48 Hours    by William R. Forstchen Order:  USA  Can Forge, 2019 (2019) Hardcover, CD, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson William Forstchen, author of One Second After, brings us in 48 Hours, a gripping novel that portrays how well - and how badly - people at all levels of U.S. society face the apocalypse. What harm will some do for even a small chance of survival, and what good will others attempt, in order to save those who should have priority? Essentially, the sun is acting up, first with a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that can damage or destroy the electrical infrastructure worldwide ... and then with something much worse, aptly labelled Sauron's Eye. Readers watch events unfold from the points of view of the US President and his advisers (including solar atronomer Dr. Richard Carrington V), and also from the perspective of a remarkably effective husband and wife team (Darren and Darla) who are intent on ensuring the survival of as many children as possible. Darren is head of security for an abandoned underground quarry converted into a warehouse, whose clients include the State of Missouri. The facility holds a great deal of food supplies, and the governor has ordered an inventory check. Such deep shelters will soon be in high demand, with a major solar flare anticipated, possibly an ELE (extinction level event). Will government officials get to decide who is to be saved? Darren and Darla have a different notion of who should people this ark, and the means to enforce it. Don't miss this engrossing read, which would make an equally gripping movie. Highly recommended! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more SF books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews