The Hat Trick

A Ravaged Skies Novel

De: Chris Philbrook

Narrado por: Steve Van Samson

The best-selling author of Adrian's Undead Diary, The Darkness of Diggory Finch, and Colony Lost brings you The Hat Trick: A Ravaged Skies Novel

When a catastrophic solar flare wipes out all technology, the world is plunged into darkness. For Joshua and Lara Ryan, simple life in their quiet New England town seemed secure—until a relentless storm floods roads, wipes out crops, and leaves their community on the brink of starvation. As desperation grows, a ruthless local family takes what they want by force, triggering the worst tragedy.

Alone and vulnerable, Lara and her children turn to their only friend—Hugh, their reclusive, movie-loving neighbor who seems a bit more prepared to weather the storms than he lets on. Soon justice and vengeance blur, Hugh’s true history emerges, and soon, he isn’t just watching movies on his old crank-powered projector, he’s making sure the family never hurts the Ryans—or anyone—ever again.

As law and order collapse, Lara and her children must make an impossible choice: flee from the danger they know, or stand up and fight it.

The storms of light and wind may have passed, but in the rebirth of what comes next, a the true reckoning has begun.

The Hat Trick is a mature apocalyptic novel set in the events of a terrible solar flare event in a shared universe called The Ravaged Skies.

Authors writing in this universe include: Scott M. Baker, Kate L. Mary, Maire Lanza, Kellee L. Greene, Courtney Konstantin, Bailiegh Higgins, Ryan B. Colley, Boyd L. Craven, DJ Cooper, Nic Roads, Rich Restucci, Anne Geever, JS Patrick, and TW Piperbrook.

©2025 Chris Philbrook (P)2025 Chris Philbrook

Heartbreaking and Heartwarming Must-read

The Hat Trick is a great tale of survival in a "grid down" scenario. The characters are very relatable... very likable and hateable depending on their motivations. All of Chris's stories are top notch and this is par for the course! An absolute must read!

Refreshing take on apocalyptic fiction

Usually when you read a story from this genre, it’s dark, gloomy, and filled with senseless violence and death that doesn’t seem to always make sense. Chris Philbrook does an incredible job of painting a picture full of hope for the future and trust in fellow humans. Not everyone is a good guy, just like in real life, but nothing seemed too over the top or far fetched in The Hat Trick! Steve does a fantastic job narrating, giving characters perfect regional accents when needed! Fans of AUD will love the little Easter egg hidden in the story!

Another GREAT read!!!

I found this author when I came across Adrian’s Undead Diaries. Although it was not normally the genre I would read/listen to, I very quickly fell in love with the writing and characters! This book absolutely had that same quality! Thanks Chris for another great story!

Another Chris Philbrook Masterpiece

If you are familiar with Chris’ writing then you will find this right in line with his other great works. If you are not familiar, buckle up, and get ready for an amazing literary ride. You will highly enjoy this!

Enjoyed the new idea

I love Philbrook's Adrian's undead diary series, so I was excited to read this one.
I enjoyed the new reason for the reset of the world, and I think the idea of a bunch of writers working in the same universe is cool. I think it was more condensed than I'm used to, so things happened very quickly. I liked the characters and look forward to seeing if anything else happens with them. Thanks for another entertaining read ❤️

Fantastic

Philbrook nailed it again! Flushed out relatable characters you can get behind or root against. I hope there is more to come for Lara and Hugh. PS, love the nod to the Gilbert.

Great story

Great story, loved the characters, made me wish it was longer. listened from start to finish in one go.

Great humor for a dark topic

Extremely well written as expected from Chris Philbrook. Chris brings a sarcastic charm to his writing that I enjoy. You feel drawn into his world. Nice Easter egg for AUD fans!

Worth the credit! Good story with great characters.

I suck at reviews. I'll try, though.... because good books are few and far between and it's important to support the peeps (authors) we love.

If you're a fan of Chris Philbrook and the AUD series, this is definitely for you. If you haven't been introduced yet and zompoc is a little too far fetched, this is a great introduction to some of the types of characters this author is great at.

I found the characters easy to get into and I was quick to love (and dislike) some of them. I found the scenarios realistic and relatable. Like this could really happen. Eek! Oh, and I even liked the kids in it. Which is saying a lot.

What everyone really wants to know from a review after they've read the description is "Would you enjoy this book?" Yes! I think most people looking in this genre would. It's an easy read (I wish it was longer) and I'm hoping it will become a series. I liked it that much.

The Ravaged Skies universe (where other authors have books intertwined with these characters) is a brilliant way to introduce a reader to new authors. I'm excited.

This is worth a credit and 6 1/2 hours of your life. Do it! And the narrator was phenomenal.

great book

This book was so good. It was short but it had me hooked from the start. The mention of an old friend made me smile. Chris never disappoints. The only complaint I have it that the book had to end. Can't wait for the next book. this is my first time hearing this narrator and I really enjoyed it.