Step into the electrifying chaos of the Days of Want series, where an EMP attack flips the world upside down, and survival becomes the ultimate marathon! T.L. Payne’s post-apocalyptic EMP survival thrillers follow Maddie Langston, an ultra-marathon runner turned fierce survivor, as she navigates a shattered America filled with danger, hope, and heart-wrenching choices. Perfect for fans of gritty, realistic dystopian tales, this series hooks you from page one with its pulse-pounding action and deep dive into human resilience.
With a knack for blending raw emotion and high-stakes adventure, Payne crafts a world where society’s collapse reveals both the worst and best of humanity. Whether you’re a prepper enthusiast or just love a thrilling story, Days of Want delivers a rollercoaster ride that’s hard to put down.
How Days of Want Began
T.L. Payne, an Oklahoma-based author with a passion for hiking and the outdoors, launched the Days of Want series in 2019 with Turbulent. Inspired by real-world vulnerabilities like EMP attacks and societal fragility, Payne wove her love for survivalist themes into a narrative that feels chillingly plausible. Her goal? To create a story that entertains while sparking thoughts about preparedness and resilience in an unpredictable world.
Payne’s background in exploring rugged landscapes shines through in the series’ vivid settings, from chaotic urban airports to the wild Missouri Ozarks. The result is a series that’s as grounded as it is thrilling, earning praise for its authentic portrayal of a grid-down scenario.
The Heart of Days of Want
The series kicks off with Turbulent, where Maddie Langston is stranded in a Chicago airport when an EMP and cyberattack cripple the nation. Racing against time, she takes on the care of an orphaned girl, Emma, battling chaos to reach safety. In Hunted, Maddie’s journey continues as new threats force her to flee her uncle’s farm, making heart-wrenching decisions to protect those she loves. Turmoil follows Maddie and her brother Zach as they face deviant groups and dwindling resources, while Uprising ramps up the stakes with a powder-keg conflict in Texas County, Missouri.
Days of Want stands out for its themes of survival, family, and personal growth. Maddie’s transformation from a fearful college freshman to a resilient leader mirrors the series’ exploration of how crises shape character. Payne’s realistic depiction of societal collapse—complete with looters, government conspiracies, and resource scarcity—keeps readers hooked. The Missouri Ozarks setting adds a rugged charm, grounding the high-stakes drama in a relatable, earthy backdrop.
The series’ style is fast-paced yet emotionally rich, balancing action with moments of hope and heartbreak. Fans love how Payne avoids clichés like zombies, focusing instead on human nature’s complexities, from greed to compassion.
Why Days of Want Resonates
Days of Want has carved a niche among post-apocalyptic fans for its gripping realism and relatable characters. Readers praise its well-developed cast, especially Maddie, whose growth inspires. Reviews highlight the series’ ability to entertain while subtly teaching survival skills, making it a favorite among preppers and thriller enthusiasts alike. Its exploration of timely issues—like technological dependence and societal fragility—strikes a chord in today’s uncertain world.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its blend of heart-pounding action and universal themes. It’s not just about surviving an EMP; it’s about finding strength, building community, and holding onto hope when everything falls apart. With seven books and counting, Days of Want keeps readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
- Publication Start: 2019
- Books in Series: 7 (Turbulent, Hunted, Turmoil, Uprising, Upheaval, Mayhem, Defiance)
- Setting: Post-EMP America, primarily Missouri
- Genre: Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller
Grab Turbulent and dive into the Days of Want’s heart-stopping world of survival and hope! Whether you’re braving Maddie’s journey or pondering your own preparedness, this series is a must-read adventure.