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End of Days #5

Grip of Madness

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Before, there was ordinary life. Now, every minute is a fight to survive.

Isaac and Cass continue their harrowing journey, and are forced to perform an act they'd never dreamed they would ever have to do in their lives.

Meanwhile in Meadowview, tensions are rising as tragedy hits the community. And Harper discovers that all is not what it seems in a place she'd once thought was sleepy small-town America.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2022

176 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

About the author

Sam J Fires

42 books78 followers
Post-apocalyptic and dystopian author

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5 stars
212 (41%)
4 stars
176 (34%)
3 stars
103 (20%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,865 reviews69 followers
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July 26, 2022
Grip of Madness - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

The 5th book in Sam J Fire's End of Days series is Grip of Madness.
Set in the remote community of Meadowview, it continues the stories of Cass, Howard, Charlie and Harper, (plus subsidiary characters including Isaac, Javier, George and Nathan) in clearly designated chapters, on their journey through destruction, disease and death, in a frozen world gone mad.
Egotistical cult leader Howard is ruthless and self-seeking, while power-crazed militia leader Jonas has his own agenda, that will lead to deadly confrontations between martial law enforcers, cult members and preppers alike.
As supplies and food are stolen and people on both sides become more desperate, how can the hospital cope with the influx of injured and dying?

The madness continues apace and there seems no respite, let alone recovery, is anywhere in sight, so get your unputdownable copy of Grip of Madness by the amazing Sam J. Fires today and see what Cass, Charlie, Harper, Isaac and Javier will do to get things back on track next!

It's an action-packed, dystopian, realistic survival-thriller, that will grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, with its believable, well-rounded characters, dialogue and development.
Highly recommended to fans of Mike Kraus, Kevin Partner, and Tara Ellis.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,064 reviews129 followers
July 28, 2022
The End of Days series continues its horrifying journey in Grip of Madness with all of its amazing characters returning with more horrific events. The tension ramps up even more for everyone as their journey continues. We get to see the world through more than one of the character's points of view.

Isaac, Cass, and Daisy are still trying to make their way to her family and Cass’s sister. Along the way, they stop to help a man who is in trouble. After all, they have been through they no longer know if they can trust anyone and are afraid but you know they can’t stop being human just because the world is broken. The power goes off and the evil is unleashed.

Meanwhile, the group Harper is with wants her help to steal food from her family. Harper’s family is part of a preppers community. Harper once lived there herself. Harper has tried her best to become a part of the place she lives now but the people there don’t seem to want to make her a part of their little community because she was once part of the preppers community.

Now they are running out of food and supplies and want Harper’s help in getting what they want from the preppers. Harper tries to explain to them that they are a hard bunch and can’t or won’t be reckoned with. They don’t want her to be a part of their community but they want her help when they are in desperate need.

If Harper can’t or won’t help them they plan to just take what they want from the preppers. These people think they can just waltz into someone's place and demand their food and supplies and expect them to just hand it over without a fight. Well, what would they do if the shoe was on the other foot, huh? They would see it all in a different light then.

I have read each and every book in the End of Days series and loved each and every one. Each book brings its own uniqueness to the page. The more I read in the End of Days series the more I want and need to read as each book gets better and better with every turn of the page. I can’t wait to dive into the next book Grip of Evil.

As with every book in the End of Days series I highly recommend Grip of Madness to all dystopia fans! Be sure and one-click your copy of Grip of Madness for more horrifying adventures!
87 reviews
July 31, 2022
Wow!!! Exciting Post-Apocalyptic book!!

Excellent writing, well developed characters and believable storyline!! A great addition to the Post Apocalyptic genre!!!
I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first… they are all wonderful!!!
Profile Image for Corinne Marshall.
409 reviews10 followers
July 31, 2022
Another gripping story in this series. All our main characters are now in Meadowview. Tensions are mounting and the mystery group are about to make their move. The momentum is building and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
168 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2022
Cass and Isaac finally reach Meadowview but are stopped at the perimeter by armed guards. They are only allowed in when her sister vouches for them. What is Jonas' end goal and will Howard be able to take over the town? I would love to see this as a tv series.
12.6k reviews189 followers
August 24, 2022
Another great story that kept me wanting more. Danger, suspense and more. The characters try to find a way to survive and it’s filled with danger that keeps them on edge. Ready for the next.
174 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2022
I am enjoying this series this book #5 gets a little deeper into the Zealots cult, and the idiotic town folk who attack others. Finally home from the long trip on foot Cass and her "friend" Isaac are amazed at the changes to Meadowview. I am an Honest ARC reviewer you can feel the tension, taste the gun smoke ,and feel the never-ending snow fall.. Get it ?
Profile Image for DeeDeeWReads.
1,158 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2022
Book 5 and I think we're getting closer to that end.... The one I always dread because it means it's over, but also at the same time, the one I can't wait to have happen, so I know HOW it is going to end.

Charlie is just finding how to keep her head low and out of Jonas's view. Creepy boy that one is. His brother on the other hand, he's a possibility if love was possible right now, but I think survival should be top priority.

The people of Meadowview are getting antsy. Food is low and people are dying or suffering deeply. Some ideas are thrown up, and well, we'll see how those pan out. Then... there's Howard, that boy is loony toony if you ask me, and a little full of himself.

Keep reading, because you never know what will happen next. Oh.... Cass and Issac are nearing the end of their trip, what will happen with them?????
Profile Image for Reads_Must .
960 reviews13 followers
December 29, 2023
Grip of Madness
End of Days #5
Post-apocalyptic
Sam J Fires
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I'm enjoying this series so far! The pacing was good and things are getting more and more intense.

I like how well the characters continue to develop, even the side ones interact well with each other. I really don't like Jonas though, he's quite creepy, intimidating and abuses his position of power and influence. The militia are cruel and I just know things are going to get worse.

The cult is dangerous, especially the leader, Howard. He truly is warped and has a disturbing agenda. I hope he gets what he deserves 😂.

I was glad that Cass and Isaac finally got to Meadowview so they can meet their relatives and finally get some rest.

I wish there was more information about the EMP itself and what the government are doing to try and fix things.
Profile Image for Karen J. Mossman.
Author 48 books206 followers
September 21, 2022
Life in Medowview is almost becoming intolerable in this book five of the End of Days series.

It lived up to its title of gripping. Marshal law in the shape Militia has taken now over the town. I mentioned that the two main characters Charlie and Harper hadn’t met in the previous book, but they have now as Charlie helps Harper at the hospital. Difficult when supplies are running low.

Cass, Issac, and Daisy the dog have finally arrived from Portland and it took two very tough long weeks, including a horrific amputation.

It’s such a great series and am really enjoying the post-apocalyptic times, from my warm and cosy armchair.

A highly recommend this story, and all the books in the series.
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,117 reviews
August 10, 2023
Obviously after the way book #4 ended, I had to continue immediately. Of course this series chooses that moment to show us Cass and Issaac again but … that makes it no less fun.

The drama and insanity of course only increase as we’re not days into ‘the end of the world’, particularly in this mad small town (so this is aptly titled).

4 stars.
I do recommend being ready with the entire series if you start these—you’ll want to keep going, every time.


Audio:
Excellent audio production, good overall quality. (Except when the narrator, narrating as an Oregonian, mispronounced Oregon, specifically in a way that Oregonians can’t stand. Very poor continuity, but only lasted a second.)
25 reviews
December 29, 2022
just stupid..

Book one started off as not bad.. but from there on the series just went down hill. I actually couldn’t finish this book. I just found the scenes the author had written in to be a bit too disturbing and really unnecessary. If you are into reading about: a father murdering his wife, baby and young child, a man stalking his ex girlfriend (and her letting him get away with it), people dying left right and centre (only a day into the apocalypse) and other stupid story lines (we will just throw in the obligatory cult for the hell of it) then these books are for you…. Seriously, the books just got ridiculous the further into the series!
Profile Image for Roger.
5,605 reviews28 followers
September 13, 2022
Grip of Madness: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (End of Days Book 5), my sixth read from author Sam J. Fires . A well-written, entertaining read, 124-pages in length. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book an am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Next up Grip of Madness: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (End of Days Book 6). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
1 review
March 16, 2025
I was surprised to see how short each book was!

It was not necessary to have so many books! They read like novellas...I feel breaking the story up like this was a ploy to just make more money selling chapters rather than real stand alone books. Doing this was very annoying, and as a result I will not purchase the last 2 books, I'll have a break and read another book with a more substantial story/plot in the one book...good bye Sam J Fries for a while.
Profile Image for S.Azuaje.
52 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2025
Me gustó mucho Agarre de Muerte. Es de esas entregas que no suavizan nada; la tensión está siempre al filo. Sam J. Fires sabe cómo mezclar lo crudo del mundo post-EMP con personajes que no son héroes perfectos, sino gente común tratando de mantenerse viva cuando todo se les viene encima. Aprecio que avance la trama, que no se quede solo en sobrevivir, sino que obliga a los personajes a enfrentar lo que aún esperaban que fuera seguro.
327 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2022
Could you do it? Even if you were begged by the person himself?
An amputation. See their reactions pre and post operation.
Madness, the title, is a wonderful lead into this great read.
It's all around you and in your face.
Who's running this the guards or the inmates or is there something else?
Profile Image for Laurie Robertson.
875 reviews19 followers
August 4, 2022
Things are certainly going south for those in Meadowview. There are numerous twists in the plot as the townsfolk are psychologically manipulated to do the unthinkable. Jonas and the militia making things worse than ever. It's definitely a case of humanity zero and insanity infinity.
It feels so realistic and logical that it keeps you engaged throughout.
Bring on number six.
Profile Image for Terry.
226 reviews7 followers
August 8, 2022
The story continues and is about to reach a crescendo. Meadowview are tested to their limits, while Cass and Issac face their own horrors throughout their journey, and although they finally reach their destination, what they find is not what they expected. Very enjoyable and looking forward to the next instalment. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,550 reviews41 followers
August 1, 2022
An excellent fifth part to this new & exciting, EMP, end of the world! Great story & character development, never know where it will go & that is great! A really good read & I can't wait for more by this writer! I do recommend for all that love this genre!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
428 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2022
good

A little confusing at first. I thought maybe I missed a book but it all came together! The book is good, easy read and exciting!! I still can’t understand why the people still think the weather is responsible for the vehicles not working.
Profile Image for Red.
501 reviews8 followers
October 25, 2022
Oh, this was extremely...real. Cass and Isaac are the perfect pair, the perfect power couple, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I cannot even begin to predict where this series is going. That's what makes it extra exciting!!!
451 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2023
Great series

Cass and Issac have finally madĺe it to Meadowview. After a long and gruesome walk. When they arrive things are a lot worse than the could ever have imagined. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Rachael.
982 reviews
January 31, 2024
Great series.

The fifth book in The End of Days series was really good. Tensions are building as the town struggles. Cass and Issac finally arrive to find Meadowview is not the safe place they were hoping it would be. On to book 6.
1,014 reviews11 followers
July 12, 2024
There's action at every point.

Between Jonah and his militia, Howard and his cult and citizens who are enjoying helping Jonah, there's danger, damage and murder. Grip of Madness is aptly named for Meadowview is in the grip of madness and it makes for awesome reading.
Profile Image for Mark.
246 reviews
January 5, 2025
Heh, The storylines merged in this book so I didn't need to wait an entire book to see what happened after the cliffhanger of the previous book :). A lot happens in this book, but way more is just brewing, waiting to boil over. On to the next
Profile Image for Patty.
158 reviews19 followers
August 5, 2022
I'm hooked on this book series, the characters are wonderful and the suspense really keeps me involved and wanting more. I would highly recommend this series and this book!
912 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2022
good

Fifth book in the grip of death series. Sister Charlie and Cass along with Issac finally meet up. The militia is running the town read how our little group survive
144 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2022
madness

Another good read. And like someone else said , it's so nice to get the different perspective, with the sisters
Profile Image for Kel.
259 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2023
action action with missing a beat!

Wow wow wow wow 😮 it’s been 2 weeks and humanity has gone. Makes one wonder if this would actually happen like this…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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