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One Second After

By: William R. Forstchen
Narrated by: Joe Barrett
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Publisher's summary

A post-apocalyptic thriller of the after effects in the United States after a terrifying terrorist attack using electromagnetic pulse weapons.

In a small North Carolina town, one man struggles to save his family after America loses a war that will send it back to the Dark Ages.

Already cited on the floor of Congress and discussed in the corridors of the Pentagon as a book all Americans should read, One Second After is the story of a war scenario that could become all too terrifyingly real. Based on a real weapon—the electromagnetic pulse (EMP)—which may already be in the hands of our enemies, it is a truly realistic look at the awesome power of a weapon that can destroy the entire United States, literally within one second.

In the tradition of On the Beach, Fail Safe, and Testament, this book, set in a typical American town, is a dire warning of what might be our future and our end.

©2009 William R. Forstchen (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[An] entertaining apocalyptic thriller....fans of such classics as Alas, Babylon and On the Beach will have a good time as Forstchen tackles the obvious and some not-so-obvious questions the apocalypse tends to raise." ( Publishers Weekly)

Featured Article: The 20 Best Survival Audiobooks for the Prepper in All of Us


Whether we’re focused on the apocalypse or just an ill-timed breakdown on the side of a particularly remote road, there’s something about imagining survival scenarios that can be addictive. On some level, we all wonder if we would have what it takes to pit ourselves against the worst the world can possibly offer and make it out alive. That’s why it’s no surprise that survival literature is so popular, and that the stories in the genre are so diverse.

What listeners say about One Second After

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    19,933
  • 4 Stars
    6,133
  • 3 Stars
    2,012
  • 2 Stars
    740
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Performance
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    379
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    17,859
  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
    1,677
  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    550

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

thrilling

really makes you think
really enjoyed for my first audible book

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful in many ways, scary in others.

I told most of my friends to get this book. It is very nerve racking to think about how fast society falls apart when we lose the basics. What a dark and heart breaking ride the author brings us on. Well written and produced.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

take care of America

thank you for waking me up , we will start preparing now. thankfully our neighbors are good people.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very IMPORTANT INFO

read this book in college back in 09. have now listened to it 4 times with various people.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Chilling

Would you consider the audio edition of One Second After to be better than the print version?

yes

What did you like best about this story?

The way it was told

Which character – as performed by Joe Barrett – was your favorite?

The professor

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The impossibility to cope in a catastrophic situation.

Any additional comments?

A bleak foresight what can happen to us in the future.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Essential reading

My opinion, This book is a good primer for anyone interested in understanding what is important in life and what is important to survive.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Good end of the world scenario story

The narration was good. If you enjoy end of the world scenario, this will be good for you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Terrifying, engaging!

I've listened to this book multiple times, and each time it engages my interest immediately. It was recommended to me by my son, who had it recommended to him. In the past two years, I have, in turn, suggested it to many more readers. The premise is terrifying in its plausibility and the story is well told. It makes me wish for more like it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

now I wanna build a shelter

reminiscent of Lucifers Hammer.
makes me want to buy an old truck and stockpile food :-)
Good book, good narration

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

You Really Need to Read This Book!

The fact that the story is based on a very real disaster that could happen at any time is scary. It made me want to go out and fill my cupboards with canned goods, paper goods etc. The interactions between the characters was very interesting. The way the town reacts to such a gruesome event helps outweigh the sometimes gruesome things that they have to endure. Take the time to read this book!

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