The Passage, by Justin Cronin, is an excellent book. It is the first of an intended trilogy, with the second book, The Twelve, having just been released. I recommend it, especially if you are a fan of The Stand. I haven’t read One Second After, but I have read Alas, Babylon and The Road. I have read just about every PA book I could find, and I’m thrilled you have given me a new title to investigate.
Newt Gingrich did the foreward to One Second After. The whole premise is based upon life after an EMP. Scaryily realistic...particularly coupled w/Gingrich’s mention of the US’s lack of protection of our power systems. I have read Stephen King novels w/no nightmares. This book, I had to put down at times.