One Second After

By: William R. Forstchen

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

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)

completely scary one of the most terrifying books

how horrific this book was traumatic the idea that we are in such a vulnerable state at all times with no intent or clear path towards prevention this book is scary

Frightening but so good. Heart breaking at times.

This verges on reality. I was in New Orleans after Katrina. EMP would be worse than that by 1000%

Too close for comfort

What did you love best about One Second After?

Timber of the DAD -- his believability -- the over all situation a person would be faced with

What did you like best about this story?

the search of a persons insight and where it could/can lead you -- the actions I believe will/can happen if such a situation is ever enacted upon us.

What does Joe Barrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

really enjoyed his voice timber/tone as situations arise and act out

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me ever more aware how fragile our personal existence is and how much we rely on "things" and yet don't actually "think" about them.

Any additional comments?

Take with a strong side of reality -- don't go too far to the left and get all survivalist.

Best Audio Book Narration I've Heard!

This was a slow starter, and I wasn't quite sure I was even going to enjoy it. But once it got moving along I could hardly make myself stop. The story was captivating, I fell in love with the characters, and the narration was just outstanding! I can't say enough. This was hands down my favorite listen to date.

Scary but a great read

Loved the book. Got you right at the start and didn't let you go till it was done.

Great Book and would be a great movie

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would and have told all I know about this book and even had my 15 year old son listen to it as well. He enjoyed it as much as I did. I meet Newt at a book signing event and agree with most all of what he believes. Mr. Forstchen is a great writer and I have listened to many of his other works.

What was one of the most memorable moments of One Second After?

Though the entire book unfolds second by second, I think the transition from day to day is the most interesting. How we move from a modern electrically dependent society on one day and slowly transition to a 19th century America over the course of just a few weeks. You could also consider this to be a time travel book, without the science fiction of a time machine.

What does Joe Barrett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I really enjoyed the pace he kept in the reading. It was not dry nor was it boring. He sounds like a fellow you know down the street. A very familiar sounding voice. Someone if you don't know him then you wished you did know him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES in fact I could not stop listening and after it was done I started it over again. One of those books, like Lonesome Dove, where you dread counting down the pages (minutes in audio world).

Any additional comments?

Yes, download this book, not only is it a real threat to our United States, it is a great book!

It Can and Will Happen.

I had to write a review on this book which I really liked mostly in response to Cidney from New Orleans. She states that you more or less could ride your bike to work. LOL. What kind of work do you do that operates without power, computers, printers, bathrooms, water, do I need to go on. The emergency generator doesn't work. In the event of an EMP strike there would be no power for perhaps six months to a year. With out the big trucks that you all hate taking up the road you run out of food and water in the grocery stores in three days. Less if panic sets off riots and a rush on the stores.. I am over weight and could lose a few pounds but they say starvation is the most painful horrible way to die. If you have food stored are you ready to protect it from a once friendly neighbor who is out and has to watch his children die slowly. Sure share it is the moral thing to do but then you watch your own die. Then the roving bands of thieves that spring up looking for the weak easy targets. Look what happened at the Super Dome in just a short time after Katrina. Nothing made within the last forty or fifty years will work. Modern farming takes big machinery and a lot of water to feed the people. And how that that is ready for harvest get to market any way. Experts estimate 30% dead in the first few weeks. 50% as the diseases start spreading. This book is right on in every way and to take EMP lightly is folly on your part. No disaster natural or man made to date will match the loss of life on the horizon due to an EMP strike. We spend billions on the junk science of stopping global warming (which to date has not proved to have killed anyone.) when a real danger of biblical proportions is only the push of a button away. Iran, and North Korea know they can not defeat us in a confrontation. They also know the don't have to. They know all about EMP. Do you?

Sobering

This sobering book is definitely worth reading. The consequences of an EMP attack could be truly catastrophic as this book so vividly details.

The book starts slow but quickly picks up. Give it a chance.

great

I hope it inspires legislation and defence responsible like it inspired me to get prepared

Great Read!!

Overall the book is an A+. Narration is perfection, it really helps you grow attached to the characters. Story is something of a masterpiece. With twists and turns that keep you listening for hours. This book should be something of a required read for students in school, because it really does show how well of we are in society, and how much we rely on technology in today's day and age.