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Blue Light #1
Apocalypse Island
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B0072ZB8DY
A small Maine city has turned into a killing ground.
Is it a serial killer, someone with a penchant for the macabre and a need to destroy?
Or is it a darker force, an ancient legend from a mysterious Island come ashore to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting?
Amid the backdrop of Portland’s burgeoning night scene, Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings discovers that no one is safe, and that evil has many faces.
Extended Description:
Danny Wolf, a gifted musician with alcohol problems is witnessing brutal murder in his dreams. Someone is carving a cross on each of the young female victims before crucifying them.
Newly released from prison for a crime he did not commit, Wolf is having trouble adjusting to civilian life. He believes the dreams are a symptom of his adjustment until he discovers that they are real and that the victims are his own groupies. He soon begins to doubt his sanity. Could he be a homicidal madman?
Wolf has no memory of his early childhood but discovers that he spent his first eight years in a Catholic orphanage on a mysterious island off the coast of Maine. Is it possible that his early life and the murders are somehow connected?
Soon the killings become more bold and gruesome, as members of the church begin to die.
Enter Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings and his young assistant Laura Higgins. They discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects.
Danny Wolf becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
A small Maine city has turned into a killing ground.
Is it a serial killer, someone with a penchant for the macabre and a need to destroy?
Or is it a darker force, an ancient legend from a mysterious Island come ashore to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting?
Amid the backdrop of Portland’s burgeoning night scene, Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings discovers that no one is safe, and that evil has many faces.
Extended Description:
Danny Wolf, a gifted musician with alcohol problems is witnessing brutal murder in his dreams. Someone is carving a cross on each of the young female victims before crucifying them.
Newly released from prison for a crime he did not commit, Wolf is having trouble adjusting to civilian life. He believes the dreams are a symptom of his adjustment until he discovers that they are real and that the victims are his own groupies. He soon begins to doubt his sanity. Could he be a homicidal madman?
Wolf has no memory of his early childhood but discovers that he spent his first eight years in a Catholic orphanage on a mysterious island off the coast of Maine. Is it possible that his early life and the murders are somehow connected?
Soon the killings become more bold and gruesome, as members of the church begin to die.
Enter Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings and his young assistant Laura Higgins. They discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects.
Danny Wolf becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2012
About the author
Mark Edward Hall
35 books151 followersMark Edward Hall is the author of the bestselling fantasy and science fiction Blue Light Series. He’s written more than twenty novels and numerous short stories.
Apocalypse Island — In Book 1 of The Blue Light Series we meet Danny Wolf, Laura Higgins and Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings.
Their city has turned into a killing ground. Is it a serial killer, someone with a penchant for the macabre and a need to destroy? Or is it a darker force, an ancient legend from a mysterious Island come ashore to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting?
In a desperate search for answers they discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects.
Danny Wolf, a local musician becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
Soul Thief — In Book 2 of the Blue Light Series we meet Doug and Annie McArthur. Doug McArthur, hit in the face by a young friend at the age of seven, is suddenly able to see a supernatural creature who calls itself Collector. Doug’s life is turned upside down when he realizes that it’s not just the creature he sees, but the atrocities it commits.
Since marrying Annie his visions have been quiet and Doug is grateful. Now Annie is pregnant with their first child—a child that promises to be special—and their world is in the process of coming apart, beginning with the destruction of their home and forcing them to run for their lives, back into the world of Annie’s childhood, the De Roché dynasty, to a murdered mother and a cruel and enigmatic father.
Song of Ariel — Book 3 of the Blue Light Series begins four years after Doug and Annie McArthur are forced to take refuge in the Maine Wilderness. Ariel has grown into a beautiful and gifted child wise beyond her years. Their life, although hard, has been peaceful and relatively quiet.
But the tide is about to turn. When they sense something isn't right in the world Doug leaves the shelter of their wilderness cabin to investigate. In a heartbeat their quiet life is shattered by an unspeakable violence, and once again they are forced to run for their lives, this time to a place where they will encounter a truth more fantastic than anything they could ever have imagined.
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Apocalypse Island — In Book 1 of The Blue Light Series we meet Danny Wolf, Laura Higgins and Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings.
Their city has turned into a killing ground. Is it a serial killer, someone with a penchant for the macabre and a need to destroy? Or is it a darker force, an ancient legend from a mysterious Island come ashore to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting?
In a desperate search for answers they discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects.
Danny Wolf, a local musician becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
Soul Thief — In Book 2 of the Blue Light Series we meet Doug and Annie McArthur. Doug McArthur, hit in the face by a young friend at the age of seven, is suddenly able to see a supernatural creature who calls itself Collector. Doug’s life is turned upside down when he realizes that it’s not just the creature he sees, but the atrocities it commits.
Since marrying Annie his visions have been quiet and Doug is grateful. Now Annie is pregnant with their first child—a child that promises to be special—and their world is in the process of coming apart, beginning with the destruction of their home and forcing them to run for their lives, back into the world of Annie’s childhood, the De Roché dynasty, to a murdered mother and a cruel and enigmatic father.
Song of Ariel — Book 3 of the Blue Light Series begins four years after Doug and Annie McArthur are forced to take refuge in the Maine Wilderness. Ariel has grown into a beautiful and gifted child wise beyond her years. Their life, although hard, has been peaceful and relatively quiet.
But the tide is about to turn. When they sense something isn't right in the world Doug leaves the shelter of their wilderness cabin to investigate. In a heartbeat their quiet life is shattered by an unspeakable violence, and once again they are forced to run for their lives, this time to a place where they will encounter a truth more fantastic than anything they could ever have imagined.
Join my mailing List Readers who join get advance copies of my ebooks before they're published: Also you will be notified of new releases, freebies, exclusive extras, and special promotions.
Visit my Website
Like me on Facebook. I love to chat with readers.
Follow me on Twitter.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 18, 2013
I found this to be a creative and unique story idea. After a slow start, this book really took off and was a fun and thrilling read. I expect that anyone who likes police or crime drama, scifi, thriller or mystery stories would find this book to be worthwhile reading.
May 27, 2012
I didn't know what to expect when I read a synopsis of Apocalypse Island by Mark Edward Hall. But the synopsis sounded intriguing and was well-written so I decided to give it a try.
I have to say I was not disappointed at all. The writing style is crisp and clear, the characters well developed and believable and the work is tightly plotted. It is also fast-paced and engaging right from the word go.
Hall is a defintely a talented, natural story teller and this quickly becomes abundantly clear in his concise writing style and ability to build tension, releasing information little by little until near the end when the pieces finally gell into an exciting and shocking ending.
There are a number of themes in the book; a kind of criticism and redemption of religion, the obvious and universal theme of a man trying to confront his demons (figuratively and literally), exorcise them and figure out his true identity; an analysis of how humankind might react in the face of a mysterious and superior intellect, possibly from another planet, and also a look at some of the destructive effects caused by government mind control experiments on unsuspecting human subjects. I'm sure I'm missing a theme or two.
The book is hard to categorize. Suffice it to say it is part psychogical thriller, part horror, part crime mystery thriller. Probably missing one here as well.
While Hall writes in the third person, he effectively manages to switch point of view from character to character without it coming across as confusing. And that's not an easy thing to do. I found his style interesting, unique and engaging.
It's also a great story and an entertaining read. Kudos to Hall.
I have to say I was not disappointed at all. The writing style is crisp and clear, the characters well developed and believable and the work is tightly plotted. It is also fast-paced and engaging right from the word go.
Hall is a defintely a talented, natural story teller and this quickly becomes abundantly clear in his concise writing style and ability to build tension, releasing information little by little until near the end when the pieces finally gell into an exciting and shocking ending.
There are a number of themes in the book; a kind of criticism and redemption of religion, the obvious and universal theme of a man trying to confront his demons (figuratively and literally), exorcise them and figure out his true identity; an analysis of how humankind might react in the face of a mysterious and superior intellect, possibly from another planet, and also a look at some of the destructive effects caused by government mind control experiments on unsuspecting human subjects. I'm sure I'm missing a theme or two.
The book is hard to categorize. Suffice it to say it is part psychogical thriller, part horror, part crime mystery thriller. Probably missing one here as well.
While Hall writes in the third person, he effectively manages to switch point of view from character to character without it coming across as confusing. And that's not an easy thing to do. I found his style interesting, unique and engaging.
It's also a great story and an entertaining read. Kudos to Hall.
August 9, 2012
Danny Wolf was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but offered early parole if he agreed to psychological counseling. The nightmares he experienced in prison intensified upon his release, making him question his own sanity. When he becomes the main suspect in a string of ritualistic murders in the area he also begins to doubt his innocence. As he and the authorities try to unravel the mystery, they become embroiled in a huge government conspiracy, where no one is innocent.
Twists and turns abound in this supernatural thriller. It will definitely hold your interest and keep you turning pages to find out how the heck it’s all going to resolve. Mr. Hall has done an excellent job developing the characters and setting scenes while building the tension. The story is well-crafted and the writing is crisp and very unique. Part thriller, part mystery, part horror, part supernatural, and totally riveting! Fabulous job, Mr. Hall.
Twists and turns abound in this supernatural thriller. It will definitely hold your interest and keep you turning pages to find out how the heck it’s all going to resolve. Mr. Hall has done an excellent job developing the characters and setting scenes while building the tension. The story is well-crafted and the writing is crisp and very unique. Part thriller, part mystery, part horror, part supernatural, and totally riveting! Fabulous job, Mr. Hall.
April 6, 2013
I started reading this blindly only buying it for the title and I was NOT disappointed. A great "supernatural" mystery. I really was stressed at the end to find out ALL of the players in the crazy deaths around town. Only complainant is it took till the end to really find out any info- I like a few teasers in the middle hahahahaha Highly recommend to true mystery lovers!!!
April 16, 2013
Decent plot. Ridiculous number of grammatical errors. The author's note mentioned his gratitude to his author wife for her having read the manuscript. If two published authors can produce a book which repeatedly confuses "site" with "cite," then these may well be the end times. Pay a professional proofreader if you're a lousy speller.
November 6, 2019
Like 1.5 ⭐️
If this wasn’t the first in a series, I could actually see myself trying to finish it - it’s not horrible. But I’m not interested in starting a long relationship with this MC. So I’m bailing.
If this wasn’t the first in a series, I could actually see myself trying to finish it - it’s not horrible. But I’m not interested in starting a long relationship with this MC. So I’m bailing.
April 12, 2013
Definitely a different genre of book than I normally read but it was a page turner. A story very loosely set in Portland, Maine which caught my attention...a story of government cover up involving the CIA..FBI..police force etc...young women who were in their Goth phase were being murdered and a cross carved into their chests...a young rock star had served 5 years for a previous killing he swore he didn't do and as soon as he was released the killings began again...throughout the story I was speculating as to whom the real killer was but never expected the true outcome...Definitely well worth the read!
April 11, 2013
Very good story. Quite a complicated plot with a bunch of threads, but the author pulled it off and brought everything together, yet still left a mysterious ending to keep the reader thinking. Great job. The cast of characters were all interesting, even though there were a lot of them. Kind of reminded me if another author from Maine... Good plot twists and the story held my interest. A mystery. SciFi. Paranormal. A love story. Well written and edited.
Good Read!
Good Read!
April 10, 2013
WOW!!!
If possible I would give it 10 stars!
Can't remember the last time I read a book like this that was a real page turner. I couldn't wait to read more.
The title completely misled me since I knew only tidbits about the book...but I was definitely rewarded with much more.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone :)
If possible I would give it 10 stars!
Can't remember the last time I read a book like this that was a real page turner. I couldn't wait to read more.
The title completely misled me since I knew only tidbits about the book...but I was definitely rewarded with much more.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone :)
October 5, 2018
First time reader of this author and now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative series. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
April 19, 2012
Apocalypse Island is an excellent read. Hall does a great job--he immediately pulls you in, but it's the riveting action and staccato chapters that propel the reader through the novel at breakneck speed. It will be interesting to see him attempt to surpass this effort with its follow-up.
September 5, 2020
It grabs you by the......
hands and keeps them turning the pages. Mark has a knack for creating immersive characters and storylines turning his books into page turners that you don't want to put down.
hands and keeps them turning the pages. Mark has a knack for creating immersive characters and storylines turning his books into page turners that you don't want to put down.
April 6, 2013
Great suspense thriller that had me hooked from beginning to end... I really enjoyed it!
April 12, 2013
Well written. I thought it was an entertaining story and would recommend it. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone so I will just say that it was worth the time I put into it. I was entertained.
January 20, 2013
Good read, good story line, but a little too long and drawn out.
November 18, 2016
Portland, Maine. Daniel “Danny” Wolf (gifted musician, alcoholic) was out on a wilderness trail when he came upon a ½ naked bludgeoned woman with a bloody carved cross on her torso.
It was Amy Salinger (groupie).
Was it only a dream?
Danny & Siri Donovan (Danny’s GF) were in a bar having a few drinks & he got into a confrontation with Shaun Talbot which the 2 of them thought didn’t amount to much.
Detective Frank Cavanaugh came to see Danny & informed him Shaun had been murdered.
Danny of course was convicted & sent to Warren State Prison (Maine).
CO Kaleigh Jarvis (f, Prison Guard) took a motherly approach to Danny boy.
Warden Sarkey, brought Dr. Hardwick (60+, psychiatrist) into Danny’s cell to talk to him about his dreams & anger issues.
After 5 yrs. the good Dr. got him released with certain stipulations of course.
On Sparrow St. he found an apartment.
He joined up with Bad Medicine a rock band.
Danny was seeing Dr. Hardwick on regular therapy sessions.
Danny’s horrible nightly dreams were not going away.
His apartment neighbors Mr. Tripp (elderly) & Mrs. Rosenberg (elderly) were complaining.
Persephone “Seph” Wilder (f, Portland Examiner newspaper reporter) had front page headlines read there was a ½ naked dead female found in Oak Hill Cemetery tied to a tombstone with a cross on it.
Officer Myers (Jewish, Portland PD), Lieutenant Rick Jennings (Portland PD), & Detective Cavanaugh (Portland PD) had arrived at the crime scene.
The deceased was Janet Owen (Amy’s BFF, groupie).
Lieutenant Jennings did question Danny (35).
Lieutenant Jennings (Laura’s Uncle) & Detective Laura Higgins (26, Jack’s daughter) were talking it seems on paper Siri Donovan never existed.
What else did they discuss in detail.
Chief James “Red” Robeson (60+, Portland PD) was looking at all the photos of the murdered victims.
Bad Medicine was playing at the Cavern Club.
Does Bishop Patrick Byrne (Portland Catholic Archdiocese) know something?
What happened to Detective Cavanaugh?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
It was Amy Salinger (groupie).
Was it only a dream?
Danny & Siri Donovan (Danny’s GF) were in a bar having a few drinks & he got into a confrontation with Shaun Talbot which the 2 of them thought didn’t amount to much.
Detective Frank Cavanaugh came to see Danny & informed him Shaun had been murdered.
Danny of course was convicted & sent to Warren State Prison (Maine).
CO Kaleigh Jarvis (f, Prison Guard) took a motherly approach to Danny boy.
Warden Sarkey, brought Dr. Hardwick (60+, psychiatrist) into Danny’s cell to talk to him about his dreams & anger issues.
After 5 yrs. the good Dr. got him released with certain stipulations of course.
On Sparrow St. he found an apartment.
He joined up with Bad Medicine a rock band.
Danny was seeing Dr. Hardwick on regular therapy sessions.
Danny’s horrible nightly dreams were not going away.
His apartment neighbors Mr. Tripp (elderly) & Mrs. Rosenberg (elderly) were complaining.
Persephone “Seph” Wilder (f, Portland Examiner newspaper reporter) had front page headlines read there was a ½ naked dead female found in Oak Hill Cemetery tied to a tombstone with a cross on it.
Officer Myers (Jewish, Portland PD), Lieutenant Rick Jennings (Portland PD), & Detective Cavanaugh (Portland PD) had arrived at the crime scene.
The deceased was Janet Owen (Amy’s BFF, groupie).
Lieutenant Jennings did question Danny (35).
Lieutenant Jennings (Laura’s Uncle) & Detective Laura Higgins (26, Jack’s daughter) were talking it seems on paper Siri Donovan never existed.
What else did they discuss in detail.
Chief James “Red” Robeson (60+, Portland PD) was looking at all the photos of the murdered victims.
Bad Medicine was playing at the Cavern Club.
Does Bishop Patrick Byrne (Portland Catholic Archdiocese) know something?
What happened to Detective Cavanaugh?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 24, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Apocalypse Island" by Mark Edward Hall! It started out slow and a bit confusing, but after several chapters, it was beginning to make more sense. Girls are being murdered and "marked" grotesquely after their death; a serial killer is running rampant through the city and dubbed, "The Cross your heart Killer".
In his sleep, Danny Wolf sees the bodies of these dead women carried to their final resting place; he doesn't see their faces and doesn't know their identity, but knows of the location because he'd witnessed all this through the eyes of the actual killer. A similar killing took place five years ago and Danny Wolf was convicted of that murder, spending five years in prison, while locked up, the murder is covered up. Danny gets an early conditional release from prison and placed under the direct care of the local psychiatrist, however, after just a few days, the murders start all over again. Now it turns out that Danny knew each of these dead girls and so becomes the primary suspect. Is he innocent or guilty?
One of the investigating detectives solicits the help of his dead partner's daughter - an undercover police officer from a different state, to get close to Danny and locate evidence to take him down. However, she falls in love with him and decides to help him instead. The story has ghosts, invisible forces, hairy giants, deformed children and "blue lights" - the government had conducted special brain tests on children during the 1980's in the facility on Apocalypse Island. Now they are trying to get rid of all the evidence and will do so at any cost. People high in the government hierarchy - those without names or faces - are calling the shots and have covered this up for years.
There are so many twists, that it takes almost three-quarters of the book before readers discover who is actually good and bad. I also found there to be many of the same fact-sharing discussions held throughout the book between different characters and seemed repetitious; those occasions bogging the story down; elimination could have resulted in a book with considerably less pages. Nevertheless, I highly endorse "Apocalypse Island" and recommend it to all. Well done Mr. Hall!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
In his sleep, Danny Wolf sees the bodies of these dead women carried to their final resting place; he doesn't see their faces and doesn't know their identity, but knows of the location because he'd witnessed all this through the eyes of the actual killer. A similar killing took place five years ago and Danny Wolf was convicted of that murder, spending five years in prison, while locked up, the murder is covered up. Danny gets an early conditional release from prison and placed under the direct care of the local psychiatrist, however, after just a few days, the murders start all over again. Now it turns out that Danny knew each of these dead girls and so becomes the primary suspect. Is he innocent or guilty?
One of the investigating detectives solicits the help of his dead partner's daughter - an undercover police officer from a different state, to get close to Danny and locate evidence to take him down. However, she falls in love with him and decides to help him instead. The story has ghosts, invisible forces, hairy giants, deformed children and "blue lights" - the government had conducted special brain tests on children during the 1980's in the facility on Apocalypse Island. Now they are trying to get rid of all the evidence and will do so at any cost. People high in the government hierarchy - those without names or faces - are calling the shots and have covered this up for years.
There are so many twists, that it takes almost three-quarters of the book before readers discover who is actually good and bad. I also found there to be many of the same fact-sharing discussions held throughout the book between different characters and seemed repetitious; those occasions bogging the story down; elimination could have resulted in a book with considerably less pages. Nevertheless, I highly endorse "Apocalypse Island" and recommend it to all. Well done Mr. Hall!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
January 26, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another winner from Mark Edward Hall,
March 14, 2012, Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Apocalypse Island: A Blue Light Thriller (Book 1) (Blue Light Series) (Kindle Edition)
Mark Edward Hall's 'Apocalypse Island' is an interesting read. I have read a few of his other works ('The Holocaust Opera' and his collection of short fiction 'Servants of Darkness') and each was different in their own right. The consistent thread in Mr Hall's writing is found in the quality of his prose and in the scope of his vision.
Other reviews have indicated what to expect regarding the plot outline so I will leave that well alone. What I will say is that I found this book a challenge to read and different from the other two books of his that I have read, and for that I'm thankful. Hall's writing is challenging and stands out from the the usual vampire/zombie fare that litters the Horror/Supernatural fiction genre currently. Apocalypse Island is more Psychological Thriller than horror (in my view) but challenges the reader's notions of what a Horror/Thriller novel should be.
I am coming to accept that when I read one of Hall's works, I'm not going to finish the book with the same preconceptions I had, before I began. At times, Apocalypse Island reminded me of Robert McCammon's early work ('Baal' in particular), but ultimately, Hall's voice is his own. I guess the thing I really like about Apocalypse Island and his other books is that I had to do some work to get where I was going but once there, the fiction became reality - even with the mix of the supernatural and speculative, blended with a health dose of horror. An investment was required, but the yield was well worth it - Apocalypse Island is a believable story, worded by a master craftsman. Read it, you won't be disappointed.
Another winner from Mark Edward Hall,
March 14, 2012, Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Apocalypse Island: A Blue Light Thriller (Book 1) (Blue Light Series) (Kindle Edition)
Mark Edward Hall's 'Apocalypse Island' is an interesting read. I have read a few of his other works ('The Holocaust Opera' and his collection of short fiction 'Servants of Darkness') and each was different in their own right. The consistent thread in Mr Hall's writing is found in the quality of his prose and in the scope of his vision.
Other reviews have indicated what to expect regarding the plot outline so I will leave that well alone. What I will say is that I found this book a challenge to read and different from the other two books of his that I have read, and for that I'm thankful. Hall's writing is challenging and stands out from the the usual vampire/zombie fare that litters the Horror/Supernatural fiction genre currently. Apocalypse Island is more Psychological Thriller than horror (in my view) but challenges the reader's notions of what a Horror/Thriller novel should be.
I am coming to accept that when I read one of Hall's works, I'm not going to finish the book with the same preconceptions I had, before I began. At times, Apocalypse Island reminded me of Robert McCammon's early work ('Baal' in particular), but ultimately, Hall's voice is his own. I guess the thing I really like about Apocalypse Island and his other books is that I had to do some work to get where I was going but once there, the fiction became reality - even with the mix of the supernatural and speculative, blended with a health dose of horror. An investment was required, but the yield was well worth it - Apocalypse Island is a believable story, worded by a master craftsman. Read it, you won't be disappointed.
August 26, 2013
I purchased the kindle version of this book for the kindle app on my android, and I have not been able to put down my phone since I started it. It is indeed a compelling page turner, a psychological thriller/mystery of sorts with a touch of the paranormal. I enjoyed this book immensely. It was full of mystery and suspense. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a rather long book, but worth the read for anyone who likes this genre. Some reviewers said they didn't like the gore factor, but I didn't think there was that much of it. Yes, the first couple of chapters have that and read sort of like a horror movie, but the rest of the book was not so much blood/gore and I didn't mind it. My only complaint is that there were a few typos - but that is always the case with a first edition and it did not detract from the story at all.
August 12, 2019
I just read the title of this and was totally expecting to listen to a post-apocalyptic story. lol And it was totally not even close. It's actually a serial killer, mystery-thriller story. That's what I get for not reading the preview. lol Once I adjusted my expectations and got into the story, I actually enjoyed it. It was a really good mystery with quite a few twists and turns. I was hoping the next book continued with the same characters though but it appears that the second book is based on two totally new characters with only the detective from this book making it appearance. Because of that, I haven't decided whether I'll continue the series or not. It may be surprise me though, as this one did...
Also, the audio narration was excellent! If you're looking for an audiobook to listen to, this is a really good performance.
Also, the audio narration was excellent! If you're looking for an audiobook to listen to, this is a really good performance.
August 8, 2013
I am very mixed on how I want to review this book. On one hand, I really liked it. OTOH, I would not recommend it to anyone I know. The first half was really good and it was hard to put down. I picked it up while vacationing in ME, but it could have been really in any setting and it wouldn't have mattered. The second half of the book got really "meh" for me and I could have cared less except I really wanted to know what happened. The dialogue was weird at times and I don't really appreciate some of the terms used by Wolf in his conversations with Laura. I am not a prude and would not be like some reviewers who can only say that about a book, but it's not okay to call someone those things. Overall, if you like a mystery with fantasy qualities, you will like it.
March 17, 2017
This book is all over the place both in plot and writing. So many bad cliches and badly executed.
It's clearly a 'hidden' preachy god book where none of the characters are religious yet find it questioned and see / feel things, lots about demons and blasphemy.
Things that would've been obvious to a teenager and is to every reader is a hidden mystery for the characters. Then they are all struck by the clarity. Everyone is magnificent and beautiful but then suddenly being a deceiving monster.
The writing, oh dear. Stuff Iike "and he knew he shared his body with another person" and "on some deeper instinctive level that vast biological changes happens in an organism that senses danger" and experienced police officers constantly shocked and surprised.
It's clearly a 'hidden' preachy god book where none of the characters are religious yet find it questioned and see / feel things, lots about demons and blasphemy.
Things that would've been obvious to a teenager and is to every reader is a hidden mystery for the characters. Then they are all struck by the clarity. Everyone is magnificent and beautiful but then suddenly being a deceiving monster.
The writing, oh dear. Stuff Iike "and he knew he shared his body with another person" and "on some deeper instinctive level that vast biological changes happens in an organism that senses danger" and experienced police officers constantly shocked and surprised.
August 24, 2013
I can't begin to summarize this plot effectively. One of the only suspense thrillers I've read, and wow. Just wow. What a great job. So much is going on, there is really nowhere to start and nowhere to finish to begin to describe this book. Husband writer, wife editor. Mystery, suspense, supernatural and everything else in between. I want my own personal blue light in the earth after this one! Took me a good while to read but loved every second of it. Great story, plot and everything else. I wasn't planning on ever reading a story like this but my wife recommended it. I am grateful, because just wow. Great job! Explosive ending!
January 10, 2018
This book seemed to be an author fighting to decide on the genre he wanted to write, at first it seems like a crime thriller and then towards the end you have to suspend your disbelief as things start to get very weird and supernatural. I think the dramatic change between the two styles in the book made it hard to get into and made it less believable. It's not a particularly well written story and I found the chapter breaks to be extremely weird - sometimes changing chapter mid-conversation for no real reason.
This is apparently a trilogy but it's a fairly self-contained story in it's own right and I don't think I'll be picking up the second.
This is apparently a trilogy but it's a fairly self-contained story in it's own right and I don't think I'll be picking up the second.
April 29, 2019
3-3.5 stars.
It was okay, but this felt somewhat overrated. Indeed it kept you engaged from a thrilling aspect, but I’d consider the writing to be flat.
Although, there were a lot of twists and turns. As a result, it meant too much was going on. There were so many characters introduced that I actually didn’t remember who the killer was when his or her identity was revealed. Then it sunk in. The potential impact it could have made was delayed.
I also didn’t connect with any of the characters (especially the women), which is essentially why I don’t plan on reading the sequel to this series.
It was okay, but this felt somewhat overrated. Indeed it kept you engaged from a thrilling aspect, but I’d consider the writing to be flat.
Although, there were a lot of twists and turns. As a result, it meant too much was going on. There were so many characters introduced that I actually didn’t remember who the killer was when his or her identity was revealed. Then it sunk in. The potential impact it could have made was delayed.
I also didn’t connect with any of the characters (especially the women), which is essentially why I don’t plan on reading the sequel to this series.
December 31, 2013
I got this book free for my kindle. Here we have a man released from jail for a crime he claims he didn't commit, yet he seems to also be losing his mind. There's an investigation, and murders, and cover up... It's sort of a mystery horror thriller book, and fast-paced, so that once I got into it, i had to keep reading. I finished most of it in a day (since I started at new year's and had no time to read). The ending was a bit ambiguous but i doubt there would be a sequel. Check this out if you want a supernatural book that's not your usual zombie vampire.
October 26, 2014
Wow. This was an amazing book! A paranormal mystery. First time I've read a book of this genre and I really enjoyed it. It kept me guessing right to the final reveal.
Danny Wolf is an ex - con, realesed from prison with certain conditions. However, just after being released similar murders are happening again. The police think Danny is to blame, even Danny's not entirely sure if he's innocent. He has dreams of the dead women, he knows them. This is only the tip of the iceberg as we unravel the strings of the psychological mystery.
Danny Wolf is an ex - con, realesed from prison with certain conditions. However, just after being released similar murders are happening again. The police think Danny is to blame, even Danny's not entirely sure if he's innocent. He has dreams of the dead women, he knows them. This is only the tip of the iceberg as we unravel the strings of the psychological mystery.
July 6, 2017
Outstanding novel
This was an absolute treat to read. Great characters, a very good story, extremely well developed and conceived, this is a book to be enjoyed.
The author took time to very skilfully craft what has to be on of the better mystery/thriller novels of recent times. Furthermore, great care was taken in editing so that there is nothing to distract the reader from enjoying this book.
A recommendation without reservations, a must read. And make sure you have time enough, it is a page turner and you will not want to put it down once you start it.
This was an absolute treat to read. Great characters, a very good story, extremely well developed and conceived, this is a book to be enjoyed.
The author took time to very skilfully craft what has to be on of the better mystery/thriller novels of recent times. Furthermore, great care was taken in editing so that there is nothing to distract the reader from enjoying this book.
A recommendation without reservations, a must read. And make sure you have time enough, it is a page turner and you will not want to put it down once you start it.
August 16, 2013
I almost stopped reading this, it looked like it was shaping up to be a religious novel. Not thtat there is anything wrong with that, except they way overdue the religious aspect in most of those I have read.
Well I read on and it turned out that there was a pretty good plot, and the writing seemed to get better, (not repeating phrases like it did so much at first.
Anyway it is probably a 3.5, but I will round up as I feel guilty for miss judging it ...
Well I read on and it turned out that there was a pretty good plot, and the writing seemed to get better, (not repeating phrases like it did so much at first.
Anyway it is probably a 3.5, but I will round up as I feel guilty for miss judging it ...
September 29, 2013
Absolutely loved this book! It was a bit different that my usual fare, but I will definitely be reading more from this author.
It was very well written, and once began, it was almost impossible to put it down. The story moved fast, and the main character was someone you get to like very quickly, and are left wishing you could have known him yourself, for real. A good strong mystery, with a touch of Sci-Fi, and a good bit of violence, but a little of a romance going on at the same time.
It was very well written, and once began, it was almost impossible to put it down. The story moved fast, and the main character was someone you get to like very quickly, and are left wishing you could have known him yourself, for real. A good strong mystery, with a touch of Sci-Fi, and a good bit of violence, but a little of a romance going on at the same time.
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