What would happen if a solar event were to render the Earth's protective magnetosphere useless, peeled back, and no longer harboring us from the sun's deadly rays, and was then followed by a solar storm that would dose the Earth with more radiation than all of the world's nukes put together, causing an ELE or Extinction Level Event? Would the world band together to save the best of us to preserve humanity or would things rapidly devolve into chaos, turmoil, and self-serving greed?
Darren and Darla Brooks live in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri in a beautiful cabin overlooking a serene lake. Darren works as head of security at Underground Springfield, Inc, a complex built deep underground that once served as a limestone quarry, but has since been turned into a storage facility and office space that remains at a comfortable 58 degrees year round. Darla retired fairly young, having recently sold her father's gun-customizing company. Despite their once comfortable lifestyle, they are freezing, along with everyone else, because the electricity has become very spotty since the December 1st CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) event took place, acting like a giant EMP and knocking much of the nation's power grid offline. When news of a second CME starts circling, it's only the beginning, as a far worse storm is approaching, a CPE (Coronal Proton Ejection) nicknamed Sauron's Eye based on its appearance, and this event is poised to potentially destroy every living thing.
Government officials spring into action, having somewhat planned ahead for such an event, and they, along with their families, their political cronies, and those deemed worthy begin assembling so that they can take haven in underground facilities around the country. One such bunker exists within Springfield Underground, although previously unknown to most, and when Darren discovers the selfish plan, he and Darla make a dangerous decision - they will take over the underground and attempt to save as many of Springfield's children as they can, along with adults who would then be able to care for the children until this all passes over, such as respected teachers, medical personnel, etc. At least that way, the children will have been spared and can carry on.
It won't be easy, as the formidable General Perry has been put in charge of the Underground operation, a man Darren served under in Afghanistan and respects greatly. He has plenty of firepower behind him, but Darren and Darla are determined. However, so are those government officials promised a spot in the Ark, as it is soon called, and they will all fight to the death for what they believe is right. For some, that is saving those most innocent and for others, the continuity of government and... saving their own hides.
Who will be left standing at the end, and will it matter if Sauron's Eye turns its wicked gaze upon us and fires? Richard Carrington, lauded NASA solar expert like his grandfather years before him, has stated with as much certainly as possible that it will happen, but there's a slim chance it could miss us. That's the primary reason he has been summoned to the White House to consult with the President. Now it is a matter of watching, waiting, praying, and hoping for the best.
48 Hours was a thrill ride any fan of the disaster genre will appreciate. The writing is excellent and it kept me up well into the wee hours reading it because I didn't want to put it down. If you like disaster movies or books, do yourself a favor and check out 48 Hours. It's so good you can visualize the action movie playing out in your mind's eye as you are reading it. This is my first experience with William Forstchen, but I assure you it will not be my last. Highly recommended.
