Step into the gripping world of Blackout, where a single solar flare flips the switch on modern life, plunging the Ryman family into a pulse-pounding fight for survival! Bobby Akart’s Blackout series is a post-apocalyptic thriller that blends heart-racing fiction with chilling scientific fact, delivering a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. This saga of resilience, chaos, and human spirit will keep you up all night, wondering how you’d fare in a world gone dark.
Unlike typical dystopian tales, Blackout stands out by focusing on an ordinary family—Colton, Madison, and their teenage daughter, Alex—who aren’t preppers but must adapt fast when an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a solar flare wipes out America’s power grid. Akart’s knack for weaving real-world science into a compelling narrative makes this series a must-read for fans of disaster fiction and survival thrillers alike.
How Blackout Began
Bobby Akart, a bestselling author known for his meticulously researched thrillers, crafted the Blackout series to explore a plausible catastrophe: a massive solar flare triggering an EMP. Inspired by real scientific studies and historical events like the 1859 Carrington Event, Akart wanted to tell a story grounded in reality, not fantasy. His goal was to create a narrative that entertains while subtly educating readers about preparedness, making Blackout both a thrilling escape and a wake-up call.
Launched in 2016, the series quickly gained traction among fans of post-apocalyptic fiction for its relatable characters and accessible style. Akart’s background in writing disaster-driven series like Yellowstone and Lone Star helped shape Blackout’s intense pacing and focus on human survival, cementing his reputation as a master of the genre.
The Heart of Blackout
The Blackout series spans six books, each ratcheting up the stakes for the Ryman family. 36 Hours, the opener, sets the stage as the Rymans learn of an impending solar flare and scramble to prepare with just 36 hours to spare. Zero Hour dives into the chaos of a post-EMP world, where the family faces looters and societal collapse. Turning Point forces them to decide whether to stay in their crumbling city or flee to the countryside, while Shiloh Ranch sees them battling new threats on a rural farm. The final books, Hornet’s Nest and Devil’s Homecoming, explore rebuilding amid lingering dangers, including a vengeful FEMA force.
At its core, Blackout tackles themes of resilience, family bonds, and the fragility of civilization. Akart’s clean, accessible prose—free of graphic violence or strong language—makes the series suitable for teens and adults, blending survival tips with emotional depth. The setting, a near-future America stripped of technology, feels eerily plausible, forcing readers to confront the ‘what if’ of a world without power. The Rymans’ journey from clueless suburbanites to resourceful survivors is both inspiring and relatable, grounded by Akart’s research into EMPs and societal breakdown.
Why Blackout Resonates
Blackout has carved a niche in post-apocalyptic fiction by balancing high-stakes action with practical survival insights. Fans praise its realistic portrayal of human behavior under pressure, from neighborly kindness to shocking depravity. The series’ emphasis on an average family, rather than hardened preppers, makes it accessible, sparking discussions about personal preparedness in an tech-dependent world. Its clean storytelling also broadens its appeal, drawing in readers who shy away from gorier dystopian tales.
Akart’s ability to blend science and suspense has earned Blackout a loyal following, with reviewers calling it a ‘masterpiece of EMP survival fiction.’ Its legacy lies in its dual role as entertainment and education, encouraging readers to think critically about resilience and survival long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2016–2017
- Number of Books: 6
- Genre: Post-apocalyptic thriller
- Author: Bobby Akart
Ready to dive into a world where the lights go out and survival is all that matters? Grab 36 Hours and join the Ryman family in Bobby Akart’s thrilling Blackout series today!