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Nuclear Survival Saga #7
Bear the Brunt
A looming threat. A reporter on the edge. Lainey starts her day like any other, preparing to host the midday news on a local TV station. When her younger sister calls, spouting off about an imminent terror attack, she’s skeptical. Midge might be a top-notch computer hacker, but that doesn’t mean she’s a reliable source. An entire country thrown into chaos. Keith takes his dog for a run and heads into work, expecting an uneventful eight-hour shift behind a video camera. When his ex-girlfriend busts into the boss’s office with news of not only a massive blackout, but potential nuclear bombs, he doesn’t believe it. A glimpse at her sister’s information changes everything. Could you chase the story despite the risks? Lainey and Keith are thrown together in a race-against-time to uncover the truth and broadcast the facts to the American people. They’ll have to trust each other, their instincts, and their wits to survive. The attack is only the beginning. Bear the Brunt is book one in Nuclear Western Strength , a post-apocalyptic thriller trilogy following ordinary people struggling to survive when a nuclear attack on the United States plunges the nation into chaos.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
246 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2019
865 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Harley Tate
51 books163 followersWhen the world as we know it falls apart, how far will you go to survive?
Harley Tate writes edge-of-your-seat post-apocalyptic fiction exploring what happens when ordinary people are faced with impossible choices.
Subscribe to Harley's newsletter for two exclusive prequels you can't get anywhere else: www.harleytate.com/subscribe
The end of life as we know it brings out the best and worst in all of us. The apocalypse is only the beginning.
Harley Tate writes edge-of-your-seat post-apocalyptic fiction exploring what happens when ordinary people are faced with impossible choices.
Subscribe to Harley's newsletter for two exclusive prequels you can't get anywhere else: www.harleytate.com/subscribe
The end of life as we know it brings out the best and worst in all of us. The apocalypse is only the beginning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 24, 2019
I liked the Southern Grit set and like this series-starter much better than the second (I didn't ever care for Midge). This has a lot of tension and action, though it was a foregone conclusion that at least one of the main characters would survive to Book 2. I liked Keith a lot. The construct of a reporter trying to both get a story and do some good worked well. My biggest complaint is that it is way too short.
February 19, 2024
Excellent.
I don't always love a reporter being the main character as it's usually a fight to get the news out to the public and all the huffs and puffs that go with it, however, I really did enjoy this book. We have Lainey, the reporter, Keith has the camera and along with Bear, the dog, they do a lot of talking and running around trying to get proof and tell the story. It's incredibly fast-moving and gripping in places and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I don't always love a reporter being the main character as it's usually a fight to get the news out to the public and all the huffs and puffs that go with it, however, I really did enjoy this book. We have Lainey, the reporter, Keith has the camera and along with Bear, the dog, they do a lot of talking and running around trying to get proof and tell the story. It's incredibly fast-moving and gripping in places and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 22, 2020
BOR-ING! Read half the book before I decided to stop. Should have stopped sooner. To me it’s not believable. There’s an EMP burst, but they still have phones and cars, just no power? I don’t buy it! Only good part was the ex-boyfriend who was concerned for his dog.
April 17, 2025
As much as I enjoyed Tate's previous novels about post apocalyptic EMP survival, this time around, the writing was just juvenile and mundane. It's almost as if there were a recipe for the saga: drop in a crisis, pick an unlikely team to survive and try to cope, toss in a few roadblocks, add some melodrama for effect and limit the ability of the aware to communicate to the unaware the imminent danger mankind faces-all before the noon news.
This just felt forced. The reporter and the camera man just broke up and now they're together again to try to save civilization. That's sort of the concept of "Superman" isn't it? Add in Lois Lane and a dog.
I thought there was just too much in terms of catastrophe and no one seems to notice, except these two? Oh and a sister named after a bug.
Perhaps this is 7th grade fiction, it doesn't require a great deal of thought to follow either the direction of the drama or the over-stated conversational gambits, "Sure, ya think?" and "I dunno, maybe".
I just didn't find the same level of intense mystery or the guts needed to survive any crisis, from a fluffy blonde reporter more worried about her makeup, a camera man who would follow her to the gates of hell without question, and a golden retriever, apparently the real creature of interest in the short novella-type publication.
Harley Tate has found a formula that seems to work for himself. This is what happens when authors try to keep readers interested in their products. The work becomes rote, and predictable. Like boxed cake mix.
Unfortunately, for readers, there's not a great deal of interesting action or dramatic interludes to keep the interest up.
I gave up about 1/4 way through.
I'm abandoning the series but that doesn't mean other people shouldn't at least try to read it. But expect a cookbook of contents. There's nothing that goes off script, here.
This just felt forced. The reporter and the camera man just broke up and now they're together again to try to save civilization. That's sort of the concept of "Superman" isn't it? Add in Lois Lane and a dog.
I thought there was just too much in terms of catastrophe and no one seems to notice, except these two? Oh and a sister named after a bug.
Perhaps this is 7th grade fiction, it doesn't require a great deal of thought to follow either the direction of the drama or the over-stated conversational gambits, "Sure, ya think?" and "I dunno, maybe".
I just didn't find the same level of intense mystery or the guts needed to survive any crisis, from a fluffy blonde reporter more worried about her makeup, a camera man who would follow her to the gates of hell without question, and a golden retriever, apparently the real creature of interest in the short novella-type publication.
Harley Tate has found a formula that seems to work for himself. This is what happens when authors try to keep readers interested in their products. The work becomes rote, and predictable. Like boxed cake mix.
Unfortunately, for readers, there's not a great deal of interesting action or dramatic interludes to keep the interest up.
I gave up about 1/4 way through.
I'm abandoning the series but that doesn't mean other people shouldn't at least try to read it. But expect a cookbook of contents. There's nothing that goes off script, here.
August 8, 2025
the saga continues in LA
I loved both the Southern Grit and Northern Exposure series within Tate’s Nuclear Survival Saga and never anticipated connecting like I did with a reporter and camera man. Their world is so different from mine, but Tate made their world sing in this novel. I could see the sets, feel the pressure of the scoop, and the suspicion of the media bosses. I felt whoever wanted this kept secret breathing down our necks. And I was anxious to see if our heroes would make it or not. Well worth the read and I’ll be finishing this series!
I loved both the Southern Grit and Northern Exposure series within Tate’s Nuclear Survival Saga and never anticipated connecting like I did with a reporter and camera man. Their world is so different from mine, but Tate made their world sing in this novel. I could see the sets, feel the pressure of the scoop, and the suspicion of the media bosses. I felt whoever wanted this kept secret breathing down our necks. And I was anxious to see if our heroes would make it or not. Well worth the read and I’ll be finishing this series!
November 27, 2020
Enjoyable Read
I like the premise but found the book dragged in spots; a lot of background. This said, I stayed engaged (read it in a single stretch). Great character development and full of how I perceive the bulk of the US government’s way of being. Looking forward to the next installment.
I like the premise but found the book dragged in spots; a lot of background. This said, I stayed engaged (read it in a single stretch). Great character development and full of how I perceive the bulk of the US government’s way of being. Looking forward to the next installment.
January 26, 2024
very good book
I am not a favorite fan of books with reporters as MFC but I was quite surprised by this book. Really enjoyed this book, read less than 24 hours. I have Already have next book waiting. Lainey is very different personally, she more caring and wanting people to know and prepare for catastrophe event. The government acted like we all think they would.
I am not a favorite fan of books with reporters as MFC but I was quite surprised by this book. Really enjoyed this book, read less than 24 hours. I have Already have next book waiting. Lainey is very different personally, she more caring and wanting people to know and prepare for catastrophe event. The government acted like we all think they would.
April 10, 2020
Workmanlike Post-Apocalyptic Survival Novel
I'm kind of overdosing on this post-apoc fiction unless it's really well-written and this is just too formulaic to really engage my interest. Weak characters, weak plot, etc. I shan't be reading the sequels.
I'm kind of overdosing on this post-apoc fiction unless it's really well-written and this is just too formulaic to really engage my interest. Weak characters, weak plot, etc. I shan't be reading the sequels.
May 8, 2021
Very very good read
The Characters are very believable and likable and to add a fur baby in the mix is always a wise chose. It’s very maddening that nobody believes what’s happening. I’m anxious to see how or if they make it where they’re at and how it will all play out.
The Characters are very believable and likable and to add a fur baby in the mix is always a wise chose. It’s very maddening that nobody believes what’s happening. I’m anxious to see how or if they make it where they’re at and how it will all play out.
February 7, 2020
Great read!
Fun romp through L.A. As a precursor to a Nuclear explosion, throw in some "it's a plot" and y'all got a story!
Fun romp through L.A. As a precursor to a Nuclear explosion, throw in some "it's a plot" and y'all got a story!
February 21, 2020
Attention grabbing
Fast moving with good characters. Plenty of action with a believable story line. Enjoyed the feeling of rushing towards a goal.
Fast moving with good characters. Plenty of action with a believable story line. Enjoyed the feeling of rushing towards a goal.
March 24, 2020
Great book
Great book,could you be ready if all
Hell breaks loose...
Getting book 2 of this series
Looking forward to see how this unfolds
.....
Great book,could you be ready if all
Hell breaks loose...
Getting book 2 of this series
Looking forward to see how this unfolds
.....
November 3, 2020
Wow! I really enjoyed this first book in the series by one of my favorite authors. On to book #2 now.
February 17, 2022
Did not like as much as other titles she has written. Instead of breaking it up into two trilogies would rather it had been one long story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
This trilogy was decent. It brings all 9 books to about the same place story-wise, but I suspect there will be more books in the future.
January 15, 2020
Excellent
Excellent beginning to the end of this series. If you're just finding it, don't start here go to the first trilogy. Each of the trilogies has been unique, each with it's own story, struggles, and triumphs. This book is no exception. You've got to love a reporter who does what's right, no matter the consequences.
Excellent beginning to the end of this series. If you're just finding it, don't start here go to the first trilogy. Each of the trilogies has been unique, each with it's own story, struggles, and triumphs. This book is no exception. You've got to love a reporter who does what's right, no matter the consequences.
January 10, 2020
Nuclear Terrorism on U.S. soil... a hellish nightmare!
Well written with non stop action that builds the tension until the ultimate threat becomes reality! Good character development, plot and action has this story steaming right along.
A good read that promises in the books ahead to deliver even more action, tension and survival challenges.
Well written with non stop action that builds the tension until the ultimate threat becomes reality! Good character development, plot and action has this story steaming right along.
A good read that promises in the books ahead to deliver even more action, tension and survival challenges.
January 9, 2020
This is an average end of the world story. It was, of course, a little unbelievable that a reporter was able to find out this information so easily, but I was able to believe it for awhile. However, I am not sure that I believe that so many countries, including our own government, would be willing to let millions of people die, just to reset our country...I would certainly hope not!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2019
Exciting and terrifying
Realistic tale of what could be done by the government if they were more worried about their own survival than that of their citizens. Contains some helpful information about what to do in the event of a nuclear detonation in our own area. Somewhat predictable but still enjoyable.
Realistic tale of what could be done by the government if they were more worried about their own survival than that of their citizens. Contains some helpful information about what to do in the event of a nuclear detonation in our own area. Somewhat predictable but still enjoyable.
December 23, 2019
I enjoyed reading this story, it had drama and a plot that, while a little far fetched, was a good read.
October 12, 2019
Another New Series you will enjoy
Well. This was a great first book to Harley Tate's new series Nuclear Survival. The 'star' of the book is definitely Bear. I also enjoyed Keith --he is so agreeable level headed and friendly. Lainey? She is so over the top. You don't tell a city of what 13 million? That a nuclear bomb is imminent. Traffic is bad on a good day. You can walk faster during a catastrophe. But we all need to have a certain person who makes you think "What? "
As with all of Harley Tate's books you know you are going to be entertained. I definitely will recommend this book and touch the 5 star button.
Fav quote
“If the bombs detonated in the heart of the government districts across the country, how many elected officials would die? Would there be anyone left to run the country?” ...... "Would there even be any Americans left to govern?"
Well. This was a great first book to Harley Tate's new series Nuclear Survival. The 'star' of the book is definitely Bear. I also enjoyed Keith --he is so agreeable level headed and friendly. Lainey? She is so over the top. You don't tell a city of what 13 million? That a nuclear bomb is imminent. Traffic is bad on a good day. You can walk faster during a catastrophe. But we all need to have a certain person who makes you think "What? "
As with all of Harley Tate's books you know you are going to be entertained. I definitely will recommend this book and touch the 5 star button.
Fav quote
“If the bombs detonated in the heart of the government districts across the country, how many elected officials would die? Would there be anyone left to run the country?” ...... "Would there even be any Americans left to govern?"
December 15, 2019
Harley Tate turns out another good page turner about this nuclear attack. The story centers on Midge’s sister & her ex-boyfriend Keith. They are in the tv news business & mostly are seeking proof for the info that Midge gave them. Knowing the timing of the bombs from the earlier books, the mental countdown was ticking off in my head.
My only trouble was what happened at the Consulates house. It seemed a stretch even for a book like this. But, I still enjoyed the book a great deal & am pumped for the next.
My only trouble was what happened at the Consulates house. It seemed a stretch even for a book like this. But, I still enjoyed the book a great deal & am pumped for the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
Bear the Brunt
Harley Tate has done it again. She has written an excellent version of how ordinary people react to End of th World news. This show stopping, foot stopping, time stopping book will make the reader stop and "Read the Roses". The reader will not want to put the book down. The book has been a thrill to read. Never wanting to put the book down.
Harley Tate has done it again. She has written an excellent version of how ordinary people react to End of th World news. This show stopping, foot stopping, time stopping book will make the reader stop and "Read the Roses". The reader will not want to put the book down. The book has been a thrill to read. Never wanting to put the book down.
November 25, 2019
Good
I get into really weird reading mood sometimes. I don’t like reading about the entrance to the world and this was a really great book. It was a story about regular people surviving a really horrible event. It would simply written and needed to follow. The characters are engaging and I would recommend it to anyone that just like a good story.
I get into really weird reading mood sometimes. I don’t like reading about the entrance to the world and this was a really great book. It was a story about regular people surviving a really horrible event. It would simply written and needed to follow. The characters are engaging and I would recommend it to anyone that just like a good story.
Read
October 13, 2019Good story
Enjoy this fast-paced Action story. That could actually happen.lainey and keith were very brave in getting the news out before taking shelter.mlook forward to read the next.
Enjoy this fast-paced Action story. That could actually happen.lainey and keith were very brave in getting the news out before taking shelter.mlook forward to read the next.
October 29, 2019
A Master Story Teller
Harley’s story telling shines in what could have a dull “opening” book to this saga. But she slowly builds the tension while detailing the characters leading up to the blast. Great start!
Harley’s story telling shines in what could have a dull “opening” book to this saga. But she slowly builds the tension while detailing the characters leading up to the blast. Great start!
October 10, 2019
Bear the Brunt review
Bear the Brunt is the first post apocalyptic survival book in the Nuclear Survival: Western Strength series written by author Harley Tate.
Bear the Brunt is the first post apocalyptic survival book in the Nuclear Survival: Western Strength series written by author Harley Tate.
October 14, 2019
WOW!
I can't wait to read the next book! Hopefully it'll be out soon. I've read the other books, but this one good them all! Great plot, characters, and great writing.
I can't wait to read the next book! Hopefully it'll be out soon. I've read the other books, but this one good them all! Great plot, characters, and great writing.
November 23, 2019
Wow! Great start on a new series. It's gonna get complicated and will make a great story. Lots of potential here. Bravo!!! Starting the next one today.
December 1, 2019
Definitely worth pursuing the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews