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One Second After  By  cover art

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

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    5 out of 5 stars

Mind opening book.

Wow, I've heard about the threat of an EMP before, but this books brings it to life. This book makes real the struggle after an EMP event, rather than the distant possibility and statistics that I had considered before.

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Amazing book that should be required reading for

.... any persons that hold position to make strategic decisions for the USA or policy.

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great book

the voices weren't directly on power but the book was a fantastic read in the storyline is great

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting!

Wow, this is a situation I have never really considered but reading this book made me think! I believe the author researched the potential of this calamity actually happening, so I really feel educated as well as entertained.

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SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME!!!!

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

Spooky, horrifying, REAL!!!

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

Somewhat. It really isn't and "edge of your seat" kind of book. With that said, it is thoroughly engaging.

Which scene was your favorite?

Don't know if I had a FAVORITE scene. There are numerous scenes that had me earbuds in, shouting expletives out loud. The entire book is VERY good.

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

Yes. It scared me. DON'T SKIP THE FORWARD as many of us often do. The simple explanation of how real the potential for this scenario is, and then to have it played out with characters we can all relate to. It made me think "what would I do?" "Would my behavior devolve or would I rise above temptation?" "Would I and my loved ones survive?" READ IT!!!

Any additional comments?

After my first read, I was so spooked I read it again immediately! I have read it twice more. This one leaves you thinking!!!

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the scariest book I've ever read

This is probably the most terrible book I've ever read. But I am glad he wrote it and he did a great job. if I wasn't crying I was pissed off. we have nobody to blame but ourselves if these events come true. We know what can happen and we know how to fix it but the complacency our leaders and the population is truly a sin. if these events come about comma we have nobody to blame. as terrible as the book was it was well written and well-produced and I'm grateful that it has been done.

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  • 01-02-13

Pretty good book

Where does One Second After rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very plausable book. Considering the ineptness of Congress and Washington DC's political scene...there is a case our government needs to explore EMP's potential danger to Amercia

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Good read

I enjoyed this book a lot as I thought the book to be believable with good development.

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I would recommend this, very good!

someone was telling me about it and I picked it up.... they didn't like Book 2 but I enjoyed both, very good reads.

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Scary but Eye-Opening

This story opened my eyes to the “what if” this really happened and the challenge’s and struggles we may all face. This is a real threat to us and it has made me a believer in becoming more prepared. Water, food, medications, protection are important things to consider. Start now, don’t wait.

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