Blackout Trail
Blackout Trail
by Linda Naughton
GENRE: Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Thriller
Doctor Anna Hastings is no stranger to disasters, having spent much of her career as an aid worker in conflict zones around the world. Yet when an electrical phenomenon known as an EMP brings down the power grid, Anna faces catastrophe on a scale she never imagined. She must learn what it means to be a doctor in a world deprived of almost all technology.
As the blackout causes planes to fall from the sky, Anna crosses paths with devoted father Mark Ryan in the chaos at the airport. Mark convinces Anna to travel with him and his seven-year-old daughter Lily to their family’s cabin in remote Maine. There Mark hopes to reunite with his wife, and find a safe refuge from a society on the brink of collapse.
Journeying across a thousand miles of backcountry trails, they will face a daily struggle against nature. Their biggest peril, though, may come from their fellow survivors. As Anna grows closer to Mark and Lily, she resolves to see them safely home. But can she hold onto her humanity in a world gone mad?
Excerpt:
I chuckled. “So you and your seven-year-old daughter are going to walk, through the woods, all the way to Maine? I think you need to lay off the scotch.” He met my eyes, and I was struck by the conviction there. “God, you’re serious, aren’t you?” He said nothing. “Mark, come on—do you realize how insane that sounds?”
“Says the woman who traveled around the world to take care of strangers in a war zone.” Mark arched his eyebrows at me.
I blew out a frustrated breath. He kind of had me on that one. “I don’t have a kid to worry about.” Running a finger along the lip of my glass, I asked, “Is this what Lauren would want? For you to drag Lily off into the wilderness on some mad quest to find her? You said so yourself—things are going to get really bad out there. You’d be better off just going with your in-laws.”
“All the more reason I want us all together,” Mark retorted, undeterred by my skepticism. He returned to his seat at the table, fixing me with a determined stare. “I want you to come with us.”
Knock me over with a feather. I stared at him, speechless, for several seconds. “Okay, now I know you’re crazy. You want me to walk halfway across the country with you and your daughter? Mark, you hardly know me.”
“I know enough that I’m willing to take a chance.” Mark shrugged.
About the Author:
Linda Naughton has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She is the author of several novels, children’s books, and the blog Self-Rescuing Princesses. A proud geek and gamer girl, she enjoys sci-fi, disaster movies, and role-playing games. She is a software engineer, paramedic, and mother of two.
Q&A With the Author
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I love learning new things, and this book required a ton of research. From the EMP itself, to disaster medicine, to wilderness survival and long-distance hiking, I learned a lot. It was great seeing all these different communities out there on the internet sharing information.
Do you have any other books you are working on that you can tell us about?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Blackout Trail. I initially intended for the story to stand alone, but I had some more story ideas and didn’t want to let the characters go just yet.
Can you tell us about what you have planned for the future?
I have enough story ideas to keep me occupied until I’m old and gray. Although I’m a huge fan of the disaster/post-apocalyptic genre, someday I’d like to branch out into other genres. Historical fiction and military sci-fi are at the top of my list.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing short stories in elementary school and never really stopped. Some freelance writing in college was my first professional gig, and I later branched out into technical writing and novels. Blackout Trail is my second novel.
Anything more you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Hearing from readers really makes my day. I’m immensely grateful for all the support I’ve received, and for folks taking the time to read my stories. Thanks for hosting me here today.
Book Links:
Amazon (eBook/Paperback/KU): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP696W3W
Paperback (wide): lindanaughton.com/blackout_trail.html
Links:
GIVEAWAY
Linda Naughton will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
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I love reading Post-Apocalyptic fiction that is well written. I don't like gore for the sake or gore or those were all the women are like size 2 and gorgeous and miraculously fall in love with the poor man who somehow has managed to buy several million dollars worth of preps. LOL
ReplyDeleteDefinitely no size 2 women, gore, or millionaire preppers in this one. :)
DeleteThanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteLove the premise. I've read a few post apocalyptic reads but never with a doctor character. Sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThank you for having me on your blog today!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the post. Sounds like a really good book.
ReplyDeleteA world without power is a great premise for a story.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this-- it sounds like a really interesting thriller read! Thanks so much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a great book, cheers on the tour.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an intriguing story!!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks good. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a good book.
ReplyDeleteSounds good! Love reading books like this. Ty for sharing
ReplyDeleteThe cover art is great. It sets the stage for the book.
ReplyDeleteJust my kind of read!
ReplyDeleteWe have a couple of books of Linda Naughton on our bookshelves. Our family has enjoyed them.
ReplyDelete