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A giant sun flare has thrown the country into chaos. The landscape is marked with fires, vehicles won’t operate, communications systems are down, and planes are falling from the sky, including the one carrying Jack Broderick. He’s attempting to flee Tampa, where he punched his boss in the face at a work conference, and the police were called. When Jack’s plane crashes shortly after take-off, he’s among the few survivors.
Jack is no one’s idea of a hero. After all, he drinks too much, eats too much, is out of shape, can’t keep a job, and is estranged from his family. Nonetheless, in the aftermath of the crash, it is somehow Jack who takes charge, rescuing people, moving them to safer locations, putting out fires, and gathering supplies. When he embarks on a cross-country trek on foot to find his family, he discovers a country in chaos. Panicked people are looting, hysterical, or wandering around in a daze. Some are violently attacking others. Jack will have to fight his way across the country while living by his wits to find his family.
This first book in the author’s series that follows the protagonist’s quest is engaging. Jack Broderick isn’t a sympathetic character in the beginning, but Garratt provides glimpses of his character and personality throughout the story that hint at his coming redemption. Readers will undoubtedly surprise themselves by rooting for him. Fans of apocalyptic thrillers will enjoy his story as well as those who like to cheer for the underdog.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review