In Book 1, Left for Dead, a disaster of unknown origin and proportions wipes out most modern technology, causing self-driving cars to drive into other cars, people and buildings. Cell phones burst into flames, the power grid self destructs, and planes fall from the sky.
Book 2, Steps Back follows former prison inmate Asher Latham and his fellow survivors as they try to find a way back to their loved ones and protect the lives of those around them. Asher Latham had been serving a life-sentence for murder in the State Penitentiary when the disaster struck. He and several of his fellow prison inmates somehow managed to not only survive a gas attack meted out by rogue military soldiers intended to kill all the inmates housed in the State Penitentiary, but afterwards, when left for dead, they even managed to break free from their icy tomb. They made a pact to do no harm and to help one another as they journeyed home.
Bethany Johnson and her new friend Cooper survived insurmountable odds the day of the event and have managed to gather her family and neighbors and his roommates in his house. Together, they make the most of Cooper and his roommates computer hacking skills, working to find out who caused such a deadly disaster.
Preston Raymore and Melinda Bowman had been making their way around town searching for much needed supplies when they were attacked by a murderous lunatic, having survived the attack they find two of his victims alive but they need help.