listed for this book are Outdoors & Nature, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic. The characters are having to get used to the elements of their changed world and within the book herbal remedies are used so I'd guess that's what the "Outdoors & Nature" label comes in. I would add the genres "survival" & "action/adventure" as both suit the content in this book along with post-apocalyptic
The book follows two different groups to begin with. Though as the book continues we follow them all as a group.
There is Megan and her daughter Caitlin who is ill. Megan is desperately searching homes, cabins, whatever she can come across for medicines, for something to help her precious daughter. It is this search that ends up with Megan and Caitlin meeting the other group in this book who are a family who are managing to survive in the lodge that is pictured on the book cover. Megan literally stumbles upon the lodge hoping to find some sort of medication to help her daughter, as well as hoping to stay inside the lodge for a few nights.
Wyatt has taken over as head of the Morris family now since his father died. Though the group take a democratic approach with large decisions. Wyatt's father was an organised prepper, so the Morris clan did have a good base and a stock of supplies to begin with. When Wyatt and his family see Megan's daughter Caitlin and how sick she is they immediately open there door. Despite the world now running on the survival of the fittest, or who is the strongest wins, Wyatt and his family cannot find it in themselves to turn Meagan and Caitlin away, despite the risk that both Caitlin and Megan could be contagious or carriers of whatever illness Caitlin seems to be suffering with. Luckily for Mega, Wyatt's mum has a great knowledge of herbal remedies. Having said that there is a battle ahead to work out what is wrong with Caitlin before she can be treated with the correct herbs.
Even the dog in the Morris family welcomes Megan and Caitlin, he refuses to leave the side of Caitlin, staying alert and guarding his new young friend. Megan soon finds herself torn between what she sees as "giving in" and trusting the Morris family and staying with them. Or leaving what could very well be the answer to her prayers for herself and her daughter and moving on out into the unknown once again. Megan also has fast developing romantic feelings about Wyatt and it seems those feeling are reciprocated. Caitlin has already made firm friendships with those in the Lodge especially Wyatt's young nephew who is around her own age.
Later in the book another stranger, this time a lone male called Kyle happens upon the Morris clan though can he be trusted. . . sadly for the Morris Clan it turns out he cannot and once again Wyatt's mother has to use her knowledge of herbal therapies to save those who have been maliciously made ill. It also turns out that Kyle is not on his own he has traveled from his nearby settlement to create havoc and threaten the safety of the Morris settlement. Once the reason behind the visit from Kyle is disclosed "someone" (no specific name = no spoiler) feels extremely guilty about leading this extremely dangerous man to their safe haven.
There's not much more I want to reveal as I don't want to give spoilers and soil your own enjoyment of the action how and when it happens within the book reading journey. I became quickly immersed into this book and I felt like I instantly loved Megan, Caitlin and the Morris Clan. I love the hints of the possible relationship and future together for Wyatt and Megan. Megan and Caitlin quickly find a place within the loving Morris Clan but will they decide to stay or move on. Can anyone be truly safe if they stay in one place? Though can you really live a decent enough life constantly moving around?
As I have already said above I felt I loved the characters of Wyatt, Megan and Caitlin almost instantly. All the Morris Clan are brilliantly written characters and all like-able in their own ways. I do have to give a special mention to another Morris family member, Wyatt's mum. I suppose some would call her the unofficial head of the Clan, she clearly cares and loves all members of the Clan, both the ones related by blood and the "adopted" members too. Her experience with old wives tales and prepping along with herbal medicine/remedy knowledge is truly invaluable.
So what were my first thoughts upon finishing reading this book? They were, do I have the next book? Where/When can I buy it? I went straight ahead and bought it to read when ever I was ready. The only reason I did not read it straight away was I has a book to "read and review" by a set date.
I definitely recommend this book to all post apocalyptic lovers. This is the first book I have read by this author but I plan on reading many more!
The cover depicts a scene from the book very well, showing Megan and Caitlin gazing at what must look like heaven or an oasis to them after being off grid so long. The dark thunderous looking sky really fits the post apocalyptic genre of the book. I think the cover sets the scene for the book very well. The genres I have seen listed for this book are Outdoors & Nature, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic. The characters are having to get used to the elements of their changed world and within the book herbal remedies are used so I'd guess that's what the "Outdoors & Nature" label comes in. I would add the genres "survival" & "action/adventure" as both suit the content in this book along with post-apocalyptic
The book follows two different groups to begin with. Though as the book continues we follow them all as a group.
There is Megan and her daughter Caitlin who is ill. Megan is desperately searching homes, cabins, whatever she can come across for medicines, for something to help her precious daughter. It is this search that ends up with Megan and Caitlin meeting the other group in this book who are a family who are managing to survive in the lodge that is pictured on the book cover. Megan literally stumbles upon the lodge hoping to find some sort of medication to help her daughter, as well as hoping to stay inside the lodge for a few nights.
Wyatt has taken over as head of the Morris family now since his father died. Though the group take a democratic approach with large decisions. Wyatt's father was an organised prepper, so the Morris clan did have a good base and a stock of supplies to begin with. When Wyatt and his family see Megan's daughter Caitlin and how sick she is they immediately open there door. Despite the world now running on the survival of the fittest, or who is the strongest wins, Wyatt and his family cannot find it in themselves to turn Meagan and Caitlin away, despite the risk that both Caitlin and Megan could be contagious or carriers of whatever illness Caitlin seems to be suffering with. Luckily for Mega, Wyatt's mum has a great knowledge of herbal remedies. Having said that there is a battle ahead to work out what is wrong with Caitlin before she can be treated with the correct herbs.
Even the dog in the Morris family welcomes Megan and Caitlin, he refuses to leave the side of Caitlin, staying alert and guarding his new young friend. Megan soon finds herself torn between what she sees as "giving in" and trusting the Morris family and staying with them. Or leaving what could very well be the answer to her prayers for herself and her daughter and moving on out into the unknown once again. Megan also has fast developing romantic feelings about Wyatt and it seems those feeling are reciprocated. Caitlin has already made firm friendships with those in the Lodge especially Wyatt's young nephew who is around her own age.
Later in the book another stranger, this time a lone male called Kyle happens upon the Morris clan though can he be trusted. . . sadly for the Morris Clan it turns out he cannot and once again Wyatt's mother has to use her knowledge of herbal therapies to save those who have been maliciously made ill. It also turns out that Kyle is not on his own he has traveled from his nearby settlement to create havoc and threaten the safety of the Morris settlement. Once the reason behind the visit from Kyle is disclosed "someone" (no specific name = no spoiler) feels extremely guilty about leading this extremely dangerous man to their safe haven.
There's not much more I want to reveal as I don't want to give spoilers and soil your own enjoyment of the action how and when it happens within the book reading journey. I became quickly immersed into this book and I felt like I instantly loved Megan, Caitlin and the Morris Clan. I love the hints of the possible relationship and future together for Wyatt and Megan. Megan and Caitlin quickly find a place within the loving Morris Clan but will they decide to stay or move on. Can anyone be truly safe if they stay in one place? Though can you really live a decent enough life constantly moving around?
As I have already said above I felt I loved the characters of Wyatt, Megan and Caitlin almost instantly. All the Morris Clan are brilliantly written characters and all like-able in their own ways. I do have to give a special mention to another Morris family member, Wyatt's mum. I suppose some would call her the unofficial head of the Clan, she clearly cares and loves all members of the Clan, both the ones related by blood and the "adopted" members too. Her experience with old wives tales and prepping along with herbal medicine/remedy knowledge is truly invaluable.
So what were my first thoughts upon finishing reading this book? They were, do I have the next book? Where/When can I buy it? I went straight ahead and bought it to read when ever I was ready. The only reason I did not read it straight away was I has a book to "read and review" by a set date.
I definitely recommend this book to all post apocalyptic lovers. This is the first book I have read by this author but I plan on reading many more!
January 30, 2021
Good prepper info, but the characters are lame. I got it for free from Amazon and I guess I got what I paid for.
November 2, 2017
"This new world meant that only the fittest, strongest and most prepared would survive."
Three months ago massive solar flares had destroyed the electrical and electronic infrastructure of the world and life as we knew it ended.
Single mom Megan Wolford is lost in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and trying to find help for her desperately ill seven year-old daughter, Caitlin, when she stumbles across a deserted hunting lodge. She breaks in and it's not too long before she's discovered by the owners of the lodge, who were a lot better prepared for TEOTWAWKI.
Megan doesn't give her trust easily but is soon falling under the spell of ex-Navy SEAL, Wyatt Morris, and his family and friends.
Danger has followed Megan and Caitlin and she needs to decide who she can trust, if anyone.
This is a pretty basic end of the world survival story. No zombies, no nukes, no fancy weapons but I enjoyed it and it's a quick read. I'm off to read book two in the series now DARK HUNT.
Three months ago massive solar flares had destroyed the electrical and electronic infrastructure of the world and life as we knew it ended.
Single mom Megan Wolford is lost in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and trying to find help for her desperately ill seven year-old daughter, Caitlin, when she stumbles across a deserted hunting lodge. She breaks in and it's not too long before she's discovered by the owners of the lodge, who were a lot better prepared for TEOTWAWKI.
Megan doesn't give her trust easily but is soon falling under the spell of ex-Navy SEAL, Wyatt Morris, and his family and friends.
Danger has followed Megan and Caitlin and she needs to decide who she can trust, if anyone.
This is a pretty basic end of the world survival story. No zombies, no nukes, no fancy weapons but I enjoyed it and it's a quick read. I'm off to read book two in the series now DARK HUNT.
September 30, 2020
Whiplash
The twists and turns kept this story interesting. Loved the strong female characters, they ally made the book worth while
The twists and turns kept this story interesting. Loved the strong female characters, they ally made the book worth while
March 6, 2018
I really liked this series. Takes place after an EMP strike. Megan and her daughter Caitlin stumble upon a lodge deep in the woods as they try to escape the city. Turns out the lodge isn't vacant as she originally thought and a family of sorts is now living there. It was built by the Dad and prepped over the years to be a self sustaining location if disaster were ever to strike. The Dad was killed when the EMP first hit and the mom Rosie, son Wyatt, son Jack with wife Willow and child Ryland (something like that), along with two friends Chase and Albert had escaped to the mountain.
Caitlin is very sick and getting worse. A man named Kyle turns up who claims to be a Dr. Really, he is the man who poisoned Caitlin because she saw him murder a man. He was stopping back to make sure she died. In the end, he is killed by Megan. His group of people show up and vow revenge. They do seem to be good people though and only the brother is upset that his brother Kyle died.
After many trials, Megan and Caitlin stay at the lodge with hopes of surviving.
Date not working, finished February 28, 2018.
Caitlin is very sick and getting worse. A man named Kyle turns up who claims to be a Dr. Really, he is the man who poisoned Caitlin because she saw him murder a man. He was stopping back to make sure she died. In the end, he is killed by Megan. His group of people show up and vow revenge. They do seem to be good people though and only the brother is upset that his brother Kyle died.
After many trials, Megan and Caitlin stay at the lodge with hopes of surviving.
Date not working, finished February 28, 2018.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
Looking forward to reading more!!!
This isn't typically my genre of reading but I truly found Grace Hamilton's writing style easy to become immersed in. The story line is frightfully believable. I am also impressed by how much important survival information she was able to pass on without it feeling like paranoid chatter. Great book! Would recommend without a doubt
This isn't typically my genre of reading but I truly found Grace Hamilton's writing style easy to become immersed in. The story line is frightfully believable. I am also impressed by how much important survival information she was able to pass on without it feeling like paranoid chatter. Great book! Would recommend without a doubt
January 27, 2018
There was much I liked about this book. First, the world as we know it is no longer there with all it’s technology and governments and such. While everyone believes that a large powerful EMP is the reason, the details are left sketchy, which I found very believable in this new world of limited communications. While folks begin to explore and rely on herbal medicines, they also concede that they can’t cure everything and diagnosing without medical tests is very challenging. The stage is set well and now we just need a good plot and some interesting characters.
I liked Megan at first. She’s determined to find safety for her daughter and she stumbles upon a remote cabin. Pretty soon, she meets the family that lives there: Wyatt, his brother Chase, Chase’s wife Willow, the men’s mother Rosie, Willow’s young son, and also someone’s neighbor Albert. There’s also the guard dog, Duke. Each character brings some skill to the table and I was pleased that Megan was able to pull her weight from the beginning with her hunting and snaring skills.
Now I did get a little tired of Wyatt man-splaining so many things to Megan. Yes, he’s got skills she needs to learn and she’s a willing student, but after the first round or two, I really felt it was venturing into the ‘pat you on the head, you’re such a good student’ realm. We’re often shown, step-by-step, how Wyatt makes a water filter or a food dryer but when it comes Megan’s skills, we’re just told and it’s very brief. So I would have liked some balance there.
Meanwhile, the plot thickens as a shifty character enters the story: Kyle. He’s out for trouble and we know it from the start. Too bad these well meaning preppers want to think the best of everyone. I liked that Kyle brought so much tension and danger to the story. It’s not just about surviving the elements; it’s also about surviving other people.
Megan’s character does get a little whiny later on. She’s got big trust issues and those push her into making some silly and possibly deadly decisions. If I knew more about her background, this might have come off better but as it is, it felt mostly like drama for drama’s sake. Toss in the near insta-love and you have some cookie cutter plot mechanisms in play. Wyatt was falling for Megan by Day 2 and I felt, at that point, it was more about loneliness and perhaps lust than about love. It’s OK for characters to acknowledge that. Still, I was happy with how their friendship deepened towards the end of the book.
Setting aside my quibbles, I felt the pacing of the story was good. I was never bored and I liked that even as they solve one problem, or are planning for a future harsh winter or such, a new problem crops up. There’s also the varying personalities that everyone has to get along with. The setting/world building is what shined in this book for me. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Andrew Tell did an excellent job with this narration. At first, I was a little concerned because our primary character is Megan and I wasn’t sure Tell could pull off a female voice for the majority of the book. He did just fine as Megan. In fact, all his female voices were feminine and each was distinct from the other. I did sometimes confuse Wyatt’s and Chase’s voices, but they are brothers and needed to sound similar. Tell makes a great grumpy Albert. 4.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Grace Hamilton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I liked Megan at first. She’s determined to find safety for her daughter and she stumbles upon a remote cabin. Pretty soon, she meets the family that lives there: Wyatt, his brother Chase, Chase’s wife Willow, the men’s mother Rosie, Willow’s young son, and also someone’s neighbor Albert. There’s also the guard dog, Duke. Each character brings some skill to the table and I was pleased that Megan was able to pull her weight from the beginning with her hunting and snaring skills.
Now I did get a little tired of Wyatt man-splaining so many things to Megan. Yes, he’s got skills she needs to learn and she’s a willing student, but after the first round or two, I really felt it was venturing into the ‘pat you on the head, you’re such a good student’ realm. We’re often shown, step-by-step, how Wyatt makes a water filter or a food dryer but when it comes Megan’s skills, we’re just told and it’s very brief. So I would have liked some balance there.
Meanwhile, the plot thickens as a shifty character enters the story: Kyle. He’s out for trouble and we know it from the start. Too bad these well meaning preppers want to think the best of everyone. I liked that Kyle brought so much tension and danger to the story. It’s not just about surviving the elements; it’s also about surviving other people.
Megan’s character does get a little whiny later on. She’s got big trust issues and those push her into making some silly and possibly deadly decisions. If I knew more about her background, this might have come off better but as it is, it felt mostly like drama for drama’s sake. Toss in the near insta-love and you have some cookie cutter plot mechanisms in play. Wyatt was falling for Megan by Day 2 and I felt, at that point, it was more about loneliness and perhaps lust than about love. It’s OK for characters to acknowledge that. Still, I was happy with how their friendship deepened towards the end of the book.
Setting aside my quibbles, I felt the pacing of the story was good. I was never bored and I liked that even as they solve one problem, or are planning for a future harsh winter or such, a new problem crops up. There’s also the varying personalities that everyone has to get along with. The setting/world building is what shined in this book for me. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Andrew Tell did an excellent job with this narration. At first, I was a little concerned because our primary character is Megan and I wasn’t sure Tell could pull off a female voice for the majority of the book. He did just fine as Megan. In fact, all his female voices were feminine and each was distinct from the other. I did sometimes confuse Wyatt’s and Chase’s voices, but they are brothers and needed to sound similar. Tell makes a great grumpy Albert. 4.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Grace Hamilton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
August 31, 2018
** I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Grace Hamilton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. **
“Dark Retreat” was a fairly middle-of-the-road read. The plot was predictable, the characters didn’t have much development and the bad guy was pretty obvious, but I found the particulars of the apocalyptic situation to be interesting. Books in this genre usually have the “end of the world” come about as a result of war, aliens, zombies, etc. but the idea of a natural phenomenon that could, theoretically, happen for real was a nice change.
I didn’t find any of the characters in this story to be terribly well developed or even all that interesting, though they seemed pleasant enough. Their actions tended to fit what the author needed rather than what that character should actually do based on past descriptions and behaviors. A prime example of this was Navy SEAL Wyatt tromping through the forest, speaking in a normal tone of voice, and otherwise acting like he had zero understanding of stealth when he and Megan first went hunting. I felt like this was something that, based on common sense and his military training, he should have known than to do. Megan was stubborn, annoying, and naïve, and we’re reminded constantly of her past let-downs. She didn’t show much in the way of growth and she, too, made illogical decisions because the author needed her to do so to drive the plot forward. The other characters (besides Rosie, who actually played an important-ish role) were pretty unmemorable and seemed to be there as filler more than anything else.
The attraction between Megan and Wyatt felt unnatural and forced in the beginning, and personally, I dislike this kind of not-quite-insta-love. I much prefer relationships that develop more naturally and enhance the storyline, but in “Dark Retreat” it all felt just a bit jammed in and heavy-handed. Too much of the plot hinged on it at some times but not at others, as if this story didn’t quite know what it wanted to be. I did, however, find the survivalist aspects of the plot to be interesting, and the fact that what caused all the chaos is something that could potentially be fixed gave the story an underlying note of hope. The lack of aliens, zombies, and nuclear war was also refreshing and I admire the author for coming up with something a little more unique than what is typical for this genre.
My favorite part of this whole experience was the narrator. Andrew Tell voiced the characters well and he provided the right amount of tension in places it was needed. His pace and tone were great for this type story. I think he gave this story a life and depth it would have lacked in print, and he's definitely a narrator whose work I'll look up! The audio quality was consistent and professional, with no awkward pauses, distracting background noise, or volume changes.
Bottom line: I didn’t love or hate this book and the only thing that kept it from being a 2 or 3 star experience was the narrator.
“Dark Retreat” was a fairly middle-of-the-road read. The plot was predictable, the characters didn’t have much development and the bad guy was pretty obvious, but I found the particulars of the apocalyptic situation to be interesting. Books in this genre usually have the “end of the world” come about as a result of war, aliens, zombies, etc. but the idea of a natural phenomenon that could, theoretically, happen for real was a nice change.
I didn’t find any of the characters in this story to be terribly well developed or even all that interesting, though they seemed pleasant enough. Their actions tended to fit what the author needed rather than what that character should actually do based on past descriptions and behaviors. A prime example of this was Navy SEAL Wyatt tromping through the forest, speaking in a normal tone of voice, and otherwise acting like he had zero understanding of stealth when he and Megan first went hunting. I felt like this was something that, based on common sense and his military training, he should have known than to do. Megan was stubborn, annoying, and naïve, and we’re reminded constantly of her past let-downs. She didn’t show much in the way of growth and she, too, made illogical decisions because the author needed her to do so to drive the plot forward. The other characters (besides Rosie, who actually played an important-ish role) were pretty unmemorable and seemed to be there as filler more than anything else.
The attraction between Megan and Wyatt felt unnatural and forced in the beginning, and personally, I dislike this kind of not-quite-insta-love. I much prefer relationships that develop more naturally and enhance the storyline, but in “Dark Retreat” it all felt just a bit jammed in and heavy-handed. Too much of the plot hinged on it at some times but not at others, as if this story didn’t quite know what it wanted to be. I did, however, find the survivalist aspects of the plot to be interesting, and the fact that what caused all the chaos is something that could potentially be fixed gave the story an underlying note of hope. The lack of aliens, zombies, and nuclear war was also refreshing and I admire the author for coming up with something a little more unique than what is typical for this genre.
My favorite part of this whole experience was the narrator. Andrew Tell voiced the characters well and he provided the right amount of tension in places it was needed. His pace and tone were great for this type story. I think he gave this story a life and depth it would have lacked in print, and he's definitely a narrator whose work I'll look up! The audio quality was consistent and professional, with no awkward pauses, distracting background noise, or volume changes.
Bottom line: I didn’t love or hate this book and the only thing that kept it from being a 2 or 3 star experience was the narrator.
January 12, 2018
After an EMP has put an end to the world as they knew it, Megan is looking for a way to survive along her daughter Caitlin. Sadly Caitlin is terribly sick, and Megan just needs to find a safe place and medicines if she has any hope of helping her daughter.
This was an easy and relaxing listen. I especially enjoyed all the tips the Morris family had in store for after the apocalypse. I almost felt like stashing up and get ready just in case.
The main characters were well developed and it was easy to connect to them. The secondary characters though, were one dimensional and just there to complete the story and give some background.
Although I really enjoyed the story, I didn't really buy the fact that Kyle went out of his way to check if he succeeded in killing Caitlin. She witnessed something he did, yes, but in an uncommunicated world, does it really matter what someone from the next town did? Someone who you will probably never see again? It just doesn't seem plausible to me.
The romance in this book didn't really bother me but it felt a bit rushed. Everything worked out very well very easily. A young woman arrives at a house and one of the men there immediately falls in love with her. Again, not very realistic, but okay.
I found strange that mother and daughter appear blond on the cover of the book, while both of them are described with black hair. This is not really a criticism towards the book per say, but details like this one make the difference between something just okay and something really good.
One of the reasons for which I really enjoyed the audiobook was Andrew Tell's narration. He delivered a very clear and pleasant narration, with great characters' interpretations and a decent voice range to be able to discern who was talking. It felt like watching a movie with different characters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Grace Hamilton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This was an easy and relaxing listen. I especially enjoyed all the tips the Morris family had in store for after the apocalypse. I almost felt like stashing up and get ready just in case.
The main characters were well developed and it was easy to connect to them. The secondary characters though, were one dimensional and just there to complete the story and give some background.
Although I really enjoyed the story, I didn't really buy the fact that Kyle went out of his way to check if he succeeded in killing Caitlin. She witnessed something he did, yes, but in an uncommunicated world, does it really matter what someone from the next town did? Someone who you will probably never see again? It just doesn't seem plausible to me.
The romance in this book didn't really bother me but it felt a bit rushed. Everything worked out very well very easily. A young woman arrives at a house and one of the men there immediately falls in love with her. Again, not very realistic, but okay.
I found strange that mother and daughter appear blond on the cover of the book, while both of them are described with black hair. This is not really a criticism towards the book per say, but details like this one make the difference between something just okay and something really good.
One of the reasons for which I really enjoyed the audiobook was Andrew Tell's narration. He delivered a very clear and pleasant narration, with great characters' interpretations and a decent voice range to be able to discern who was talking. It felt like watching a movie with different characters.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Grace Hamilton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
January 12, 2018
Dark Retreat is based in a post apocalyptic world where you can trust no one.
Megan is a strong, fierce woman who would do anything to ensure that her daughter and her survive in this world that makes it difficult for anyone to survive. I loved how strong her character was, she is a single Mom with a young sick child and her focus at all times is her child and their survival. She has so many skills that ensure their survival (tracking, hunting, etc..) and I really enjoyed that these shined out throughout the book. Her current survival mission? Find medication for her very ill daughter. Which sounds easy in theory but is proving to be quite difficult. It is in the hunt for this medication that she stumbles upon the cottage of Wyatt.
Wyatt and his family have built the ultimate survival home. It actually left me in awe listening to how much thought and preparation went into their home. If there was any home that Megan could find then this was her best chance. She struggles with accepting their help due to her independent streak - could she really trust them? Why would complete strangers want to help her? They also struggle with the same thoughts, would helping her come back to haunt them? Thrown in is a twist that doesn't become apparent until the end of the novel.
This was an exciting novel from start to finish. We have this post apocalyptic world which has turned people against each other, a young Mother trying to help her daughter and throw in an evil stranger tracking her daughter and we have an excellent plot! The story is well-played out and the narration was well done and suited the novel. I liked that it wasn't heavy on the apocalypse and death but more on hope and trust.
January 10, 2018
When I first saw the sign-up of the ‘Dark Retreat’ Audiobook Blog Tour I found myself fascinated by this amazing cover. It’s the first thing that grabbed my attention and after I read the book description I immediately signed up for this tour.
In ‘Dark Retreat’ we meet Megan Wolford and her daughter Caitlin. When Caitlin suddenly becomes very ill, Megan is determined to find her daughter some help. But this isn’t easy in the world she lives in. After traveling for days Megan is exhausted, but refuses to give up. And thankfully soon Megan finds a little cabin in the woods filled with people who are willing to help her out. There Megan meets Wyatt, an ex-navy seal who only wants to care for his family.
I really enjoyed ‘Dark Retreat’ from the moment I started listening to it. It was an easy to follow story, and sometimes things seem to go a little too easy, but it was good and kept me hooked. I loved getting to know the different characters. Megan was just such an amazing and strong mom. I loved her. The romance between her and Wyatt was nice too. A little to predictable to my taste, but it was good.
To be honest, I was kind of surprised when I found out the narrator was a man. Especially when this story seemed to be mostly told from Megan’s point of view. But I soon loved listening to Andrew’s voice so much that I totally forget about my first worries. Andrew really has a talent. His voice kept me hooked and I can’t wait to listen to more audiobooks by him.
Overall ‘Dark Retreat’ is a nice and good to follow story. I definitely love a dystopian story once in a while. And although this one held some problems for me, I mostly just really enjoyed it.
In ‘Dark Retreat’ we meet Megan Wolford and her daughter Caitlin. When Caitlin suddenly becomes very ill, Megan is determined to find her daughter some help. But this isn’t easy in the world she lives in. After traveling for days Megan is exhausted, but refuses to give up. And thankfully soon Megan finds a little cabin in the woods filled with people who are willing to help her out. There Megan meets Wyatt, an ex-navy seal who only wants to care for his family.
I really enjoyed ‘Dark Retreat’ from the moment I started listening to it. It was an easy to follow story, and sometimes things seem to go a little too easy, but it was good and kept me hooked. I loved getting to know the different characters. Megan was just such an amazing and strong mom. I loved her. The romance between her and Wyatt was nice too. A little to predictable to my taste, but it was good.
To be honest, I was kind of surprised when I found out the narrator was a man. Especially when this story seemed to be mostly told from Megan’s point of view. But I soon loved listening to Andrew’s voice so much that I totally forget about my first worries. Andrew really has a talent. His voice kept me hooked and I can’t wait to listen to more audiobooks by him.
Overall ‘Dark Retreat’ is a nice and good to follow story. I definitely love a dystopian story once in a while. And although this one held some problems for me, I mostly just really enjoyed it.
January 14, 2018
Audio review -
I loved reading about the author just as much as I liked the book. I was wondering where she got all her information from, now I know.
This was the beginning of what looks like a real good series. I love the post apocalyptic type books! It was a very enjoyable and interesting read. There was not as much action as I would have liked or as you would expect from this kind of book though. I thought it should have had more edge to it.
Good character development. I wasn't in love with Megan, there was just something about her that I didn't care for personality wise. I really did like the rest of the "family" though and I do look forward to read more about them in up coming books.
What I really did like about this book was the talk of and the author's knowledge of herbal/alternative remedies. I am very much into alternative medicine and organic gardening and "putting up" so all that was a huge plus for me. I am a vegetarian so didn't care as much for the hunting and trapping (it didn't turn me off, it just isn't my thing).
Since this was an audio - the reader was just OK for me. He wasn't great, but wasn't terrible. But - I am very picky when it comes to narration! I was also surprised it was a man doing the narrating since the main character was a woman.
Altogether a nice read. And like I said - I do hope to continue to the next book.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from The Audiobookworm - Thank You!!
I loved reading about the author just as much as I liked the book. I was wondering where she got all her information from, now I know.
This was the beginning of what looks like a real good series. I love the post apocalyptic type books! It was a very enjoyable and interesting read. There was not as much action as I would have liked or as you would expect from this kind of book though. I thought it should have had more edge to it.
Good character development. I wasn't in love with Megan, there was just something about her that I didn't care for personality wise. I really did like the rest of the "family" though and I do look forward to read more about them in up coming books.
What I really did like about this book was the talk of and the author's knowledge of herbal/alternative remedies. I am very much into alternative medicine and organic gardening and "putting up" so all that was a huge plus for me. I am a vegetarian so didn't care as much for the hunting and trapping (it didn't turn me off, it just isn't my thing).
Since this was an audio - the reader was just OK for me. He wasn't great, but wasn't terrible. But - I am very picky when it comes to narration! I was also surprised it was a man doing the narrating since the main character was a woman.
Altogether a nice read. And like I said - I do hope to continue to the next book.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from The Audiobookworm - Thank You!!
December 27, 2017
Audio Book Review
The story and performance of Dark Retreat EMP Lodge #1 was fantastic. Grace Hamilton wrote a compelling post apocalyptic tale that Andrew Tell brought to life with his rich voice.
After a EMP virtually shuts down the entire world chaos ensues. Megan is just trying to keep her and her daughter safe and create some semblance of a normal life. Her daughter, Caitlin, falls ill with a mysterious illness while they are traveling. That's when Megan stumbles upon a cabin in the woods.
Wyatt, his mom, brother, and friends have created a pioneer home in the mountains which Megan happens to stumble upon. Unbeknown to all them, there is a con man following Megan.
You can kinda see where this is going. I don't want to add spoilers!
The MC, Megan, is strong, resilient, and brave. Her love for her sick child and her ability to stand in the face of danger not only for her child but the newfound family she finds in Wyatt and the others. I found myself cheering her on.
Andrew Tell is a fantastic narrator. He did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. I look forward to checking out other work from him.
The story and performance of Dark Retreat EMP Lodge #1 was fantastic. Grace Hamilton wrote a compelling post apocalyptic tale that Andrew Tell brought to life with his rich voice.
After a EMP virtually shuts down the entire world chaos ensues. Megan is just trying to keep her and her daughter safe and create some semblance of a normal life. Her daughter, Caitlin, falls ill with a mysterious illness while they are traveling. That's when Megan stumbles upon a cabin in the woods.
Wyatt, his mom, brother, and friends have created a pioneer home in the mountains which Megan happens to stumble upon. Unbeknown to all them, there is a con man following Megan.
You can kinda see where this is going. I don't want to add spoilers!
The MC, Megan, is strong, resilient, and brave. Her love for her sick child and her ability to stand in the face of danger not only for her child but the newfound family she finds in Wyatt and the others. I found myself cheering her on.
Andrew Tell is a fantastic narrator. He did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. I look forward to checking out other work from him.
March 29, 2024
I usually try avoid giving bad reviews but I have no idea why the ratings on this are so high. So to try make them *slightly* more representative of the book, I will both rate it one star and give my opinion.
It's basically about a very dependent staunchly independent woman. She trusts no one because of the most ridiculous experience which.... I mean I don't know.
It is very repetitive and often reads like someone who is trying to reach a minimum word count. Sounds like "she really enjoyed her time with them that she spent with them".
I am not sure if some of it is supposed to be educational for people who know absolutely nothing about being outside and not dying, but it is very condescending.
It's just a romance under the guise of a ... Thriller? I don't know what category it is masquerading as, but it is a romance and it is not a good romance. Also, I do not particularly like romance novels.
It's basically about a very dependent staunchly independent woman. She trusts no one because of the most ridiculous experience which.... I mean I don't know.
It is very repetitive and often reads like someone who is trying to reach a minimum word count. Sounds like "she really enjoyed her time with them that she spent with them".
I am not sure if some of it is supposed to be educational for people who know absolutely nothing about being outside and not dying, but it is very condescending.
It's just a romance under the guise of a ... Thriller? I don't know what category it is masquerading as, but it is a romance and it is not a good romance. Also, I do not particularly like romance novels.
December 28, 2017
Dark Retreat is another SHTF series. I know…you’d think, “How many different series can you write about TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It)?” and the answer to that would be, “Not enough!” In this series, Megan and her young daughter are forced to leave her home if they wish to even have a chance at surviving. Months have passed when they finally stumble upon a cabin that they think is abandoned. It turns out to belong to a ‘prepper’ family. And that is all you get from me about the storyline…except that it includes thrills, spills, and a touch of romance (of course). When I finished this first book, I immediately went to Amazon got the 2nd book. I plan to binge read these…this one was that good! When you are finished with this series, I’ll gladly steer you to at least two more series that will make a good binge read.
August 16, 2021
There is something about books like this that I love to read. As I read what is going on I wonder how I would do in these same situations and quite frankly I have come to the realization that I would fail and fail quickly. I would need people around my like Wyatt and his family to guide me and sadly I would have not skills that would help us as we fight to survive unlike Megan, who at least helped them catch fresh meat.
Megan stumbling upon the cabin was a godsend to her and her sick daughter. I get why she wanted to leave, as much as she wanted to trust the family, the world became a sketchy place. I was happy that when she realized they were in danger she went back to warn and help them.
I do wonder what the actions at the end will do the the group at the cabin. They have a great thing going right now, but I fear that the bad group will be back for revenge at some point.
Megan stumbling upon the cabin was a godsend to her and her sick daughter. I get why she wanted to leave, as much as she wanted to trust the family, the world became a sketchy place. I was happy that when she realized they were in danger she went back to warn and help them.
I do wonder what the actions at the end will do the the group at the cabin. They have a great thing going right now, but I fear that the bad group will be back for revenge at some point.
April 16, 2021
Family first
Great story about a family making it through the apocalypse thanks to being prepared. Wyatt, his family and friends are a strongly knit group. Plus a mom, Megan, and her daughter Caitlin. The characters are crisp and realistic, easy to believe in. They come together when the daughter becomes sick and Megan stumbles on their cabin. Of course there is evil that seeks to destroy and take over what they have. Lyle is the perfect example of evil finding the apocalypse his kingdom to own. Plenty of suspense will keep you on edge. Lots of hard work keeps the family alert. For me the best part was the group working together to improve their collective condition. Learning together.
Great story about a family making it through the apocalypse thanks to being prepared. Wyatt, his family and friends are a strongly knit group. Plus a mom, Megan, and her daughter Caitlin. The characters are crisp and realistic, easy to believe in. They come together when the daughter becomes sick and Megan stumbles on their cabin. Of course there is evil that seeks to destroy and take over what they have. Lyle is the perfect example of evil finding the apocalypse his kingdom to own. Plenty of suspense will keep you on edge. Lots of hard work keeps the family alert. For me the best part was the group working together to improve their collective condition. Learning together.
March 22, 2022
I used one credit to get the whole six book series on Audible, and I can barely make it through the first book. Yes it was so bad I returned it to get my credit back. The story idea is great in theory, but the writing is amateurish at best. The characters are shallow, and many scenarios are not even credible. Such as a young child being poisoned with deadly nightshade, and just laying in bed for days on the verge of life or death while her mother runs around doing all kinds of things. A simple miraculous cure, and the kid is up and running around in a day or two. Not worth wasting your time on. I was really hoping it would get better and the story would pick up so I could listen to a whole series of books but it never happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2023
The people in this book are so dumb they would not have survived a week if there really was an EMP.
The supposed Navy Seal is so inept, he can’t even take out a single bad guy (although he had the element of surprise on his side) without getting shot. Megan is either an idiot or a poor mother, however you want to look at it.
And everyone was so suspicious of a woman and child, yet they welcome a strange man who claims to be a vet? They didn’t even ask him any questions! And then they let said strange man stay in the room alone with the seven year old girl? Okay.
I will not be reading the rest of this series. I found this book from suggested authors similar to Kyla Stone, but this can’t hold a candle to any of her books. Save yourself the head scratching and skip this one.
The supposed Navy Seal is so inept, he can’t even take out a single bad guy (although he had the element of surprise on his side) without getting shot. Megan is either an idiot or a poor mother, however you want to look at it.
And everyone was so suspicious of a woman and child, yet they welcome a strange man who claims to be a vet? They didn’t even ask him any questions! And then they let said strange man stay in the room alone with the seven year old girl? Okay.
I will not be reading the rest of this series. I found this book from suggested authors similar to Kyla Stone, but this can’t hold a candle to any of her books. Save yourself the head scratching and skip this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
TEOTWAWKI books written by ladies are the best for me !
You'll find a great plot with action, strong languages, great (female) characters, kids and a dog or two mixed with the previous elements :-)
Also you're not unnecessarly overwhelmed with a tons of military acronym for everything (weapons, ammunitions, tactics moves ...) ; It also seems the author did a lot of research about beforementioned weapons, edible plants in the wilderness, some ancien recipes in cooking without modern conveniences etc...
And off course, you'll find bad guys, greats relationships and a romance maybe ?
Book 2, here I am !
You'll find a great plot with action, strong languages, great (female) characters, kids and a dog or two mixed with the previous elements :-)
Also you're not unnecessarly overwhelmed with a tons of military acronym for everything (weapons, ammunitions, tactics moves ...) ; It also seems the author did a lot of research about beforementioned weapons, edible plants in the wilderness, some ancien recipes in cooking without modern conveniences etc...
And off course, you'll find bad guys, greats relationships and a romance maybe ?
Book 2, here I am !
March 13, 2022
heroine is a bit dim witted
Would be five stars, but the heroine is a little dim witted. It is her incessant belief that she cannot trust anyone, seemingly stemming from childhood, all the while talking about how great her father was and that he taught her so much. It’s a little skewed. The only other problem I had with the book is that a stranger was left alone in a room to care for an unconscious six year old with only a dog to watch him. I know it’s an apocalypse but that isn’t something any mother would do. Complaints aside the overall story was a good one, and the characters were mostly very well written.
Would be five stars, but the heroine is a little dim witted. It is her incessant belief that she cannot trust anyone, seemingly stemming from childhood, all the while talking about how great her father was and that he taught her so much. It’s a little skewed. The only other problem I had with the book is that a stranger was left alone in a room to care for an unconscious six year old with only a dog to watch him. I know it’s an apocalypse but that isn’t something any mother would do. Complaints aside the overall story was a good one, and the characters were mostly very well written.
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