Book Review: The End By G. Michael Hopf

I really enjoy reading books regarding the end of the world as we know it or TEOTWAWKI. Why you might ask? I find it interesting to see another person’s view of how it will all go down. No matter how it happens, it always amazes me on how there seems to be a thin thread that holds this whole world together.

I recently had the opportunity to read The End by G. Michael Hopf. I would like to first thank Mr. Hopf for his service as he is a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. As well as being an author, Mr. Hopf is a former bodyguard for the Saudi Royal family. So it would be safe to say that Mr. Hopf would have some insight into world issues and influences to his writing. While authors usually have unique experiences to contribute to their writing, this book had an interesting viewpoint which sets it apart from other books in the same genre. Don’t worry I am not going to disclose any spoilers which would ruin it for you. Let’s get started.

The End is first book in the seven book series The New World. Here is the synopsis of the book from the website:

For Gordon Van Zandt life once was one of duty and loyalty to his country, so when 9/11 happened he dropped out of college and joined the Marine Corps. This youthful idealism vanished one fateful day in a war torn city in Iraq. Ten years later, he is still struggling with the ghosts of his past but must now face a new reality thrust on him and his family. North America, Europe and the Far East have all suffered a devastating Super-EMP attack that has caused catastrophic damage to the power grids and all electrical devices. With nothing working from cars to phones and with the total collapse of the economic infrastructure, Gordon must fight for the limited and fast dwindling resources. He knows survival requires action and cooperation with his neighbors; but as daily life continues to break down so does all sense of civility within his community. With each passing day Gordon makes choices that would seem extreme in today’s world but necessary in this new world.

The first four pages of the book took me by surprise and I am sure they will you as well. Once we move forward in the coming chapters, the story line picks up speed. This is great as the reader does not have to weed through too much fluff to get to the story. While there are already many books on this subject, the one trait that sets this one apart from the others is that it remains a true story of people rather than a how-to manual of what an EMP or how to prepare for an EMP. This was very refreshing as I was prepared to read something that has been discussed many times over.

I appreciated how Mr. Hopf used a familiar (and desirable) locale as the basis for this story. It helps the reader identify with what the author is trying to convey. The reader will find it easy to connect with each character in the story as they can be reminiscent of people we have encountered in our lives. This makes it easier for there to be a connection with the storyline.

Those of us who have studied or even read anything about the effects of an EMP can completely identify with this book. I found the story easy to read for those who are not up to par on what an EMP is or even what the effects of an EMP could have on our way of life. It is a story that you can follow and appreciate. I could not put the book down once I started, as Mr. Hopf leaves you in suspense of what happens to the main characters.

The book ends leaving the reader wanting to read the sequel, The Long Road. With so many questions as to what happens to the main characters and what happens to our society, these questions must be answered. We will be reviewing The Long Road as well, so stay tuned.

In the end, I give Mr. Hopf kudos for putting a different spin and viewpoint on a subject which everyone in the country should be concerned about. I look forward to the next installment of this series and I hope that you will grab a copy of The End as well. If you know someone who you would like to discuss the subject of EMP with but just don’t know how to approach it, I would suggest having them read this book.

Prepper Central

Stay safe and happy reading!!

-SP