The Gulf – Book Three of The Pulse

After the pulse hits and the solar flare that destroyed modern civilization, Jack Broderick is forced to fight the pain of being separated from his family as he strives to reconnect with them. However, the uncertainties of a chaotic world make his mission a very tough one. As he journeys through dangerous waters and heavily guarded zones while dealing with a hurricane, Jack tries his best to survive and live to the next day. He is joined by fellow survivors and Hannah, a girl who’s also separated from her family. The Gulf: Book Three of The Pulse by Owen Garratt is a seriously realistic tale book that’s set in a broken, destabilized world. Our protagonist is forced to face man-made dangers and gigantic threats by earthly elements as he struggles to find a way back to his estranged family.

The book’s characters are very likable and believable. Their thoughts flow naturally through conversations, and the protagonist’s deep contemplations are well-balanced with the rest of the story. Though Jack hurts others to survive and save the people he cares about, he is seen questioning his decisions on multiple occasions and asking questions that reveal his imperfections. I perceived him to be a man who hoped to stay sane while surrounded by madness as he contemplated such concerns as infidelity, murder, and his family’s safety.

Owen’s metaphoric storytelling is absolutely amazing. The protagonist’s past and his present are smartly intertwined to create a constantly engaging tale that gives us a clear picture of who he is. For example, Jack’s feeling of being terrified to do anything as a child witnessing a dog’s attack is compared to his present experience of a crippling sensation that he has to face while underwater.

You never know what to expect with the book’s busy plot. Just when you think the worst is behind the protagonists, something chaotic would spring up—whether it’s unpredictable nature or the erratic villains that don’t mind eliminating themselves to get what they want. Engaging action scenes are smartly mixed with vividly described fights and interesting gun battles. Imagine having to use an M2 machine gun to shoot up an enemy’s thousand-gallon propane tank and dealing with the pressure of facing murderous villains. My heart was racing like it would jump out of my chest in the intense action-packed scenes.

The Gulf kept me completely engrossed from start to finish with its suspenseful atmosphere, enchanting characters, and lyrical storytelling. Owen is one fine writer, and I would jump at the opportunity to read another of his books. Though you can read The Gulf as a standalone, it will compel you to read the other books in the series. It’s just that good!