ONE SECOND AFTER by William R. Forstchen
Reviewed by CDR Joseph J. Leonard, Jr., CDR, USCG (ret.)
William R. Forstchen’s One Second After is a gripping and thought-provoking post-
apocalyptic thriller that paints an extremely chilling portrait of life in the aftermath of a
catastrophic electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States. The first book in
a compelling three-part series, it explores how society unravels in the blink of an
eye—literally one second—leaving Americans to grapple with a sudden and devastating
return to the Dark Ages.
Set in the town of Black Mountain, North Carolina, the story follows a retired Army
colonel and college professor as he struggles to protect his family and community from
the chaos that ensues after the EMP attack disables all modern technology. From the
collapse of critical infrastructure like power, communication, and transportation to the
scarcity of food and medical supplies, Forstchen vividly captures the cascading
consequences of a society wholly unprepared for such a calamity. The book is a
sobering examination of just how dependent we are on the fragile web of modern
conveniences—and how swiftly that web can be torn apart.
What sets One Second After apart from other dystopian novels is its grounding in
reality. Forstchen’s meticulous research lends credibility to the scenario, making it all the
more unsettling. The EMP weapon, capable of crippling a nation in an instant, is not a
fictional construct but a real threat, as acknowledged by military experts and even
Congress. The Wall Street Journal has warned of its devastating potential, and
Forstchen’s book has been cited as essential reading for understanding the magnitude
of the danger. The narrative is as much a study of human resilience as it is a cautionary
tale. Throughout the series, Forstchen explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the
moral dilemmas that arise when resources are scarce, and survival is at stake. The
main character’s military background equips him to take charge, but his humanity
shines through as he grapples with impossible decisions to protect his family while
fostering hope and unity in a community teetering on the brink of collapse.
In the tradition of On the Beach, Fail Safe, and Testament, One Second After is not just
entertainment; it’s a dire warning. Forstchen’s portrayal of societal breakdown is so
vivid and plausible that it compels readers to reflect on their own preparedness and the
fragility of the systems they rely on daily. The book urges us to take the EMP threat
seriously—not just as a theoretical possibility but as an imminent risk requiring national
and individual vigilance.
YLD Key Leadership Takeaway: In times of crisis, true leaders rise by fostering
resilience, making hard decisions with compassion, and inspiring those around them to
work together toward survival and recovery. Preparedness, adaptability, and a strong
sense of community are indispensable in facing the unthinkable.
ISBN: 13:9780765356864