Step into the electrifying world of the Disruption series by R.E. McDermott, where a massive solar storm plunges humanity into chaos, and survival hinges on courage, grit, and hope! This post-apocalyptic saga follows Captain Jordan Hughes and a ragtag group of survivors navigating a 'post-electric' America, where every decision could mean life or death. With its realistic scenarios and heart-pounding action, Disruption is a must-read for fans of dystopian thrillers.
Unlike typical zombie-filled apocalypse tales, Disruption offers a chillingly plausible premise: a coronal mass ejection (CME) fries the global power grid, leaving society in shambles. McDermott’s maritime expertise and meticulous research shine, creating a world that feels unnervingly real. Ready to dive into a story of heroism amid despair? Let’s explore this gripping trilogy!
How Disruption Began
R.E. McDermott, a former merchant seaman and marine consultant, drew on his extensive experience to craft the Disruption series. Inspired by real-world vulnerabilities in global infrastructure, he imagined a catastrophic solar storm—an event scientists warn could happen. Published starting in 2015, the series reflects McDermott’s knack for blending technical accuracy with human drama, earning praise for its authenticity and suspense. His goal? To show ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges in a world without power.
The Heart of Disruption
The Disruption trilogy comprises three pulse-pounding books: Under a Tell-Tale Sky, Push Back, and Promises to Keep. In Under a Tell-Tale Sky, Captain Jordan Hughes battles mutiny and FEMA’s demands to protect his ship’s priceless fuel cargo as violence erupts ashore. Push Back follows survivors in Texas and North Carolina resisting escaped convicts and a corrupt president consolidating power. Promises to Keep wraps up the saga with George Anderson outwitting government forces, delivering a thrilling finale.
The series tackles themes of resilience, betrayal, and the fragility of civilization. McDermott’s gritty realism—rooted in his maritime background—sets it apart, with vivid settings like coastal waters and ravaged cities. Characters, from sailors to preppers, feel authentic, their flaws and triumphs driving the narrative. Fans of A.G. Riddle or Hugh Howey will love the blend of action, suspense, and moral dilemmas, all unfolding in a world where power-hungry officials and desperate gangs threaten survival.
Why Disruption Resonates
Disruption has carved a niche in post-apocalyptic fiction, earning over 2,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.7 stars. Readers praise its fresh take on the genre, avoiding clichés like zombies while delivering intense, believable stakes. Its focus on human nature—both heroic and sinister—strikes a chord, especially in an era of growing concerns about infrastructure vulnerabilities. McDermott’s ability to weave hope into despair keeps fans hooked, making the series a standout for dystopian enthusiasts.
- Publication Years: 2015–2017
- Books: 3 (Under a Tell-Tale Sky, Push Back, Promises to Keep)
- Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Thriller
- Narrator (Audiobook): Kevin Pierce, with nearly 40 hours of acclaimed narration
Grab Under a Tell-Tale Sky and dive into Disruption’s thrilling world of survival and heroism! Whether you’re a dystopian fan or new to the genre, McDermott’s saga will keep you turning pages late into the night.