77 Days in September (edit title/settings)

• Rated 4 stars

“Really great, and realistic story. There are a few little quirks that made some sentences stumble, but the story itself more than carried it. I felt for the characters, believed in them, got to know them and enjoyed following them on this journey. Ray Gorham has a fabulous first novel here.”

• Rated 5 stars

“I first read 77 Days in September in 2011 and I was incredibly impressed by the book - although it's PA, the focus is heavily on the emotions of the characters.

As a main character I found Kyle to be believable and likeable (although what's not to like about a guy that is prepared to walk thousands of miles to make it home to his family?!), and although conflicted by his need to get home as quickly as possible, didn't loose his humanity and compassion even when it was sorely tested. In particular I found his journal entries on his trip to be incredibly moving and real.

I also liked his wife, Jennifer, who works hard to do the right thing whilst protecting her children, coupled with her belief in and loyalty to Kyle, she is a strong but self-aware lady. Neither character is perfect, and as Kyle reflects on their past, he comes to realise just how lucky he really is.

The pacing of 77 Days in September is well maintained, and even when Kyle is not on the road, this is an unputdownable book. Well written, with good characterization, world-building and a healthy dose of realism, 77 Days in September was well worth re-reading, and I was just as immersed in the story the second time around.”

• Rated 5 stars

“This book held my interest from beginning to end. It's a keeper. I will keep it in my cloud because I believe I'll want to read it again.”

• Rated 5 stars

“http://stephsgrn.blogspot.com/2012/06/ray-gorham-review-and-interview.html#”

• Rated 4 stars

“What would happen if enemies of the United States found the weaknesses in our missile defense system? How would the nation react? Ray Gorham explores this in his fictional piece, 77 Days in September.

This is a thriller novel from the moment you start reading it. There are no long pages explaining the background. The author brings you right in immediately and shows you how EMP (Electromagnetic pulse) could be dangerous and the widespread impact it could have on a nation with the right trigger. What is the trigger? An atomic explosion without the explosion. Just the shockwave would be enough to render the nation crippled without the ability to use the technology it has learned to rely on so much.

What if cell phones stopped working completely? What if all power sources were fried? What if anything technical could be deadly?

One of the things I really loved about the novel was the fact it is constant action. Even the ‘slow’ sections are not bogged down with unnecessary descriptions or background explanations. It’s as though the reader is there with the characters experiencing what they are experiencing and thinking what they are thinking.

First of all, this book is about the popular post-apocalyptic future. It’s not a political thriller or a spy thriller. This is about America facing its end.

Second, you will not find deep relationships built in this book. That’s not what the author is trying to achieve. This is an action packed adventure with the emotions and relationships enhanced only to move the story along.

Third, there are many scenarios within the story that a reader could question, but they are possibilities that a person might take if they were in that situation. Their decisions might not be the best or the right one, but it is the decision the character takes.

It’s a ‘what-if’ story that won’t leave you asking where the action is. Many scenes are one small paragraph as the author takes the reader from one place to enough to explain the impact of the EMP.

I think this is a great read for anyone looking for a unique self-published piece. It’s one that you’ll want to finish reading when you start.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of The Virtual Book Tour Cafe' and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by The Virtual Book Tour Cafe', no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely of my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides
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• Rated 4 stars

“I read this book for Charisma Media Network.

This book really makes you stop and think. I think this is highly possible of really happening. It makes me want to start a non parishable food pile and bottled water and to stock up on batteries. Wow.

I think the love that Jennifer and Kyle share is remarkable. Neither one of them gave up on each other. Kyle is 2,000 miles away from home. I won't say how he gets back home but wow. I honestly don't know if many would be able to do what he did to get home.

Jennifer never gave up on him. She never doubted he was alive. Her love for him and devotion carried her through her darkest days.

I think as a whole we should all prepare for something like this to happen. I think if nothing else, with all of the natural disasters happening its a good idea to do it. I think if we were prepared we may not freak out as much and resort to some of the things Kyle and Jennifer have seen.
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• Rated 4 stars

“This type of book reels me in every time. Super scary because this is something that could possibly happen. Makes me want to go stock up on supplies!”

• Rated 3 stars

“Okay, so I'm officially into emp fiction. Is that even a genre? Very different from One Second After. Less informative, more personal. Reminded me of The Road. A fast read. Did it in a day. I'm lovin' being freaked out over the emp possibility.”