Book Review: Blackout Trail

Reviewed by Tomi Alo

Thrilling and full of adventure, this post-apocalyptic thriller is about just how far we are willing to go for our loved ones.

Blackout Trail follows Anna Hastings, an emergency doctor, as she trails from Pennsylvania to Maine with a young man and his daughter after an EMP causes a worldwide blackout.

The book opens with Anna in an airport in Pittsburgh when an electromagnetic pulse knocks out the power grid and sends the world into chaos. This causes planes to crash land into the airport, resulting in a conflagration and a slew of casualties. As a doctor who has worked with the Medecins Sans Frontieres and has extensive medical knowledge, Anna steps in to help those in need of medical attention or help in general. During this time, she crosses paths with Mark and his daughter Lily.

After helping Mark and other injured victims as best as she can, Anna follows Mark and Lily to his in-laws’ place, but they do not stay long with them. In a desperate but hopeful attempt to reunite with his wife, Mark decides to hike over a thousand miles to Maine. Anna agrees to tag along and help, as her medical knowledge and skills may come in handy. 

As Anna, Mark, and Lily journey across thousands of miles of backcountry trails, they 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 will they all make it to Maine safe and in one piece? Will Mark be able to reunite with his wife, or will the whole trip be for nothing? 

Blackout Trail is a captivating read with a well-crafted, adventure-filled plot. The storyline is compelling and evenly paced with enough twists and turns to keep us guessing.

Coupled with its strong plot, the writing is simple, straightforward, and flows well. The author manages to capture the gravity of the storyline with a graceful touch that gives readers no chance but to attach to its characters. Another nice thing here is that it is not too serious or overwhelming despite the fact that we are reading about the end of the world. Blackout Trial is full of evocative descriptions that allow the reader to easily visualize and immerse themselves in each scene—a vivid picture of the characters, settings, and actions. 

This door-stopping 450+ page apocalyptic thriller is enthralling, dangerous, and  adventure-packed. With a satisfying ending, I’d happily to recommend it to those sci-fi lovers who are looking to start the year off right.

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