This is the first book that I've read by Bob McDermott. I am really glad that I tried it. Why? After reading many post-apocalyptic novels with all sorts of scenarios (plague, EMP, solar CME, economic collapse, etc.) to the point that I told myself that I'd never read another, I picked this up. Mr. McDermott is obviously a man of wide experience in many areas, for the descriptions of not only the action/plot in the book are realistic, but the characters also are very realistic, at least to me. The author obviously draws a wealth of knowledge from his own experiences, not only technical, but his experience with people, as well. Very, very good reading.
My background is in military (USMC) aviation and intelligence (later in my career, then they wouldn't let my fly any more). I can understand the various technical aspects of the story, and certainly understand the shipboard routine and life, to the extent that I've lived it, anyway. This fellow know his business.
And he doesnt' make stupid mistakes when discussing firearms, either, as so often happens in many novels. It happens even to the bvest of authors, it seems. In one of Robert Ludlum's old books, for example, he talked about the hero, armed with a revolver, replacing the magazine in it! It left me gazing stupidly at that line, seemingly forever.
But what I liked the most was the way he described the thinking behind the varioius decisions made by the key characters, many of which were very critical to the characters involved. It's pretty obvious to me that the author has made a number of such critical decisions, himself, for the thinking processes as described in the book and what I would expect a good decision-maker to go though. I particularly liked the way that "good guy" leaders in the story trusted their own people for advice and counsel, the mark of a true leader, to me. Well done!
It is a very realistic book in many respects; more realistic that any that I've read so far, and that is a bunch of them, from "best selling" to hum drum. And the solar CME secenario is not an unrealistic thing to expect, even though it's down in the 12% probabiity range, according to the experts.
Anyway, a fine book. I'm still reading the second installent. The author makes a clear and cogent declaration at the end of this first book as to whay he had to write a second one, for which I silently thanked him. So many of these "serial" books are broken up just to make more money; this one is not. Get both while you're at it. (Though I haven't finished the second one, it promises to be just as good as the first.)
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From the Publisher
A massive solar flare. A devastating global blackout. A time of unspeakable tragedy -- and unimaginable courage.
A frighteningly realistic story of hardship, heroism, and hope in a 'post-electric' America.
What if the lights go out? For good. Would you survive?
In a 2015 investigation for The New York Times, veteran reporter Ted Koppel postulated that a major cyber attack on the nation's power grid was not only possible but likely, and that the United States was woefully unprepared. In Lights Out: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Koppel's best-selling companion book to the Times investigation, he described the likely aftermath of such an attack in sobering detail. Lights Out was widely praised in the media as 'an eye-opener' and received accolades from leaders of both industry and government. It was named an Amazon Best Book for 2015.
Yet despite the accolades and the supposedly 'raised awareness,' as we approach 2020 we are still very much a nation unprepared.
The books of the Disruption Trilogy are fictionalized speculation as to possible events following a similar disaster, a massive solar storm which takes out the power grid not only in the US, but world-wide. Played out across the tapestry of a 'post-electric' America, this is a tale of hardship and heroism, of desperation and impossible courage. There are no mindless zombies, nor are they needed; desperate human beings in full possession of all their faculties are far more terrifying.
Dig into the trilogy now with Under a Tell-Tale Sky, the first exciting book in the trilogy. Stranded far from home with a now priceless cargo people will literally kill for and a near mutinous crew, Captain Jordan Hughes has no option but to defy government orders and commence a desperate voyage for home and family with a ragtag group of survivors under his protection.
Fans of the post apocalyptic genre love this story. But even if you're a skeptic, you'll be both surprised and delighted. If you enjoy realistic, non-stop action, you owe it to yourself to try this book.
Available in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats.
You'll be up WAY past your bedtime.
Under a Tell-Tale Sky on your bedside table -- sleep loss guaranteed.
Join thousands of other newly diagnosed insomniacs who can't get enough of The Disruption Trilogy.
"R.E. McDermott has turned the post-apocalyptic genre on its head, with an absolutely stunning look at a terrifyingly realistic, near-future collapse scenario. Leveraging his real-life background and experience as a backdrop, McDermott delivers an unforgettable, fast-paced tale of heroism and survival in a post-apocalyptic world."
Steven Konkoly, USA Today best-selling author of THE ALEX FLETCHER SERIES
Warning. 'Unputdownable' no matter where you are.
Whether you're relaxing at home or enjoying your favorite vacation spot, or anywhere in between, Under a Tell-Tale Sky is a page-turner you just won't be able to put down.
The product of months of research, this refreshingly original speculative tale will hold your interest from first page to last.
Whether you're a fan of post apocalyptic fiction, a reader new to the genre, or just a thriller reader looking for a darn good yarn, Under a Tell-Tale Sky is sure to please.
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Top reviews from other countries
Michael Cohen
I highly recommend this book (from a reader that very rarely provides reviews or recommendations)
Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2017
Amazon Kunde
Great endtime thriller with maritime context
Reviewed in Germany on October 21, 2016Andrew Heenan
A Refreshing Take In A Crowded Genre ....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2015Captain Chris
Under a Tell Tale Sky by R.E.McDermott
Reviewed in France on September 21, 2015