Take Shelter

By Chris Kreie

Several days after the aliens attacked Earth, Austin and his mom have reached an emergency shelter. But even the most prepared shelters weren't ready for an invasion like this. Overcrowding, low food rations, and limited medical supplies are just the beginning of the list of problems at this place. Austin and his friends are tempted to leave and look for somewhere better. But beyond the shelter's gates there are no guarantees. Is it worth the risk? Perfect for survival-story enthusiasts, this Attack on Earth novel is packed full of action and drama to engage reluctant readers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing
• Release date: Aug 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781541531079

Chris Kreie

Chris Kreie is an elementary teacher and lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children. As a kid, he always loved scary stories.

Book preview

day.

On the morning of Friday, October 2, rings of light were seen coming down from the sky in several locations across the planet. By mid-morning, large spacecraft were visible through the clouds, hovering over major cities. The US government, along with others, attempted to make contact, without success.

At 9:48 that morning, the alien ships released an electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, around the world, disabling all electronics—including many vehicles and machines. All forms of communication technology were useless.

Now people could only wait and see what would happen with the Visitors next . . .

Chapter 1

Austin cowered with his mother in the corner of their basement. They were surrounded by darkness except for the occasional flash of light from a nearby explosion. The blasts were close, probably just a few blocks away.

The Visitors had landed an hour ago. And any hope that they had come to Earth on a peaceful mission was quickly dashed when they immediately began destroying Austin’s hometown with laser blasts and high-powered missiles.

Austin heard a crash at the top of the stairs. Someone—or something—had knocked down the front door to their house. He heard footsteps, then the basement door swung open.

Another flash of light filled the room. Austin could see the outline of something coming down the wooden stairs. One of the Visitors. It was tall and thin, with a large oval head. Its skin was pale, almost translucent. Another flash. Two more Visitors were right behind the first.

Austin’s mother wrapped her arms around his shoulders. His entire body trembled. There was no way out. They were trapped.

The Visitors made it to the bottom of the stairs. The one at the front of the pack scanned the room. It lifted its lizard-like head and began sniffing at the air. The only thing protecting Austin and his mother was their little corner of darkness.

Suddenly, another intense explosion flooded the basement with light. That was all it took. The Visitors had spotted them.

Stay away from us! shouted Austin’s mother. Leave us alone!

The hideous creatures took several steps toward them. They leaned in and opened their mouths, exposing several rows of sharp, jagged teeth. Then they let out the most awful ear-splitting sound Austin had ever heard in his entire life, and—

Austin woke up. His head jerked around as he tried to remember where he was. In the dim early morning light, he spotted the branches of a large oak tree looming over him. He covered his face with one hand, his heart pounding in his chest. It was a dream, he said to himself. It was only a dream. His body was still shaking. He let out a deep breath, relieved that the Visitors had been only in his imagination.

His mom was still sleeping on the ground beside him. The painful kink in Austin’s neck was a harsh reminder that a tree root was no match for his soft pillow back home. Mom. He shook her from her sleep. It’s time to get moving.

She got up slowly. I’m ready.

The two of them packed up their belongings, then crossed the small stretch of woods to get back to the highway.

Austin had no idea how many miles he and his mom had traveled. They’d been walking for three days, stopping only to rest when absolutely necessary. When news of the mysterious lights hanging in the sky first spread, people were concerned but curious. Austin’s mom kept him home from school that day, thinking it would be safer to stay in the house until they’d heard more news. But when the EMP was released and all sources of power were shut down, people began to panic. Looters surged through stores for food and supplies. Their neighbors boarded up their doors and windows, refusing to speak to anyone else. Others took off. After two days, Austin and his mom decided they had no choice but to leave in search of help. They’d heard rumors of a shelter several miles north, so that became their destination.

Now, they walked for two or three hours without stopping. Though the sun was rising, early fall winds kept them chilled. Austin stuffed his hands into his jacket sleeves, wishing he’d thought to bring a heavier coat.

Suddenly his mom stumbled. Austin grabbed her by the arm. Are you okay?

Can we sit down? she asked.

Of course. Austin led her off the road and helped her sit down in a patch of grass. She sat with her arms resting on her bent knees and lowered her head between them.