After the EMP

Neighborhood Watch: After the EMP #1

by E.E. Isherwood

One second was all it took to erase Frank’s dreams.
New home. New car. New retirement.
Stolen by the EMP.
It gets worse. Frank’s neighbors failed to prepare at all, so it falls on him to keep them alive.

He starts easy: stockpile food, water, and guns. Disaster lessons he'd picked up reading books about the end of the world.

But after the EMP, keeping people safe gets complicated. He has to rally the neighborhood before the streets turn to chaos.

And they will. He’s read enough to know the power might come on tomorrow…

…or never.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Fiction, Dystopia

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2021

About the author

E.E. Isherwood has been a storyteller for over 30 years. Initially the muse took the form of childish comic strips. As a teen it manifested itself under the guise of Dungeons and Dragons adventures. In college it culminated with a Master's thesis on Missouri geography—an extremely boring kind of story. Three decades and several careers later he realized that siren song never stopped, so he began to author books. A life-long enthusiast of apocalyptic fiction, writing about zombies was his passion. Future titles in science fiction and fantasy are in the hopper. He lives in the St. Louis, Missouri area, where his series of zombie books takes place.

Reviews

[Michele Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neighborhood watch

I really liked this book, it has a great storyline. I love the characters. Can’t wait to read book 2.

[JLG · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a frustrating book. I loved the premise of a neighborhood banding together to face an apocalyptic threat, but as is common in the E.E. Isherwood books I have read, the story implodes upon itself due to poor character development, the desire to avoid certain words, and the main character being presented as a man with a certain wealth of knowledge who spreads it to all, and those who hear it nearly worship him for telling them of it. Mr. Isherwood appears terrified to drop the F-bomb, so he has people like gang members insert replacement things like "screw you!" and "F-ing" in place of that dreaded F-bomb. In doing so, the author takes repeated instances such as these, and turns them into silly dialogue with no real world meaning. I seriously doubt most people would drop a "screw you" in place of the F-bomb, and even fewer would drop a silly "F-ing". Beyond this, the main character instantly knows what has happened because he reads a lot of books, and this has given him the uncanny ability to decipher what has befallen his neighborhood and the widespread destruction an EMP has caused. He then unabashedly shouts it out to everyone, and all who hear it take it as gospel (and absolutely everyone knows what an EMP is in this story) and without question, they follow him and never doubt all he has to say, because his book knowledge is just hard facts to all.
Blah, blah, blah. It got unreadable to me, and I was unable to finish. Mr. Isherwood's fear of the dreaded F-bomb is displayed in everything he writes, which is fine. But to use silly replacement words that show what was meant to be said in anyone else's book is ridiculous to me. Just avoid any reference to the word and be done with it. I think I am done reading anything Mr. Isherwood writes. They are all the same thing under different titles.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always find books about people in a disaster cooperating rather than hurting each other to be appealing. These are a group of neighbors, really no more than familiar acquaintances, that pull together with the help of their "glue person", Frank. The writing and editing were pretty good, though there were a couple of puzzling items. Frank went into the room that housed his gun collection and turned on the light, but this was AFTER the EMP. After the event and Luke was concerned for his teenagers at school and worried that the buses would not run to bring them home, Frank helps him retrieve the kids. Before they leave the school (with a very dense principal), the daughter goes to her car to get some belongings, so I'm not sure why there was concern about the bus system. I also have my doubts that drug dealing gang members, on a mission to retrieve stolen goods from one of the miscreant people in the neighborhood, would be so respectful to just sit outside a small blockade and wait and then after they got back their loot, just salute and leave? I've read a lot of the same post-apocalyptic books as Frank and that never happens that way. Regardless of these little issues, I very much enjoyed the book and look forward to the next.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Missed potential

I, as the protagonist, loves apocalypse book. But, I didn't love this one. There were several factors that lead me to the two star review. First, the nearly fifty times the main character, Frank, references one fact or another from his apocalypse/survival books. That horse was beat beyond dead. Second, the author breaks down nearly every action and thought of Frank's. None of these paragraphs helped advance the story, nor were the actions/thoughts difficult to follow. Third, in addition to breaking down most actions and thoughts, Frank over explains everything done. I can't imagine anyone who is a fan of end of the world or apocalypse books needs to have the story spoon feed to them. I hope the author doesn't think his readers are as dense as this book leads me to believe.

[Wade Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a simple, suburban EMP story. Nothing in it will put you on the edge of your seat, but it's a pleasant read, particularly when contrasted to similar books in this particular quickly-written/quickly read genre. Neighborhood Watch doesn't rely on super-preppers or ex warriors, and this makes it a little bit different. If you like these genre books, this is a fine one with likable characters.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story but I was put off by the main character and that left me deciding not to read the second book.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the EMP:(Neighborhood Watch #1) - a review by Rosemary Kenny

It's another fine day in the neighborhood, until an EMP changes life for retired trucking-company owner Frank Douglas and his neighbors, at newly-constructed homes in Clownfish Cove, Florida.

Frank's leadership qualities quickly unite the majority of the residents into looking out for one another and pooling their various resources.

Even when Trevor, (the drug-addict son of a rich lawyer and his partying friends), brings trouble to the Cove, it's up to Frank to lead his neighbours in survival techniques, as a gunfight breaks out while an armed biker gang bent on retribution of their own, waits nearby for the outcome.

E.E.Isherwood tells the believable, inspiring and engaging story of an ordinary group of people facing challenges and dangers together, in a thrilling 'what if...?' story of surviving a potentially Apocalyptic event, in After the EMP: (Neighbourhood Watch #1).

Don't miss this riveting, adrenaline-pumping adventure, that could happen to any one of us!

[cathryn baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit boring.

Too much back slapping going on with Frank the main character , the neighbours all seem to worship him for stating the obvious as in fill baths with water in case it goes off, check what food you have, all the obvious things we all know to do, you can guess what going happen next it's all been done before and better.
Also it annoying and boring as he constantly repeats what he's done and why he's done over and over like we readers are morons forgetting what just happened. I won't be buying the rest of series I can already guess what happens without reading them.

[Jeff Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and entertaining

Like other reviews pointed out, our protagonist is not a super mach SEAL guy or well prepared prepper but a retired truck driver. There was an element of realism as well as balance in how bad things might be the first 24 hours. It was a little unrealistic how easily a divers group of neighbors fell in line with him and they were able to smoothly overcome obstacles. It was however enjoyable and quick read and set up the sequels well

[Lucas Hamasaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting story. The characters were surprisingly fleshed out, with the MC being the most one-dimensional one, tbh. I hope we get more character development from everyone. I wasn’t sold on the action scenes, especially the big gun battle, it was just too unrealistic. That said, I’m interested in what’s going to happen next.

[PATRICIA M KARCHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books have the future

First..I prefer my e reader!!! If you're prepared for a EMP...you'd have put another e reader in a faraway cage!!! The book was good just not as some others. 2nd..can you say "ego trip"???

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I like the fact that the author sets a nice scenario of neighbors helping each other. It is a refreshing change from some of the post apocalyptic books.

[Rachael Ashak-Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story slays, dawg! But, not pulling trigger on Book 2…

The characters & their various unique personalities are what truly make this story shine!
This author really knows his stuff when it comes to character creation, development, dialogue, & the portrayal of inner thoughts.
Additionally, EE Isherwood offers excellent emotional language writing skills, & his characters display fantastic levels of nonverbal communication- which is a feat in non visual arts!
Every interaction feels easy & natural. Like I could walk right out my front door today, onto the Clownfish cul-de-sac & bump into any one of these very realistic neighbors Isherwood has so masterfully crafted.
The story itself Neighborhood Watch, the 1st book in the After the EMP series, is not really groundbreaking nor anything I haven’t read before a few times.
There are a few scenes & scenarios which are a bit different, of course. These involve, most especially, interactions between the neighbors themselves.
The oldest couple, to date, I find extremely amusing. And the “bad boy,” rich kid on the block, his related storyline is fun to read as well. (The “dawg, etc.,” in my subject line is pulled straight from his vocabulary, fyi. ;)
This story is written in a very “tame” style.
At least Book 1 is.
Wherein there is no swearing. There is really no violence to speak of. Other than *the absolute minimum* firearms or weapons use (pistol & rifle in this case). And when there are scenes, the gunfight is quick & with minimal details. Including the least amount of injury as possible (& again here, very glossed over on the details of injuries).
This is a story about relationships during an apocalyptic situation more than anything. How a small community comes together; works the kinks out, begins to function as a team. Down the line I can see themselves considering one another “Family.”
At least thus far, the After the EMP series is not for the hard hitter types. Who enjoy the true gritty realism, including how people honestly speak.
So! For me, I enjoyed reading Book 1 of this series, & getting a little peek into the start of all these lovely people’s lives. But this is where I hop off the ride with thanks to the author.
And I do also suggest all apocalypse genre fans give this story a try. Even if the “tamer” books aren’t usually your cup’o’tea.
There is so much to like here. And the #1 main character, Frank- well, he himself has been around the block, understands weapons, & is a true guy’s guy. Even if his harder edges have been sanded a bit for purposes of this story.
You never know. There’s a lot of possibilities to get hooked here. Give it at least Book 1 & see. Yk?
For me … I’m off to find my next swear & bloody gunfight saturated story, chock full of slavers & cannibals! (I suggest The Mad Mick or Borrowed World series.)
To each her, or his, own…. ;)

[Bonnie Yrizarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be patient, it grows on you😊

Ok…I read this for free so I hope my comments are viewed kindly (as intended), not like some stuck up literary snob who doesn’t have appreciation.
I’ve been binge reading lately and after reading several fairly good series I found myself struggling to find the next read. I literally started and abandoned about a dozen titles and stumbled across this one.
To be blunt, I struggled with it at first. The premise was intriguing but (no offense) I found the “I learned it all from books” mantra a bit repetitive and overdone. Also, I had a hard time with the….iDK, naivety(?) and Clark Kent-ness the main character displayed.
But to be fair, it’s grown on me a bit. There is definitely a uniqueness to the style used here and it’s definitely a lot less gung-ho(?) than most Post Apocalyptic fiction that isn’t written specifically for younger folks.
Some timeline aspects are hard to swallow but it is very fluid as it transitions from one situation to the next. Keeping it limited to one, partially developed cul-de-sac makes it easier to keep track of the core characters and allow their personalities to flower.
I look forward to getting into the second book and seeing how things pan out. 😎👍🏻🇺🇸

[Kathy Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an EMP knocks out the power

Neighborhood Watch :After the EMP Book 1 introduces Frank, who has sold his trucking company, bought a Florida home, and is on his second day of settling into retirement when all the power goes off, none of his electronics work, and no cars will start. His hobby is reading survival books, and he rallies the neighbors in his cul-de-sac to group together to face an uncertain future. This book was less than a dollar for Kindle, so I started reading it last night and finished it today. It is an easy read, with enough action to keep the story going.
I do believe the author is definitely a chauvinist. He spends a lot of his writing concentrating on describing how hot his female neighbor is, watching her "slowly walk away," and thinking she is hitting on him. We learn all about her outfits, but have no descriptions of the men. I could have edited out all of those type of references and enjoyed the premise of the book--surviving- much more.
Three stars. Good story, needed a good editor.

[Adolf von Wurttemberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first post-collapse novel that I have read by E. E. Isherwood and it was well worth it. He portrays the impact of a loss of power and services (e.g. fire, police) on ordinary people with no special military or survival training. For me it was a page-turner and I completed it in only three days of evening reading. I highly recommend it and if he publishes a sequel, I shall purchase it. I noticed on his Facebook page that he has a series entitled "Minus America;" it looks interesting to me and I have placed it on my Wishlist.
One suggestion that would be helpful for many readers: the Kindle edition did not display page numbers nor the % complete. That is a feature that I find helpful and urge him to make sure it is included with a possible sequel.

[Greg Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's refreshing to read some survival fiction about a 'regular guy' who happens to have some knowledge on the topic, rather than the typical 'prepper porn' where the protagonist is a SOF and every supporting character is either some operator alternative (with artillery, armored vehicles and endless supplies at their disposal) or a billionaire genius (with access to information/technology that no one else has, even in a grid-down scenario).

And, yeah, a couple times it did sound silly, but it's also refreshing that this author doesn't feel the need to rain down f-bombs to flesh out their characters as 'Billy Badass'. To me it sounds less like the characters are 'tough guys', and more like the author is insecure.

[Read Ng · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was book #1 of a freebie read of a 5 book set.

It was entertaining, educational, and thought provoking. All things that a well told story should have. But the first half of this story came across to me very much like so many of one of those First Aid Videos I had to sit through during at mandatory work safety class. Just a bit too structured. I follow the scenario setup and get to the point where I expect the narrator to pause and question the audience where do you go from here? Are you right or wrong? Now let's see where this tale goes. And once I got that story telling approach in my mind it totally messed up my thought process for the rest of the tale. I still have books 2-5 in my reader, but I am not sure I will get back to them.

Have a GoodReads.

[Jean Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real People!

I have read any number of post apocalyptic fiction novels, this is the first one that seems like real people in a real world.

I plan to check out the next book in this series as well as other books by E.E. Isherwood.

I would rate this R. There is violence, altho for a post apocalyptic novel, it's relatively mild. There's language I would rate at 3 on a 1-5 scale. There's references to sex, but nothing explicit or pornographic.

I would recommend this book for adults who enjoy survival end-of-civilization stories.

Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription and listened to with Alexa adaptive reader.

[Jill Miclean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a lot of SHTF books but this one just didn't stand out like it should. The MC Frank is a know-it-all and quickly takes charge of his cul-de-sac when an EMP happens in FL. His constant mansplaining, to the group, especially to the women was annoying. He also seems fixated on the way all the younger women look, making several dumb sexual jokes. Not offensive, just eye roll worthy.
The interaction with the local drug dealers was completely unrealistic, not to mention laughable and is really what will keep me from reading the next book in the series.

[Gleice Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise, but I had forgotten this author seems to love to write each single day of the story - as if it’s possible to do that much in 24h.
Really enjoyed it being about a retired truck driver that got all his knowledge from reading fiction - made me remember his other series about the Blue Lights.
Just feel like it tries so hard to make it seem as if in the middle of a disaster women would be all flirty with strangers (plus, the author puts focus on a Latina bombshell doing that and insisting on defending ‘her man’). Made me roll my eyes many times.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Packed

The book only spans the first two days of the apocalypse but it’s very action packed. I like that they aren’t buff military people who have prepped for something like this but in saying that, I’m not sure that the world would spiral so quickly, I read some where it would take 10 days for chaos to reign as quickly as it did in this book. The characters are all noteworthy worthy and I’m sure we will see Zen and his band of friends again. Hopefully we never see or hear of Trevor again but Pike would have been a good character eventually.

[Richard Caniglia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty Good Story

It is written in an enjoyable style, though the hero is a bit too self-effacing. And I can’t wait to see which of the single ladies on his cul-de-sac end up his choice. There’s a plot point for the next one. Girl-next-door or hot Latin bombshell. Yeah, I’ll read the next one just to see. In addition, however, he did imagine a couple scenarios and a few challenges that are original, so it earns some respect for being useful, too.

[Helen Andersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old boy saves the day!

I read a lot of SHTF books, and like the main character in Neighborhood Watch, I have learned a lot.
I have enjoyed this first book, and look forward to the next. The characters are interesting, so is the setting, and I got involved in the story right away. The main character, a newly retired truck driver, is an interesting new take on the "hero".
Give this one a try!

[Yusuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Better EMP Sagas

This is a popular genre that has challenged the skills and imaginations of many a writer, offering many points of entry and opportunities for intrigue and suspense. E. E. Isherwood has demonstrated in the first book of this series that he can take the reader by the scruff of the neck and drag them into the chaos that unfolds from the moment of impact. An excellent and thought-provoking ride awaits.

[Jim Gutzwiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neighborhood watch

Nice story, not too violent, and some good info in dealing with what could become an issue in the future. Afterall, Russia is fighting in the Ukraine and not having fun, North Korea has a maniac for a leader, and China is pushing people around in the Pacific. All of them have nuclear weapons, hence, EMP risk.
Crazy right?
But all in all a very good story, and held my interest throughout. Going for book 2 next.

[Ahw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should give it 3 stars. But I really enjoyed the book. I'd like to read the several sequels available.
Please note.... this book is just garbage. But it's fun garbage. I love end of civilization stories.
It wasn't an exceptionally short book but it only spanned a few days I would have liked to see more.
The deterioration of civilized norms happened pretty quick and if I have to read that he learned something "from his books" one more time I'll scream.

I just enjoyed the story.

[Darlene Doty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living day by day a leader has arrived

I'm a man retired. Got my new home, my brand new corvette and a stack of books to read. What more can a man ask for? I have waved to my neighbors as I pass by. Don't know if I want to get involved with them, I'm laying out in a lounge chair listening to music when it stops playing, my lights are out and my cell phone has stopped working. What's going on? Read this action pack story.

[Auntmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A change from my zombie apocalypse reading. This EMP catastrophe is new to me. I usually shy away from either natural disaster reading or Emp reads. Maybe because those are a reality.

Yet this story has a realistic and a well planned narrative on how to be prepared, thoughtful and what to expect when facing the collapse of society. The situation the main characters in the neighborhood is worth paying close attention to. Not one boring moment.