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)

Narrator Sounds Older than Character’s Age

A really grim apocalyptic, survival themed novel. Never boring but the narrator sounds like an old codger, not like a 45 yr old hero.

Very informative and interesting

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

I didn't read the print version, so I have no idea how to compare them

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

The victory of the townspeople as they defended their homes

Have you listened to any of Joe Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't listened to one of his performances before.

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

Yes, I was captivated from beginning to end

Any additional comments?

This book was very realistic and gut wrenching. It was easy to put myself into the story and gave me a lot to ponder. What would I do in that situation and how would I care for my family?

blown away

I was compltely blown away by this book! It's not the first I have read about EMPs but it's by far the best. It was so scary that it makes me want to start stockpiling food and medical supplies!! The characters are extremly likable and some of the scenes will break your heart, especially if you or a family member are in the military.

This book will cost you money

After reading and listening to this book I became a true believer that this type of situation or a very similar situation is all too possible. I could not look at my kids without thinking I needed to prepare for something like this.

The author did a great job in telling a very plausible story.

You will sit in your driveway listening for just a little more.

Exceptionally Well Done

Regardless of your view of the material's accuracy, the narrator has done an AMAZING job with this book. Numerous voices (some female, some children) and very convincing tonal inflections make this a great listen.
I've listened to Audible books (and others) for ten years now, and it's never been better than this.

Very good will haunt you for a while

Loved this one. Looked for more at the end though otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

Fantastic listen, couldn't wait to hear more.

The author did an excellent job researching this topic. I was haunted by this book for days and retold much of the book to my husband. It really makes you think about things and how much we take for granted in this century. I think everyone should listen to this story, we all could stand to do without many of our modern conveniences.

epic!

very scary...
this could happy!

great story...
great narrator

Should be required reading in U.S. schools.

So much to learn in this novel. It makes you consider national and personal vulnerabilities in our sickeningly technologically addicted and dependent society.

Wow

What a book, what an account, what an eye-opener. The book says "It's not a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN!"