What do you think?
Rate this book
Into the Dark #1
Into the Dark
When the EMP strikes, how will you survive?
It happens in one devastating moment: an EMP strikes. The nation is plunged into darkness. Mass confusion soon becomes mass panic as planes fall out of the sky and cars fly off the roads. Families are stranded. Hospitals are in meltdown. It doesn't take long for the government to collapse and for the looters to take control of the cities.
When the lights go out, Mike is one of the first to realise what is happening. He has spent years studying the impact of EMPs, and how to prepare in case of disaster. His goal? To reunite with his daughter, before making his way out of the city and into the countryside.
Holly is with her friends when the EMP strikes. Cut off from social media and trapped in a busy suburban street, she knows she has to use all the skills her dad has taught her to get out of the city and get into the wilderness. But how much of her dad's teachings can she put into practice in a harsh and terrifying new world?
Do Mike and Holly have what it takes to survive? Or will this dangerous new world defeat them at the first hurdle?
Into the Dark is the first book in the post-apocalyptic thriller series from Ryan Casey, author of The World After and Blackout. If you enjoy stories of ordinary people thrown into devastating new circumstances, you'll love Into the Dark.
It happens in one devastating moment: an EMP strikes. The nation is plunged into darkness. Mass confusion soon becomes mass panic as planes fall out of the sky and cars fly off the roads. Families are stranded. Hospitals are in meltdown. It doesn't take long for the government to collapse and for the looters to take control of the cities.
When the lights go out, Mike is one of the first to realise what is happening. He has spent years studying the impact of EMPs, and how to prepare in case of disaster. His goal? To reunite with his daughter, before making his way out of the city and into the countryside.
Holly is with her friends when the EMP strikes. Cut off from social media and trapped in a busy suburban street, she knows she has to use all the skills her dad has taught her to get out of the city and get into the wilderness. But how much of her dad's teachings can she put into practice in a harsh and terrifying new world?
Do Mike and Holly have what it takes to survive? Or will this dangerous new world defeat them at the first hurdle?
Into the Dark is the first book in the post-apocalyptic thriller series from Ryan Casey, author of The World After and Blackout. If you enjoy stories of ordinary people thrown into devastating new circumstances, you'll love Into the Dark.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2018
771 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Casey
163 books181 followersRyan Casey is the author of over a dozen novels and a highly successful serial. He writes gritty post-apocalyptic fiction, throwing normal people into devastating situations and exploring how they react and adapt. He has also written several detective mysteries and thrillers. Across all genres, Casey's work is renowned for its rapid pacing, unforgettably complex characters, and knockout twists.
Casey lives in the United Kingdom. He has a BA degree in English with Creative Writing from the University of Birmingham, and has been writing stories for as long as he can remember. In his spare time, he can be spotted walking his West Highland White Terrier, has a passion for cinema and television, and probably spends a little bit too much time in the pub.
For more information on Ryan's books, visit http://ryancaseybooks.com/
Want to be notified about new releases? Sign up for the new release mailing list & get free books and other goodies!
http://ryancaseybooks.com/fanclub
Casey lives in the United Kingdom. He has a BA degree in English with Creative Writing from the University of Birmingham, and has been writing stories for as long as he can remember. In his spare time, he can be spotted walking his West Highland White Terrier, has a passion for cinema and television, and probably spends a little bit too much time in the pub.
For more information on Ryan's books, visit http://ryancaseybooks.com/
Want to be notified about new releases? Sign up for the new release mailing list & get free books and other goodies!
http://ryancaseybooks.com/fanclub
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 26, 2020
“The first twelve hours are the most important hours. That’s when you gather your food. That’s when you get your supplies. Most people won’t. You’ve got to make sure you do. Because if you don’t… there won’t be any time left, and before you know it, you’ll be starving.”
I loved this book, can’t wait to read the next one!
Great story, loved the characters.
March 6, 2019
I read a zombie book by the author and really hated it because I couldn't stand all the dumb charactersin it. I decided to give him a try with two of his apocalypse books but sadly I didn't enjoy them for the same reasons-the characters. When Mike loses his wife during a heart operation, he turns to drink at the expense of looking after his daughter. He wallows in self pity and alcohol, loses his job through drink driving and is pretty whiny. I didn't like him at the start but liked him even less when he gets wasted and then decides to drive to Holly's school to see her ballet performance, turning up late and having run people off the road. Mike thinks being 4 times over the limit on the wrong side of the road when arrested is ok and blames the police for iverreacting. Frankly he is vile and when Holly calls him out on his drinking and being a bad parent he throws her out. Charming guy. Holly's friends are also drunken losers. Harriet is a nasty bitchy cow and the other girl whose name I can't remember is so whiny that I wanted to slap her.
The plot was also poor. When the EMP hits a plane crashes close to the police station, and Mike escapes with the officer who arrested him. They don't check for weapons and survivors in the area and Mike gets nasty about taking along a rescued dog which is another point against him for me. NOW he decides to worry about his daughter? Nice one. The characters seem to keep making dumb choices and bicker and I got fed up with it.
The plot was also poor. When the EMP hits a plane crashes close to the police station, and Mike escapes with the officer who arrested him. They don't check for weapons and survivors in the area and Mike gets nasty about taking along a rescued dog which is another point against him for me. NOW he decides to worry about his daughter? Nice one. The characters seem to keep making dumb choices and bicker and I got fed up with it.
May 3, 2018
Thank you!
I didn’t think I would enjoy anything outside of the Dead Days Series...I was so wrong. This book was energy packed, smart, artistic, gritty and dark all rolled into one. The characters were set apart and I felt like this story was a tale told straight from any of Casey’s other characters in his most recent novels. I knew Ryan Casey was a great author in his own right because of his wickedly clever mind, but this book surprised me. I’m a true fan.
I thought the cover was a perfect fit for the storyline and even gave it an edge just deserving.
I recommend this book to any and everyone who loves Emps and is a true fan of Ryan Casey!
I didn’t think I would enjoy anything outside of the Dead Days Series...I was so wrong. This book was energy packed, smart, artistic, gritty and dark all rolled into one. The characters were set apart and I felt like this story was a tale told straight from any of Casey’s other characters in his most recent novels. I knew Ryan Casey was a great author in his own right because of his wickedly clever mind, but this book surprised me. I’m a true fan.
I thought the cover was a perfect fit for the storyline and even gave it an edge just deserving.
I recommend this book to any and everyone who loves Emps and is a true fan of Ryan Casey!
July 10, 2018
I have ready alot of post apocalyptic books, while I see what the author was trying to do it just seemed very rushed and amateur. The very beginning wasn't to bad but it just got awful as it went on! Within hours of the emp people are looting, people are killing, and people whitness this but don't even bother helping? A police officer is on site of a plane crash doesn't even attempt to see if there are people ok they just take off. The teens in this book just take off to "survive" without talking to anyone or waiting for one of their parents even after thier friend gets stabbed.I rarely stop reading a book once I start I have an ocd about finishing them but my eyes were hurting from all the eye rolls I was doing trying to read this thing.
August 5, 2025
Into The Dark was ultimately a disappointing read. The narrative often felt immature, as though it lacked the depth and polish of more seasoned storytelling. Characters came across as underdeveloped and their dialogue felt unnatural—frequently stilted and disconnected from the tone and context of the setting.
The atmosphere, which should have been central to an apocalyptic story, was inconsistently described. At times, it was difficult to determine basic environmental details—whether the characters were surrounded by light, darkness, or something in between. This lack of clarity diminished the immersive potential of the book.
After reading approximately 70% of the novel, I chose not to continue. While I gave the story ample opportunity to engage me, too many plot elements felt contrived and implausible. Overall, the book did not meet expectations, and the story struggled to maintain credibility or cohesion.
The atmosphere, which should have been central to an apocalyptic story, was inconsistently described. At times, it was difficult to determine basic environmental details—whether the characters were surrounded by light, darkness, or something in between. This lack of clarity diminished the immersive potential of the book.
After reading approximately 70% of the novel, I chose not to continue. While I gave the story ample opportunity to engage me, too many plot elements felt contrived and implausible. Overall, the book did not meet expectations, and the story struggled to maintain credibility or cohesion.
September 1, 2018
Not impressed
I have read several "end of civilization as we know it" series, all based in the U.S., so I was excited to see one based in GB. I was very let down; made it half way through and decided there are too many other good books to read to waste my time on this. The writing style is juvenile. The characters are either whiney or just lacking common sense. I agree with other comments regarding preparation for the future starting in the character's own homes. The cop takes nothing from the station or her home. The girl stupidly leaves her house without at least waiting a bit for her dad. The odd cliff hangers at the end of each chapter just too... I dunno. I hope they all survive and live happily ever after. Maybe some day I'll read the last book to see who won.
I have read several "end of civilization as we know it" series, all based in the U.S., so I was excited to see one based in GB. I was very let down; made it half way through and decided there are too many other good books to read to waste my time on this. The writing style is juvenile. The characters are either whiney or just lacking common sense. I agree with other comments regarding preparation for the future starting in the character's own homes. The cop takes nothing from the station or her home. The girl stupidly leaves her house without at least waiting a bit for her dad. The odd cliff hangers at the end of each chapter just too... I dunno. I hope they all survive and live happily ever after. Maybe some day I'll read the last book to see who won.
June 25, 2018
What Not To Do After an EMP
This story read like it was aimed at junior high students. Every choice the characters made seemed foolish. If you are a prepper with an off grid cabin, why tell everyone about it? Why was it so easy to find that people are stumbling across it within a day of the event? And why didn't anyone gather any supplies from their homes?
I know that guns aren't easy to obtain in England, but why didn't anyone try to find a weapon of some sort? A big stick if nothing else?
Results: I'm going to say that this book can't have been written for adults. That's as charitable as I can be.
This story read like it was aimed at junior high students. Every choice the characters made seemed foolish. If you are a prepper with an off grid cabin, why tell everyone about it? Why was it so easy to find that people are stumbling across it within a day of the event? And why didn't anyone gather any supplies from their homes?
I know that guns aren't easy to obtain in England, but why didn't anyone try to find a weapon of some sort? A big stick if nothing else?
Results: I'm going to say that this book can't have been written for adults. That's as charitable as I can be.
August 21, 2018
INTO THE DARK #1
A father and daughter caught up in the aftermath of a EMP. Separated at the time of the event, they're both aware the main goal to survive is to supply themselves and to head out of the city. Mike and his daughter have stressed relationship because of the loss of Caitlin, wife to Mike, and mother to Holly dying of cancer 3 months prior. Though the two have rarely spoken in the last few months, both father and daughter both head to the same vacation spot the family used to go to. Thats where they all were the happiest.
One character I liked was Callum. I think he would've made a nice quirky addition to the group.
A father and daughter caught up in the aftermath of a EMP. Separated at the time of the event, they're both aware the main goal to survive is to supply themselves and to head out of the city. Mike and his daughter have stressed relationship because of the loss of Caitlin, wife to Mike, and mother to Holly dying of cancer 3 months prior. Though the two have rarely spoken in the last few months, both father and daughter both head to the same vacation spot the family used to go to. Thats where they all were the happiest.
One character I liked was Callum. I think he would've made a nice quirky addition to the group.
June 4, 2018
It was good
The story was well written. It shows multiple viewpoints and brings characters together. There is a little but if violence, but not what I thought there would be. thoughts are an EMO was sent out and electronics no longer work. Civilized society is quickly on a down spiral. I would've thought the sad would have had guns or thought they would be a necessity, since he was on top of everything else that they needed. I am going to read book 2 and hope it draws me in more.
The story was well written. It shows multiple viewpoints and brings characters together. There is a little but if violence, but not what I thought there would be. thoughts are an EMO was sent out and electronics no longer work. Civilized society is quickly on a down spiral. I would've thought the sad would have had guns or thought they would be a necessity, since he was on top of everything else that they needed. I am going to read book 2 and hope it draws me in more.
February 14, 2024
I love the books where we experience the event that changes everything….the fear, the panic, the acceptance of the change…survival. I should have loved this at least a little. I did manage to finish the book so maybe this leans towards a 2.5…but I never felt anything but vague incredulity that so many people ended up in the same place. Maybe he intends to work the “fate” angle but I have no intention on continuing this series so it doesn’t matter to me. All the the pieces were there, with the loss of power, planes falling out of the sky, unexpected and useless deaths…but I felt nothing 😐
February 3, 2025
An easy read, but not the most exciting. The premises are good enough, but could have been better utilized. I understand that the book is the start of a series, but for now I'm not going to continue.
There aren't many main characters in the book, but still, it's unlikely that they all end up in the same place for one reason or another.
Some of the plot is easy to guess and the deaths of some of the characters do not seem to affect the main characters very much. But when the world is turned upside down, there are perhaps other problems that are more important.
There aren't many main characters in the book, but still, it's unlikely that they all end up in the same place for one reason or another.
Some of the plot is easy to guess and the deaths of some of the characters do not seem to affect the main characters very much. But when the world is turned upside down, there are perhaps other problems that are more important.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
Into The Dark : Book one
I enjoyed this book but there is somethings I didn't like. The problems I had with this book is that it was a little confusing jumping from one character to then next but a few hours a part, like one instant a group of prisoners were at the bike shop in town the next character they were up on the mountain trying to get into the cabin.
I enjoyed the characters but I wish we had more background about them, hopefully this will happen in book 2!
I enjoyed this book but there is somethings I didn't like. The problems I had with this book is that it was a little confusing jumping from one character to then next but a few hours a part, like one instant a group of prisoners were at the bike shop in town the next character they were up on the mountain trying to get into the cabin.
I enjoyed the characters but I wish we had more background about them, hopefully this will happen in book 2!
May 23, 2018
Not so good
Author obviously doesn't know how an EMP works. Fries electronics not everything electrical. He's not even consistent with that as he talks about hospital generators working. They also last longer than he states. Lead in way too long. Characters make illogical choices. Boring.
Author obviously doesn't know how an EMP works. Fries electronics not everything electrical. He's not even consistent with that as he talks about hospital generators working. They also last longer than he states. Lead in way too long. Characters make illogical choices. Boring.
August 23, 2024
I loved this book! I will be checking out more by this author. This is the first 3rd POV novel I’ve made it through because I usually can’t stand them but I was glued to this book. There was some editing and grammatical errors that bugged me (some may be due to cultural-linguistic differences,) but all in all, this was a great read.
May 9, 2018
A good read
I really liked this book. The characters were well-developed and relatable and the storyline was quite enjoyable. The action and intensity was great, not too over the top or unbelievable.
I really liked this book. The characters were well-developed and relatable and the storyline was quite enjoyable. The action and intensity was great, not too over the top or unbelievable.
June 10, 2018
Kindle unlimited book #18.
Bleh. Cliché after cliché. No emotional attachment to any of the characters. I didn't care if any of them died. Of course "the bad guys" were outwitted by "the good guys". Waste of time. Writing style was that of a junior high schooler.
Bleh. Cliché after cliché. No emotional attachment to any of the characters. I didn't care if any of them died. Of course "the bad guys" were outwitted by "the good guys". Waste of time. Writing style was that of a junior high schooler.
July 8, 2018
Wonderful , read !! Telling everyone about this book . Love love love it
Love post-apocalyptic emu stories . Learn something different and new in each one . Can’t Waite for the next one
Love post-apocalyptic emu stories . Learn something different and new in each one . Can’t Waite for the next one
August 17, 2018
Very good read
Lots of stuff going on but very well done. Definitely enjoyed reading and looking forward to the next book. This is a new author for me. So we will see how it goes. So far so good 👍.
Lots of stuff going on but very well done. Definitely enjoyed reading and looking forward to the next book. This is a new author for me. So we will see how it goes. So far so good 👍.
September 24, 2018
Okay. Not much of a plot
This book felt like it was a first draft. It wasn't bad, it just didn't leave me eager to find out what happens next. I was looking forward to reading this book but I won't be reading any more of this series.
This book felt like it was a first draft. It wasn't bad, it just didn't leave me eager to find out what happens next. I was looking forward to reading this book but I won't be reading any more of this series.
December 10, 2018
hard to follow a story with two part three's
Can'4 stay interested,story too far fetched and seems there is two part three, Not that they follow each other ,suddenly the good guy is now the evil one...
Can'4 stay interested,story too far fetched and seems there is two part three, Not that they follow each other ,suddenly the good guy is now the evil one...
February 6, 2019
Great....
.....story!!! Not too much action but knowing the authors work, that'll pick up in the on-coming books!!! Great characters!!! One of two unbelievables but in the whole.... Fantastic!!!!!
.....story!!! Not too much action but knowing the authors work, that'll pick up in the on-coming books!!! Great characters!!! One of two unbelievables but in the whole.... Fantastic!!!!!
June 3, 2019
Hard to get into. Slow read. No bond with characters.
Hard to get into. Slow read. No bond with characters. Needs more exciting interesting issues. Glad Holly lived to be with her Dd.
Hard to get into. Slow read. No bond with characters. Needs more exciting interesting issues. Glad Holly lived to be with her Dd.
July 19, 2019
Interesting
Suddenly the lights go out, planes drop from the sky and modern technology stops working. EMP or CME. Does it really matter? Mike and his daughter must find a way to survive the madness as society breaks down.
I enjoyed the journey and was quite entertained.
Suddenly the lights go out, planes drop from the sky and modern technology stops working. EMP or CME. Does it really matter? Mike and his daughter must find a way to survive the madness as society breaks down.
I enjoyed the journey and was quite entertained.
August 17, 2019
Erm
All good, but toward the end, the editing is a tad screwed up, and the plot is disjointed, so it didn't have the flow one would expect from the otherwise engaging story. On to bk 2 now, hope the continuity is a bit better!
All good, but toward the end, the editing is a tad screwed up, and the plot is disjointed, so it didn't have the flow one would expect from the otherwise engaging story. On to bk 2 now, hope the continuity is a bit better!
May 27, 2020
This was an ok book, it had so much potential but it was a bit rushed. I actually like the characters and wished we could have gotten to understand them a bit better and given more time on the plot. It is an ok read. I would have also liked more information on what caused the events and more understanding of everything going on.
April 23, 2018
The Master
Ryan Casey has done it again with his new EMP series, "Into the Dark". As in his other books, Ryan is a master with words and he doesn't let us down with this new series!
Ryan Casey has done it again with his new EMP series, "Into the Dark". As in his other books, Ryan is a master with words and he doesn't let us down with this new series!
April 24, 2018
Grips you from the beginning
I love these end of the world books and this does not disappoint.Very thought provoking. Great bunch of characters. A good easy read.
I love these end of the world books and this does not disappoint.Very thought provoking. Great bunch of characters. A good easy read.
May 20, 2018
Enjoyable story
Enjoyable story but at 100 pages I do not think the sequel is worth buying. Especially when I can get a 350 page novel for £2.80.
Enjoyable story but at 100 pages I do not think the sequel is worth buying. Especially when I can get a 350 page novel for £2.80.
May 31, 2018
Into the Dark review
Into the Dark is the first post apocalyptic book in this EMP Box written by author Ryan Casey. It takes place in the U. K.
Into the Dark is the first post apocalyptic book in this EMP Box written by author Ryan Casey. It takes place in the U. K.
June 21, 2018
Down to business
Well shit, this book didn't waist anytime in getting down to business. And by business I mean killing. Kind of apprehensive now about the series.
Well shit, this book didn't waist anytime in getting down to business. And by business I mean killing. Kind of apprehensive now about the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews