from NoveList PlusForstchen, W. R. (2009). One second after. New York: Forge.

ISBN:  9780765317582

Rating: 3Q3P

Readers' Annotation:  A small North Carolina town must come together in order to survive An Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) device.

Summary:  The enemies of the United States used an Electromagnetic Pulse device to cripple anything that uses electricity, anything with a microchip.  John Matherson is a veteran and military historian living in Black Mountain, North Carolina.  John and his family moved to Black Mountain after his wife was diagnosed with cancer.  He retired from active duty military service taking a position at the local college so that they could be closer to her family in the place where she grew-up.  Four years after her death, John continues to live there with his daughters and dogs.  Black Mountain community leaders rely heavily on John's military background to develop a plan for survival.  With each new discovery, John and the community leaders face they must reset their priorities and do things they would never have imagined doing before.

Evaluation:  The author, William R. Fortschen, creates a believable world in which readers can be horrified along with the characters as their new life unfolds.  I felt like I could emerse myself in this book.  The one thing that was unbelievable was that there so many people in the area with the needed skills and expertise to make the tough and wise decisions.  I think this novel could be a gateway for readers to other Apocalyptic Fiction.  The book would make a great group discussion choice with a multitude of topics to discuss.

Genre:

• Science Fiction - Apocalyptic Fiction
• Horror - Apocalyptic Fiction

If you like Apocalyptic Fiction try...

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• Without Warning by John Birmingham
• The Postman by David Brin
• The Pesthouse by Jim Crace
• Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
• World Made By Hand by James Howard Kenstler
• Our American King by David Lozell Martin
• Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse
• Download Apocalyptic Fiction Bookmark [PDF] compiled by Becky Rech