Dark Retreat (EMP Lodge Series Book 1)

I absolutely loved this book! It was refreshing to read an apocalyptic story without zombies or where the majority of the characters that are teens. This is a story about strong family bonds. It's is a story that shows there are still good people people in the world, and it shows that love will grow even in the darkest of places. It's a book that I would definitely recommend!!!

Damned fine read. Spoiler alert.

This one starts with Megan Wolford in the woods carrying her seven year old daughter Catlin who is ill. Three months ago the world came crashing down. Now people will take what you have if they can. There are survivors out there who haven't the foggiest clue how to survive without the modern day things they are used to. Megan can trap, gut and skin game and fish. Her Dad taught her everything she knows about hunting, trapping and fishing. She's also a great hunter and tracker and can use a rifle. Traits that will serve her and her daughter well in the coming months.

Megan stayed at a camp site with others but decided her best bet was to be on her own with her daughter. Right now she's looking for someplace to stop, look for meds, food and shelter. Mostly she wants to try see if she can find meds for her daughter. Caitlin was fine until two days ago. Now she's unconscious. Meg is worried sick about her.

Megan's husband left her for a younger woman. Meg is only thirty two and her husband treated her like her opinion on anything didn't matter. Once he left she found herself depending on herself and herself alone. Meg has decided that she will never trust or depend on anyone for anything. Her stay at the camp ground ended when she began to distrust the others in that campground especially after she had to leave her home when a group of men took over the town. People disappeared but for the most part folks accepted the new leader. That was something Meg would never do. So she left with her daughter. Meg is one stubborn woman.

Right now as she's in the woods being torn up by branches she spots a cabin in a field. Meg decides she will go see if there any meds, food or anything else she can use to try to help her daughter. That's the most important thing as far as Meg is concerned.

Once at edge of the woods she looks but doesn't see anything or anyone so she goes around the cabin looking for a way in. She finds garbage all over but no sign of anyone. She manages to bust open one door and steps into a beautiful cabin. A cabin with granite top counters, a cathedral ceiling with a crystal chandelier overhead. There are bedrooms and a bathroom which she searches. She finds nothing but some dried flowers in bottles and loads of spices. What the dried flowers are for she doesn't know. She and Catlin land in one of the beds and both are asleep.

Wyatt Morris and his family own the cabin. Wyatt is an ex Navy SEAL. A guy who spend ten years on the teams and came back just in time for the world to end. His Father was killed when his house was raided by those looking for supplies. His Father is the man who built the cabin, loaded it with supplies which are hidden and made a bug out place for his family.

Wyatt's brother Jack, his wife Willow, Ryland their son, Rosie his Mother, Chase the head of security and Alex an older man and friend of the family along with Duke the German Shepherd mix have finally made it to the cabin only to find a woman and a child in Wyatt's room.

So begins one fine read.

This one has Wyatt, Megan, Jack, Rosie, Willow, Chase, Alex, Duke the German Shepherd mix that decides to guard a comatose Caitlin, Kyle Grice the man who took over the town where Meg lived, a man who has been tracking her and finally found her at the cabin, a Rosie who uses her herbalist knowledge to try and help Caitlin, a Meg who shows Wyatt how to set snares and traps for game, a Meg who only wants her daughter to get better so they can leave, a Meg who appreciates what the family has done for her and her daughter but still thinks it best for them to be on their own, a Wyatt who finds himself attracted to Meg, a Wyatt who will do his best to try and get her to stay, a Kyle who appears outside the boundary fences and passes himself off as a vet who got separated from his family and is lost, the family who decide to bring him to the cabin much to his pleasure, a Kyle who has a little girl he needs to die, a Kyle who has been a con man his whole life and has conned an entire town into believing his crap, a Wyatt and family who don't trust Kyle, a Kyle posing as a vet who works his way into getting close to Caitlin, a Duke who won't let him near the girl and Wyatt, Megan and the others doing their best to survive and stay alive.

Five Stars.

Grace did a great job of writing a suspenseful story. My favorite parts are the Prepper tidbits of information. It can be overwhelming when you first begin to prep. This book just brings home the message that it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. The only thing I would change is Kyle's part. I wouldn't even have included his thought process and made it even more of a surprise as to what his part is in the story was. Otherwise great read.

(Verified Purchase the store Au)
This book was a salutary lesson in me not occasionally glancing at the reviews of a book before downloading it!

Frankly, I'm rather incredulous at the vast number of four and five star reviews for this book. Seriously, that rather shocked me because it doesn't seem to accurately reflect in any way on the poor quality of the writing, the paper-thin characters who do/don't do things for no apparent reason, nor the trite and annoying romance.

This is so poorly written. The ex-SEAL is quite ridiculously inept; his demonstrated stupidity, let alone his total lack of common sense, would have ensured he'd never have made it into that elite group. It's actually quite insulting to the actual SEAL community. Or indeed pretty much any and everyone else. I think an actual seal (as in the aquatic mammal) might have had more insight than this nincompoop of an alleged ex-SEAL.

Can't even be bothered summing up the myriad of problems with this book, I'd rather spend the time reading something worthwhile.

It's badly written romance drivel masquerading as post-apocalyptic, un-researched, plot-hole-riddled, fanfiction. I'm going to start checking the one and two star reviews in future, would have saved me from totally wasting my time and a causing great deal of annoyance. And avoiding a frustration-induced headache!

Me cranky after reading this book? Yes indeed I am. Anyone have a couple of spare aspirin?

Not a great novel but it is readable.
Plot the same as the twenty or so End of World books I have consumed this year.
Nothing new except those looking for body parts will be disappointed. The only one I can remember is a description of how to skin a squirrel. Oh I would like to have seen the table with eight people with squirrel as the meat dish.

I loved this book and found myself staying up way past my bedtime to see what happens. Now I can't wait to read the next one! I'm a fan of this genre and am always thrilled to read the ones with a female lead. I hope that there's many more to come from this author. I really enjoyed her writing style, the characters were great and the descriptions make you feel like you're there.

as we know it, I want to be her. She is one protective momma. She can hunt like Daniel Boone. Good skills to have when you are forced back to pioneer days. She's trying to find shelter and medicine for her sick 7 year old daughter. After days in the wilderness she stumbles upon a cabin. When the owners take them in it's a new start.. If only they didn't have a past

Well poor anyone who came in contact with Megan. Megan and her daughter are struggling after the Apocalypse. And when her daughter falls ill she has to find help. She stumbles upon a cabin in the woods and it instantly put me in the mind frame of Goldie Locks and the three bears. This was a great thriller/ romance story. And easily read as a stand alone.

A subject that has been creeping into our minds as of late. What would we do if the grid went down? Lots of good ideas here. I really enjoyed each character in this book. Rosie is my favorite! Well worth the read.

Couldn't put it down! A scenario I can only pray to be in if (God forbid) sh** hits the fan! Down to earth characters, and really believable. I have been reading post apocalyptic books for 3 years now, and this one is by far one of the best! I have to admit though, I was HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED to find out the next book isn't going to be available till the end of April... Grrrrr! Grace Hamilton, keep them coming, I am a true fan!

Excellent story about a young mother trying to survive after an EMP ended life as they knew it. Running from bad men, she stumbled upon an abandoned cabin. Finding her daughter close to death, she looks for help, becoming thankful for the roof over their heads. I couldn't put this book down. It almost felt as if I was there with Megan. EXCELLENT STORY.

Could not even imagine what it would be like to be in Grace's situation. Thank goodness it had a happily ever after in such a situation. It amazes me in a time of hardship people turn on each other . Enjoyed the book. Good storyline. Loved the characters...very unique. Good afternoon read.

This book is listed under sci fi, apocalyptic adventure, etc. It is neither of those things. This is a stereotypical Harlequin romance set in the apocalypse. Which is... unique I guess. Not what I was expecting.

Who's book is a cross between post-apocalyptic and romance. It can't figure out what it wants to be, and suffers mightily for that. I kept rolling my eyes with the sappy romantic crap. Not a book for true apocalyptic fiction fans.

What could be better than a little bit of difference,makeshift medicine and food, new friends, a dog,and best of all romance in the middle of it all. A great book filled with a bit of everything . A good read .
Karen Burke

I loved this book because, it was like what it would be like if we did experience an EMP. I loved the characters. All except the villain. It really makes you think and makes me want to be a prepper. I recommend this book to all who love adventure,.

A little short, but a good read with a happy ending. (Just what I needed after reading some crappy shtf books!) I like that this author didn't keep preaching about lazy low lifes, religion and politics! I liked the way this author wrote this story.

As a mid-level prepped, I was happy to find this lovely book on Prime. Well developed characters, a strong heroine and an exciting plotline. Bonus points for weaving in herbal medicine, techniques for off-grid living and tips on security.

I look forward to purchasing more books in this series.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Well written characters and storyline. Good information on plants and natural resources for illnesses. I'll definitely be watching this author for future reading material. Definitely recommend reading.

What a wonderful book. I feel as if I know all of them. I love a good book that can draw you in with the characters. And it's awesome not to see zombies or such. To top it off we get a happy ending for a change. Can't wait for the next one.

This is a good read with life of a child at steak it is full of EMP survivors who you come to know and admired there ability to survive in a way that makes you want to move to the mountains and get prepared for the next step in the end of society.

I love the family in this book. Megan doesn't trust anyone, even those who have shown her trustworthiness. But I guess wtshtf we would all be leary of others. I can't wait for more books, will get them all. There is alot of survival info in this book weaving around the story of this family.

This was the best set of books I have read in a long time. I read all 6 books in a matter of days. I loved all the people and I loved how the author was able to give us real tips on how we would survive during an EMP. real answers on how to survive.
I really loved these books. This was my first time reading any from Grace Hamilton, I will look into more of her writing. Thanks for writing.

This is my favorite kind of survivalist book. Fast moving fiction with a healthy dose of education. I highlighted several areas of the book - including what to do if someone grabs you from behind and how to make a survival water filter. Can't wait to read book 2!

The basic idea for the characters had a lot of promise. But the writing quickly became repetitive (how many times does the author have to tell us the main mom character is thinking of leaving?). And the ex-Navy SEAL character was completely unbelievable. Doesn't the author know anything about the SEAL training program? About the SERE training they get? I read 75% of the book before I couldn't go any further. Sorry, a real let down. I gave two stars for effort.

I want to forget that I've ever read this series. It is so depressing as one character is killed off one after the other. It would be a great EMP series but nothing good ever happens, only the deaths of characters whom the reader has bonded with. I know death is involved with a EMP situation but the author seems to go out of the way to make sure that all of the interesting people die. Very depressing series.

Really enjoyed this story. I very much appreciate that the author develops her characters and story without depending on vulgar language and explicit scenes between characters. Hoping the next books will get into details about the prep per lifestyle.

I enjoy this type of fiction and so for me it was a page turner. I found the next book in the series somewhat more interesting and I will definitely read the third installment when it is released in June. So far I have two issues with both books - from the male perspective there is too much focus on the 'feelings' of the main character. Also the overuse of the 'bad judgment' crutch to move the action along detracts somewhat from the creditability of the story line. Otherwise the plot and setting are reasonable in relation to a SHTF scenario. More creativity in plot development and effort to define the characters by delving into the details of their backgrounds and private thoughts rather than mostly by actions revealed in the story might have earned it a 5 from me.

More drama than action but pretty well written . We need to see if TH e next book will be any go o d. I have expectations that the. book will be better. A bit more action and this could have been a five star.

This is one of the best post-apocalyptic books I've read. It was realistic without the gore that seems so prevalent in this type of book. There was an actual story line to follow, a plot to figure out. Absolutely incredible!

Forget about end of the world, EMP etc. Full of practical ideas for day to day living, I am going to start now! And love reading this type of fiction and comparing what I know to what the plots reveal.

This book was perfect for me....a sweet survival, romance. Nice and clean with a little spice!
I've all the prepping and survival info and that there wasn't any super bad language. I might let my 10 year old read it.
Ill

This is my husbands account but I just wanted to make sure a left a review. These books I think have great character building and draw you in quickly. You want to find out what happens next to the characters.

This story took place in an interesting eotw universe. I made it nearly three-quarters through before I had to stop. The little girl is unconscious from illness and a mysterious stranger that no one trusts shows up. The mother takes everyone on an adventure leaving her unconscious daughter in the care of the three physically weakest members of the household. After hours of exploring their feelings for each other they confirm again their unease with the stranger. Uponreturning, her daughter is now sicker than ever! Poisoned! This calls for another excursion! During this excursion mother and leading man further explore their feelings and engage in a kiss all while her unconscious daughter is in the company of the mysterious stranger. I'm not sure what happens next because this is where I stopped. Too bad, it had potential.

Forget about end of the world, EMP etc. Full of practical ideas for day to day living, I am going to start now! And love reading this type of fiction and comparing what I know to what the plots reveal.

This book was perfect for me....a sweet survival, romance. Nice and clean with a little spice!
I've all the prepping and survival info and that there wasn't any super bad language. I might let my 10 year old read it.
Ill

This is my husbands account but I just wanted to make sure a left a review. These books I think have great character building and draw you in quickly. You want to find out what happens next to the characters.

This story took place in an interesting eotw universe. I made it nearly three-quarters through before I had to stop. The little girl is unconscious from illness and a mysterious stranger that no one trusts shows up. The mother takes everyone on an adventure leaving her unconscious daughter in the care of the three physically weakest members of the household. After hours of exploring their feelings for each other they confirm again their unease with the stranger. Uponreturning, her daughter is now sicker than ever! Poisoned! This calls for another excursion! During this excursion mother and leading man further explore their feelings and engage in a kiss all while her unconscious daughter is in the company of the mysterious stranger. I'm not sure what happens next because this is where I stopped. Too bad, it had potential.

Some good real life info in this book and some good ideas of how you should be prepped if anything should happen! Can really connect with these characters and imagine what you would do if you were in there position!

Not your conventional after the EMP book in fact not very much was mentioned specifically about that scenario. I enjoy reading this storyline because I learn important details that could someday save my life. Everyone seemed to have it all tucked away and didn't lack for many things. I realize that some people do prepare for disasters but you really want to read about them or the people who struggle for every bite of food they consume. That would make it more relevant for me.

Megan Wolford, 32, and her daughter Caitlin, 7, leave their town after The New Order invaded their comfort zone. Megan feels they will be better off on their own than staying in a place that is quickly becoming dangerous. An EMP stuck 3 months ago and now the world is a place of the 'haves and the have nots'.

Megan's dad was a Marine and taught her the basics of surviving in the wilderness including trapping and hunting. These two skills certainly come in handy for them during their trek. Fortunately, for both of them, they stumble upon a place which appears unoccupied. Caitlin is in bad shape when they arrive and Megan (as any mother) is worried beyond belief.

The adventure begins for all of them when the owners of the lodge return. Megan's life has been full of distrust. She harbors a general feeling that being alone is better for both of them.

In addition to the harrowing situations they are all subject to, the author has interjected some really outstanding tips on living off the land. She explains in great detail things such as nettle, dandelion, Echinacea, pine needles (and more) and how to use them medicinally. She also tosses in information on hand to hand combat, the use of charcoal, essential oils and Heirloom seeds to increase the reader's knowledge in this area.

One thing that I truly admired was the close knit family that the Morris's enjoyed. Wyatt is an ex-Navy SEAL (is there such a thing as an ex- Navy SEAL?) and he certainly added to the story. There are two friends included in this lodge, as well. All of the members of this family contribute to the well being of each other and the team effort is amazing. The family unit is strong and the reader feels as though they are 'family' at the end of the book.

Definitely will read on when the next one is available. Am curious to see what dangers lurk around the corner and how the entire family adapts to life during the upcoming winter. Oh, I love Duke, the German Shepherd! One of my heroes in this one.

Highly recommended.

EMP Story? Perhaps, but only four stars because survivalists would have been more careful about people they didn't know. For surviving as long as the family did after the EMP, I'm surprised that they didn't have trouble earlier than they did. I'm trying to not spoil anything for anyone - the story line is very good. Too good to ruin because of a few criticisms. Perhaps the sequels will be better and get five stars from me. It does take more time to develop characters and story lines.

I did my prepping fifteen years ago to survive just a disaster. Yes, it took time, but even after all the time passed,I'

This follows Megan and her daughter Caitlin. Caitlin is deathly ill and Megan is trying to find a way to save her. She stumbles upon a remote cabin that seems abandoned and breaks in to see if there is anything there to help her daughter. Extremely tired, she falls asleep only to wake up to some people in the cabin. Thankfully the people are friendly to her and agree to help Caitlin. She is hesitant to accept their help because so many people have let her down, but Caitlin is too sick to go anywhere.

This was an enjoyable read, though a little.... too easyish for Megan and Caitlin. It's hard to believe that they would stumble upon people who are so nice and so prepared, but that could be just my cynical self ;) I also rolled my eyes a bit at the predictable romance!! It felt too fast.

I did really like all the characters though. Megan is well prepared and knowledgeable in a lot of things and is well able to look after herself, but I liked that she didn't know anything and was willing to teach the family things, whilst also learning things herself. I liked the family too, especially the dog ;) They were all well written and developed!!

In all, a good solid start to what I'm hoping will be a great series. I liked the extra mystery within the post apoc element. Like life isn't hard enough, they have to figure out what happened Caitlin! I'm looking forward to thee next one.

I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

3.5 out of 5 stars

The story follows a mom and her daughter in the days and weeks following a devastating CME. They are forced to make hard decisions and the daughter is even in great danger as she is seemingly getting sicker and sicker.

The story itself (outside of what I write to finish this review) was an enjoyable one and one that not a lot of authors write. Most of the time they write about escaping to a comfortable place with love and family — not the struggles of a single mom and a sick daughter (I’m not giving away too much here). I like that the story revolved around Megan and her daughter Caitlin.

There was some atypical (or typical depending on the stories that you normally read) romance involved in the book that, in the beginning, felt out of place, but as the book continued, felt a little more in place. Sometimes I think that the romance is “too easy” in situations like this, but then again I’ve never been thrown into a situation like this, so who knows.

Megan as a character was pretty likable. She has some character flaws that made her believable, but there were some of them that felt like Hamilton was trying to make sure that we as readers understood. While there’s nothing wrong with pushing a point — some of them felt a little overdone.

The story had a nice arc though and I felt like I was getting an enjoyable (and slightly different) story out of the book. It’s one thing to have strong female characters written in novels, it’s made even better that she wasn’t totally helpless. Sure Megan had to learn other survival techniques, but she was better off than most people (men included) would be in this sort of situation. Things felt a little too easy for them and the story kept going back towards being an almost post-apocalyptic romance tale.

Honestly, I don’t always write about the bad in a book because I am really good at putting on what I call my “movie goggles” and letting a story take me away. There was a part in the intro of this story (and in the series title) where it talks about an EMP. But when Hamilton writes what happened it sounds like it was really a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) caused by the sun. These two things are not the same and should not be written as the same. I can understand having both of some sorts (a CME by the sun and an EMP by a country we are at war with). But calling a CME an EMP really brought me out of this book. BUT if you can look past that (which I did) this book is full of the typical post-apocalyptic fillings that will make most PA fans happy.

Who would have thought? A love story between a mom and her daughter and an ex-Navy Seal. Lots of good Prepper tips which is the whole reason I read Prepper fiction. There aren't too many Prepper fiction romances (Pete Thorsen has a few). Great story. Highly recommend.

Ms. Hamilton shows us what will probably come to be at some point. She shows us lots of ideas for preparing. This is all wrapped up in riveting fiction with some thriller moments. Well worth the read.

This is a fantastic story about what the world would be like after an EMP. The storyline flows well. The characters are true to life. I am glad this is a series. I cannot wait too see what this brilliant author has in store for us next!