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)

Great book eye opening

I will never look at a can of food the same. sad and eye opening. time to rely on or selves and not the government to protect our families

Excellent apocalyptic story

I am a big fan of human endurance and survival stories, fiction and non-fiction, so this story was very enjoyable for me. The narration was well done and his reading gave the characters life and I could feel the pain and loss they suffered.

My favorite book to listen to with my husband.

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

Yes, and I have, many times.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Right up there with The Martian

What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?

Loved his voice and interpretation of John Matheson.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It could happen to Us.

Any additional comments?

I'm reading the third book now. Hope he keeps them coming.

I loved it

If you could sum up One Second After in three words, what would they be?

Well worth having

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

I was obsessed with listening to it

Any additional comments?

The story line is excellent, it really got my imagination going, I absolutely loved this book!!!!

Thought provoking

Would you listen to One Second After again? Why?

Yes, to get me thinking that we might want to be more prepared for the future.

What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?

Yes he did a good job

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Are you ready for the future?

Any additional comments?

Scared the heck out of me.

Fantastic Book with a dose of reality

I've known about EMP risks from solar flares and knew about how it can cripple our electrical grid. Bit with the rise of electronics and electronics generation.. it's scary to imagine that our life as we know it will completely disintegrate and set us back 500 years with a carefully planned strike up above 200 miles in the sky.. it was scary, frightening and at the same time very enlightening as it gave me a perspective of that kind of scenario and perhaps.. just perhaps.. prepare for emergencies like these and others.. one thing is for sure that when I see the ad in Costco about 3 year emergency food supply for over $1k.. I will not chuckle or be sarcastic about who would buy such a thing or why would I need it.. because.. some day(I hope that day never comes) .. I may need it. Overall.. Excellent Read..

This can happen in the blink of an eye

We have long been held to the belief that the world will end with a bang. The character in this story learn that a quick death would have been much better. Bands of scavengers, and those who are trying to survive compete for limited resources. The character are well developed and the story line is fantastic. There is no dull moments in this story. It will leave you with chills about our future.

solid read

Great narrator. The story moves at a good pace with very few sagging moments. Though a bit contrived at times, the story paints a sobering picture of what could be when all that we take for granted, is suddenly cut off.

edge of seat full attention and emotional

loved it....scary real life heart wrenching..I don't know what else to say ...informative realy good read. Not for children or people with mental issues

scary story line of what could happen

I really like this book the narrator was really good to me wish and I had to drive a lot farther so I can listen longer during the day. But it just kind of scared me to see how I'm prepared we are if something this whatever happen.

I remember a quote "pray for peace but prepare for war"

just really hope it doesn't happen.