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39 pages 1 hour read

William Forstchen

One Second After

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

One Second After by William Forstchen depicts college professor John Matherson's struggle to protect his family and town of Black Mountain, NC, following an EMP attack that causes total technological failure, revealing the fragility of civilization and the dangers of overreliance on technology. The novel includes themes of survival, loss, and societal collapse. The book includes topics relating to the death of individuals, including a family member, and significant community trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

One Second After by William Forstchen elicits a strong emotional response, praised for its gripping and realistic portrayal of a post-apocalyptic scenario. Critics commend the detailed narrative and character development. However, some find the writing style simplistic and the plot occasionally melodramatic. Overall, it's noted as a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read One Second After?

Readers who enjoy One Second After by William Forstchen are likely fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and dystopian narratives. They would appreciate the blend of survival tactics and emotional depth found in Forstchen's writing, similar to works like Cormac McCarthy's The Road and Stephen King's The Stand.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

860L