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Kessler Effect #1

Veil of Anarchy

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Can law and order survive in a world without rules?

As police chief, Tanda Lopez has vowed to protect the people of Alpine. But how do you protect a town against itself?

Perched on a high mesa in the Chihuahuan Desert, no one is coming to help the citizens of this remote Texas town. When the entire array of lower orbital satellites crash, they are instantly catapulted into a world without communication, power, or resources. Tanda is determined that law and order won’t be the next casualty of the apocalypse. But how can she fight a corrupt mayor? Can she stand between those who wish to uphold the law and those who are intent on annihilating it? And what will she do about the neighboring communities who are preparing to attack?

As a Veil of Anarchy blankets the world, will Alpine and its people be annihilated?

Veil of Anarchy is book one in a new post-apocalyptic survival thriller series from USA Today Bestselling Author Vannetta Chapman. An exciting contribution to the genre of disaster fiction, this is one book that will literally keep you up all night.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2022

187 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Vannetta Chapman

133 books1,456 followers
Vannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.

Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.

Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at http://vannettachapman.com
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5 stars
190 (51%)
4 stars
124 (33%)
3 stars
48 (12%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 24, 2024
An excellent read.

A different take on the usual apocalyptic books that I have read, and it’s very refreshing. It's an interesting story and easy to read and follow. I really enjoyed this book and the characters were great. The Kessler Syndrome or Theory is a real scenario that makes it a bit more scary. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Myra Johnson.
Author 65 books559 followers
February 3, 2023
A real page-turner! After reading the prequel, I couldn't wait to find out what kind of event had left Alpine, Texas, with no power, no internet, and no help coming from the outside. Police chief Tanda Lopez has her hands full as she tries to stabilize and protect her community. It will take every ounce of her courage and ingenuity, plus help from trusted friends, to shepherd the town through an ordeal with no end in sight.

It was fascinating--and kind of scary!--to learn the Kessler Effect theory is a real thing. Be sure to read the author's note at the end for more information.

All in all, a great read! I'll be diving into the next books in the series very soon!
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books412 followers
January 10, 2023
The world scenario introduced in the prequel, Veil of Mystery, continues to spin out of control. Police Chief Tanda Lopez attempts to guide the citizens in preparation for the future as they try to figure out what is actually happening. This compelling thriller takes readers on a wild journey we hope we never have to face in real life. The author makes it feel too real as she sends her realistic characters in a danger-filled plot. This novel is not one of her Christian fiction but a clean general market read. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for SARAH TAYLOR.
307 reviews66 followers
January 12, 2023
Veil of Anarchy by Vannetta Chapman! Such a great story and the characters were amazing I picked this book up and could not put it down! This has a reader wondering what is going to happen next? And I kept reading and turning the pages to see! I highly recommend this book! This was my own honest words of this review! I gave this book a 5 star because it is a great book!
Profile Image for Lori Wilen.
860 reviews32 followers
November 16, 2022
This five star dystopian book is not my typical genre. However, one of my most favorite authors Vannetta Chapman gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and I am so extremely happy that I did. Thank you Vannetta. I had the opportunity to read the prequel, Veil of Mystery and that got me interested to go further into the series and I am now waiting anxiously for the next book. I think that Vannetta could write a grocery list or a hunny-do list and it would be five star reading. She slips so easily from the Amish fiction writer that I know and love so well into the unknown apocalyptic times and happenings in a small little town in Texas. Her characters are truly believable and the story is written so well that it was difficult to put this one down. The plot is wonderful and Vannetta carves it out so simply and understandably that it is not difficult to read. For lovers of this genre please don't miss the wonderful start to a brilliant new series. For others, like me, who are sceptical and say "no this is not my genre and not for me", I urge you to please attempt this series. I believe like me you will not be disappointed and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Sunnie.
1,012 reviews49 followers
November 1, 2022
Wow, this was quite the book! The events are so believable and definitely will make you think of possibilities of an unknown future. It was very dramatic and suspenseful.
How do you prepare for something you can not explain or did not ever expect? A small town of Alpine, Texas finds itself in a situation that closes off transportation, communication, and just about everything they depend on from day to day. The question is how to deal with all the needs and who can be trusted.

This was a great book. And I am sure there is more yet to come!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
132 reviews
January 10, 2023
Good start to the series!

This is an end of times novel. It was disturbing like all books are in this genre but it was very readable. I would agree with another reviewer that some of the off-color language wasn't needed. I was disappointed that not much talk about God and faith was in this book. Hoping to see more in the next book as I will definitely be reading it!
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
2,030 reviews60 followers
December 18, 2022
I have been a fan of Vannetta Chapman's books for several years. Her cozy mysteries, Amish fiction, and earlier dystopian series were real winners as far as I'm concerned. This newest dystopian series, "The Kessler Effect," piqued my interest when I first heard of it.

Most of Chapman's books are Christian and faith based. Not "preachy" but just have characters strong in their Christian faith. They are always clean reads with no foul language or "R-rated" scenes. The Kessler Effect series is not a faith based series but is basically a clean read. No "R-rated" scenes but it does have a small scattering of off-color words. The prequel and book #1 are, in my opinion, very good reads and are not offensive. The "expletives" are very few and on a lighter vein.

Now about the story line...... Set in lower Texas where it's hot and dry, the folks in the small town of Alpine notice sporadic electrical failure. Then failure of the cell service. About the same time, there is a horrific train collision nearby. They expect the government officials to come running because of the train collision, but much to their surprise it doesn't happen. Then the realization sets in that life as they have know it has ceased - no electricity, no water, no incoming food, nothing to depend on.

The local police, firemen, and officials gather with the townspeople to set a plan in motion. Soon they realize that the problem of survival is real.

I totally enjoyed reading Veil of Anarchy and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,193 reviews47 followers
November 23, 2022
What a compelling read! I quickly became immersed in this story, living it right alongside these characters. No lie, there were more than a couple times when I'd set my Kindle down, look around and get excited because the electricity was back on. I was so into the story that I forgot it was fictional, lol.

I knew nothing about the Kessler Effect before this book, so it was really interesting learning about what could happen. Absolutely terrifying too. Out of all the ways that the apocalypse could begin, this seems like one of the most likely. So, thank you for giving me something new to worry about. LOL!

This takes place just a few hours from where I live, so I was very familiar with the setting and all the surrounding areas that were mentioned. I think that added an extra layer of reality for me. Maybe a little more anxiety, too.

Tanda was a great heroine. So authentic. I admired her grit and determination, and how steadfast and calm she was during such a tense situation.

If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic and dystopian books, this is a must read. I'm so excited for book two.

Just a note: There is a little bit of language here. Not a lot, but I just wanted to mention it in case that's an issue for you.
Profile Image for Liz.
746 reviews28 followers
October 18, 2022
“Tanda felt as if she were trying to put a jigsaw together by studying the blank back side. Nothing made sense.”

To me, the mark of a really good book is that you forget you’re reading, and that’s exactly what happened when I opened this gripping new dystopian novel. Chapman transported me to Alpine, Texas just in time to see the Kessler effect turn lives upside down…and right side up. As technology fails and some people become violently self-protective, others are weaned from their dependence on the grid and find the true meaning of community. The main characters are three singles whose lives suddenly overlap as they face the growing threat of anarchy in their small desert town. Their individual skills and their willingness to sacrifice everything for the survival of Alpine made me love and respect Chief of police Tanda, Dr. Miles, and Veterinarian Logan. Since I have to wait for the next book in the series, I admit I sat down the next day and reread this book a second time! If that’s not five stars, I don’t know what is. I received a digital copy of this book from the author but was not required to post a review.
Profile Image for sylvia bennett Josephson .
30 reviews1 follower
Read
January 29, 2023
Great reading.
I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. The topic, doomsday, or at least the halt of the world was portrayed well. It seem believable and exactly as I think it could happen. I want to read the sequels of which I am sure there must be some.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 26 books73 followers
November 24, 2022
Talk about attention-grabbing! This book has it all - lots of tension, action, and a tiny bit of romance. I can't imagine a world without electricity, water, or the internet, yet this tiny town faces an apocalyptic-like event and loses it all. Great book and I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Patty.
72 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2022
I really wasn't sure if I wanted to read this

The storyline pulls you in. Why has the world stopped? What do they do now? I look forward to the following books. Well written.
654 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2022
Could it still happen ?

Mystery, suspense and a town that is going to take a stand against evil and greed. I have read a lot of Vannetta Chapman books and loved them. This one has me wondering why the use of language that in my humble opinion wasn't called for . It's a little disappointing but it won't keep me from her books !
Profile Image for Margie Creter Bena.
2 reviews
January 7, 2023
Vannetta Chapman has done it again another book that you just can't put down. The prequel Veil of Mystery as well as Veil of Anarchy (book 1) will grab your attention by the end of the first page. I don't want to give any spoilers but this book will make you think what if... Will people work as a community unified or become a community divided. Great read... 5 Star book definitely.
35 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2024
great book, very well written

I’m new to reading Vannetta Chapman, and am really enjoying her Kessler Effect books. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
October 28, 2022
I'm glad I had a copy of this book to start on after I finished the prequel, which paved the way for the start of this exciting series.

Chapman grabs the reader's attention from the first page in her latest dystopian novel. Technology fails. Life is turned upside down. People must learn to get through the day without relying on things they've come to depend on. Scary to consider, especially since the premise is all too plausible. Characters are realistic, and it's encouraging to see how the main characters work together to do what's needed for their small Texas town. The pace will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and the ending will leave them anticipating the next installment.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for David Kennedy.
46 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2023
Very Good

This is a good read; a dystopian novel that does not primarily focus on the fighters as so many do, but more on the community as a whole. As a plus, I’ve been to Alpine, Texas and it was very much as described, and then in the very last pages uses one of my favorite poems to good ends. I look forward to reading the next book!
Profile Image for Karen.
111 reviews2 followers
Read
May 20, 2023
Amazing

You will not be able to stop reading this wonderful work. Several times I wondered "what if"! This could be our reality some day! May we learn to appreciate our lives with love & the struggles . May we always look to God for guidance in our journeys.
Profile Image for Jolene.
204 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2023
I received a complimentary copy from the author containing the prequel Veil of Mystery. Very glad I read the prequel first, because it set the tone of the plot. Imagine a strange object dropping from the sky and suddenly watching the world plunge into sheer chaos. Alpine, Texas is a small town, however the events Vannetta described really happened in 1989 and the 2000s. Scary and worth every shaking page turn. Thank you Vannetta for sharing your exploration into the Thiller genre.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,540 reviews17 followers
April 24, 2024
Great story

Now this is the real story. I guess the first book is just a teaser. But so much heartbreak, and so many questions. It seems society disintegrated so fast! Great read!
Profile Image for Sandy Larivee .
320 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2024
A great read that was thought provoking with a lot of what if’s that kept me in suspense and captivated. On to book 2.
248 reviews12 followers
December 24, 2022
This is a very interesting series of books by Vannetta Chapman. It's a totally different genre than what I am used to reading from her. This series is a bit scary when you think that this could really happen in our world today. We are so connected to the power grid, our cell phones, social media, etc. What would happen if it all crashed? Read this series to find out!
11 reviews
April 14, 2024
Great read

Love the characters. Story is very fast-paced and interesting.Could barely put it down to sleep! Enjoying this series so much!
1,503 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2023
Great Read

Alpine, Texas is the scene of a train derailment and accident. The Chief of police is Tanda, She has worked with many from her town and Emergency personnel to help survivors and remove the deceased from the train accident. They have worked for hours, but no other Emergency personnel from the train company or government have come to aide and assist. Tanda drives back to Alpine and realizes the traffic lights, radio, cell phones, arent working. Something is very wrong, But no one understands what it is.
I read this book in one night. The story grabbed my attention and i couldnt stop until the end. This is my first time reading this author, Vannetta Chapman and i will definetly read more. One of the best Post Apocalyptic books i have read, you wont be disappointed.
129 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2023
Book Review:
“Veil of Anarchy (Kessler Effect Book 1)”
by Vannetta Chapman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
I wish to thank the authoress for introducing me to the Kessler Effect! I am a retired researcher but had never heard of this phenomenon. I instructed Microsoft’s BING AI (artificial intelligence) CHAT GPT-4 to tell me about it. That was an entertaining use of modern technology.
The novel has an engaging story line. Thanks to Vannetta, too, for eschewing any religious malarkey which would only detract from the story. Middle Eastern superstition has no place in apocalyptic post-collapse novels.
I shall read her next novel now, “Veil of Confusion (Kessler Effect Book 2)” Kindle Edition, in this four-book series.
Profile Image for Andres.
Author 4 books19 followers
December 25, 2022
Not a bad premise...

as disaster fiction goes, but I found character development too superficial, and a lot of motivation left unexplored, to the detriment of plot. I wanted to like it more, because the science is accurately depicted, but it just isn't written that well. It reads like the author was rushed and needed to send it to the printer asap.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,612 reviews44 followers
August 2, 2023
This was really excellent! I really loved all of it! A different end of the world, the Kessler effect! Brilliant idea, really well done. Good rounded characters, very well written! Great tension & pace when needed & some chaos to add fun to the mix! I will for sure look for more by this write & I do recommend!
Profile Image for Bethany Wade.
76 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2023
4.5 stars

Despite a few swear words, it was a clean read. I can totally see something like this happening in real life. The author did a fantastic job of capturing both human nature and the human spirit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews