Also loved the mystery behind each character, it a

The Author sure does know her stuff. I liked how she explained why they were doing things, what could happen, what were the reasons. It made the story so much more believable. As a reader, it made you feel more involved, made you think along with the characters. What can they do, what should they do?

Also loved the mystery behind each character, it allowed you to connect with them. Root for them.

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Surviving the blast is just the beginning

Surviving the blast is only the beginning...

Following a catastrophic nuclear attack which targeted 13 major cities, millions are wiped out in an instant while others are left to deal with the after effects of radiation poisoning. Troubled teen, Dakota Sloane has been working in a bar in Miami, trying to save enough money to get her younger sister Eden, out of foster care. Two years ago, they escaped the Everglades from a cult called the Shepherds of Mercy, which is run by the fanatic Solomon Cage. Dakota has changed her name and stayed incognito since.

Minutes before the attack, Dakota spots Maddox Cage, the cult leader’s son, getting into a taxi through her bar window. Realising he’s tracked down Eden’s whereabouts, Dakota decides to up her plans to leave with Eden sooner than she had anticipated. As different cities come under attack on the news bulletin, Dakota comes to a horrifying realisation and is able to text Eden seconds before a blinding light flashes and Miami also succumbs to an attack.

Following the blast, Dakota and a few survivors from the bar seek refuge in a movie theatre as they wait for the radiation levels to drop. The survivors include Julio, the bar owner, Shay who has some medical experience and Logan Garcia, a loner, haunted by his past who seeks solace in a bottle.

Forty eight hours later, Dakota’s anxiety for Eden has worsened as she suspects that Maddox may have survived and will possibly head out for her sister. Sensing that he can handle himself with a gun, she makes a deal with Logan; access to a secure safe haven deep in the Everglades in return for accompanying her while she rescues her sister. Logan agrees. With Julio and Shay also insisting on going her, the group set out on a journey through wasteland that is fraught with danger not only from radiation but from aspects of humanity itself. Will Dakota save her sister in time?

Point of Impact is a post apocalyptic survival thriller and is the first instalment of the Nuclear Dawn series. The story is told from four points of view; Dakota, Eden, Logan and Maddox. From the offset, I found myself totally immersed in the premise of the story. The impact on survivors from a nuclear explosion where knowledge and survival skills could be the only thing standing between life and death? Luckily our group has Dakota, who thanks to her mentor Ezra, has been taught survivalist skills.

The strength of the book lies in the fascinating world building that the author has managed to create. It’s apparent throughout that the author has done a lot of research which sets it apart from other novels of similar themes.

The characters were quickly introduced, developed and understood. Dakota, Eden and Logan are troubled protagonists, each with a dark past which is only hinted at in this instalment. We learn that Dakota and Eden were sent to a religious compound by their Aunt, following the death of their parents. They escaped and sought refuge with Ezra, a hermit who lived in the Everglades. While Dakota is tough, resilient and a survivor mainly because she’s HAD to be, Logan chooses to drown his demons in a bottle. Eden, despite being alone and hearing impaired, handles her situation admirably for a fourteen year old. Her faith in her sister, unshakable. The secondary characters were equally appealing. Julio and Shay came across as decent, caring people. Unfortunately when society breaks down, it brings out the worst of humanity too and I suspect this will become a regular occurrence now that our group has decided to venture out into the open.

All in all this was an intriguing well executed, gritty, realistic and fast paced instalment with an ending that will ensure any reader will want to pick up the next instalment.

I received an advanced free audible copy of Point of Impact and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Stacey Glemboski has masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.

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good listen

was given via audiobookboom for honest review,i enjoyed this book narrator is good would have liked a bit of a better ending seemed to cut off to nowhere and none of the others on audible uk

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Brilliantly Written Story Of Nuclear Apocalypse.

Kyla Stone avoids the problem a lot of apocalyptic fiction suffers from and that is rushing through the initial ‘incident’. I’ve read a few stories, although great reads, that rush into the moment the world ends and then rush on. Frequently this gives us a book that shows the characters fighting the worst of humanity and the world ending event is more a background story. No doubt the world ending would bring out the worst in a lot of people as everyone starts to fight for themselves but where do you go from there? Point Of Impact shows us a more detailed story of the nuclear attack that brings Miami, and America, to its knees. Kyla Stone gives us really intriguing characters that feel well rounded and well thought out. There are no ‘super men or women’ running around helping ‘the good guys’ survive here but people that feel more real. Yes, the two main characters, Dakota and Logan, do have dark pasts and they are tough but they never feel like cliches. There’s real depth to all the characters in this book. The story itself is brilliantly written and is packed with high energy tension that builds and builds. The best recommendation any book can get is the reader wanting more and that's definitely the case for me here, I want to know how these survivors get on, how they avoid the painful deaths that stalk them. Really, really great apocalyptic fiction that has heart and is written by an author with real talent.
The reading by Stacey Glemboski is absolutely first class. For me a successful narrator makes you forget that there’s one person talking in scenes of dialogue and she achieves that brilliantly. She adds what feels like an effortless style to the book which only makes it feel more ‘alive’ adding to the experience. Kyla Stones words really do come alive with Stacey Glemboski, making the whole thing fly by and before you know it you’re at the end! Great writing, great story, great narration - it’s the perfect pairing!

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Something a bit different

Having just finished another book that used Nuclear war as the premise (set 50 years after), it was interesting listening to this one next.
I thought the character of Dakota was very interesting, and I am looking forward to reading more about her, there were plenty of snippits of information around her background, and why she behaves the way she does, making us want to know more rather than just revealing all!
The story is well written with plenty of detail, focusing on the explosion and affect radiation has on humans.
I have really enjoyed it an look forward to the next book

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Great Listen

What a really educational, exciting, enriching listen. The narrator was amazing and the storyline epic!

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exciting storyline

a very exciting storyline that was well narrated. Interesting characters and an all too believable event. Looking forward to the next installment.

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Wonderfully narrated

The narrator really brings this book to life. The story is very exciting, intriguing and has an amazing down to earth heroine. Well worth listening too.

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Enjoyable

Enjoyable post apocalyptic story. Dakota has tried to make a life so she can take care of her sister who is still in the care system. She meets up with Logan as the world is turned upside down.
They must get out of the way of the fallout before it’s too late.
I enjoyed the story but it felt very much like a beginning only, really wish it had more of an ending, I do listen & read series books, but better to have an ending with an option to carry on. Saying that it’s still very good
Narrator is good & kept pace great.

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2 people found this helpful

Awesome

Totally hooked from the first chapter. Very well written and the characters are excellent. Can’t wait to read the next instalment to see where the journey goes. Brilliant narration and he pace is just right 👍

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