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Edge of Collapse: An EMP Post-Apocalyptic Survival Prepper Series

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One Family’s Struggle to Survive Nuclear War… Luke is four hundred miles away from home when the first bomb drops. In seconds, his routine business trip becomes a nightmarish struggle to survive. After narrowly escaping a nuclear explosion in San Francisco, the Navy SEAL must travel through a world without rule of law. Relying on his skills and the items in his Bug Out Bag, he fights an epic battle as he struggles to get home. Nothing will stop him from getting back to his family. As his resources run out, his resourcefulness kicks in. His family’s depending on him and he won’t let them down—even if it means leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Liz can’t believe they’re under attack. At first, it seems like things won’t be too bad. Yet within hours, it seems like the whole world’s gone crazy. With communication lines down, she’s unable to reach her husband, Luke. Getting her kids to their Bug Out Location won’t be easy, but she’s determined to make it. It’s well stocked and safely tucked away in a canyon. But as people begin to flee the cities, a new darkness spreads across America. Her struggle to survive rips apart her core values and forces her to examine what it means to be a mother, a wife, and a survivor. American Fallout is a thrilling post-apocalyptic survival prepper EMP fiction series that makes you step back and Could this happen tomorrow? What would happen if the world’s nuclear arsenal was unleashed? What would you do if it happened while you were away from home? And how would your family survive?

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2017

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Alex Gunwick

4 books12 followers

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5 stars
176 (47%)
4 stars
122 (33%)
3 stars
53 (14%)
2 stars
15 (4%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
305 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2018
Wow, what a dud!!!

I finally finished this. It was a painful read. I love post-apocalyptic stories. I usually read men authors only but since this was a free read I gave it a try. The Navy Seal main character was such a wimp. It didn't make much sense. I guess since he was from California that explains his ineptitude. My apologies to the author but this was crap.
2,773 reviews35 followers
November 18, 2021
This is book one of the American Fallout series and the main characters are Luke, a former Navy Seal, and his wife Liz. Luke is away on a business trip for his work as a private defence consultant when the unthinkable happens and a nuclear war begins. He is in San Jose, four hundred miles away from home and only has his experience and his bug out bag to help him get home to his wife and kids. Liz has to get herself and their lids to their bug out location hidden away in a canyon, but the world as she knew it quickly descends into chaos and anarchy, as everyone tries to flee the cities, communication lines don’t work and supplies start to be in short supply. He is stuck at the airport on his way home when news comes of the first bombs hitting New York City and Los Angeles and realises that panic and chaos will set in shortly. He texts his daughter Sierra, who is at college in Irvine, California, as well as his wife, to get them to bug out and that he is on his way. He rents a four wheel drive car and sets off, not bothering with insurance, because who is going to be around to check, if what has happened continues! Their family home is some forty miles outside of Los Angeles in Orange County, so he is hoping they are all safe. Their son Kyle is thirteen and with a sitter, so Liz needs to grab him first, whilst Sierra has her own apartment nearby. She doesn’t even realise what is happening until her flatmate tells her and they go up onto the roof to check it out. As they do, a text comes through to everyone’s phones declaring martial law!
Her dad being a prepper, she knows she was to get to their cabin in the mountains and blabs that to her friend and the couple of stoners already out on the roof. With the president’s message about martial law, she stays where she is and waits for a message from one of her parents! They are now in a state of WROL – Without Rule of Law – as one of Liz’s neighbours aptly calls it. They all have to set off for their cabin, Sierra from College, Liz and Kyle from their home and Luke from San Jose, but each fail to follow their initial plans as they practised monthly. Luke at least manages to get a car, until he gets carjacked and forced off the road. Sierra is far too trusting and ends up having an end of the world party that goes badly wrong for her, before finally trying to set off alone, only to be attacked and saved by a stranger, who she then trusts with their secret location! Duh! For a former Navy Seat, Luke sure is lackadaisical about his own surroundings and fails to be aware of what is around him until far too late. Ending up shot, mauled by a bear and so much more, even before he gets home. At the end of this book, some of them have made it to the cabin, but Luke is still far away and struggling. Sierra needs a kick up the backside for being so stupid, especially after two really dangerous situations, and then making friends with a stranger she meets near their cabin, leading to a dangerous attack. He is part of a large religious group led by a charismatic preacher, wanting to take them for everything they have, if they don’t willingly join their sect, which puts women’s rights backwards a few centuries. Lots of mistakes by many in this family, apart from young Kyle, who is desperate to take a role, but not allowed to by his mother. Their world has changed completely and they will need to take a lot more care with who they speak to or trust in this new and chaotic existence. They certainly aren’t perfect at following the rules they made as a family, nor using that military training and experience Luke has . I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Mrs LB.
320 reviews15 followers
November 27, 2022
Between Luke being former military and a prepper, I would have really expected better decision making from him. But then again, I guess that also sets him apart in how he is portrayed. While we're shown that he's capable, we also get to see him do things the way an untrained civilian would. Something like not carrying your weapon close on your person until after a situation teaches you otherwise is an example of that. While you see him become more adjusted and aware, I can't say the same for the daughter.
This young lady's character was so ridiculous beyond reason. Her behavior after what should have been eye opening situations was exasperating.
The younger brother Kyle was my favorite. He was reasonable, understood the situation, and was able to share info he'd gathered from his father.
The mother, Liz, was ok as I can remember. Though she may have written a check with that mouth of hers that bigger than she can cover.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,372 reviews23 followers
September 7, 2018
Hahaha to I can't believe this

Lord.
Californian's should never write apocalyptic drama. Writers should never write about things they do not know about. There is fiction that one reads about and learns ideas of what to do in a disaster. This book is a good example of what NOT to do. That said....if there is a part 2 I will read it.

Favorite quotes:
“You should come with me. We have enough food at the cabin,” Sierra said. “No thanks. I’m sure things will get back to normal as soon as they stop dropping bombs.”

Luke is a ex-Navy SEAL......I now know why he isn't one.
“How are you planning on getting through it? The whole city’s covered in radioactive fallout by now. It won’t be safe to pass through for another two weeks. Even then, I’d try to find a way around it.” Luke hadn’t even considered the fallout problem.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,843 reviews61 followers
November 26, 2017
The premise of the story was good but could have been better executed. Despite being not all that far from nuclear detonations the main characters (in different locales) were not terribly worried about the drift of fallout and neither was anyone else. Luke is a former Navy SEAL but constantly loses situational awareness as well as not keeping a weapon handy and his mishaps border on nearly unbelievable. Liz, a potentially strong female, does very little to engage her children in what it will take to survive and is partially accountable for their misbehavior. Sierra is just too immature and dangerous to be credible. Still, it is not written badly and there is a lot of action so I might read the next one just to see if it improves.
239 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2017
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and have chosen of my own volition to share my review with you!

This is by far one of the best books that I have read this year (and I average 3-4 books a week)! Fantastic character development. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat (along with up way past your bedtime)!

Eight bombs have been dropped on various locations within the US . A man (Luke) is away from his family when the bombs fall. This is his tale of trying to get home. Meanwhile, his family moves to their bug out location, and have to deal with daily life, anxiously awaiting news of Luke.
October 25, 2017
This book started out with great promise - then, a former Navy Seal is threatened by the Police and Military, has a run in with Militia, bad guys, bears, rattle snakes (in the winter in snow), continually fails to keep his gun handy, leaves good guns all over the place, never runs out of ammo, gets tricked by most everyone but miraculously comes out on top - I guess the zombies come in the next book. His family is the same - everything happens to them and they foolishly continue doing it all over again.
3,178 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2021
This was an enjoyable read for a post apocalyptic novel. I was baffles by the actions of the characters. They all seemed I next and not really prepared for what they should have been. Was not impressed with the main character as he did not seam to have a clue, I mean who travels with their weapon packed away in this time? And do not get me started on the daughter who put the family and herself at risk more tomes than I wish to count. I am hoping the next book hS more sense to it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vicki Jowers.
83 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2017
Pretty Good Book

I really enjoyed the book but I had a few disagreements with how he had his characters act I sorry but a Seal would have not been not carrying his weapon on him and would have kept the rifle. Then the daughter seems to straighten out and she doe something teenagerish. Also the son was trained to handle firearms by his dad a ex navy seal he should have been carrying after the shit hit the fan
Profile Image for Robert Chapman.
501 reviews51 followers
November 17, 2017
A good start to another EMP apocalyptic series. Unlike several other EMP series, this one starts with nuclear bombs being deployed in a conventional attack with the EMP following later in the story.

I had to go with 4 out of 5 stars as one aspect of the book seemed a bit off to me. Many of the characters who interact with the main characters throughout their journey had a very nonchalant attitude about being nuked. At times it seemed somewhat unbelievable.
Profile Image for Dewey.
23 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2018
Excellent, Excellent,Excellent, love it

Totally believable story about a possible future, that seems more and more likely to happen in one form or another. The characters are the type you can actually fall in love with, they seem so real. One thing I really liked about the book was the way the author tried to show how thin the veneer of civilization really is and how fast it can all fall apart ! And how do you know who to trust as it all falls apart.
Profile Image for Su.
188 reviews
December 16, 2017
I found a new author.....

If you like the genre, this was an excellent book. The action moved all through the story. The characters were well written and you get to know them. I felt their joy, fear, pain, and sorrow.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It was a real page turner!
Profile Image for Linda.
357 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2018
The end of the world meets a spoiled teenage girl

A gripping story from the first page. Ex-NAVY SEAL is halfway across California from his wife and children. Nuclear bombs begin to destroy civilization. He heads for home and observes civilization destroy itself around him. This book ends on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for MICHAEL CLICK.
82 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2018
Good read!

This story is well written with good characterization. It isn't all blood and thunder like so many stories of this kind are. There are no noble heros, just normal people trying to get by. Survival is not easy by any means, but it can be done with a little knowledge and preparation. Enjoy!
5,701 reviews35 followers
August 29, 2017
this was a good book but it is not my genre at all i'll be honest.. the writing was amazing.. the storyline for those who enjoy it was amazing.. but for me personally i wasn't into it like i should have been.. however.. it still gets good stars because the story and writing are very well done. :)
247 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2017
Very Realistic!!

This is a super good eotwawki story. I found it to seem extremely realistic. It's a fast paced well written book with some great characters and if you are into this genre then you will definitely enjoy this book.
11 reviews
December 22, 2017
Loved it

Very believable. I was grabbed from the beginning. The characters were believable and I hope Derek is brought back in this next book. Can't wait to read the next book.
11 reviews
January 24, 2018
Poorly researched story, not adult material

I rarely read female authors and this book reinforces my reasons.
This woman knows absolutely nothing about SEALS or their mental state of mind. Rarely have I read a worse post apocalyptic story. Probably okay for teens.
434 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2018
I just got done reading three books from a series written by C.A. Rudolph and I really enjoyed the series and after reading this book I can't believe how much alike both authors are. Their both excellent writers and so realistic. I plan on keeping up with this series too.
Profile Image for Zee.
167 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2018
I was given this book for an honest review. Didn't finish it. The Navy Seal is question is the stupidest Navy seal ever. To be 'so prepared' he was unprepared. His wife doesn't win any parent of the year awards from me and their college daughter - just... no. To say anymore would spoil it.
92 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2018
Great story

The characters are regular people trying to adjust to a world gone man. The story keeps you turning the pages as quickly as you can. I would like to read more stories by this author.
987 reviews
May 19, 2018
This one just didn't do it for me. I kept wanting to slap a couple of the characters for being so stupid, but in all honesty they probably acted the way most of us would have in the same situation. Probably won't read the next one, although I am curious how it all turns out.
232 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2021
This was a good book and an entertaining read.
It had a good story and some good characters, the teenage daughter started to grate on me a little but I guess that was the intention of the author.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Profile Image for Chris.
25 reviews
June 30, 2021
The writhing is solid 5/5
My problem is the characters throwing them self are so dumb they should have died from the desission making it self.
Oh look a nuke has dropped let's go to the roof and see the explosion the let's go to a party cuz the guy is cute. That's the premiss of the book.
41 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2024
ugh

The story started out strong, but quickly devolved. The characters were clueless, even though the central male was an ex-navy seal. There was also a lot of random thoughts and analogies
Profile Image for Pat Thornton.
6 reviews
October 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book.

It sure makes me want to do more prepping than I have done. Can't wait for the next book. :)
167 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2017
Good read

Enjoyed this book very much. Good characters and storyline. Moves along pretty well. Pretty similar to a lot of Apocalyptic books I have read but still a good read.
Profile Image for Tricia Hungerford.
374 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2017
Awesome!

My heart was in my throat most of the time, reading this fantastic story! I'm disappointed that the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Chrystal Roe.
1,163 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2018
Wow

This is a very scary book. The realism is what got me. Everything this story talks about could happen any moment. I look forward to the next book in the series.
170 reviews
May 3, 2018
Great

Another book that has kept me on the edge of my seat. You want to have the characters to have an easier time travel than they do. Tension at every page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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