The Great Seattle Earthquake

by Thomas P. Hopp

A CITY SHAKEN TO ITS CORE

The Seattle Fault traces a ragged line through the heart of the metropolitan area. Forces deep in the earth have built up tremendous pressure over eons. What if this subterranean fracture were to release its pent-up fury—tomorrow?

Thomas P. Hopp vividly portrays the likely sequence of events—electrifying moments when the land shakes, buildings and bridges crumble, and lives are changed forever. Skyscrapers shed thundering debris on people below. High in the Space Needle, a young couple watches powerful groundswells ripple like the serpent god A’yahos of native legends. A tsunami arrives minutes later, inundating beaches and threatening a crowded baseball stadium. Brave first-responders in helicopters and fireboats risk their lives to save victims. Military and government officials scramble to assist citizens reeling from disaster. Thoroughly researched with factual information about the Seattle Fault and its potential for catastrophe, the story adds a wealth of subplots with supporting characters portraying the range of experiences possible in such an event.

THE GREAT SEATTLE EARTHQUAKE is a heart-stopping true-to-life look at the horrors and heroism that would mark this day of disaster.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2019

About the author

Author of the Northwest Tales series of natural disaster thrillers, the Peyton McKean mystery series and Dinosaur Wars science fiction stories.

Reviews

[Roxanne Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think twice about driving through the tunnel below downtown Seattle since I read this highly plausible account of what Pacific Northwest folks call "the big one." Entertaining and scientific at the same time.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick paced adventure that explores what would happen if an earthquake were to hit Seattle, where most of the residents were not prepared for it and the tsunami that followed. I found the details of the catastrophic damage fascinating and enjoyed following the characters as they navigated their new normal. The writing was easy to follow and drew you in to the story right away. Overall, a fascinating read.

[janet c seaberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally fun read

I so much more enjoyed this book than the eruption one. His descriptions of Seattle, West Seattle, the Alki Beach area, the local indigenous tribes and their beliefs. The welcoming rites, the salmon festival. I lived on Alki Beach for nearly to years and watched the orcas in Elliott Bay every Christmas day. Watched all the festivals during the year. Wondered about the myriad fault lines under the area. His snarky about wealthy real estate builders and their absurd buildings on landfill. AàI loved that he brought up our mummy floating in the tsunami. So much fun to read.

[Debra Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The action kept moving along nicely. Characters were interesting, believable, and in most cases likable. There was one evil man who got what he deserved. I am not familiar with the layout of Seattle but it appeared to be well written as to location. The effects of the earthquake were believable. all in all - a good read.

[Pam Gutshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Could not stop reading , great book and wonderful characters live in Portland and to know how close we are

[Patricia Sharman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Interesting and possibly could happen. The story stays with the earthquake and keeps it interesting. Good writer and keeps things in context

[Walter T. Mara]

A very good one

I did enjoy this book very much, especially the beginning and the end. I only have it four stars because I found the middle a little too heavy on dialog.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it a little bit less than "Rainier Erupts", but it's still pretty good. Characters are a bit more cliche in my opinion and the whole plot is more straightforward (previous book had a pretty delicious setup).