What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Island: EMP Survival in a Powerless World
What would you risk to save your family?
Former United States Department of Defense contractor Charlie Owens resigned from his position with the government to live a life off-grid. After building a cabin on a small island in the Pacific Northwest, the detonation of an EMP sets into motion a series of events that will test Charlie and his family in ways he never imagined.
Former United States Department of Defense contractor Charlie Owens resigned from his position with the government to live a life off-grid. After building a cabin on a small island in the Pacific Northwest, the detonation of an EMP sets into motion a series of events that will test Charlie and his family in ways he never imagined.
- GenresApocalyptic
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
718 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
James Hunt
167 books229 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
James Hunt's passion for writing began at an early age. While his journal of yesteryear may never be the work of great fiction, he's been working hard every day since then to bring pages to life. James has well over a decade of writing under his belt, but his professional career in literature didn't take off until 2014.
James currently lives in Orlando, FL and when he's not pounding away at the keyboard you can find him at the theater or somewhere outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
James Hunt's passion for writing began at an early age. While his journal of yesteryear may never be the work of great fiction, he's been working hard every day since then to bring pages to life. James has well over a decade of writing under his belt, but his professional career in literature didn't take off until 2014.
James currently lives in Orlando, FL and when he's not pounding away at the keyboard you can find him at the theater or somewhere outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 5, 2022
Good story. Terrible editing.
I'm a huge can of survivalist fiction. This was a fairly good story line. But adding earthquakes and a volcanic eruption to an AMP was over the top. Some parts were simply unbelievable such as a grenade going off in a living room but doing little damage to the house. The author has talent and I expect the next book will improve. The biggest problem by far is the terrible editing or lack thereof. It became so irritating I almost gave up reading several times. Nearly every other page had a problem with mixed up pronouns, repeated phrases, etc. It made it feel as though the author rushed through and never went back to check.
I'm a huge can of survivalist fiction. This was a fairly good story line. But adding earthquakes and a volcanic eruption to an AMP was over the top. Some parts were simply unbelievable such as a grenade going off in a living room but doing little damage to the house. The author has talent and I expect the next book will improve. The biggest problem by far is the terrible editing or lack thereof. It became so irritating I almost gave up reading several times. Nearly every other page had a problem with mixed up pronouns, repeated phrases, etc. It made it feel as though the author rushed through and never went back to check.
August 7, 2022
Author is a Moron
I did not read this book. I did however read the authors introduction and that led me to this review. The moron that wrote this piece has absolutely no clue what is happening in Ukraine or what drove Russia to invade. Perhaps he should read anything other than MSN sources. I read papers from all over the planet because I trust no news sources in the US. The UKR President is a real piece of work and is much like Maduro, plus UKR is a money laundering scheme that pays US and European politicians, do some research.
What I am absolutely certain of is that the powers that be are and have always lied to the public, we are the useless idiots. So I chose not to read the story of an obvious sheep. Pray hard, stock food and live debt free if you want to ride the storm out in something that looks like peace.
I did not read this book. I did however read the authors introduction and that led me to this review. The moron that wrote this piece has absolutely no clue what is happening in Ukraine or what drove Russia to invade. Perhaps he should read anything other than MSN sources. I read papers from all over the planet because I trust no news sources in the US. The UKR President is a real piece of work and is much like Maduro, plus UKR is a money laundering scheme that pays US and European politicians, do some research.
What I am absolutely certain of is that the powers that be are and have always lied to the public, we are the useless idiots. So I chose not to read the story of an obvious sheep. Pray hard, stock food and live debt free if you want to ride the storm out in something that looks like peace.
July 5, 2022
Good story with interesting plot
I enjoyed the book and read it quickly. The characters and family dynamics are interesting. However, the book has many errors (mainly pronoun switching and miswording). Also, the excessive use of the word “but” impeded the flow of the book for me. However, it’s still a great book and you should take the time to read it. I’m very interested to continue the story and watch the author grow as a storyteller.
I enjoyed the book and read it quickly. The characters and family dynamics are interesting. However, the book has many errors (mainly pronoun switching and miswording). Also, the excessive use of the word “but” impeded the flow of the book for me. However, it’s still a great book and you should take the time to read it. I’m very interested to continue the story and watch the author grow as a storyteller.
May 5, 2022
Pretty good story
It made me think that anything can happen. What I didn't like it was too short, and the wrong names at times, or just changing a name. Authors need to proof read, than have someone else proof read it than someone else proof it than the author should proof it one more time.
It made me think that anything can happen. What I didn't like it was too short, and the wrong names at times, or just changing a name. Authors need to proof read, than have someone else proof read it than someone else proof it than the author should proof it one more time.
August 4, 2022
It's a Stretch
So, this story is a good basic concept of what people might expect to happen should an EMP actually deploy and their world as they know it collapses around them literally in ashes.
But it's pretty saccharine sweet and rather unbelievable because the identified hero simply steps from one horrible event to the next without missing a beat. Everything Charlie wants, needs, or uses just seems to be exactly available. The challenges happen and he simply moves forward unchecked and on target.
It reads as though it's a well rehearsed play with every single event choreographed and managed without once missing the beat.
The characters are very weak and lack substance, and even though some go to the dark side most are introduced and then they disappear. I'm guessing some of them will eventually reappear in coming sequels. They don't feel genuine, but that's more or less the entire story arc as well.
It's a fair bit of fun to read and it moves quickly forward. My sense that Charlie is the main character also feels at odds because no one individual possesses every tiny bit of equipment or skill to provide for a post apocalyptic traumatic event. Charlie just reaches for or grabs or pulls whatever he needs and bingo! The plot twists yet again. I'm sort of puzzled how he's on foot for much of the time but he reaches each destination within minutes, as well as not only surviving this tremendous assault on the world's resources but the entire collapse of society without one tiny bit of resistance or fault.
It makes Charlie's persona more Wizard of Oz than a highly trained asset with exceptional skills and intuition. Charlie is a one man band of invention and unrealistic expectations. Charlie might be the worst party pooper ever.
This story might continue and evolve slowly into something other than the usual post society fall and reboot. We'll see. If his character continues to be Superman without his cape, this story isn't the best after tale but it can share the genre with all the rest. I'm inevitably going to wait to see what comes next.
So, this story is a good basic concept of what people might expect to happen should an EMP actually deploy and their world as they know it collapses around them literally in ashes.
But it's pretty saccharine sweet and rather unbelievable because the identified hero simply steps from one horrible event to the next without missing a beat. Everything Charlie wants, needs, or uses just seems to be exactly available. The challenges happen and he simply moves forward unchecked and on target.
It reads as though it's a well rehearsed play with every single event choreographed and managed without once missing the beat.
The characters are very weak and lack substance, and even though some go to the dark side most are introduced and then they disappear. I'm guessing some of them will eventually reappear in coming sequels. They don't feel genuine, but that's more or less the entire story arc as well.
It's a fair bit of fun to read and it moves quickly forward. My sense that Charlie is the main character also feels at odds because no one individual possesses every tiny bit of equipment or skill to provide for a post apocalyptic traumatic event. Charlie just reaches for or grabs or pulls whatever he needs and bingo! The plot twists yet again. I'm sort of puzzled how he's on foot for much of the time but he reaches each destination within minutes, as well as not only surviving this tremendous assault on the world's resources but the entire collapse of society without one tiny bit of resistance or fault.
It makes Charlie's persona more Wizard of Oz than a highly trained asset with exceptional skills and intuition. Charlie is a one man band of invention and unrealistic expectations. Charlie might be the worst party pooper ever.
This story might continue and evolve slowly into something other than the usual post society fall and reboot. We'll see. If his character continues to be Superman without his cape, this story isn't the best after tale but it can share the genre with all the rest. I'm inevitably going to wait to see what comes next.
April 30, 2023
What worked...
Recognizing that power would not return was key. A get-away spot, pre-stocked, good. A relationship with the island community, good. Worst nightmare, to have to leave your supplies to gather family. What didn't work: A little too much "side action" (earthquakes, Mt. Rainier, arms dealers). Technical errors: your last chapter repeats. There are places where character names were confused. When a person's voice gives out is "hoarse" not "horse". But overall, this was a page-turner and held my interest.
Recognizing that power would not return was key. A get-away spot, pre-stocked, good. A relationship with the island community, good. Worst nightmare, to have to leave your supplies to gather family. What didn't work: A little too much "side action" (earthquakes, Mt. Rainier, arms dealers). Technical errors: your last chapter repeats. There are places where character names were confused. When a person's voice gives out is "hoarse" not "horse". But overall, this was a page-turner and held my interest.
September 10, 2023
Over the top ! Poor character development and too many disjointed events. If you know anything about preparing for the worst, don’t look for more information here. Author peppers scenes with words like EMP but doesn’t know much. Editing is horrible and last chapter is repeated twice. Unrealistic and cluttered with random events and btw a grenade would blow up more that a kitchen table ! I give this 2 stars because the author had the courage to publish
December 9, 2023
I gave this 4 stars, because I did like it, even though it leaves the story unfinished. Have to wait for a sequel, which I already know will end with you waiting for another sequel...
I did think things went downhill faster in the book than I think they would in real life.
But, I liked the main character, and although his teenage daughter is a pain, she is realistic. So, rounded up to 4 stars.
I did think things went downhill faster in the book than I think they would in real life.
But, I liked the main character, and although his teenage daughter is a pain, she is realistic. So, rounded up to 4 stars.
March 8, 2025
Needs Edited
The story was ok. I couldn’t invest in the characters. There were a LOT of errors that could have been avoided with an editor, such as confusing genders and who the character was. There were times where a character did something, but they weren’t part of that scene. The ending is a huge repeat, word for word, of the chapter before. I wanted to like it, but was disappointed by the sloppiness.
The story was ok. I couldn’t invest in the characters. There were a LOT of errors that could have been avoided with an editor, such as confusing genders and who the character was. There were times where a character did something, but they weren’t part of that scene. The ending is a huge repeat, word for word, of the chapter before. I wanted to like it, but was disappointed by the sloppiness.
May 3, 2022
Solid entry in the EMP genre. There was a decent amount of action (though at times a bit predictable) & the characters were pretty well fleshed out. The ending was tied up well enough, though the door is open for a sequel.
If mistakes in books are a deal breaker for you, pass on this one. It could use the touch of an editor.
If mistakes in books are a deal breaker for you, pass on this one. It could use the touch of an editor.
June 29, 2022
Are we headed for an EMP?
Hope that novels like this will have an impact on citizens and government agencies to consider planning for this type disaster and this was a doozy of a disaster for Seattle!
I would have given 5 stars, but I did not because of a few editing misses: after Jerry is shot, there is concern about internal blending in paragraphs that describe his condition. Several times it is called "eternal" bleeding. When Jerry's pulse is checked, they touch his vein but it should be artery. There were a few others. Kindle Unlimited could do better in this area.
Hope that novels like this will have an impact on citizens and government agencies to consider planning for this type disaster and this was a doozy of a disaster for Seattle!
I would have given 5 stars, but I did not because of a few editing misses: after Jerry is shot, there is concern about internal blending in paragraphs that describe his condition. Several times it is called "eternal" bleeding. When Jerry's pulse is checked, they touch his vein but it should be artery. There were a few others. Kindle Unlimited could do better in this area.
July 30, 2022
Great read
This is a very good read for someone that realizes what could happen but hopes with all their heart it will not.
Actually, with the exception of the EMP and volcano eruption, most of this happens with increasing frequency somewhere in the world.
Fast paced and good read.
This is a very good read for someone that realizes what could happen but hopes with all their heart it will not.
Actually, with the exception of the EMP and volcano eruption, most of this happens with increasing frequency somewhere in the world.
Fast paced and good read.
October 20, 2022
Great Read
Really enjoying this series so far . The story follows Charlie and his family as the try to escape the city . There a plenty of maniacs around and they have to contend with a religious nut and a gang leader hell bent on revenge for the death of his younger brother. Fast paced and a great read . Looking forward to the next book.
Really enjoying this series so far . The story follows Charlie and his family as the try to escape the city . There a plenty of maniacs around and they have to contend with a religious nut and a gang leader hell bent on revenge for the death of his younger brother. Fast paced and a great read . Looking forward to the next book.
February 26, 2023
Family
EMP- will this occur? The world has so much unrest in it that the hope each of us have is in the love and trust of family... This story tells of the horror that this family lives through and the same unfortunate situations that will arise when chaos occurs and people lose sight of what it takes to survive!
EMP- will this occur? The world has so much unrest in it that the hope each of us have is in the love and trust of family... This story tells of the horror that this family lives through and the same unfortunate situations that will arise when chaos occurs and people lose sight of what it takes to survive!
April 12, 2023
Good story!
Growing up spending every moment I could on my grandparents homestead/ranch who started out with a lean to was almost like being ready for the worse. The cellar was full of canned goods that could feed twenty people for six months. Loved this book and hope it turns into a series!
Growing up spending every moment I could on my grandparents homestead/ranch who started out with a lean to was almost like being ready for the worse. The cellar was full of canned goods that could feed twenty people for six months. Loved this book and hope it turns into a series!
May 16, 2023
Good, but needs editing.
Chapter 31 is repeated at the end (duplicate). Many tenses and pronouns are incorrect. Storyline is good, but predictable by stereotyping. Father/husband keeping his past occupation and deeds a secret. If an EMP and killing isn’t a good enough time to come clean, then when would it be?
Chapter 31 is repeated at the end (duplicate). Many tenses and pronouns are incorrect. Storyline is good, but predictable by stereotyping. Father/husband keeping his past occupation and deeds a secret. If an EMP and killing isn’t a good enough time to come clean, then when would it be?
June 20, 2023
Different from other EMP Books
This is a very interesting concept for an EMP book. It has several storylines that bring added drama to the story. It follow a family of four in the Pacific Northwest. There are many twists and turns that gets you to the end with a very good cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is a very interesting concept for an EMP book. It has several storylines that bring added drama to the story. It follow a family of four in the Pacific Northwest. There are many twists and turns that gets you to the end with a very good cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 20, 2022
Typical Cliff Hanger
Good guy to stupid to kill bad guy. Bad guy keeps coming back over and over. If good guy was tough and smart enough to stay alive during SHTF. Then he would have taken out the bad guy first time. Insulted and waste of time reading.
Good guy to stupid to kill bad guy. Bad guy keeps coming back over and over. If good guy was tough and smart enough to stay alive during SHTF. Then he would have taken out the bad guy first time. Insulted and waste of time reading.
April 29, 2022
Clean story of the coming age
I enjoyed this tale although two of the characters where altogether predictable. It would make a nice movie some day.😄
Nice and clean without the unnecessary bedroom scenes common with this genre.
I enjoyed this tale although two of the characters where altogether predictable. It would make a nice movie some day.😄
Nice and clean without the unnecessary bedroom scenes common with this genre.
May 21, 2022
Nicely planned disaster for a family and the country
Even in a family there are enemies like the brother. Evil people find each other. M ore people than you think are just crazy, so what can we do with them in disaster times?
Even in a family there are enemies like the brother. Evil people find each other. M ore people than you think are just crazy, so what can we do with them in disaster times?
May 25, 2022
okay read
Nothing remarkable about this story. It was a decent read but had a few grammatical errors and made me totally confused in a couple of areas.
Getting the shoes for the horses like it’s something you slip on 🤷🏼♂️
Nothing remarkable about this story. It was a decent read but had a few grammatical errors and made me totally confused in a couple of areas.
Getting the shoes for the horses like it’s something you slip on 🤷🏼♂️
June 1, 2022
Good read
Great story line with really interesting characters. I enjoy the apocalyptic stories with strong lead characters. Highly recommended if you enjoy the genre you'll enjoy this one.
Great story line with really interesting characters. I enjoy the apocalyptic stories with strong lead characters. Highly recommended if you enjoy the genre you'll enjoy this one.
June 3, 2022
Sigh
This could be a really great story, but the editing is crap. You need to either find a new proofreader or start reading the manuscript yourself aloud. I'm giving you 4 stars only because I generally like your work.
This could be a really great story, but the editing is crap. You need to either find a new proofreader or start reading the manuscript yourself aloud. I'm giving you 4 stars only because I generally like your work.
June 6, 2022
Great read
This book was even better than I thought it would be. It had a lot going on in it, and was a really quick read. I liked the characters and am ready to read the next book in the series.
This book was even better than I thought it would be. It had a lot going on in it, and was a really quick read. I liked the characters and am ready to read the next book in the series.
June 9, 2022
good
Charlie an ex spook moving his family to a island. Shelly his wife detective who tries to imprison the local gang members even her brother. Read about the trials they meet trying to save their family
Charlie an ex spook moving his family to a island. Shelly his wife detective who tries to imprison the local gang members even her brother. Read about the trials they meet trying to save their family
July 25, 2022
Good book
This story was really great. I started it and ended up finishing it in 2 days. I just didn't want to stop reading. I am looking forward to reading more. It really makes a good point.
😀
This story was really great. I started it and ended up finishing it in 2 days. I just didn't want to stop reading. I am looking forward to reading more. It really makes a good point.
😀
July 26, 2022
Great book- life without technology
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I disliked all of the missed edits that should have been done beforehand. I love the plot of surviving without technology and relying on family and yourself to get through it.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I disliked all of the missed edits that should have been done beforehand. I love the plot of surviving without technology and relying on family and yourself to get through it.
July 30, 2022
Captures your interest from the very beginning
Excellent book with lots of intrigue and action. Definitely a good read.
Note to author: Chapter 31 in this edition is an exact repeat of Chapter 30, therefore I would suggest a need to edit it.
Excellent book with lots of intrigue and action. Definitely a good read.
Note to author: Chapter 31 in this edition is an exact repeat of Chapter 30, therefore I would suggest a need to edit it.
August 7, 2022
A story of survival, love and hope
Only thing I didn't like was some sentences that should have been edited. The story and characters were great and I am looking forward to the next book
Only thing I didn't like was some sentences that should have been edited. The story and characters were great and I am looking forward to the next book
September 23, 2022
A good story
Always interested when an author adds something different to a genre. Whilst the hero in this tale is most capable and his wife is a police detective I would have like some more background. BTW non verbal cues are not queues.
Always interested when an author adds something different to a genre. Whilst the hero in this tale is most capable and his wife is a police detective I would have like some more background. BTW non verbal cues are not queues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews