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Sam J Fires
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Grip of Deceit: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Sam J Fires (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 799 ratings

From Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author...

A gunshot cost him his job, his leg, and his self-worth. Can this retired ex-cop reclaim his inner strength as the world plunges into darkness?

Oregon, USA. Patrick Edward Dunn has nothing left. Heading home in snowy weather after dropping off his kids, the fifty-something, three-time-divorcé is shocked when cars on the highway lose control and start crashing. And stopping to help a woman trapped in her vehicle, he only has seconds to save her as a logging truck hurtles right at them…

Holly Rebecca Winters doesn’t know what’s going on. Waking up with surprising bandages on her head and no memory of the last twenty-four hours, the psych hospital patient overhears staff worried about a suspicious power outage. So with her keepers distracted, the forty-three-year-old detainee grabs the chance for a desperate escape.

As Patrick’s ancient EMP-immune Chevy inches its way through the mayhem and brutal elements, he tries to help the injured. While Holly runs into rising danger, increasingly at risk of not making it off the frigid streets alive.

Can these two survivors find safety, or is everyone doomed?

Grip of Deceit is the riveting first book in the brand-new post-apocalyptic EMP survival series. If you like characters that jump off the page, spellbinding action, and edge-of-your-seat drama, then you’ll love bestselling author Sam J Fires’s nail-biting thriller. Perfect for fans of Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Kyla Stone, and Jack Hunt.

Buy Grip of Deceit to discover the hero within today!

Here's what the readers are saying about Grip of Deceit:

"Again, Sam has written an excellent post apocalyptic EMP story. This has the making of another great series. Definitely a must read!!" ~ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Another glorious book from Sam J Fires he just grabs you and won’t let go. Leaves you wanting more." ~ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Another winner! Another great story from Sam J. Fires! I absolutely love every book I have read from this author...and I've read them all! Great characters and original storyline." ~ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Extremely interesting (and lovable) characters right from the start. Two people who would have never met under normal circumstances are thrown together strictly by chance." ~ Amazon reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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  1. Book 1 of 7
    After the End
  2. Print length
    122 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 22, 2023
  6. File size
    10.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"First off, the mystery and danger set me reading. Then character backgrounds and behaviours engaged me. In all I was so drawn into the story that I read through without a break. Thankfully it's not a huge novel! But it's full to pages edges with everything post apocalyptic that you could long for. Now I have to wait for book 2. Sigh." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Each chapter had something happening and kept your interest the whole way through. Pat and Holly as our main characters had their flaws and secrets and this made them even more likeable. Can't wait to see what is in store for them next. Love this book."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Great EMP storyline!! Clean, exciting and wonderfully complex main characters!! It ties in beautifully to Sam J Fires' End of Days series. I highly recommend this book!!!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the Author

Sam J Fires is a lawyer and the author of the End of Days, Madness & Mayhem, Crimson Rage, and Ravaged World series. He writes post-apocalyptic and dystopian stories and psychological thrillers. He lives in the UK.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C8FNPFJQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Fire & Brimstone Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 22, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 10.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 122 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 7 ‏ : ‎ After the End
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 799 ratings

About the author

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Sam J Fires

Sam J Fires

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Sam Fires is the penname of #1 bestselling author of thrilling post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction.

Sam lives in an urban jungle in the northeast of England with her two beautiful sons and an exceptionally noisy Bengal cat. Constantly dreaming about end-of-the-world scenarios and how she can plunge her characters into impossible situations, she can only hope they will somehow figure their way to safety. Sam’s characters are imperfect, brave, but able to endure the direst predicaments. A person who would hate to have to survive the elements, Sam wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her own stories.

Before picking up a pen, Sam worked as an attorney for many years - she still does - but her dream is to put the law behind her and work full time as an author.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
799 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a great read with a wonderful storyline that holds interest until the end. The writing is well-executed, and they appreciate the interesting character development. One customer describes it as an excellent post-apocalyptic EMP story, while another notes it has a refreshing start.

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9 customers mention "Storyline"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as wonderful and an exciting series that holds interest until the end.

"...funny and sad parts, scary and tense parts, and it will hold your interest until the end. I highly recommend this series...." Read more

"...thst are more detailed but at the end of the day, this series has kept me engaged. Keep up the good work Sam!" Read more

"I love the way the author keeps things moving and interesting. Great plot, I can't wait to see where it goes." Read more

"...And a terrible winter storm. And the EMP. The story keeps you riveted. It also leaves you hanging in wait for the next book...." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read, with one customer particularly appreciating it as the first book in the series.

"I enjoyed the first book in the series , the characters are developing well and I look forward to moving onto the next book." Read more

"...Keep up the good work Sam!" Read more

"So far fast pace with good and interesting character development. I really liked Holly and the dog was a nice touch...." Read more

"Liked itcall, so sorry for all the people devasted by the tragedy.written well and glad to be able to continue." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one noting that the author writes with heart.

"...Another well-written, entertaining read. 122-page Post-Apocalyptic read. “..." Read more

"...Well written. Can’t wait to start book two." Read more

"Liked itcall, so sorry for all the people devasted by the tragedy.written well and glad to be able to continue." Read more

"Sam writes with heart!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"I enjoyed the first book in the series , the characters are developing well and I look forward to moving onto the next book." Read more

"...Interesting plot and characters." Read more

"So far fast pace with good and interesting character development. I really liked Holly and the dog was a nice touch...." Read more

"Love the characters and storyline. Two deeply damaged people just trying to find peace, end up, finding each other. Well written...." Read more

3 customers mention "Post-apocryphal story"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the post-apocalyptic EMP story, with one mentioning it's a 122-page read.

"...Another well-written, entertaining read. 122-page Post-Apocalyptic read. “..." Read more

"Post-Apocalyptic books are my favorites and this one is right up my alley...." Read more

"Again, Sam has written an excellent post apocalyptic EMP story. This has the making of another great series. Definitely a must read!!" Read more

3 customers mention "Start"3 positive0 negative

Customers like the start of the book.

"Great start to what should be an exciting series. I look forward to reading the next book. Great pacing and a good mix of emotion with the action...." Read more

"...ful of mayhem and lots of guns but this story is wonderful and has a refreshing start. I can't wait to read the sequel." Read more

"Great opening book in the series..." Read more

Get kick off to a new series
5 out of 5 stars
Get kick off to a new series
Sam J. Fires takes us back into the EMP quagmire of survival with a new series. Once again we have two survivors who are vastly different who are just trying to get somewhere, but they are not really sure where but definitely not here. Dunn has just dropped off his kids with their mother and intends to go onto his isolated cabin when suddenly chaos erupts around him. As a former cop, he ends up helping quite a few people along the way. Fires lets us get to know him through bordering on hostile connections with other people. Then we have a completely opposite character in Holly. She has been isolated for decades and living in a hostile environment. All of her rights have been taken from her and she isn’t quite sure whether they should have - though it might could have been justified, she admits to this fact quite easily. Her escape takes place throughout the book. It is only as the final chapter concludes that these two souls meet and then are thrust into their first test together. Fires gives us completely different viewpoints, directions, and backgrounds in Grip of Deceit. I am curious as to how Holly will figure her way through her mind traps, fog, and the real world that isn’t so real. I have complete faith that Dunn can handle anything thrown his way though Holly might not be what he was expecting. I’m thinking Fires has a bumpy and intriguing road ahead for us in this new series and I can’t wait to read more of it. I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Karen
    5.0 out of 5 stars After the End Series by Sam J Fires
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished this six-book series by Sam J Fires, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story. Each of the characters go through so much after the EMP, and it’s interesting how they react to different situations. There are funny and sad parts, scary and tense parts, and it will hold your interest until the end. I highly recommend this series. Don’t take my word for it though; discover it for yourself. Enjoy!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Daniel A Johnson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great opening book in the series
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the first book in the series , the characters are developing well and I look forward to moving onto the next book.
    Helpful
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  • JoV.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sam writes with heart!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    So, I have read End of Days, looked at other reviews and have to say, some readers are too critical. But that is the age of social media I guess.
    Sam has done a wonderful job of creating storylines and characters.
    I have read some dystopian series thst are more detailed but at the end of the day, this series has kept me engaged.
    Keep up the good work Sam!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Dan L
    3.0 out of 5 stars quick read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Still trying to get myself into this one. First book is just over 100 pages. We shall see how book two unfolds.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mjyl1021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kept me thoroughly involved
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love the way the author keeps things moving and interesting. Great plot, I can't wait to see where it goes.
    Helpful
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  • Roger Fauble
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Grip of Deceit: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 1), my twenty-sixth read from author Sam J. Fires and the first book in After the End series. Another well-written, entertaining read. 122-page Post-Apocalyptic read. “I bought a Kindle copy of this book back in August of last year and am just now getting around to reading it after discovering a free audio version on Youtube and leaving a review." Next up Grip of Despair: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
    One person found this helpful
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  • John
    2.0 out of 5 stars Fiction or nonsense
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I know its fiction but still....spoiler alert---cell phone powered up but no service and yet cars shut down? Motorcycle driving in snow storms, snowing but pale moonlight illuminating the cafeteria....blood gushing from a corpse? If its gushing the heart is beating which means, not a corpse. Those are just some of the inconsistencies. The passage of time is confusing as well. If the power knocked out all but the "old cars" how is accidents happen hours after the event?
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Seems to be a good start to a good story
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    You've got a man (with PTSD) and an old truck that works when nothing else does. A woman abandoned in a mental home, traumatized from a rape and pregnancy when she was a young girl. And a terrible winter storm. And the EMP. The story keeps you riveted. It also leaves you hanging in wait for the next book. Conclusion don't start it unless you can finish the series, otherwise seems to be the start of a good series.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Tony B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for next book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Gripping from the start, having read the Sequel to this I was looking forward to see how the characters started out.
    Report
  • Kel's Opinion
    5.0 out of 5 stars So Much Action
    Reviewed in Australia on January 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love the work of this author, the way they bring their characters to life will always thrill me.
    Pat and Holly and now little Butler. I can’t wait to read what happens. Let’s hope Julian stays away…. Anyway, I’m off to grab book 2….
    Report
  • Lorrisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Couldn’t put it down! Absolutely a great read and I can hardly wait for the next! I have read lots of these types of books and this was excellent!
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  • James
    4.0 out of 5 stars Worth Reading
    Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting introduction to this series. Not a typical prepper saves strangers and organizes a threatened enclave but a look at survivors who were already struggling with their own major issues.
    Recommended if you’re looking for a change of pace.
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  • Corinne
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great start !
    Reviewed in Australia on June 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Each chapter had something happening and kept your interest the whole way through. Pat and Holly as our main characters , have their flaws and secrets and it made them even more likeable. Looking forward to seeing what plays out for them next. Well done !
    Report

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