This is one of the best dystopian novels I’ve read. It is a well written story and more character driven than most in the genre. Few, if any, stories feature the inner struggle those in law enforcement and military would go through when weighing their sense of duty with the need to survive and protect friends and family. There is also enough detail regarding the technical aspects of EMP to be informative without boring the reader. It’s a well-crafted story and I look forward to further works from this talented author.

Good read, more realistic than some within the genre, and more frightening. I hope the federal and state governments are taking steps to harden our grid. Wishful thinking!

I wasn't sure what to expect of this, but was pleasantly surprised at how well it was put together. The author certainly brings some expertise to the table, and presents a very realistic story. The action is consistent but not arbitrary. The dialogue seems natural, which is one of the hardest things for an author to do, in my opinion. The story is original, didn't rely on standard EMP plot points, and was offered at a good price. There were some issues: there are too many characters, and just as important - not enough distinguishable features between them (most of the guys seem the same), the women are generally inferior to the men, and a few of the "good" characters express some prejudice. I was at about a 4.5 on this but rounded up for good value and because I think most EMP/SHTF readers would enjoy it. Well done.

Some stories, I keep setting them down, drawing-out the action, the character development, the arc.

Savoring the moment.

HARD is one of these.

Yes, the author is detailed.

The text could use minor tightening.

The story introduces a lot of characters, each with a fresh name but not much difference.

Yes, and so what.

HARD illustrates the hilarious delusion of 'with all that evil electricity gone, we can move to a farm and grow granola pies'.

I liked the Latin criminals. Good choice.

I liked losing some heroes. Good call.

I liked the destroyed families, the delayed romances, the desolation and exhaustion.

This is pretty good writing!

I thoroughly enjoyed my investment in HARD.

I am recommending this on every blog, including James M Dakin and his BisonPrepper crew.

Any time I do that, my reputation is on the line.

Will the next stories from 'Don Shift' be as good, or better.

Is this author clear on this.

That was not a question.

Go!

A realistic scenario of an EMP disaster, this story was very interesting-both to learn about the internal logistics of responding to this type of a disaster on a county level & to understand what our city & county protectors would be faced with in a disaster such as this. I felt for the different characters & couldn’t put this book down. Definitely gets 5 plus stars. Bought a kindle variety but enjoyed it so much I bought it in paperback for my collection too.

A little slow going in beginning, but end well. Love the characters but sad when Sam was taken out. Looking forward to a sequence.

A very realistic take on the end of the world. The difference between those who see the writing on the wall and those who can`t accept the reality of their situation. Normalcy bias I believe they call it. And those who will take advantage of the situation.

The author had or has a story to tell, but still hasn’t gotten around to telling it. I struggled with both books, which I ordered at the same time. The author fails to move the story forward because he continues going back to pre-EMP times then forward but doesn’t take the time to define the characters in a way in which we can relate or care about them. He’s also trying to tell too many stories about too many characters, not picking a specific protagonist group and telling their story. It’s as if he can’t decide who the true heroes will be so he’s propping them all up until he decides. Sure, the sheriffs are the heroes, or protagonists, but which ones are going to lead the way? After reading 1 1/2 of the two books I really still didn’t care about any of them. Definitely not worth the read.

Far to many typo mistakes, so much so that it made is seem like the book was put together in a hurry!

The story was average, to much detail on trivial things

I like this book and look forward to reading the sequel. Shift's writing style is not overly heavy on jargon, technical descriptions or unnecessarily length descriptions of the setting. You, the reader are allowed to imagine Ventura County on your with a little guiding here and there.

You might read this and find yourself answering some hard questions. Recommended reading.