The Hat Trick

A Ravaged Skies Novel

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!

LOVED!!!

What a great post apocalyptic story!
A small town just trying their best to make it.
Two families coming together as one out of necessity.
Sad but realistic.

What a positive surprise & free!

Great story line - fantastic characters. The lead characters are complex, as is true in real life. While I love me a good zombie story, the catalyst prompting the disruption of society & how difficult it can be for good people to simply be good. Also, the female characters are active players, fully humanized. At its core, it’s a good vs bad story - but shows how complicated being one or the other can be.

Amazing! Chris never fails to impress

I love the way the story built to a crescendo. Typical Chris style. fell in love with the story even after listening 5 minutes. Can't wait listen to the rest of the books.

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!