Stephen King's THE STAND meets ONE SECOND AFTER by William R. Forstchen in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author John Gilstrap's second pulse-pounding thriller set in the wake of a global conflict that has devastated America. Those who survived live in a world without technology or governance and ruled by the whims of nature. They look to one woman-single mother and former West Virginia Congressperson Victoria Emerson-to lead and protect those determined to rebuild all they have lost…

"Engrossing…Fans of doomsday military thrillers will delight in the resilience of Gilstrap's family of preppers and their quest for survival on their terms." -Publishers Weekly

One-time congressional representative Victoria Emerson has become the leader of a small town in West Virginia, where it's a struggle just to provide food and shelter. Progress is encouraging-until one morning her son sounds the alarm "Blue Fire!"-the code phrase for imminent danger.

A renegade band of National Guardsmen wants to take over the town and steal its resources. They've got the firepower to eliminate anyone who puts up a fight. But Victoria swore an oath to defend her people. It's time to tap into the traditional American values of courage, ingenuity, and patriotism-and fight fire with fire.