Helpful Score: 11
First time I read anything by this author.
Basically one big cautionary tale with the foreword (Newt Gingrinch), the novel itself, and the afterword (Capt. Bill Sanders) about the possibility of EMP catastrophe and its effects on a North Carolina college town and its residents.
As a (very) long time reader of SF and post-apocalytic tales, I saw lots of cliches. Lots of characters with no common sense or survival sense. I really don't understand why it got so many 5 star reviews on Amazon - there are so many more better written books out there. I should have paid more attention to the review that said, "It read like a novelization of a Lifetime Television disaster-movie-of-the-week."
I would suggest that readers new to this type of books read "Lucifer's Hammer" by Niven and Pournelle, or "The Postman" by Brin, or "Emergence" by Palmer, or even "The Stand" by King.
Basically one big cautionary tale with the foreword (Newt Gingrinch), the novel itself, and the afterword (Capt. Bill Sanders) about the possibility of EMP catastrophe and its effects on a North Carolina college town and its residents.
As a (very) long time reader of SF and post-apocalytic tales, I saw lots of cliches. Lots of characters with no common sense or survival sense. I really don't understand why it got so many 5 star reviews on Amazon - there are so many more better written books out there. I should have paid more attention to the review that said, "It read like a novelization of a Lifetime Television disaster-movie-of-the-week."
I would suggest that readers new to this type of books read "Lucifer's Hammer" by Niven and Pournelle, or "The Postman" by Brin, or "Emergence" by Palmer, or even "The Stand" by King.
Andrew H. (blacktoastintolerate) reviewed One Second After (John Matherson, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I'm not really sure exactly I was expecting from this book, but I will say I liked it. It is a very simple book that I read in one day. The writing...let's just say it is what it is, not very good. But the story keeps you hooked and makes you want to keep reading. I don't pretend to know if this EMP scenario is even possible, but it makes for a thought provoking (what if) story. The premise is like King's The Stand or McCarthy's The Road, but the writing and editing is nowhere close to either. I read for entertainment and this book delivered. Right before I went to sleep last night I rolled over and asked my wife, "How long will canned food last in the basement". Makes you think, especially since my wife and daughter are both type 1 diabetics.
Helpful Score: 4
Before I get into a review, I have to start by saying: this book scared me to death. Thanks, Mr. Forstchen, for giving me something else to worry about late at night.
One Second After is a work of fiction, but the introduction by Newt Gingrich lends a somber air of credibility to the story. This could really happen, folks. And from page 1, the author tries to beat that truth home without dramatics, and with a good, healthy dose of survivalist know-how.
The story chronicles one community's struggle to survive the aftermath of an electromagnetic pulse -- a nuclear bomb detonated high over the US soil that renders all modern technology useless in one second. The anonymous foe that provided the first strike is never really identified, adding credence to the atmosphere of not knowing that causes panic nationwide when cell phones, TV, radio, the Internet and all other communication devices are silenced forever.
The narrator, John, is a likeable guy and provides a great perspective of the events. He is a former Army officer, current military history professor, widower and father of two teenage girls. As a parent, his obvious priority is protecting his children, finding them food, securing their home and -- most dread-inducing -- going to whatever lengths necessary to try to keep his 12-year-old diabetic child alive without a reliable supply of insulin and refrigeration.
The book follows the events of the first year after the EMP, as people pull together to plant Victory Gardens to feed the town, fight bands of cannibalistic gangs bent on taking over the community and struggling in the daily fight to stay alive. It is a chilling view of how much we take for granted every single day.
This book made a huge impression on me. I actually had to take a few days to process the story before I could think about starting another story -- that doesn't happen often. Forstchen does a wonderful job of creating characters that the reader will care about, conceiving a surreal natinoal crisis that is all-too-real, and drawing attention to a threat to all of us that is almost to horrible to think about.
As a final note, I hope that this book doesn't fall into terrorist hands. That sounds melodramatic, but seriously. I think that people that hate our nation would read this book cackling with glee and chomping at the bit. (insert shiver here) [close]
One Second After is a work of fiction, but the introduction by Newt Gingrich lends a somber air of credibility to the story. This could really happen, folks. And from page 1, the author tries to beat that truth home without dramatics, and with a good, healthy dose of survivalist know-how.
The story chronicles one community's struggle to survive the aftermath of an electromagnetic pulse -- a nuclear bomb detonated high over the US soil that renders all modern technology useless in one second. The anonymous foe that provided the first strike is never really identified, adding credence to the atmosphere of not knowing that causes panic nationwide when cell phones, TV, radio, the Internet and all other communication devices are silenced forever.
The narrator, John, is a likeable guy and provides a great perspective of the events. He is a former Army officer, current military history professor, widower and father of two teenage girls. As a parent, his obvious priority is protecting his children, finding them food, securing their home and -- most dread-inducing -- going to whatever lengths necessary to try to keep his 12-year-old diabetic child alive without a reliable supply of insulin and refrigeration.
The book follows the events of the first year after the EMP, as people pull together to plant Victory Gardens to feed the town, fight bands of cannibalistic gangs bent on taking over the community and struggling in the daily fight to stay alive. It is a chilling view of how much we take for granted every single day.
This book made a huge impression on me. I actually had to take a few days to process the story before I could think about starting another story -- that doesn't happen often. Forstchen does a wonderful job of creating characters that the reader will care about, conceiving a surreal natinoal crisis that is all-too-real, and drawing attention to a threat to all of us that is almost to horrible to think about.
As a final note, I hope that this book doesn't fall into terrorist hands. That sounds melodramatic, but seriously. I think that people that hate our nation would read this book cackling with glee and chomping at the bit. (insert shiver here) [close]
Helpful Score: 3
This book wrecked me emotionally, which is not a state of mind I enjoy, but I am still glad I read the book. I am a fan of dystopic fiction, and have read many similar books - but they were similar only in the sense that something catastrophic has happened and the characters need to figure out how to deal with it. I can't say that I've actually read anything like this. I often hear it mentioned in the same breath as Rawles' "Patriots", although "Patriots" has completely different protagonists. While the folks in "Patriots" are uber-prepared and are pretty much there just to document the "here's how you do it" scenario, this book shows the consequences of a complete lack of preparation and a "dude you are SO SCREWED" scenario. There were many times I thought I could not bear to find out what happened next - I couldn't hardly take having to read about the difficult decisions they had to make and the sacrifices they made along the way, and the consequences of inaction/wrong action, and the extremely low survival rate of the characters you grow fond of. Several times I thought I couldn't finish the book - about the time the town leaders had a meeting to decide if they were going to issue an order to shoot all the pet dogs in the town to feed the starving residents - with protests in the meeting similar to "I can't shoot Rags! I've had him since he was a puppy! My kids love him!" - OH MAKE IT STOP! I think I would die before I would choose to survive in the way many of them did. I finished the book because I had to find out if anything got any better. I agree the ending was kind of rushed, but I'm glad to have finished the book and glad I didn't lose heart anywhere in the very difficult middle, or I'd likely never fall asleep dry-eyed again. I agree, this is a very important book with many important topics and great detail on how everything can go really, really wrong. Brace yourself.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a great book to read! I was entertained and horrified at the same time. I wanted to go out and start stockpiling everything I could think of. I stood at my kitchen window one day and looking at my neighborhood, and I wondered which of my neighbors would survive? This book will stay with me for a long time.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was built on the foundation of a great idea, a plausible idea. The problem is that the story it's self was built out of straw.
The characters were cliché, underdeveloped and "expected", the dialog is just so sad it's almost funny, not to mention repetitive. So much was repetitive, as if the author thought his readers to unintelligent to "get it" the first time, or the second time, and in some cases the third time. Ugg.
This is by far the worst and most disappointing apocalyptic fiction I've ever read. Bleh.
It's an insult to readers of books and especially to fans of this genre. Bad William Forstchen! Bad!
The characters were cliché, underdeveloped and "expected", the dialog is just so sad it's almost funny, not to mention repetitive. So much was repetitive, as if the author thought his readers to unintelligent to "get it" the first time, or the second time, and in some cases the third time. Ugg.
This is by far the worst and most disappointing apocalyptic fiction I've ever read. Bleh.
It's an insult to readers of books and especially to fans of this genre. Bad William Forstchen! Bad!
Teri K. (schnauzer-mom) -
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed reading this book. I found myself comparing it to other post-apocalyptic stories such as Alas, Babylon (c1959) and Dies the Fire (2004?), both of which I found to be better written and have more depth. However, when I started thinking in terms of "made for TV movie" as opposed to "feature film" the author achieved an entertaining yet thought-provoking story. It is a quick read and just scary enough to stick in your mind awhile.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is one of the books I can recommend without hesitation. The five star rating doesn't do it justice. I would give it at least a *7 Star Rating*. It is definitely a wake-up call to the people in our Country. The scary part about this book is that it can really happen in today's world using today's technology. If an EMP would be used against us we would certainly be left living like our grandparents or even our great-grandparents. We would be at a loss without electric and the ability to communicate with others. It is a fast read because you can honestly picture this happening in our society and the author keeps the story moving at a steady pace. I was riveted to my chair and had to finish the book in one evening. I even checked my pantry to make sure I'm stocked up and have been buying a few extras every week. The book had me pondering things, scared to be reading this with a knowledge of a conceivable future event and even crying at times. This story should open the reader's eyes, heart and mind to a very real possibility of hell breaking loose in the United States...May God have mercy on us! Renie.
Helpful Score: 2
I love apocalyptic and post apocalyptic works but they have to rise to a certain level of credibility and artistry: this should be story telling! If you keep hoping the bomb would RETURN and finish off the cast of characters, well....that ain't good.
Helpful Score: 1
Very frightening book--if you don't have some kind of emergency preparations in place after reading this book, you are completely crazy! Go ahead--Just try living w/o electricity, gas, running water, cellphones, refrigeration or sewer for 7 days, oh, and don't get in your car to go anywhere either....I had difficulty sleeping for days after reading this. This book does make you think, What if????
Other reviewers did a good job discussing minimal character development, and the ending is way too abrupt for my liking.
On the plus side, I did improve my emergency supplies and had a serious sit down talk with my teenagers about what to do in case of earthquake (I am in CA) or EMP attack. I don't think anyone can be completely prepared, but I do feel better now.
Other reviewers did a good job discussing minimal character development, and the ending is way too abrupt for my liking.
On the plus side, I did improve my emergency supplies and had a serious sit down talk with my teenagers about what to do in case of earthquake (I am in CA) or EMP attack. I don't think anyone can be completely prepared, but I do feel better now.
everyone needs to read this book. YES it could happen "here"!
This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time!
I've heard about the government working on EM pulse devices but was never sure just how they would work or affect things. This book puts it all in prospective and it is scary that in the blink of our eyes we can be sent back to really primitive living conditions with so many deaths. I really enjoyed the book and will soon get the next one.
Excellent read and description of what could happen if someone terrorist or another nation were to detonate an EMP (Electric Magnetic Pulse) weapon over the United States of America. The book describes what would happen and just how unprepared the country is in addressing this real possibility.
While much of the country is prepared for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, etc much of that preparedness relies on other parts of the country coming in to aid the affected area. With an EMP none of these resources would be available nor would the normal resources police, fire, medical, or the pharmaceuticals so many of us depend on in an emergency.
The characters are a little on the sketchy sidethere could be a lot more character development. Most of the characters are superficial at best, but the book outlines many of the scenarios survivors would have to endure during this kind of an attack.
A fast read that leaves you wondering if you would want to survive.
While much of the country is prepared for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, etc much of that preparedness relies on other parts of the country coming in to aid the affected area. With an EMP none of these resources would be available nor would the normal resources police, fire, medical, or the pharmaceuticals so many of us depend on in an emergency.
The characters are a little on the sketchy sidethere could be a lot more character development. Most of the characters are superficial at best, but the book outlines many of the scenarios survivors would have to endure during this kind of an attack.
A fast read that leaves you wondering if you would want to survive.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
I'm so haunted by this book that I'm not even sure I can write a review of it. While reading it I couldn't get it out of my mind and after finishing it last night I couldn't sleep for worrying.
I will say EVERYONE needs to read this book and know that this can happen right now!
As the book says "it's not a question of if but of when." That said, the writing style threw me off a bit, a lot of sentences seemed to just run together and as another reviewer stated "a bit preachy" also, but I do believe the author is trying to get a message out to the world. This is a real concern that our government should be preparing for. I have always been a stockpiler and I know I am going to get even worse after reading this.
I highly recommend this book!
I will say EVERYONE needs to read this book and know that this can happen right now!
As the book says "it's not a question of if but of when." That said, the writing style threw me off a bit, a lot of sentences seemed to just run together and as another reviewer stated "a bit preachy" also, but I do believe the author is trying to get a message out to the world. This is a real concern that our government should be preparing for. I have always been a stockpiler and I know I am going to get even worse after reading this.
I highly recommend this book!
This book is a real page turner. An EMP burst is a realistic way to cripple a modern digital country and this book will take you through all the post EMP challenges that might occur. The plot line revolves around a sleepy North Carolina town being taken back to pre-industrial methods of survival. Highly recommended.
This is a very good book depicting what could happen if the United States is ever attacked. It makes you think about what could happen if we were cut off from the outside world. How would you survive and could you keep your family safe? This is something that all should ponder.
As a fan of apocalyptic fiction this book left me terrified. While a little preachy at times about "why didn't we do anything", the book is extremely well thought out about just how little we can support ourselves without our infrastructure. As a Marine in Quantico VA (1993), I attended several classes regarding breakdown of civilian infrastructure during disaster or catastrophic event and I can say that William brings these facts to a very personal and factual light.
The book obviously wants you to go out and lobby for our government to work on our infrastructure and any quick search will show several PAC groups devoted to this very topic. I say all the more power to them and I've even picked one to become a part of. Don't let this aspect of the book keep you from it though, the novel is extremely engaging and will take you on an emotional journey.
If you are a fan of apocalyptic fiction you'll find this book will not let you down, but you may end up hating it because it is almost too realistic. I don't however, I'm happy to have read it.
The book obviously wants you to go out and lobby for our government to work on our infrastructure and any quick search will show several PAC groups devoted to this very topic. I say all the more power to them and I've even picked one to become a part of. Don't let this aspect of the book keep you from it though, the novel is extremely engaging and will take you on an emotional journey.
If you are a fan of apocalyptic fiction you'll find this book will not let you down, but you may end up hating it because it is almost too realistic. I don't however, I'm happy to have read it.
The politics tend bubble up very close to the surface on many occasions. I think it takes a bit away from the story.
This book is the best and most frightening book I have ever read. It isn't frightening because of a "horror"; it's frightening because of the possibility of it actually happening to our country in our lifetime. It's also one of the best written books I've ever read. The science in the book is valid science; this is not the author trying to frighten you with fake science. The possibility that this can happen is very real. It's worth your while to read this book, even if you might not like it much. It's important that you understand what is out there and what could happen. This book is definitely staying on my bookshelf. I won't be getting rid of this anytime soon.
Scary; real possibilities.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
An interesting book, which kept me going back to read it so I could find out how it all ended. I also kept an eye out for the interesting mistakes the author made.
Just one example, late in the book the main character looks at two photographs taken with a Polaroid camera, which surprisingly still works. But the problem here is not the camera, it is the photographs. One is of the college-aged survivors taken after the final battle. The other is their class graduation photo taken "two days before." Yet, months earlier in the book all the schools were closed.
And the main character looks at the photos of the "eighty-one" survivors and examines their faces. Well, I once had a Polaroid, and to look at the faces of 81 people in a photograph taken with a Polaroid I would need a microscope.
I don't anticipate reading the rest of this series.
Just one example, late in the book the main character looks at two photographs taken with a Polaroid camera, which surprisingly still works. But the problem here is not the camera, it is the photographs. One is of the college-aged survivors taken after the final battle. The other is their class graduation photo taken "two days before." Yet, months earlier in the book all the schools were closed.
And the main character looks at the photos of the "eighty-one" survivors and examines their faces. Well, I once had a Polaroid, and to look at the faces of 81 people in a photograph taken with a Polaroid I would need a microscope.
I don't anticipate reading the rest of this series.
"One Second After" is a post-apocalyptic novel that could so easily become reality in the Electronic Age. The cover art is misleading--the nuclear detonation is never seen or felt by the population but all electronics are permanently disabled in an attack that involved no ground forces. Forstchen sets the residents of a small town into a world suddenly devoid of power, communications, and transportation and sets his reader to wonder--how will you cope? How will you survive? I'd like to have this thought-provoking and somewhat disturbing book on hand.
While I have to admit, the editor side of my nature kept correcting the book; it is one that shows the most realistic picture of what would happen after an EMP/Solar Flare event. One Second After keeps moving forward, which is a definite plus. However, I'm very careful who I recommend the book to.
The book reads at a decent pace, never slows down with long descriptive accounts on what is happening or why. The author's account on the quick "downfall" of society is believable and adds greatly to the story-line. Character development is handled nicely. One of the better post war novels I've read.
Will keep you awake thinking.
