One Second After is definetly not an 'apocalyptic survival guide' that's for darn sure. I thought the book was very well written compared to many many many other similar books out there. Was it 100% accurate on what would happen with an EMP attack... probably not. Was it pretty accurate as far as looting and lawlessness I think Katrina and other disasters has proved his views pretty darn correct. The big thing the book did was make YOU think about yourself being prepared w/out food or water or any gov aid.

Also, I don't even think you can compare it to "The Road" and FOR SURE not to "Patriots"... that book was horrid and was def. trying to pass itself off as a "survival manual for the 21st century".

I did research the author and he does know a good bit about history and war history so his battle `scenes`, triage and lawlessness are probably pretty darn accurate.

Anyway, it was a good read compared to the other ones out there.