Honestly, this book was terrifying, mostly because it is completely plausible. The recent pandemic was mild compared to what happens here.

This is book 2 in Vannetta Chapman's The Remnant series and picks up where Deep Shadows left off. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge on a farm outside Abney, TX, but she can't remain hidden forever. Her son has Type 1 diabetes and is insulin dependent. The local pharmacy has been ransacked and any drugs that were housed there were stolen. She knows that, to give him the best shot at life, she has to go to the state capitol, Austin, and take her case to those in charge. She's prepared to make the trip solo, but her best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won't hear of it. Either he goes with her, or she stays safe at home. Knowing Carter's insulin supplies are running dangerously low, Shelby is determined to make the trip.

Arriving in Austin, they discover that, while Abney's situation is dire, Austin is already on the brink of anarchy. The only thing more uncertain than finding the insulin Shelby can't go home without is whether they will make it out of the city alive. The contrasts they find in the people of The Remnant and the people of the false prophet, Pastor Hernandez are striking, and scary.

So, two things, if you don't like cliffhangers, be sure you have all 3 books lined up to read back-to-back-to-back. This one ends in a doozy of a cliffhanger, a nail-biter all the way. Second, after seeing some of the anarchy that was let loose during the pandemic, this book will definitely read almost like a prophecy of things to come. It's scary. It's violent. There's not a lot of hope to be seen, but there IS some. Following the discussion questions at the end, Chapman includes steps readers can take to "prepare for the worst." I gave this 4 stars, mostly because I really don't like cliff-hangers. It's one thing to leave readers guessing on part of the story-line. It's another thing to leave EVERYTHING about the story up in the air, and the only thing that gets any resolution here is Carter's need for insulin.

Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction will definitely enjoy this series. Chapman does a fantastic job of imagining life without communication, electronics, etc.

I find it very hard to connect to this series. While the crisis sounds possible and it could happen, the post-crisis world sounds very random, there is simply too much chaos and collapse within the few days (the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that while the chaos is quite probable, in reality the systems are not going down so swiftly - the crisis management is terrible, but at least there is some management. The dystopian world here feels like a zombie apocalypse of sorts after long months of going on). I also have hard time to connect with the characters (they are kind of stereotypized), their emotions are flat and their faith feel quite random, too. The main character should be a tiger mother, but instead she behaves quite self-absorbedly.

A star goes out for the unnecessary jabs towards the Catholic Church. Why Christians feel such a need to attack the other denominations? If you want a full-blown cult, describe cult or a random, unnamed denomination instead of a cathedral full of brainwashed sheep.

I enjoy reading dystopic fiction and initially was sorry this was the second book in a series.... Then I realized it was Christian Lit and was disappointed. Ok, got past that part and mostly enjoyed the tale. I am off in search of part one now.

Although this is not my typical read I fell in love with this book. Due to a solar flare,life as we know it has ceased to exist.The main characters find themselves racing to save a child in need of insulin.As they do encountering people of all moral character along the way.This book is thrilling.You will not put it down once you start it! Highly recommended.

As much as I enjoy dystopian novels, I couldn't get into this one quickly. So, it sits unfinished in the hopes of trying again in the future.

One book that will have you intrigued from the beginning. A must read for all.

Not Amish, but Amazing!

So, no surprise that I am a fan of Amish fiction. It draws me in like no other. But I seem to have found another genre to pique my interest: Dystopian (the opposite of Utopian). I was already a fan of Vannetta Chapman’s Amish fiction writings when I was given the opportunity to read the prequel to her Remnant series, Overshadowed. I was completely hooked. If you know me, then you know I’ve GOT to read things in order! I snagged a copy of Book One, Deep Shadows, before venturing into Book Two, Raging Storm. It is a serious page-turner! Mark my words: You will lose sleep reading this one!

Raging Storm picks up where Deep Shadows left off. Shelby and her devoted crew of friends are headed to Austin, along with the mysterious Dr. Bhatti. It seems that every corner, every road, every person is a problem waiting to happen. But Shelby is determined to get the much-needed insulin for her son Carter. Even if they CAN get to Austin, will they make it back? Carter is in High Fields with Max’s parents. High Fields has been tame and protected – until now. Who is the case of this danger in their little farm community?

I was given Raging Storm in exchange for my honest review. It was exceptional. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I HIGHLY recommend reading Deep Shadows first to give the story greater, richer context. Chapman’s writing is tremendous. I truly felt the struggles of Shelby’s group, and cheered them on all the way – and even got mad a couple of times! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book of this caliber. I just could NOT put it down. Bring on Book Three…NOW! I need my dystopian fix! If you liked the TV series Jericho, then you’ll love Raging Storm – which could easily be made into a movie or miniseries!

In this 2nd book in The Remnant Series, main character Shelby has to make a journey into Austin to procure insulin for her diabetic teenaged son, Carter. After the solar flare that changed life as everyone knew it, traveling is very dangerous. Shelby's friend, Max, insists on going along with her on the perilous journey. They will encounter terror on their way to try to get the supplies they need in order to save Carter. This was a great installment, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

I hate to sound like a broken record, but if you see my review for book one in this series (Deep Shadows), my feelings are pretty much the same. (https://s2.netgalley.com/book/87354/review/306809) - Love the story, great writing, but dislike being left on a cliff-hanger, especially when you have to wait so long for the next book. I didn't even write a separate blog post for this book, but maybe after book three I will go back in and review them all as one.

I always look forward to reading the writings of Ms Chapman...and this novel was no exception, Thank you for sharing this mystery w/ me. I have shared it w/ my reading circle.

This is the first book I've read written by Vanetta Chapman. I usually don't read Amish novels so I haven't had the opportunity to read her novels until now. I wish I had read the first novel in the series before picking up this one.

The author does a good job of giving background information from the first book so that the reader can still follow along the storyline of this book. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with the main characters. I liked Max and Carter well enough but still felt somewhat disconnected, like I was watching from above ground and not in the mix of things happening on the ground. Perhaps reading the first book would have established a ground work for me to be emotionally invested in Max, Shelby, and Carter.

The plot is fast-paced and action-filled. The twists and turns in the storyline, with quite a few "gasps" of surprise and shock, make the book an interesting read.

One minor detail that seemed a bit incongruent in the story was Carter testing his "insulin levels". To my knowledge, you can only test blood sugar levels currently with portable machines, not insulin levels. And I'm thinking that the story is set in our current timeline with current and similar technologies. Of course, I might have missed the whole setting because I didn't read the first book, and perhaps in Carter's world and timeline people can indeed test insulin levels. If so, my apologies.

I was given an electronic advance copy of the book from Harvest House via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

First, let me state that I am a huge fan of Vannetta Chapman's writing. I feel that she spends a great deal of time in research and stretches the imagination. I have always enjoyed dystopian novels, but this one fell short for me. It pains me to say this because I don't like to be critical. I think that, for this particular series, it is extremely important to read the first book in the series. I did not read that first book and I was confused and found it very difficult to get interested in the book until the very last quarter of the book.
The writing was impeccable as always with Vannetta's books. I think that many readers, especially those who have read the first book in series, will find this book very enjoyable.
I am giving this book a rating of 4 stars and I do recommend it to those who have already read the first book in the series. Of course, I always feel that no matter what others have rated a book, everyone makes their own choice. In fact, for me, when a great number of readers are negative about a book, I like to read it to see if I agree!
I was given a copy of this book by netgalley and I was not required to write a review and I was not required for any review written be positive.

When a solar flare hits the country people are left scrambling some die some turn evil and some are just fearful of the unknown. As the four friends head out to find medicine for the people in their town and for Shelbys some they are faced with some trials and things you just can't ever unsee or ever want to see again. Can they get where they need to be and get where they need to save Shelby's son before it's to late?
I will start off saying I did not read the first book so I didn't realize this was a series. That being said it wasn't hard to catch on what was going down. There were twist and turns throughout this whole book and it left you on the edge of your seat, there were also parts in the book that were predictable but those were few and far between. The book was a good clean read throughout this book does have an "end times" feel to it however the author kept it like it was in current times and that it could really happen. The end of the book does end in a cliff hanger and you are left wanting so much more in that sense you want to know whats happening next. This book was a really good read and I can only imagine what the author is going to throw in next that will keep you on the edge of your seat. GRAB this book you won't regret it.

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Raging Storm

by Vannetta Chapman

Harvest House Publishers

New Adult, Christian

Pub Date 01 Feb 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Raging Storm through the publisher and Netgalley:

A Solar Flare wipes out modern technology, Shelby Spark's teenage Son is a type 1 diabetic and in desperate need of Insulin. Max understands that Carter will not survive without the Insulin but insists they will do just that, find the Insulin.

People are getting sick, and dying as medications run out. The ability to call 9-11 has become a thing of the past, and people are now taking the law into their own hands, often with deadly consequences.

Will Shelby, and her loved ones survive the Solar flare find out in Raging Storm.

I give Raging Storm five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.

Vannetta Chapman's Raging Storm is the second novel of The Remnant series. If you haven't read the prequel Overshadowed, I recommend starting there. I think you will be hooked and have to move on to Deep Shadows, the first full length book of the series. Raging Storm begins where Deep Shadows ends and is a must read in my opinion.

In Raging Storm, Shelby Sparks will do whatever it takes to keep her son alive, which includes risking her own life. In this story we are taken out of small town Abney and into the large city of Austin, Texas. Shelby's closest relationships are put to the test. The actions of one her friends at the end was quite surprising to me.

Vannetta's research of the many topics covered in this book is evident. I felt like I was making my way to and through the streets of Austin along with the characters. I couldn't put Raging Storm down. Shelby and her friends have some tough choices to make and reading Raging Storm got me thinking about what I would do in similar situations. I think this book may also make one question if they can do whatever it takes to survive but still be faithful to God's calling and ways? And are we more concerned for others or ourselves? Being Christian Dystopia there is no horrific gore but there are several scenes dealing with death that I want to make note about for sensitive or younger readers. This story is where The Remnant series title comes into play. There are times I miss the reason why a book has a certain title but not with this set. It was fun to catch the titles and their meanings in the three books I have read so far from The Remnant series. I recommend checking out Raging Storm. l was provided a complimentary review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is evidently the second book in a series. I did not read the first book so it seemed like I was jumping into the middle of the story. I did not finish this book but I may have enjoyed it more if I had been able to start the series correctly..

"Raging Storm" Vannetta Chapman is the second in The Remnant series of books involving what happened to a community when a massive solar flare takes out technology around the globe. In this book Shelby Sparks is on the search to get medicine for her son who is a type 1 diabetic and must have his insulin. This was a well paced book but bits of it was like I was reading a book taken from parts of the movie "Escape From LA". Yes I know a not a very good movie but it reminded me of it to the point that at times I was waiting for Snake Plisskin to wander out into the book. Don't get me wrong it was a well written book dealing with societies break downs and a mother's love for her son. But some points I just felt like I had read parts of the story before. Even with that I will recommend this book as it was a good book.

I was given this book from Net Galley for free and was not required to give a positive review.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Raging Storm the second book of the series The Remnant. I just had to know more about the dire situation that has the world turned upside down. Vannetta Chapman doesn't disappoint she gives us suspense, life and death circumstances, and romance all rolled in to one. It kept me turning the pages.

The descriptions of the scary moments in the city were so good it felt like I was watching an action packed movie. Without means or resources I could understand how some good people could become trapped. Not everyone has a safe place to retreat. Then again is there a safe place?

Shelby was my favorite character throughout. She loves her family and would do anything for them. She cares and she wants to live like a good Christian. She realizes that she has faults though and tries to overcome them.

You never know when the lights might go out and stay out for quite awhile. I'm so interested in this book series because I want to know how people handle an emergency situation like this. Maybe I can pick up a few things to remember if something does happen. I praying that it doesn't!

A wonderful, wonderful read!

The Remnant Series is so interesting to read. The story really gets you thinking about what you would do if there was some catastrophic event. Are YOU ready? I’m not! And if you’re like me and not ready, what you are about to read may make you think again!

Having already been hooked on the series from book one, I have been eagerly awaiting for the release of Raging Storm. It met every expectation I had. It was exciting, scary, thought provoking and hopeful. My emotions went up and down with the characters, and my eyes couldn’t get from one scene to the next fast enough. Vannetta has a way of writing that is so remarkable. I could see every scene, feel every emotion, and truly felt connected to the characters and plot line. I know I have a good author on my hands when my brain is working on ways to help the characters! And yes, I understand they are not real 😉

I felt the underlying theme was well executed. In a world full of darkness and disarray, there are still good people trying to make a difference. That is what separates this book from book one – the inclusion of new characters making an impact on the world. It reminded me a little bit of the Left Behind Series and the group of people trying to spread God’s Word and fight all the bad.

If you have not yet read book one, Deep Shadows, I highly recommend that you do so. While you could probably get by without it, it will make things so much clearly and easier to understand in this book. But before you turn the first page, make sure you’re buckled up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A solar flare has fried every computer chip in North America, so there are no computers, no Wi-Fi, no electricity … and little in the way of government or police protection.

(At this point I’m wondering how New Zealand would fare after a solar flare. After all, our local hydroelectric power station predates computer chips by decades, so surely it would still run. It also makes me thankful for our gun control laws—I don’t know anyone who owns a gun except a couple of farmers who keep them for shooting possums.)

Raging Storm starts with Shelby and her teenage son in Abney, Texas, in relative safety. But not for long—Shelby needs insulin to manage Carter’s diabetes, which means a trip to Austin, in the hope there will be some there. And a trip to Austin in this increasingly lawless society means facing unknown dangers.

Raging Storm seemed to start slowly, because it took a while for me to get into it. But once I did, it was solid conflict and action. There were a lot of bad people, but there was also a significant minority who tried to do the right thing—and some paid the price.

The whole novel takes place over a relatively short period of time, which means there isn’t a lot of room for character change and growth. The focus is more on fast-paced action.
I guess what shocked/surprised me most (but perhaps shouldn’t have) was the selfishness of most of most of the minor characters. Not just the low-key selfishness of wanting to do our own thing rather than something harder that is in the best interests of other people, but the willingness to abandon any semblance of civilised behaviour the moment it becomes clear there will be no consequences.

I suppose this is everyday life for people outside my first-world bubble.

An exciting dystopian thriller, recommended for those who want to read something a little outside the Christian norm.

Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.