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If Darkness Takes Us
2018 SOUTHERN FRIED KARMA NOVEL CONTEST WINNER
IN SUBURBAN AUSTIN, TEXAS, BEA CRENSHAW SECRETLY PREPARES FOR THE APOCALYPSE. But when a solar pulse destroys modern life, she’s left alone with four grandkids whose parents do not return home. She must teach these kids to survive without power, cars, phones, running water, or doctors in a world fraught with increasing danger.
If Darkness Takes Us is realistic post-apocalyptic fiction with a focus on a family in peril, led by a no-nonsense grandmother who is at once funny, controlling, and heroic in her struggle to hold her family together with civility and heart.
IN SUBURBAN AUSTIN, TEXAS, BEA CRENSHAW SECRETLY PREPARES FOR THE APOCALYPSE. But when a solar pulse destroys modern life, she’s left alone with four grandkids whose parents do not return home. She must teach these kids to survive without power, cars, phones, running water, or doctors in a world fraught with increasing danger.
If Darkness Takes Us is realistic post-apocalyptic fiction with a focus on a family in peril, led by a no-nonsense grandmother who is at once funny, controlling, and heroic in her struggle to hold her family together with civility and heart.
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
About the author
Brenda Marie Smith
7 books276 followersAt 67-years-old, Brenda Marie Smith is finally having the writing career she's longed for all her life. Her second novel (and the first to be published by someone besides herself), IF DARKNESS TAKES US, won the 2018 Southern Fried Karma Novel Contest and was published by SFK Press in October 2019. The book is post-apocalyptic science fiction, unique in that it features an aging grandmother, Bea Crenshaw, and it takes place in a slightly altered version of the author's own neighborhood.
Now Brenda's sequel, IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES, will be published in August 2021, again by SFK Press. The story's told in the voice of Bea's 18-year-old grandson, Keno Simms, a stalwart young man who must lead his broken family and neighbors to survive life without electricity, cars, phones, or running water.
IF DARKNESS TAKES US is a true-to-life apocalyptic tale. It portrays a grandmother and her four grandkids struggling to survive after a solar electromagnetic pulse takes out the entire U.S. grid and vehicles with internal computers. No running water, telephones, or doctors to boot. But Grandma has secrets that could help them survive.
Brenda studied fiction in the UCLA Writers Program. She self-published her first novel, Something Radiates, after raising the funds via crowd-funding. A sequel to If Darkness Takes Us called If the Light Should Come is under consideration by the publisher. The story is written in the point of view of Bea’s 18-year-old grandson, Keno. More books in the series are in the works.
Brenda has lived in Austin, Texas for thirty-nine years. Prior to that she was a member of The Farm (a vegan hippie commune based in Tennessee, where she studied spiritual phenomena and her sons were delivered by midwives, including the famed Ina May Gaskin).
In Austin, she helped to found Soy Foods of Texas (maker of tofu salads still available today), the Austin Peace and Justice Coalition, Mockingbird Productions (a concert promotion company), and Green Earth Oil Distributors (a supplier of biodegradable motor oil). She was General Manager of the Inter-Cooperative Council (student housing co-ops near UT) for fifteen years, and she does bookkeeping, business writing, and income taxes today.
Brenda and her husband own a solar-powered home in South Austin and have more grown kids and grandkids than they can count.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 14, 2019
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I love post-apocalyptic novels, however, I try not to read a lot of them because there is always heartbreak. The reason I decided to give If Darkness Takes Us a try was because of the main character being an almost 70 year old woman who is left alone with four grandkids. The synopsis of this book sounded very unique and intriguing to me, so I had to read it. Bea was somewhat prepared for a disaster hitting the world. She wasn't taken seriously but she was smart enough to plan ahead. It wasn't easy for her to take care of her four grandkids aging from six to seventeen, but she did the best she could. She can't watch out for them 24/7 but she tried to. However, in a world that is hit by an apocalypse kids grow up much faster and you can't really do much about it.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It had heartwarming and fun moments, but also very emotional and heartbreaking ones. I cried a couple of times. But going into a post-apocalyptic novel you need to be prepared for anything. The author did a great job in telling the story from Bea's POV. It is obvious the author did her research and her writing style is very easy to read. Reading this type of stories makes me afraid of what we as people would do if we were hit with a disaster that would force us to go back to basics. I will definitely try to read more of these type of books in the future because I really like them. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is intrigued by what they read in the synopsis.
I love post-apocalyptic novels, however, I try not to read a lot of them because there is always heartbreak. The reason I decided to give If Darkness Takes Us a try was because of the main character being an almost 70 year old woman who is left alone with four grandkids. The synopsis of this book sounded very unique and intriguing to me, so I had to read it. Bea was somewhat prepared for a disaster hitting the world. She wasn't taken seriously but she was smart enough to plan ahead. It wasn't easy for her to take care of her four grandkids aging from six to seventeen, but she did the best she could. She can't watch out for them 24/7 but she tried to. However, in a world that is hit by an apocalypse kids grow up much faster and you can't really do much about it.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It had heartwarming and fun moments, but also very emotional and heartbreaking ones. I cried a couple of times. But going into a post-apocalyptic novel you need to be prepared for anything. The author did a great job in telling the story from Bea's POV. It is obvious the author did her research and her writing style is very easy to read. Reading this type of stories makes me afraid of what we as people would do if we were hit with a disaster that would force us to go back to basics. I will definitely try to read more of these type of books in the future because I really like them. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is intrigued by what they read in the synopsis.
August 20, 2019
If Darkness Takes Us is an amazing book. A lot of thrilling pieces have blended with suspense and romance here. It is full of emotions. An older woman's hope for future has reflected here. Complicated relationships also pointed here. I am very interested to know the consequences of the characters! It is really a enjoyable post-apocalyptic fiction.
October 1, 2019
A summary: Woke post-apocalyptic Texan granny's paranoid disaster planning may save her neighbourhood.
I've read my fair share of post-apocalyptic novels - in fact they're one of my favourite genres. However, they can begin to get a bit samey. This one puts a fresh spin on things though.
The cause of the apocalypse - is it a solar pulse? A nuclear event? A side effect of climate change? Or something completely unknown? With all electricity and communication down, who knows?
It's an interesting and very current take on the apocalypse that climate change is mentioned so heavily. Much as many disaster novels of the past few years have heavily referenced clueless but dangerous politicians, this fits into the zeitgeist in a terrifying way.
Pretty much the entire story takes place inside one Austin neighbourhood. Rather than featuring dangerous travels like many books of the genre does, it's more of a feature on community in hardship.
Particularly in the earlier section of the book, the dilemma between helping other people and prioritising supplies for yourself and your loved ones becomes apparent, and was explored in an interesting way with opposing viewpoints. If I were to get political I could explore how this could be compared to the political spectrum and how one's ideology may shift in times of genuine crisis, as priorities change.
It's a shame that the writing style is a little inelegant. This was particularly apparent during one pivotal scene in the final quarter of the book - a scene that should have been devastatingly emotional, but instead passed without the gravitas it deserved.
The final chapters however, were achingly real. The final tragedy of the book was a very human one, apocalypse or not.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
I've read my fair share of post-apocalyptic novels - in fact they're one of my favourite genres. However, they can begin to get a bit samey. This one puts a fresh spin on things though.
The cause of the apocalypse - is it a solar pulse? A nuclear event? A side effect of climate change? Or something completely unknown? With all electricity and communication down, who knows?
It's an interesting and very current take on the apocalypse that climate change is mentioned so heavily. Much as many disaster novels of the past few years have heavily referenced clueless but dangerous politicians, this fits into the zeitgeist in a terrifying way.
Pretty much the entire story takes place inside one Austin neighbourhood. Rather than featuring dangerous travels like many books of the genre does, it's more of a feature on community in hardship.
Particularly in the earlier section of the book, the dilemma between helping other people and prioritising supplies for yourself and your loved ones becomes apparent, and was explored in an interesting way with opposing viewpoints. If I were to get political I could explore how this could be compared to the political spectrum and how one's ideology may shift in times of genuine crisis, as priorities change.
It's a shame that the writing style is a little inelegant. This was particularly apparent during one pivotal scene in the final quarter of the book - a scene that should have been devastatingly emotional, but instead passed without the gravitas it deserved.
The final chapters however, were achingly real. The final tragedy of the book was a very human one, apocalypse or not.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
October 17, 2020
Another EMP apocalypse with solid characters, but unfortunately the story wasn’t as convincing as I would have liked it to be.
October 23, 2019
Dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction is a genre that favors the young. Teenagers, and the occasional twenty-somethings, tend to be the stars. Brenda Marie Smith turns that around in If Darkness Takes Us. Bea Crenshaw, the narrator and main character, is a 70-year-old grandmother. For that reason alone, I was fascinated by this novel.
Bea lives near Austin, Texas. She had been expecting an apocalyptic event for decades. She secretly stockpiled food and other supplies, even (especially) hiding it all from her controlling husband, nicknamed Hank the Crank. The event comes when she's babysitting her 4 grandchildren for the weekend. The Crank and the kids' parents are in Dallas for a football game when a train carrying hazardous chemicals derails nearby. Soon after that, something--nobody is certain whether it is nuclear weapons, a nuclear plant leak, solar flares, or something else--cuts off all the electricity, cell phone towers, and internet. Modern cars with computerized equipment no longer work, either. Bea is tasked with ensuring that the three teenagers and one small girl left in her charge survive.
Bea is compelling and relatable. She's not perfect, but she loves her grandchildren and strives to do the right thing. Speaking through Bea, Smith describes the neighborhood's descent, the neighbors, and the grandchildren vividly. Bea quickly realizes that neighbors will also need her help, and that while she thought of a lot, she didn't--couldn't--think of everything. The struggles and occasional joys feel realistic. Smith doesn't say much about the outside world. She doesn't have to. It's obvious that everyone is struggling to survive. Several people and a good dog die.
If Darkness Takes Us is an interesting, valuable, and welcome addition to its genre. I could not recommend it more highly. I also recommend tissue. Seriously, folks, it’s Cry Hard with a Vengeance in some places.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Bea lives near Austin, Texas. She had been expecting an apocalyptic event for decades. She secretly stockpiled food and other supplies, even (especially) hiding it all from her controlling husband, nicknamed Hank the Crank. The event comes when she's babysitting her 4 grandchildren for the weekend. The Crank and the kids' parents are in Dallas for a football game when a train carrying hazardous chemicals derails nearby. Soon after that, something--nobody is certain whether it is nuclear weapons, a nuclear plant leak, solar flares, or something else--cuts off all the electricity, cell phone towers, and internet. Modern cars with computerized equipment no longer work, either. Bea is tasked with ensuring that the three teenagers and one small girl left in her charge survive.
Bea is compelling and relatable. She's not perfect, but she loves her grandchildren and strives to do the right thing. Speaking through Bea, Smith describes the neighborhood's descent, the neighbors, and the grandchildren vividly. Bea quickly realizes that neighbors will also need her help, and that while she thought of a lot, she didn't--couldn't--think of everything. The struggles and occasional joys feel realistic. Smith doesn't say much about the outside world. She doesn't have to. It's obvious that everyone is struggling to survive. Several people and a good dog die.
If Darkness Takes Us is an interesting, valuable, and welcome addition to its genre. I could not recommend it more highly. I also recommend tissue. Seriously, folks, it’s Cry Hard with a Vengeance in some places.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 29, 2019
This was about a paranoid grandmother who stockpiled her house in case something happened.
She was almost ready for anything.
And then it happened. And I was so nervous because it felt like the walking dead without zombies and people were going to start getting ugly.
This was a good read for Halloween I hate the human condition. It’s awful how bad we treat each other! I didn’t care for the God bashing and how he is often blamed, but I did admire Bea. She took care of her family and made the tough decisions in her neighborhood. It was just an ok read for me.
Happy Halloween everyone! 🎃
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
She was almost ready for anything.
And then it happened. And I was so nervous because it felt like the walking dead without zombies and people were going to start getting ugly.
This was a good read for Halloween I hate the human condition. It’s awful how bad we treat each other! I didn’t care for the God bashing and how he is often blamed, but I did admire Bea. She took care of her family and made the tough decisions in her neighborhood. It was just an ok read for me.
Happy Halloween everyone! 🎃
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
November 11, 2023
I zipped through all three books in the series within 24 hours. I read until the wee hours of the morning, unable to stop. The problem now is the review. It’s hard to separate one book from the others because I read all three without taking a breath (you know what I mean).
Bea had prepared for an event, stashing weapons, tools and seeds. She had planned to be there for her four granchildren, but that was not to be. I love that we follow Bea through all three books. Is she a ghost? A metaphysical manifestation of energy? Because of her planning, the group has a place to start. It’s not long before Keno realizes they will have to leave their haven if they want to survive.
Keno had dreamt of his Nana, Bea, telling him he will know what to do as he sets out to scavenge. He meets Richie, who he quickly realizes could be a font of information.
Keno is haunted by his nightmares and does not want to be the leader he has become, but someone has to take charge. Danger is encroaching on them.
There are numerous characters that rise to the front. One of my favorite is Mazie. She is an adorable eight year old girl, who I quickly grew to love her.
In this first book of the Braving The Light Series, If Darkness Takes Us by Brenda Marie Smith, she quickly lures me into their lives. Circumstances steal the children’s childhood, making them grow up fast, facing danger and learning to take care of themselves, having to working together to survive.
We don’t have any zombies, but we do have The Walking Dead Vibe. The scavenging, the scarcity of food, and all the other complexities of an apocalyptic life, just not as intense. You never really know someone until an apocalypse happens, and is there anything worse than teenage testosterone?
As I delve into book two, If The Light Escapes, the pace picks up, the suspense rises, and conflicts arise amongst the group.
Bea had prepared for an event, stashing weapons, tools and seeds. She had planned to be there for her four granchildren, but that was not to be. I love that we follow Bea through all three books. Is she a ghost? A metaphysical manifestation of energy? Because of her planning, the group has a place to start. It’s not long before Keno realizes they will have to leave their haven if they want to survive.
Keno had dreamt of his Nana, Bea, telling him he will know what to do as he sets out to scavenge. He meets Richie, who he quickly realizes could be a font of information.
Keno is haunted by his nightmares and does not want to be the leader he has become, but someone has to take charge. Danger is encroaching on them.
There are numerous characters that rise to the front. One of my favorite is Mazie. She is an adorable eight year old girl, who I quickly grew to love her.
In this first book of the Braving The Light Series, If Darkness Takes Us by Brenda Marie Smith, she quickly lures me into their lives. Circumstances steal the children’s childhood, making them grow up fast, facing danger and learning to take care of themselves, having to working together to survive.
We don’t have any zombies, but we do have The Walking Dead Vibe. The scavenging, the scarcity of food, and all the other complexities of an apocalyptic life, just not as intense. You never really know someone until an apocalypse happens, and is there anything worse than teenage testosterone?
As I delve into book two, If The Light Escapes, the pace picks up, the suspense rises, and conflicts arise amongst the group.
October 18, 2019
I've read several post-apocalyptic novels. Sure, many of them are sad and cautionary, but I'm a sucker for them. And this one takes a fresh direction.
When's the last time you read a novel which features an over 70-year-old grandma as the protagonist? After a devastating EMP changes life as they know it, Bea who has health issues, is thrust into the role of primary caretaker of her four grandchildren. She's a take charge, no-nonsense kind of woman who comes off as a little controlling at times, but her heart is in the right place. I think she surprises herself with her inner strength.
It's obvious the author did her research into the ramifications of EMPs and necessities of survival tactics. The characters find themselves in situations that are perilous, heartbreaking, life-altering, and even hopeful, but all are easily plausible. You may even find yourself thinking about creating a stash of supplies - maybe not to the same extent as Bea, but it will cross your mind.
If you're looking for a post-apocalyptic story with a determined, relatable protagonist and a new spin, If Darkness Takes Us will satisfy that craving.
When's the last time you read a novel which features an over 70-year-old grandma as the protagonist? After a devastating EMP changes life as they know it, Bea who has health issues, is thrust into the role of primary caretaker of her four grandchildren. She's a take charge, no-nonsense kind of woman who comes off as a little controlling at times, but her heart is in the right place. I think she surprises herself with her inner strength.
It's obvious the author did her research into the ramifications of EMPs and necessities of survival tactics. The characters find themselves in situations that are perilous, heartbreaking, life-altering, and even hopeful, but all are easily plausible. You may even find yourself thinking about creating a stash of supplies - maybe not to the same extent as Bea, but it will cross your mind.
If you're looking for a post-apocalyptic story with a determined, relatable protagonist and a new spin, If Darkness Takes Us will satisfy that craving.
August 23, 2019
IF DARKNESS TAKES US is a breathtaking tale of survival, heartbreak, and hope, set in contemporary Austin in the aftermath of a devastating electromagnetic pulse. Unlike any other apocalyptic fiction I've read before, Smith filters the story through the eyes of Bea, a sharp-witted, snarky, but kindhearted grandmother with a heart nearly as big as her arsenal. What I loved about this book, in addition to Bea's character, is Smith's portrayal of the apocalypse. Instead of relying on the same overused tropes, the apocalypse in IF DARKNESS comes across as realistic and eerily plausible. After reading Smith's novel, I am half-tempted to start stockpiling staples myself.
September 7, 2019
The cover and title first caught my attention, then when I read the blurb, I knew this one was a must read for me. The colours on the cover, in my opinion will make this book stand out on a book store shelf. The title has you immediately asking questions such as, What is the darkness? What causes the darkness? Can the characters survive the darkness?
Most people that come across my reviews & blog will know that I love the post-apocalyptic genre, although the genre’s listed for this book are Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I agree with them all but adding post-apocalyptic to those genres is a must!
The main character of the book is Bea Crenshaw, married, though not particularly happily to a rather grumpy, selfish old man called Hank. Though Bea and Hank both have grown up children they are from previous relationships. Bea has always tried to be fair about helping and giving her own biological children and her step children even though Hank hasn’t been. Bea has always shown an interest in the theories of “the end” and what it could be like without local stores, medical centres etc if there was some disaster. So much so, Bea used some of her own money that she inherited from an Aunt to purchase a nearby house and equip it for a possible disaster. Hank knows she received some inheritance money and she spent some of this money on the house they were living in too, but he doesn’t know anything about the other house and supplies or the extent of Bea’s inheritance. Bea does actually feel guilty about hiding things from Hank, but as he is a selfish man and at one point in their marriage pointed out he earned more money than her so he should and could give more money to his children if he wanted to, Bea feels justified in keeping the secret.
Hank and her grown up children are away at a sporting event, the Oklahoma-Texas game in Dallas which leaves the grandchildren alone with Bea. We are introduced to the four grandchildren, Joaquin or Keno the name he uses every day is 17years old, then there’s his 15year old sister Natasha, or Tasha as everyone calls her. Then there’s the younger grandchildren, Milo who is 12years old and Maizie, the baby of the family at 6 years old.
“It” all starts with a train crash! Bea and her grandchildren have to evacuate. In her hurry to make sure she has all her grandchildren will need and herself they forget the dog Harry. Sadly, when they try to return for him despite begging and promising to just nip in and out quickly, they are turned away. They go to a nearby hotel. Hank calls and lives up to his nickname as “Hank the crank” asking why they are going to the expense of staying in a Hotel, despite him being away at a game in Dallas.
When they are finally allowed to return to Bea and Hanks home it’s clear that more has happened than just a train crash. Soon “something else” happens and it soon becomes apparent that “crazy” Bea’s prepping knowledge and supplies are going to come in very handy. Bea has some extremely difficult decisions to make, should she share her supplies? Who should she share them with? Or should she keep her supplies for just herself and her grandchildren?
Bea ends up being the head of a committee that organises the security, planting of food crops etc. Everyone that works as part of the whole community programme of providing food, shelter and security are given rations from Bea’s “Mint House” supplies.
The character’s I truly adored in this book were Bea who opens her heart and takes in orphaned children, along with sharing her food and knowledge on how to survive whatever it is that has been unleashed on them. I thought Bea and Jack made a brilliant team. The way Jack is always hovering in the background ready to help Bea, it is clear he really cares about her but still respects the fact she is married to Hank. Even if Hank makes Bea unhappy, Jack respects the fact Bea is married to him.
I loved Bea’s grandchildren to varying degrees. Joaquin or Keno is the name he uses, is only 17, yet soon steps up to the plate of being man of the house when he is needed to. He tries to help Bea as much as he can with his sister Tasha and his younger cousins Milo, and Mazie. He insists on doing his share of dangerous duties such as security and scouting for water. Keno has a scientific mind and discusses what has happened to the world with Bea. Keno is also really good at building things and even puts together a kind of cart that he can pull along on his bike to take his grandmother Bea around in. Regrettably it is this very contraption and another characters, ignorance and stupidity that leads to the tragic death of one of the main characters. Natasha/Tasha is just 15 years old at the start of the book and at times come across very jealous and kind of spoilt and somewhat selfish, though she does learn the error of her ways. Milo is in awe of his older cousin Keno, and really struggles wanting to do as he does. Milo wants to take on more responsibility, yet Bea will not allow it because of his age only being 12 which he finds difficult to accept. However later in the book when he is struggling with the aftermath of a death, he really does save the day. The last of Bea’s grandchildren is Mazie, who is at 6 still a baby really and struggles with how the world has so drastically changed. Tasha does take her under her wing, in fact all the others try to include Mazie in “helping out” so she doesn’t feel left out. There were other great characters in the book too, such as Sonja, Alma, Darla, Eddie, Pete and Cesar to name a few.
When I list the character’s that I really loved I usually add the ones that I “loved to hate” too. In this book it was Hank, “Hank the crank” who slowly and methodically undermined Bea’s confidence. I also enjoyed disliking Chas, who was after any and all the young teenage girls around him. He is a drug addict who is forced to become clean by circumstances. I guess I should say he does show a little remorse at one point in the book, regrettably he soon returns to type and goes bad again. His end is fitting though violent. I felt a little sorry for his mother who can see her son’s faults, unlike her husband who see’s nothing wrong in his son and even if he did wouldn’t be forceful enough to put him on the right track either.
Bea has many problematic decisions to make in this book, some harder than others, of course like any human being she has regrets about some of those decisions but that’s what makes the character of Bea so realistic and believable, she is attempting to care for and protect her little family despite her worsening health issues, Yet at the same time be fair with her neighbours, most of whom who are ill prepared for anything that the world is throwing at them right now. Bea thinks she has thought of everything though soon finds out she hasn’t thought of some quite simple things such as how exactly to power her solar panels, it turns out the salesman hadn’t thought of every eventuality as Bea had asked. Also, Bea has stockpiled a small stash of medicines but it soon becomes apparent she has nothing near as much as she would like to have. Bea also has to have a somewhat awkward conversation with her eldest grandchildren, Keno and Tasha about sex as she had never thought of birth control or condoms. Despite her bringing the subject up and explaining the consequences of having nothing to assist in the possible complications of pregnancy and birth pregnancies still occur. Despite the many warnings and explanations she had with the younger survivors still ends up being made to think it is her fault by certain characters.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were that this book was a bit slower starting than I initially liked but then all the things that were explained at the beginning set the scene perfectly for what was going to happen in the latter two parts of the book. This book really is a brutally honest depiction of what could happen. I ended up becoming really emotionally attached to the characters, devastated when certain characters, such as Sonja’s leaving in search of help for her son’s worsening medical condition. On the other hand, I was ecstatic at the relationships we left Keno and also Bea in at the end of the book.
So, to sum up, the book may feel like it’s moving quite slow to begin with, but it really is so well worth continuing to read it. I honestly ended up loving the book and wanting even more.
Most people that come across my reviews & blog will know that I love the post-apocalyptic genre, although the genre’s listed for this book are Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I agree with them all but adding post-apocalyptic to those genres is a must!
The main character of the book is Bea Crenshaw, married, though not particularly happily to a rather grumpy, selfish old man called Hank. Though Bea and Hank both have grown up children they are from previous relationships. Bea has always tried to be fair about helping and giving her own biological children and her step children even though Hank hasn’t been. Bea has always shown an interest in the theories of “the end” and what it could be like without local stores, medical centres etc if there was some disaster. So much so, Bea used some of her own money that she inherited from an Aunt to purchase a nearby house and equip it for a possible disaster. Hank knows she received some inheritance money and she spent some of this money on the house they were living in too, but he doesn’t know anything about the other house and supplies or the extent of Bea’s inheritance. Bea does actually feel guilty about hiding things from Hank, but as he is a selfish man and at one point in their marriage pointed out he earned more money than her so he should and could give more money to his children if he wanted to, Bea feels justified in keeping the secret.
Hank and her grown up children are away at a sporting event, the Oklahoma-Texas game in Dallas which leaves the grandchildren alone with Bea. We are introduced to the four grandchildren, Joaquin or Keno the name he uses every day is 17years old, then there’s his 15year old sister Natasha, or Tasha as everyone calls her. Then there’s the younger grandchildren, Milo who is 12years old and Maizie, the baby of the family at 6 years old.
“It” all starts with a train crash! Bea and her grandchildren have to evacuate. In her hurry to make sure she has all her grandchildren will need and herself they forget the dog Harry. Sadly, when they try to return for him despite begging and promising to just nip in and out quickly, they are turned away. They go to a nearby hotel. Hank calls and lives up to his nickname as “Hank the crank” asking why they are going to the expense of staying in a Hotel, despite him being away at a game in Dallas.
When they are finally allowed to return to Bea and Hanks home it’s clear that more has happened than just a train crash. Soon “something else” happens and it soon becomes apparent that “crazy” Bea’s prepping knowledge and supplies are going to come in very handy. Bea has some extremely difficult decisions to make, should she share her supplies? Who should she share them with? Or should she keep her supplies for just herself and her grandchildren?
Bea ends up being the head of a committee that organises the security, planting of food crops etc. Everyone that works as part of the whole community programme of providing food, shelter and security are given rations from Bea’s “Mint House” supplies.
The character’s I truly adored in this book were Bea who opens her heart and takes in orphaned children, along with sharing her food and knowledge on how to survive whatever it is that has been unleashed on them. I thought Bea and Jack made a brilliant team. The way Jack is always hovering in the background ready to help Bea, it is clear he really cares about her but still respects the fact she is married to Hank. Even if Hank makes Bea unhappy, Jack respects the fact Bea is married to him.
I loved Bea’s grandchildren to varying degrees. Joaquin or Keno is the name he uses, is only 17, yet soon steps up to the plate of being man of the house when he is needed to. He tries to help Bea as much as he can with his sister Tasha and his younger cousins Milo, and Mazie. He insists on doing his share of dangerous duties such as security and scouting for water. Keno has a scientific mind and discusses what has happened to the world with Bea. Keno is also really good at building things and even puts together a kind of cart that he can pull along on his bike to take his grandmother Bea around in. Regrettably it is this very contraption and another characters, ignorance and stupidity that leads to the tragic death of one of the main characters. Natasha/Tasha is just 15 years old at the start of the book and at times come across very jealous and kind of spoilt and somewhat selfish, though she does learn the error of her ways. Milo is in awe of his older cousin Keno, and really struggles wanting to do as he does. Milo wants to take on more responsibility, yet Bea will not allow it because of his age only being 12 which he finds difficult to accept. However later in the book when he is struggling with the aftermath of a death, he really does save the day. The last of Bea’s grandchildren is Mazie, who is at 6 still a baby really and struggles with how the world has so drastically changed. Tasha does take her under her wing, in fact all the others try to include Mazie in “helping out” so she doesn’t feel left out. There were other great characters in the book too, such as Sonja, Alma, Darla, Eddie, Pete and Cesar to name a few.
When I list the character’s that I really loved I usually add the ones that I “loved to hate” too. In this book it was Hank, “Hank the crank” who slowly and methodically undermined Bea’s confidence. I also enjoyed disliking Chas, who was after any and all the young teenage girls around him. He is a drug addict who is forced to become clean by circumstances. I guess I should say he does show a little remorse at one point in the book, regrettably he soon returns to type and goes bad again. His end is fitting though violent. I felt a little sorry for his mother who can see her son’s faults, unlike her husband who see’s nothing wrong in his son and even if he did wouldn’t be forceful enough to put him on the right track either.
Bea has many problematic decisions to make in this book, some harder than others, of course like any human being she has regrets about some of those decisions but that’s what makes the character of Bea so realistic and believable, she is attempting to care for and protect her little family despite her worsening health issues, Yet at the same time be fair with her neighbours, most of whom who are ill prepared for anything that the world is throwing at them right now. Bea thinks she has thought of everything though soon finds out she hasn’t thought of some quite simple things such as how exactly to power her solar panels, it turns out the salesman hadn’t thought of every eventuality as Bea had asked. Also, Bea has stockpiled a small stash of medicines but it soon becomes apparent she has nothing near as much as she would like to have. Bea also has to have a somewhat awkward conversation with her eldest grandchildren, Keno and Tasha about sex as she had never thought of birth control or condoms. Despite her bringing the subject up and explaining the consequences of having nothing to assist in the possible complications of pregnancy and birth pregnancies still occur. Despite the many warnings and explanations she had with the younger survivors still ends up being made to think it is her fault by certain characters.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were that this book was a bit slower starting than I initially liked but then all the things that were explained at the beginning set the scene perfectly for what was going to happen in the latter two parts of the book. This book really is a brutally honest depiction of what could happen. I ended up becoming really emotionally attached to the characters, devastated when certain characters, such as Sonja’s leaving in search of help for her son’s worsening medical condition. On the other hand, I was ecstatic at the relationships we left Keno and also Bea in at the end of the book.
So, to sum up, the book may feel like it’s moving quite slow to begin with, but it really is so well worth continuing to read it. I honestly ended up loving the book and wanting even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2019
Full disclosure: While I do not know the author personally, we are pretty good Facebook friends in a community of people who have shared the experience of living off the grid, so I have a visceral understanding of the impulses behind the writing of this book.
The scenario, the complete shutting down of the entire electrical matrix, was written with chilling conviction. It has become a part of my own perceptions of daily reality, kind of a "what if" parallel life to my own. The news that PG&E decided today to shut down for an unpredictable amount of time gives this premise kind of a grim prescience.
As an elder myself, I was amused and charmed by the author's choice to use the POV of "one of us" to center her story. Society as we know it has forgotten the value of this perspective, an earned body of knowledge based on resilience and survival beyond the rules and platitudes of how things ought to be. The main character is flawed and has no special gifts other than a ferocious instinct to protect the young, for whom she assumes awesome powers as long as she can hold out. Until, given the nature of things, she just can't.
Smith's characters are deeply three-dimensional, each with an agenda and a set of issues that are stories in themselves. They enable and carom off each other so effectively as the days pass and the plots thicken that when I had to close the book at the end, I felt like I had to be careful not to squish them. I miss them. They live in my head like the others I miss.
I recommend the book, I thought the author did a good and convincing job. I'm getting out my old canner.
The scenario, the complete shutting down of the entire electrical matrix, was written with chilling conviction. It has become a part of my own perceptions of daily reality, kind of a "what if" parallel life to my own. The news that PG&E decided today to shut down for an unpredictable amount of time gives this premise kind of a grim prescience.
As an elder myself, I was amused and charmed by the author's choice to use the POV of "one of us" to center her story. Society as we know it has forgotten the value of this perspective, an earned body of knowledge based on resilience and survival beyond the rules and platitudes of how things ought to be. The main character is flawed and has no special gifts other than a ferocious instinct to protect the young, for whom she assumes awesome powers as long as she can hold out. Until, given the nature of things, she just can't.
Smith's characters are deeply three-dimensional, each with an agenda and a set of issues that are stories in themselves. They enable and carom off each other so effectively as the days pass and the plots thicken that when I had to close the book at the end, I felt like I had to be careful not to squish them. I miss them. They live in my head like the others I miss.
I recommend the book, I thought the author did a good and convincing job. I'm getting out my old canner.
August 24, 2019
Great book!! Though my least favorite topic in the world.....I could not put it down! Even in darkness there's hope. Great talent Brenda Smith!! ❤
November 15, 2021
This post-apocalyptic book is like reading a diary. I had to keep reminding myself it is fiction. The author did a great job of drawing me into the story and into the struggle for survival after a devastating EMP. Whether it came from the sun or a radioactive blast, there was no way to know. But for Bea Crenshaw and her four grandchildren, it all came down to basic survival. When the EMP fried electric grids, a tremendous train wreck that released chemical toxins begins this harrowing tale. The after-effects grow more dire with each day that passes. Vehicles are rendered useless. There is no running water, no gas to cook with and no way to flush toilets. At first, Bea and her grandchildren were sure their lives would return to normal within a few days - surely government aid was on the way. However, as the days turned into months, it became apparent no help would arrive - EVER. Bea was more prepared than most. She'd been stockpiling food and essentials for years in a house she kept secret from everyone, including her husband. Now keeping it a secret becomes a matter of life and death. Looting takes place in every store within the first few days. As time passes, people are killed over water. Carrying arms becomes daily normality. The intensity builds throughout the story, as Bea and her grandchildren cope with this life-altering event. Bea's husband, Hank, and the children's parents had gone to Waco for a football game. So, the unanswered question as to what happened to them grates on frayed nerves as weeks turned into months with no return and no word. Bea is nothing short of a superhero in this book. While dealing with an illness and caring for the grandchildren, she brings the neighborhood together to work for a common goal - that of survival. Her stockpiles in the secret house save lives, that is until thugs break in and steal what they can. A grandchild dies because of no medical care. Bea never quite recovers from that blow. Then a stroke renders her helpless. This book is not a heart-warming feel-good book It caused me some worry and sleepless nights, but I feel the message is not far off the target. Would you be able to survive in an apocalypse? This book might give you some ideas.
August 18, 2019
FINALLY! This book has an older woman protecting her grandkids from forces beyond her control. I loved this book. There are many post apocalyptic books out there, featuring men, young adults, some women. But this book stands apart. This is the point of a 70 year old woman who has desires, dreams, and hopes for the future.
This is stand alone story telling and it was breathtaking in its relationships and the EMP that happened.
I can't stop raving about this book.
So refreshing to get this perspective, I hope that the author does a sequel. I need to know what happens next to the family and with Jack!
This is stand alone story telling and it was breathtaking in its relationships and the EMP that happened.
I can't stop raving about this book.
So refreshing to get this perspective, I hope that the author does a sequel. I need to know what happens next to the family and with Jack!
August 19, 2019
IF DARKNESS TAKES US is such a unique story that I can't stop thinking about it! Featuring a grandmother MC and her grandchildren ranging in ages from little girl to teenagers during the middle of an apocalypse, this story is full of emotions and complicated relationships. This is one of those rare novels that really does have serious crossover appeal. Suspense, romance, and drama are all here and Smith writes with such confidence and charm that you'll find yourself rooting for nearly everyone. I'll be thinking about this book for a long time. Can't wait to see what's next!
October 6, 2019
A kind of gentle "prepper" fiction, where an apocalypse can only be survived by community and sharing, in spite of the dumb boys with guns who try and ruin everything. It's hard to put this book down.
October 22, 2019
When I first started this book, I was not sure how I was going to feel about it. A post-apocalyptic style book about a grandmother seemed like it could not be that interesting. However, I ended up being surprised by how much I enjoyed it and really related to the main character, Bea. Even though her family dismissed her and called her a hoarder, and her husband belittled and controlled her, Bea prepared for a major disaster in amazing ways. If not for her preparations, most of Bea's family and neighborhood would not have survived. It is scary how realistic this story really was, including all the information about climate change and past environmental events. It definitely inspired me to want to do more of my own research regarding these topics. I especially loved how open-minded and non-judgmental Bea was regarding some really tough topics like sex, abortion and relationships. I sincerely hope I can be somewhat like Bea when I am a 70 year old grandmother. Finally, I thought it was really interesting that it took a major disaster for Bea to realize she was not happy with her husband and had not been in love with him for many years. This touches on the idea of realizing what really matters when something drastically changes your life. I loved that she gave herself a chance to love and be loved again with Jack. I thought the end was very sad, but as realistic as the rest of the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
***This review is based on an electronic advance reader copy provided to me by the publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
***This review is based on an electronic advance reader copy provided to me by the publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
September 8, 2019
Bea Crenshaw is a grandmother, an environmentalist, almost 70 years old, and thrown into an apocalyptic scenario in which she has to take care of her four grandchildren. Luckily, Bea Crenshaw is also a prepper and has been setting up for the apocalypse for a few years already.
If Darkness Takes Us focuses completely on a neighbourhood somewhere in Texas that becomes shut off from the rest of the world - lacking electricity, there is no more broadcasting, and - apart from some occasional hearsay - we do not get to know much abut how (or if) the world is being run after the apocalyptic event.
The book was great! Although it felt a bit trodded out a few times in the middle, overall the pacing was just right, Bea as the main character and narrator was unique, entertaining, and a fresh take on dystopian storytelling, and I couldn't put the book away.
I was interested in reading If Darkness Takes Us because I find dystopias fascinating, but also because I found the Texan origin intriguing: the book is a lot more progressive than I thought though, openly discussing sex, teen pregnancies, abortions, and religion.
I learnt a lot about prepping and what one would need to survive in the case of a disaster - and now I have the urge to stock up on everything in case a solar storm hits us.
If Darkness Takes Us focuses completely on a neighbourhood somewhere in Texas that becomes shut off from the rest of the world - lacking electricity, there is no more broadcasting, and - apart from some occasional hearsay - we do not get to know much abut how (or if) the world is being run after the apocalyptic event.
The book was great! Although it felt a bit trodded out a few times in the middle, overall the pacing was just right, Bea as the main character and narrator was unique, entertaining, and a fresh take on dystopian storytelling, and I couldn't put the book away.
I was interested in reading If Darkness Takes Us because I find dystopias fascinating, but also because I found the Texan origin intriguing: the book is a lot more progressive than I thought though, openly discussing sex, teen pregnancies, abortions, and religion.
I learnt a lot about prepping and what one would need to survive in the case of a disaster - and now I have the urge to stock up on everything in case a solar storm hits us.
October 17, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley
If you like books with happily ever afters, this is not the book for you.
The Good
-timely and relevant. I’m no science whiz but all those environmental issues we’re hearing about. THEY’RE NOT MYTHS, PEOPLE. This book addresses the nightmares that we’ll all experience if we play ignorant.
-captivating writing.
-too good it made me cry too many times
-there were lighthearted moments that were just too beautiful
-NANA BEA.
-the characters hardly go outside their little community but oh my, so many things happen
-It felt realistic
The Bad
-those adults who act all-knowing; i.e. why didn’t you this? why didn’t you do that? why did you do this? why did you do that?
Uhm, excuse me. You didn’t even do anything.🙄 You weren’t even here to do anything.
-IS THERE NO SEQUEL? 😢
Overall
UTTERLY HEARTBREAKING. A book that I’ll remember for a long time.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
If you like books with happily ever afters, this is not the book for you.
The Good
-timely and relevant. I’m no science whiz but all those environmental issues we’re hearing about. THEY’RE NOT MYTHS, PEOPLE. This book addresses the nightmares that we’ll all experience if we play ignorant.
-captivating writing.
-too good it made me cry too many times
-there were lighthearted moments that were just too beautiful
-NANA BEA.
-the characters hardly go outside their little community but oh my, so many things happen
-It felt realistic
The Bad
-those adults who act all-knowing; i.e. why didn’t you this? why didn’t you do that? why did you do this? why did you do that?
Uhm, excuse me. You didn’t even do anything.🙄 You weren’t even here to do anything.
-IS THERE NO SEQUEL? 😢
Overall
UTTERLY HEARTBREAKING. A book that I’ll remember for a long time.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
October 15, 2019
Post-apocalyptic chaos in a suburb of Austin, Texas
70 year old grandmother Bea Crenshaw stays at home with her four grandchildren while her cranky, controlling husband and three of their children head to Dallas for a football game.
While they are gone two major events happen: a nearby train wreck releasing who knows what kind of chemicals into the air and then a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), a huge solar flare that wipes out all power in at least North America.
The story is told by Bea, a woman who secretly planned for just such an event.
I loved that the story has an older protagonist, a grandmother like me. She has to make hard decisions for herself, her family, and her neighbors as time goes on without government help.
The post-apocalyptic genre is one of my favorites and I enjoyed this book very much. There was lots of laughter but plenty of tears as the group settles into their new life.
I received this book from SFK Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
70 year old grandmother Bea Crenshaw stays at home with her four grandchildren while her cranky, controlling husband and three of their children head to Dallas for a football game.
While they are gone two major events happen: a nearby train wreck releasing who knows what kind of chemicals into the air and then a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), a huge solar flare that wipes out all power in at least North America.
The story is told by Bea, a woman who secretly planned for just such an event.
I loved that the story has an older protagonist, a grandmother like me. She has to make hard decisions for herself, her family, and her neighbors as time goes on without government help.
The post-apocalyptic genre is one of my favorites and I enjoyed this book very much. There was lots of laughter but plenty of tears as the group settles into their new life.
I received this book from SFK Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
September 20, 2019
I loved this book! Bea reminds me of my own grandmothers, who I know would have successfully survived anything thrown at them. My mother on the other hand believes the four food groups are canned, boxed, frozen and take out. There would be no hope for her. Beware SPOILERS!!!!! Meet Bea, a health concerned senior, enjoying the company of her grandkids for the weekend. Her husband and their parents are going to a football game, what could go wrong. The grandkids are squabbling , the weather is stinking hot and the lights go out - great what else could go wrong! Bea must protect her grandchildren when people start to lose their minds and morals. Beware, Granny's got her gun!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2019
When I think of post—apocalyptic fiction, I tend to think of well-armed dudes muscling their way through a forbidding tribal landscape. What a delight, instead, to read a post apocalyptic story about an intelligent and thoughtful seventy year old woman teaching a family of grandkids about basic survival skills after a very believable EMP catastrophe. That’s not to say there aren’t real dangers and tragic occurrences in this world; they abound. But the central tension here is between the urge to hole up and conserve resources, and the need to establish a community through cooperation. There are no easy answers here, but the novel had me thinking about this question long after I put it down.
September 17, 2019
You'll be waiting for a sequel by the end of it!
This is a superb post-apocalyptic story with non-traditional elements. It’s fresh and unique. Grandma powers through a disaster trying to save her grandchildren. Her tenacity will both lift and shatter this family. It was so neat to see what Bea has stocked up and how she put it to use. The main character feels real, not all rainbows and roses. Like, not all humans would know the perfect way to react in all situations if an apocalypse hit! This authenticity was my favorite part of this book.
This is a superb post-apocalyptic story with non-traditional elements. It’s fresh and unique. Grandma powers through a disaster trying to save her grandchildren. Her tenacity will both lift and shatter this family. It was so neat to see what Bea has stocked up and how she put it to use. The main character feels real, not all rainbows and roses. Like, not all humans would know the perfect way to react in all situations if an apocalypse hit! This authenticity was my favorite part of this book.
October 4, 2019
I really liked this book and the characters. There was suspense and uncertainty in their lives. They really didn't know what was happening. I cared about the characters and what happened. This was the first book I have read by this author but not the last.
I am hoping that in the future the author will write more about this family and neighborhood.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am hoping that in the future the author will write more about this family and neighborhood.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2019
This book was truly excellent. A grandmother stuck with four grandchildren in the wake of a global disaster. They had to face food and water shortages as well as intruders and rising radiation levels. The characters were well drawn and relatable. I couldn't out this book down and it made me both laugh and cry. This is one of those rare books that will stay with me for a long time.
September 13, 2019
PA is not my first genre choice, but this is really good. Never seen a grandmother as the main character in this setting, but she is great, and feels very real. This story will probably sell well for a variety of reasons, including that it will stick with you. Recommended.
I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!
I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!
September 16, 2019
This was not your normal post apocalyptic read. For one the main character was a 70 year old grandma. I think that if my kids would have been left with their grandma at that age they would be doomed. This had some feels moments as well as some unexpected ones. The writing was pretty easy to read and the story had a great flow. I look forward to reading something else from this author.
September 21, 2019
Loved,loved, loved this book. Loved all the charaters and the area it was written in. Everyday i would walk outside my brothers home and feel like i was there at Bea's house. If you like to read true life books try this one. So,so good.
August 22, 2019
BEST post-apocalyptic book I have ever read! Please refer to my entire review on NetGalley!
Thanks to Southern Fried Karma for the ARC!!!
Thanks to Southern Fried Karma for the ARC!!!
October 18, 2019
This story was so captivating!!! COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!! I could see it play through my head like it was a movie and I need a sequel!!!! 👏👏👏
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