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Desolace #1
Desolace
A serial killer is loose in Misty Hollows, Ohio and Katie Johnson is sure that her friend Julie has been abducted by this madman. As she searches for her friend, Katie finds an unexpected ally in the ghost of one of the killers victims and soon finds herself transported to a completely foreign time and place. She only hopes that she can find Julie before it's too late.
- GenresHorrorFantasyParanormal
265 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2012
6 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Lucian Barnes
14 books135 followersI spent most of my youth in rural Ohio and began writing stories at an early age. Many of these early attempts at story-telling were inspired by mysteries, such as those found in the old Hardy Boys books and the cartoon antics of Scooby Doo. As I entered my teenage years I began to drift away from writing stories, instead picking up my pencil to compose lyrics for heavy metal songs because my new dream was to become a musician. That vision remained hopeful for many years after my high school graduation, but like most dreams of this nature it died out as I became older.
After working several menial jobs through the years that followed, my thoughts again began to turn toward writing books. Inspired by my favorite author, Stephen King, I took an online creative writing course and slowly began to develop my skills. In late 2010 I was given a violent shove, both by the job market (which was horrible to say the least, and still is) and by the persistent encouragement of close friends, to pick up my pen and begin writing again.
In early 2012, I gave birth (that's almost what it felt like) to my very first published book, Desolace. Finally having a completed novel in my hand was the best feeling in the world for me, giving me a sense of accomplishment I had waited a lifetime for. Since then it has gotten easier for me with each book I have published. Since the initial release of Desolace, I have published twelve more novels as well as an omnibus edition ebook of the entire Desolace series. Currently, The Art of Living is in the development stage.
After working several menial jobs through the years that followed, my thoughts again began to turn toward writing books. Inspired by my favorite author, Stephen King, I took an online creative writing course and slowly began to develop my skills. In late 2010 I was given a violent shove, both by the job market (which was horrible to say the least, and still is) and by the persistent encouragement of close friends, to pick up my pen and begin writing again.
In early 2012, I gave birth (that's almost what it felt like) to my very first published book, Desolace. Finally having a completed novel in my hand was the best feeling in the world for me, giving me a sense of accomplishment I had waited a lifetime for. Since then it has gotten easier for me with each book I have published. Since the initial release of Desolace, I have published twelve more novels as well as an omnibus edition ebook of the entire Desolace series. Currently, The Art of Living is in the development stage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 27, 2012
Desolace by Lucian Barnes
I received this book from the author in turn for an honest review ~ WaAr
I was hooked from page one. The book started out strong and intriguing although I picked up a problem with the fact that the second victim relaxed under the touch of the serial killer, that seemed impossible and I was wondering if that part of the story will not offend sensitive readers. But the progress from that point onwards convinced me that the story itself is strong enough to carry the reader past some minor misgivings.
Soon after however the book turns away from the original story line much as if the author felt that he wanted to write a different story in a different genre but liked his characters well enough and did not want to start over. This confused me and I found it troubling. The direction the story takes from then on is not a strong story line, or it actually might be, I was prejudiced and could not get a take on the story at that stage any longer. I actually loved the first 35% of the book, and I think the author could have done a massive success had he carried on with that part and wrote the story as a murder mystery with elements of the paranormal. If he started a second book with the rest of the story line I would have most probably enjoyed that as well. But the combination did not work well for me.
I can't emphasize enough how great the beginning was, and how much hope I had for the story. I don’t like writing negative reviews but I feel that this author has major potential and that he might need to hear what readers think in order to live up to that potential.
I received this book from the author in turn for an honest review ~ WaAr
I was hooked from page one. The book started out strong and intriguing although I picked up a problem with the fact that the second victim relaxed under the touch of the serial killer, that seemed impossible and I was wondering if that part of the story will not offend sensitive readers. But the progress from that point onwards convinced me that the story itself is strong enough to carry the reader past some minor misgivings.
Soon after however the book turns away from the original story line much as if the author felt that he wanted to write a different story in a different genre but liked his characters well enough and did not want to start over. This confused me and I found it troubling. The direction the story takes from then on is not a strong story line, or it actually might be, I was prejudiced and could not get a take on the story at that stage any longer. I actually loved the first 35% of the book, and I think the author could have done a massive success had he carried on with that part and wrote the story as a murder mystery with elements of the paranormal. If he started a second book with the rest of the story line I would have most probably enjoyed that as well. But the combination did not work well for me.
I can't emphasize enough how great the beginning was, and how much hope I had for the story. I don’t like writing negative reviews but I feel that this author has major potential and that he might need to hear what readers think in order to live up to that potential.
August 12, 2016
This book starts out dark with adult material but transitions to more YA with the introduction of 2 teenage girls playing with a Ouija board that brings about the ghost spirit tied to the "dark beginning" That said, the story is good and captured me from the get go.
Katie's quick acceptance seems about right as she logically tries to rationalize the strange happenings that start up after messing with the Ouija board. However, I found Mike's acceptance much too quick.
With a cliff hanger for the ending...well, let me just say, "I'm glad I already own book 2, Haven and am now on page 7." I can't wait to finish this book and move on to book 3, Outpost 13.
Katie's quick acceptance seems about right as she logically tries to rationalize the strange happenings that start up after messing with the Ouija board. However, I found Mike's acceptance much too quick.
With a cliff hanger for the ending...well, let me just say, "I'm glad I already own book 2, Haven and am now on page 7." I can't wait to finish this book and move on to book 3, Outpost 13.
September 26, 2012
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
This was an interesting but at times confusing book to read. The story unfolds as a horror story with a serial killer aka the "Head Hunter" who kidnaps his victims, plays with them sexually then brutally kills and dismembers them in his secret lair. We also meet two small town teenaged girls who unexpectedly meet a ghost of one of the victims while playing with a Ouija board. Following the ghost one night has them crossing paths with the killer and their lives will be changed forever.
I think if the Author had stayed with this genre and story line the book would have been quite good and I could see it even as a movie reminiscent and unnerving as Silence of the Lambs. But at this point the Author does a complete paranormal twist and brings in a ghostly voice that speaks to the killer in his mind and portal jumping into another parallel universe filled with killer robots, kidnapping, and two moons. It is almost as if two different stories are unfolding and I am not quite sure how the Author will bring it together as the story abruptly ends.
I am unsure if this is supposed to be a Fantasy YA book or an Adult book but some of the chapters involving the brutality of the "playing" with the victims are very Adult and not something I would recommend for the younger YA readers. The first chapter is really quite disturbing. But then the story lightens up quite a bit as Julie and Katie are brought into it and the book almost becomes a very young reader level compared to the adult beginning. This is where I found the book confusing - the flip flopping from adult situations/level to very immature teenage level. I did like the story and would like to see where the Author goes with it in Book 2 as the end of the book really starts to take off in the parallel universe.
This was an interesting but at times confusing book to read. The story unfolds as a horror story with a serial killer aka the "Head Hunter" who kidnaps his victims, plays with them sexually then brutally kills and dismembers them in his secret lair. We also meet two small town teenaged girls who unexpectedly meet a ghost of one of the victims while playing with a Ouija board. Following the ghost one night has them crossing paths with the killer and their lives will be changed forever.
I think if the Author had stayed with this genre and story line the book would have been quite good and I could see it even as a movie reminiscent and unnerving as Silence of the Lambs. But at this point the Author does a complete paranormal twist and brings in a ghostly voice that speaks to the killer in his mind and portal jumping into another parallel universe filled with killer robots, kidnapping, and two moons. It is almost as if two different stories are unfolding and I am not quite sure how the Author will bring it together as the story abruptly ends.
I am unsure if this is supposed to be a Fantasy YA book or an Adult book but some of the chapters involving the brutality of the "playing" with the victims are very Adult and not something I would recommend for the younger YA readers. The first chapter is really quite disturbing. But then the story lightens up quite a bit as Julie and Katie are brought into it and the book almost becomes a very young reader level compared to the adult beginning. This is where I found the book confusing - the flip flopping from adult situations/level to very immature teenage level. I did like the story and would like to see where the Author goes with it in Book 2 as the end of the book really starts to take off in the parallel universe.
October 23, 2012
I really want to read more about George. Loved his story.
If this book could be ripped in half and made into two separate books I would be raving about the greatness of two books. The story lines are there, the writing is good. It just felt forced, like the author wanted to make these to stories fit together and it didn't work.
The first half is a great dark story about a serial killer. He plays with the police. He even has a menacing dog. The writing sets the scenes well and you feel the girls fear, but I wanted more. Even if you keep the girls in the story line and involve the ghost of the tortured victims it has great potential to be a book that stands on it own.
When we transition to Desolace, the other dimension world that would make a great book two, I got very confused. Where the serial killer George was confident and sneaky in our world, he is a puppet to a greater evil. He looses all of his confidence and seems to be a weak character. The dark descriptive writing is still really great in this part of the books also.
This greater evil has George do his bidding, kidnapping victims to work in his factories. George lost his motivation for his killing women to begin with. Just as we get into the great depths of the journey and gathering the evil conquering group... the book ends.
This book wasn't for me, but I will be watching this author. I think he will grow into a very strong King of Horror writer.
WaAr
If this book could be ripped in half and made into two separate books I would be raving about the greatness of two books. The story lines are there, the writing is good. It just felt forced, like the author wanted to make these to stories fit together and it didn't work.
The first half is a great dark story about a serial killer. He plays with the police. He even has a menacing dog. The writing sets the scenes well and you feel the girls fear, but I wanted more. Even if you keep the girls in the story line and involve the ghost of the tortured victims it has great potential to be a book that stands on it own.
When we transition to Desolace, the other dimension world that would make a great book two, I got very confused. Where the serial killer George was confident and sneaky in our world, he is a puppet to a greater evil. He looses all of his confidence and seems to be a weak character. The dark descriptive writing is still really great in this part of the books also.
This greater evil has George do his bidding, kidnapping victims to work in his factories. George lost his motivation for his killing women to begin with. Just as we get into the great depths of the journey and gathering the evil conquering group... the book ends.
This book wasn't for me, but I will be watching this author. I think he will grow into a very strong King of Horror writer.
WaAr
July 27, 2013
Desolace by Lucian Barnes is a very inventive and darkly intriguing story. It has everything from a psychotic super villain, to an enchanting spirit guide, to realm-shifting. George is a very disturbed individual who is kidnapping girls and keeping them as his 'playthings' until he is finished playing. He hears a voice inside his head, telling him to collect more. He finds himself transported into a different realm, which is a cross between a medieval world tossed together with futuristic elements. In a desperate attempt to find her missing friend, Katie is led by a spirit to the same world where she meets Edward.
I won't give away any spoilers, but it a fantastic thrill ride that anyone would love to take! I can't wait to read book 2!!!
I won't give away any spoilers, but it a fantastic thrill ride that anyone would love to take! I can't wait to read book 2!!!
December 9, 2012
Desolace captured my attention from the very beginning. Very talented young new author. I think the the author described the story well, I developed a sense of what the characters look like very early on. The story flowed very nicely and was upbeat and gave me a sense of wanting to continue reading. Very good imagnination, look forward to finishing the 2nd book in the series "HAVEN"......Keep up the awesome writing and I will definitely continue reading!
February 13, 2014
A murder mystery, or paranormal adventure ?
This was a gripping read that possessed a writing style reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs, but with an enthralling twist by blending in ghosts. Far from campy, and delightfully nail-biting. The ending left me wanting more.
Yet another writer to add to my favorites list. I'm going to have to reincarnate to read them all.
Thanks for creeping me out, Lucian Barns. Fantastic book !
This was a gripping read that possessed a writing style reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs, but with an enthralling twist by blending in ghosts. Far from campy, and delightfully nail-biting. The ending left me wanting more.
Yet another writer to add to my favorites list. I'm going to have to reincarnate to read them all.
Thanks for creeping me out, Lucian Barns. Fantastic book !
December 19, 2012
LOVED this book. Captivating and has you hooked. Paranormal, but amazing with attention to details, but not too many that you want to stop reading. You follow a young woman into a different world while looking for her friend who had been kidnapped by a serial killer. Cannot wait to start the next books <3
September 20, 2012
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
I was gripped from the very start with this book, the author has written it in such a way that you are instantly drawn into the story.
Katie's travels so far have left me wanting to read the next book as soon as possible!!!!
I was gripped from the very start with this book, the author has written it in such a way that you are instantly drawn into the story.
Katie's travels so far have left me wanting to read the next book as soon as possible!!!!
January 17, 2014
This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but I ended up really enjoying it.
I'll be reading the next book in this series.
I'll be reading the next book in this series.
November 5, 2013
Well, I have to say that this book was nothing like I expected it to be. The first half was pretty typical murder/mystery with two teen girls at the forefront of it all. The third perspective came in the form of George- a serial killer with a penchant for extreme violence against his victims…all women. I admit, the scenes with George and his victims are very graphic and a bit more descriptive than I’d like. It was sickening actually and it took me a while to read this book because it put me off a bit, but I wanted to see where the story was headed.
The chapters with the girls Katie and Julie were very entertaining, though. I enjoyed following them about their lives as they did normal girl things. It was pretty interesting when Katie discovered she could see one of George’s victims in the form of a ghost. Totally came out of nowhere but I was intrigued by this and really wanted to know what this ghost wanted from her.
When her friend Julie disappears from her bedroom one night, everything turns into pure chaos. This is where the book turns into a completely different genre, storyline and heck, a different book altogether. I would’ve been happy with just the murder mystery plot, though, so I was pretty thrown a curve ball. What you get in the second half of the book is something out of a dark, sci-fi, fairy tale. I liked the new characters introduced, they seemed interesting and I wanted to know more about the warriors that were being chosen for this mission to stop the darkness filling this new parallel world. Katie is thrown into this whole other dimension to try to save her friend. I was glad she was a tough chick because man, her entire world is turned literally upside down. I was sad to not see much from Julie’s perspective though and would’ve liked to see more of what she was going through.
Overall, it’s a hard one to review for me because I’m not really sure about the storyline. It kept my interest throughout it though and the last half was stellar, but if the beginning had started off more in that fairytale world, it might’ve been a more cohesive book. I’ll have to read book 2 because it does abruptly stop at the end of book one without any resolution to the plotlines, which can be common in series books. I’ll be reading it though because the story has gotten very intriguing.
A definite warning to those who do not like extreme violence with graphic details.
The chapters with the girls Katie and Julie were very entertaining, though. I enjoyed following them about their lives as they did normal girl things. It was pretty interesting when Katie discovered she could see one of George’s victims in the form of a ghost. Totally came out of nowhere but I was intrigued by this and really wanted to know what this ghost wanted from her.
When her friend Julie disappears from her bedroom one night, everything turns into pure chaos. This is where the book turns into a completely different genre, storyline and heck, a different book altogether. I would’ve been happy with just the murder mystery plot, though, so I was pretty thrown a curve ball. What you get in the second half of the book is something out of a dark, sci-fi, fairy tale. I liked the new characters introduced, they seemed interesting and I wanted to know more about the warriors that were being chosen for this mission to stop the darkness filling this new parallel world. Katie is thrown into this whole other dimension to try to save her friend. I was glad she was a tough chick because man, her entire world is turned literally upside down. I was sad to not see much from Julie’s perspective though and would’ve liked to see more of what she was going through.
Overall, it’s a hard one to review for me because I’m not really sure about the storyline. It kept my interest throughout it though and the last half was stellar, but if the beginning had started off more in that fairytale world, it might’ve been a more cohesive book. I’ll have to read book 2 because it does abruptly stop at the end of book one without any resolution to the plotlines, which can be common in series books. I’ll be reading it though because the story has gotten very intriguing.
A definite warning to those who do not like extreme violence with graphic details.
November 19, 2012
I received this book from the author to give an honest review.
This review is for the ebook version. And may contain spoilers with my questions.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars only because I found myself asking a couple of questions about some parts, and the storyline just did not seem to fit for me.
The first part of the book had me from the get-go I literally cringed with the details of torture that the young women went through.
Desolace starts off as a mystery. where there is a serial killer loose in Ohio and the police do not know who he is. The serial killer named George kidnaps, tortures and eventually kills the young women. One night two young girls Kate and Julie play with a quija board and that is when they conjure one of the victims. With the ghost's help the girls find out who the killer is, and in the process he founds out about one of them. When Julie is taken, Katie hopes to find her before it is too late. George and Katie both lerarn about an alternate dimension, called Desolace, and are working for opposite sides. One being good, other being evil. Katie is on a quest to fight the darkness and had to find others on Earth to help her. While George is helping the darkness and has to being slaves to a factory. Who will succeed in their quest?
The parts that got me questioning are as followed:
Katie's mom seems very very troubled with the information about the killings. She is very worried about Katie which is understandable. She passes out about the news she hears on the T.V. Why? Is it because it is close to home? Does she know the victim? I found that trouble since there was no explantion.
Katie enters in another realm and seems to be gone for hours and her mom doesn't notice? Weird.
I felt as though the author was trying to combine two different genres one being a murder mystery and another being fantasy. Two different storylines trying to come together too quickly was hard for me to believe. Maybe if he slowly but not too slowly introduced Desolace into the first storyline it could have worked.
Where the books ends, definitely makes me want to read book 2. Desolace is for a more mature audience in my opinion.
This review is for the ebook version. And may contain spoilers with my questions.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars only because I found myself asking a couple of questions about some parts, and the storyline just did not seem to fit for me.
The first part of the book had me from the get-go I literally cringed with the details of torture that the young women went through.
Desolace starts off as a mystery. where there is a serial killer loose in Ohio and the police do not know who he is. The serial killer named George kidnaps, tortures and eventually kills the young women. One night two young girls Kate and Julie play with a quija board and that is when they conjure one of the victims. With the ghost's help the girls find out who the killer is, and in the process he founds out about one of them. When Julie is taken, Katie hopes to find her before it is too late. George and Katie both lerarn about an alternate dimension, called Desolace, and are working for opposite sides. One being good, other being evil. Katie is on a quest to fight the darkness and had to find others on Earth to help her. While George is helping the darkness and has to being slaves to a factory. Who will succeed in their quest?
The parts that got me questioning are as followed:
Katie's mom seems very very troubled with the information about the killings. She is very worried about Katie which is understandable. She passes out about the news she hears on the T.V. Why? Is it because it is close to home? Does she know the victim? I found that trouble since there was no explantion.
Katie enters in another realm and seems to be gone for hours and her mom doesn't notice? Weird.
I felt as though the author was trying to combine two different genres one being a murder mystery and another being fantasy. Two different storylines trying to come together too quickly was hard for me to believe. Maybe if he slowly but not too slowly introduced Desolace into the first storyline it could have worked.
Where the books ends, definitely makes me want to read book 2. Desolace is for a more mature audience in my opinion.
September 15, 2013
4 out of 5 screams and goosebumps.
Description: A serial killer is loose in Misty Hollows, Ohio and Katie Johnson is sure that her friend Julie has been abducted by this madman. As she searches for her friend, Katie finds an unexpected ally in the ghost of one of the killers victims and soon finds herself transported to a completely foreign time and place. She only hopes that she can find Julie before it's too late.
*Please note that this book contains adult material that may not be suitable for younger readers.*
First off, be prepared for that first chapter. WOW! It’s a doozy.
I do feel like this book does need at least a copy edit. There were things even within the first chapter that could have easily been caught by an editor/another read through by a fresh pair of eyes. Also, some of the sentence flow was off at times.
Secondly, WOW. This book is definitely a thriller, chaser, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and definitely what I’d call a horror story. There are times where you just go “No…did I just read that right? Did he actually just ‘say’ that?!?!” for some of the ‘horror’ scenes and situations.
I do not want to spoil anything, especially not the twists and turns this book takes. When you pick up this book, you are in for it!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would recommend it, but only to those that would be into this kind of book.
Do I want to read the second one? Of course.
*Warning*: This is a graphic book, understand that. If you are uncomfortable with certain situations, this book may not be for you. If you are squeamish, this book may not be for you.
Great thing is that this book is currently FREE!!!!!!!
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Desolace-ebook/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/desol...
Description: A serial killer is loose in Misty Hollows, Ohio and Katie Johnson is sure that her friend Julie has been abducted by this madman. As she searches for her friend, Katie finds an unexpected ally in the ghost of one of the killers victims and soon finds herself transported to a completely foreign time and place. She only hopes that she can find Julie before it's too late.
*Please note that this book contains adult material that may not be suitable for younger readers.*
First off, be prepared for that first chapter. WOW! It’s a doozy.
I do feel like this book does need at least a copy edit. There were things even within the first chapter that could have easily been caught by an editor/another read through by a fresh pair of eyes. Also, some of the sentence flow was off at times.
Secondly, WOW. This book is definitely a thriller, chaser, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and definitely what I’d call a horror story. There are times where you just go “No…did I just read that right? Did he actually just ‘say’ that?!?!” for some of the ‘horror’ scenes and situations.
I do not want to spoil anything, especially not the twists and turns this book takes. When you pick up this book, you are in for it!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would recommend it, but only to those that would be into this kind of book.
Do I want to read the second one? Of course.
*Warning*: This is a graphic book, understand that. If you are uncomfortable with certain situations, this book may not be for you. If you are squeamish, this book may not be for you.
Great thing is that this book is currently FREE!!!!!!!
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Desolace-ebook/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/desol...
September 27, 2012
I was given this book in return for an honest review. This book starts out as a mystery. A serial killer named George who viciously tortures and murders young women. Then pops in 2 teenage girls Katie and Julie. They decide to play with a Ouija Board for fun and get more than they bargained for. After a visit from the spirit they conjured, Amber who is one of George's victims, they find out who the killer is. Unfortunately he finds out about one of them as well. Julie is taken. Amber and George will both be called into an alternate dimension called Desolace, working for opposite sides, good vs. evil. Katie must go on a quest to find a magic man, a healer, a warrior, a religious person and a hunter to help battle the evil. George is to kidnap as many people as possible to work in the evil Black Night's factory. They will pop in and out of dimensions to finish there quests, who will finish first? Ok, I love the fact that I thought I was reading a mystery and then the alternate dimension and ghosts popped into play. This is a very original idea and although a few spots in the book were kind of slow, it is a great story. The author definately didn't finish, he left me wondering what was going to happen. So I know there will be more books. I don't think this is a book for youngsters though, that's just my opinion. Check it out. WaAr
March 7, 2014
This series Must be read in order! This is the first book and it is not for the faint of heart or the squeamish.
You really have to pay attention with this book as there is a lot going on. I would suggest reading it in complete quiet :) It starts out in our world but quickly another intrudes. There are so many different genres involved it would be impossible to pick one. Horror and suspense... mystery and fantasy... action, adventure, and thrills that are more and more chilling.. all in all it is a masterful blend of all of these and probably more :D
This story is told from many points of view and that's what makes the story flow so well :D I did not know what to expect when I started reading it but I was quickly hooked. The protagonists are two teen girls who find themselves drawn into a quickly escalating situation when a local man becomes a serial killer. They are led by a ghost into a sticky situation that ends with unimaginable consequences. The complexity of the storyline made this a very compelling read. I am afraid to say more because I do not want to ruin the story :D I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
** this book is for adults only due to graphic violence leading to graphic murders
You really have to pay attention with this book as there is a lot going on. I would suggest reading it in complete quiet :) It starts out in our world but quickly another intrudes. There are so many different genres involved it would be impossible to pick one. Horror and suspense... mystery and fantasy... action, adventure, and thrills that are more and more chilling.. all in all it is a masterful blend of all of these and probably more :D
This story is told from many points of view and that's what makes the story flow so well :D I did not know what to expect when I started reading it but I was quickly hooked. The protagonists are two teen girls who find themselves drawn into a quickly escalating situation when a local man becomes a serial killer. They are led by a ghost into a sticky situation that ends with unimaginable consequences. The complexity of the storyline made this a very compelling read. I am afraid to say more because I do not want to ruin the story :D I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
** this book is for adults only due to graphic violence leading to graphic murders
June 4, 2015
Katie is frightened. There is a madman kidnapping and killing young women in her town. He leaves the headless corpses displayed for the police to find and he's working fast. Then Katie's friend Julie disappears and she's determined to find her. He journey takes her to someplace she never knew existed with more horrors to evade. She finds help from a very unexpected group of people, but can they find Julie before the unthinkable happens?
This book was different from what I expected. For the first half of the book it seemed to be a normal contemporary story about a serial killer. Then it got weird, but not in a bad way. The author threw in ghosts and parallel universes, a wizard and strange metal killing machines. Katie ended up in a strange land that seemed mid evil and at the same time some parts were futuristic. She befriended a ghost, and a wizard and her journey began.
I honestly wasn't expecting the twists the author threw in, but I really enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series. I would definitely recommend this book if you like paranormal, horror or even sci-fi. Fantastic read!
This book was different from what I expected. For the first half of the book it seemed to be a normal contemporary story about a serial killer. Then it got weird, but not in a bad way. The author threw in ghosts and parallel universes, a wizard and strange metal killing machines. Katie ended up in a strange land that seemed mid evil and at the same time some parts were futuristic. She befriended a ghost, and a wizard and her journey began.
I honestly wasn't expecting the twists the author threw in, but I really enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series. I would definitely recommend this book if you like paranormal, horror or even sci-fi. Fantastic read!
August 12, 2014
*For Mature Audiences Only as this book Contains Adult Material*
A great introduction to this series! I have enjoyed the story from the start, but I believe the revisions made this even better than before. We start off with a murder mystery involving a serial killer & bump it up a few notches adding fantasy & paranormal awesomeness. I will tell you that while I'm not a fan of violence & torture this is a great series that develops more & more through the following books. Obviously dealing with a serial killer is not going to be all lollipops & unicorns, so I was aware this would start out dark. Just be aware that sometimes it gets darker than some might like. If you enjoy a good mystery & can handle the paranormal additions then this series is sure to please you! I am a big paranormal fan, so I loved seeing these 2 worlds meld together! And...I have read all of the books thus far ... they just keep getting better & better.
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
A great introduction to this series! I have enjoyed the story from the start, but I believe the revisions made this even better than before. We start off with a murder mystery involving a serial killer & bump it up a few notches adding fantasy & paranormal awesomeness. I will tell you that while I'm not a fan of violence & torture this is a great series that develops more & more through the following books. Obviously dealing with a serial killer is not going to be all lollipops & unicorns, so I was aware this would start out dark. Just be aware that sometimes it gets darker than some might like. If you enjoy a good mystery & can handle the paranormal additions then this series is sure to please you! I am a big paranormal fan, so I loved seeing these 2 worlds meld together! And...I have read all of the books thus far ... they just keep getting better & better.
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
May 26, 2014
I'm not sure why I haven't added my review before now. Lucian is certain to be one of the newest, greatest, and sought out horror authors! If your looking for a new haunting tale this series is sure to provide. Fair warning-this is NOT for the faint of heart! It is graphic, detail oriented, and for once (it's been a long time since I read horror like that)---true to it's genre. For his first punch out of the writers cave--this is great and I'll be following more!
Character development with relationships, past to present transitions, friendships (Julie/Katie) and spirit (ghost) appearances are all well developed. Some authors struggle with that character creation-but really, check out George, Lucian's got characters down! Lucian captivates his audiences with the wild, unexpected spins and you truly are left wondering what's going on in Misty Hollows and whose next in George's list. Come along for a spook-filled, horror adventure to learn what is going on, where Julie could be, and enjoy a true horror story-like horror was meant to be written-in detail!!
Character development with relationships, past to present transitions, friendships (Julie/Katie) and spirit (ghost) appearances are all well developed. Some authors struggle with that character creation-but really, check out George, Lucian's got characters down! Lucian captivates his audiences with the wild, unexpected spins and you truly are left wondering what's going on in Misty Hollows and whose next in George's list. Come along for a spook-filled, horror adventure to learn what is going on, where Julie could be, and enjoy a true horror story-like horror was meant to be written-in detail!!
October 18, 2013
I've read a lot of bad reviews on this book, but I was hooked on it from the very beginning. It starts out with a serial killer who preys on young girls and enjoys torturing them before killing them. The story switches to two friends, Katie and Julie who decide to play around with a Ouija board and soon find out that they have contacted a ghost that was a former victim of the serial killer. She leads them to his house, only for them to find out that they know him. They don't know it, but they are seen as they are leaving his house and that night he kidnaps Julie. Katie is lead to a portal that sends her to another world to try and help catch the killer and find her friend before something happens to her. The story switches back and forth from the killer, to Katie but I think it does it in an even way, that way you are not lost as to what is going on. The end gets good and leaves you waiting to read the next book, Haven.
September 24, 2012
Katie and Julie are best friends. A serial killer is loose in their town, and when playing with a Ouija board, the ghost of one of his victims comes to them and shows them the house of the killer. Julie is spotted, and the next thing Katie knows, her best friend has disappeared.
The concept of the storyline is great, and the characters develop as the story goes on, but sometimes they could get a little annoying. Teenage girls giggle, but these girls could drive, they should be out of that phase by now. Also the ending was a little too abrupt, and just seemed to cut off - I did wonder if it had downloaded wrong.
Despite the above, I'll happily continue to read Katie and Julie's story. The world they have found themselves in sounds so interesting, and I want to see where it all leads.
The concept of the storyline is great, and the characters develop as the story goes on, but sometimes they could get a little annoying. Teenage girls giggle, but these girls could drive, they should be out of that phase by now. Also the ending was a little too abrupt, and just seemed to cut off - I did wonder if it had downloaded wrong.
Despite the above, I'll happily continue to read Katie and Julie's story. The world they have found themselves in sounds so interesting, and I want to see where it all leads.
February 12, 2013
There is a lot of unnecessary gratuitous violence in this book. It could have been reduced somewhat and it would have been a better story. Some of the things were described a little more in depth than they needed to be. I felt it was overly descriptive.
That being said, the story flows well, very quick read and the dialog makes sense. I think it took me about two hours to read the entire book. More for it than anything else is why I'm giving this book three stars. It really is a good attempt and I look forward to how this author will develop in the future.
That being said, the story flows well, very quick read and the dialog makes sense. I think it took me about two hours to read the entire book. More for it than anything else is why I'm giving this book three stars. It really is a good attempt and I look forward to how this author will develop in the future.
August 17, 2013
QUICK -Lock up all your daughters- a crazed serial killer is on the loose! And he makes The Marquis de Sade look like Mr. Rogers!
This one is not for the faint of heart, but it gets deep into the Paranormal side as one of his victims will lead a young teen on a path to try to uncover his whereabouts as her own friend becomes his latest victim!She jumps into another realm and all mayhem breaks loose. The end will leave you hanging and the sequel will have to settle your fears as he is out there and ready for his next catch!
It is a pretty smooth read and the format flows nicely.
This one is not for the faint of heart, but it gets deep into the Paranormal side as one of his victims will lead a young teen on a path to try to uncover his whereabouts as her own friend becomes his latest victim!She jumps into another realm and all mayhem breaks loose. The end will leave you hanging and the sequel will have to settle your fears as he is out there and ready for his next catch!
It is a pretty smooth read and the format flows nicely.
September 17, 2014
Desolace by Lucian Barnes is a book that will keep
You guessing. Not often have I read a book that
The characters didn't become horribly predictable.
The scenery is rich, descriptions are vivid...
sometimes too vivid :) Suffice it to say that because
of Desolace I have aquired all Lucian's other books
and read them over the course of three days. Good
job Lucian...keep 'em coming!
You guessing. Not often have I read a book that
The characters didn't become horribly predictable.
The scenery is rich, descriptions are vivid...
sometimes too vivid :) Suffice it to say that because
of Desolace I have aquired all Lucian's other books
and read them over the course of three days. Good
job Lucian...keep 'em coming!
October 5, 2012
Desolace by Lucian Barnes
2 Stars
In the main this story is about a serial killer who prays on young girls, torturing them before finally killing them, and aside from the sometimes disturbing torture scenes it is quite an interesting plot. There is a paranormal twist, two girls, an ouija board, and the ghost of one of the killers victims soon equates to portals into another dimension, and a very different direction for the story than expected.
One of the many things to annoy me when I read is ‘list like’ writing. It is unnecessary and irritating…..He pulls the key out….He goes inside…..He crosses the room…He unlocks this door…and then he walks across that room…etc. and that is exactly what I got during ‘Desolace’, if I could delete the words ‘and then’ from the minds of all writers I really would!
I’m not quite sure why the author decided to introduce another dimension, ghosts and portals into his story because for me it totally ruined what started out as a really good plot. It was very disjointed and the two ideas didn’t blend together well enough. I think with a lot of reworking, and a content editor this could be brought up to a 4 star piece of work, to get 5 stars from me it would need to lose the paranormal side and concentrate more on the thriller aspect of the story.
Copy supplied for review
2 Stars
In the main this story is about a serial killer who prays on young girls, torturing them before finally killing them, and aside from the sometimes disturbing torture scenes it is quite an interesting plot. There is a paranormal twist, two girls, an ouija board, and the ghost of one of the killers victims soon equates to portals into another dimension, and a very different direction for the story than expected.
One of the many things to annoy me when I read is ‘list like’ writing. It is unnecessary and irritating…..He pulls the key out….He goes inside…..He crosses the room…He unlocks this door…and then he walks across that room…etc. and that is exactly what I got during ‘Desolace’, if I could delete the words ‘and then’ from the minds of all writers I really would!
I’m not quite sure why the author decided to introduce another dimension, ghosts and portals into his story because for me it totally ruined what started out as a really good plot. It was very disjointed and the two ideas didn’t blend together well enough. I think with a lot of reworking, and a content editor this could be brought up to a 4 star piece of work, to get 5 stars from me it would need to lose the paranormal side and concentrate more on the thriller aspect of the story.
Copy supplied for review
November 30, 2012
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
Desolace by Lucian Barnes
This book was out of my element. I had a hard time getting into the book, but toward the end it got better. I'm intrigued of the concept and the idea of the serial killer jumping worlds and getting slaves for this dark voice and mechanical minions. The beginning to middle was drawn out and a little slow. Felt more Young adult with a serial killer who does nasty things to his victims. The middle to the end had me captivated and wanted to know more of the quest and new world they were plunged. I honestly feel this is one of the hardest reviews I have ever written. It may have been the pacing of the beginning, I honestly can't pin point it. I almost felt like I was reading two different stories with the same characters. I loved the middle to the end!! I can't stress that enough. I almost fell like the first part is a murder mystery and the last is sci-fi.
This story is about Katie and Julie who are best friends. They stumble on paranormal activities through a Ouija board. The ghost leads them to a serial killers house. Katie is pretty sure that Julia was abducted by this madman. With the help of the ghost and Edward from a different world they set upon a quest to rescue her friend, stop the darkness that encroaches upon the worlds,and to destroy the evil man killing women.
Desolace by Lucian Barnes
This book was out of my element. I had a hard time getting into the book, but toward the end it got better. I'm intrigued of the concept and the idea of the serial killer jumping worlds and getting slaves for this dark voice and mechanical minions. The beginning to middle was drawn out and a little slow. Felt more Young adult with a serial killer who does nasty things to his victims. The middle to the end had me captivated and wanted to know more of the quest and new world they were plunged. I honestly feel this is one of the hardest reviews I have ever written. It may have been the pacing of the beginning, I honestly can't pin point it. I almost felt like I was reading two different stories with the same characters. I loved the middle to the end!! I can't stress that enough. I almost fell like the first part is a murder mystery and the last is sci-fi.
This story is about Katie and Julie who are best friends. They stumble on paranormal activities through a Ouija board. The ghost leads them to a serial killers house. Katie is pretty sure that Julia was abducted by this madman. With the help of the ghost and Edward from a different world they set upon a quest to rescue her friend, stop the darkness that encroaches upon the worlds,and to destroy the evil man killing women.
December 31, 2012
The beginning of this book started out very dark and very adult. It transitioned into a more YA book with adult elements, but that is to be expected with teenage lead characters. Katie's maturity level seemed to change from confident adult to giggly child, but that again seems appropriate for her age. The transition to the world of Desolace was quite interesting, but I felt that Katie and Mike accepted this strange new reality too readily. Edward's attraction to Katie is a little unsettling to me, but I guess that's the mother in me...she is technically an adult.
The world of desolace is an interesting mix of medieval and modern times. This is my first foray into steam punk, and I really enjoyed the picture painted for me. I have just started Haven, book 2, and am really hoping the serial killer George gets more nefarious in this new world... he seems to have lost some of his terrifying nature, and he was such a vividly horrible creature in the first part of this book. All in all, this was a wonderfully written story, albeit a bit confusing at times. I can't wait to see how the story plays out in book 2!
The world of desolace is an interesting mix of medieval and modern times. This is my first foray into steam punk, and I really enjoyed the picture painted for me. I have just started Haven, book 2, and am really hoping the serial killer George gets more nefarious in this new world... he seems to have lost some of his terrifying nature, and he was such a vividly horrible creature in the first part of this book. All in all, this was a wonderfully written story, albeit a bit confusing at times. I can't wait to see how the story plays out in book 2!
June 2, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
A serial killer is abducting and torturing young women. Katie’s best friend has been taken. Can she find her in time?
This started out as a pretty typical horror/serial killer novel. At one point, I almost put it down out of sheer frustration--an Ouija board and teenage girls is just trite and I felt like I was reading a bad horror movie. Then about halfway through the book, everything changes. Literally, it changes from horror to fantasy and from an 18+ recommendation to possibly YA. I’m still confused about it. It is almost like an entirely different book with the same characters.
Honestly, I would not give Desolace more than 2.5 stars, but I would rather rate something a bit higher than it deserves instead of lower. I think that Barnes needs to do some major rewriting in order to have this be a 4 to 5 star book. The bones are there—interesting plot, characters that I would like to know more about—but the drastic change in genre and general flow problems really detract from the book as it is written.
A serial killer is abducting and torturing young women. Katie’s best friend has been taken. Can she find her in time?
This started out as a pretty typical horror/serial killer novel. At one point, I almost put it down out of sheer frustration--an Ouija board and teenage girls is just trite and I felt like I was reading a bad horror movie. Then about halfway through the book, everything changes. Literally, it changes from horror to fantasy and from an 18+ recommendation to possibly YA. I’m still confused about it. It is almost like an entirely different book with the same characters.
Honestly, I would not give Desolace more than 2.5 stars, but I would rather rate something a bit higher than it deserves instead of lower. I think that Barnes needs to do some major rewriting in order to have this be a 4 to 5 star book. The bones are there—interesting plot, characters that I would like to know more about—but the drastic change in genre and general flow problems really detract from the book as it is written.
April 23, 2012
Desolace receives a four star review from RAM Reviews!
DESOLACE, chilling, spine-tingling, and other-worldy! Author Lucian Barnes captivates your inner curiosity which compels you to keep on reading. Desolace takes the reader on a whirlwind spin from the real world we know, of serial killers and grisly crime to a dark,fantasy world of enslavement and robotic takeover. A cliff hanger, leaving the reader to wonder if there is more to come and if all the unanswered questions will finally be answered. Will the serial killer, dubbed "the headhunter" ever be caught? Will Julie, his most recent abductee be found, ALIVE?!...or in pieces? DESOLACE, book one, in a series of books by Author Lucian Barnes in his continuing saga of murder, time portals, and an underworld preparing for world domination!---Raquel Monday,Author/Writer and CEO of Art by Monday-art & literary studio- and RAM Book Reviews on FB.
DESOLACE, chilling, spine-tingling, and other-worldy! Author Lucian Barnes captivates your inner curiosity which compels you to keep on reading. Desolace takes the reader on a whirlwind spin from the real world we know, of serial killers and grisly crime to a dark,fantasy world of enslavement and robotic takeover. A cliff hanger, leaving the reader to wonder if there is more to come and if all the unanswered questions will finally be answered. Will the serial killer, dubbed "the headhunter" ever be caught? Will Julie, his most recent abductee be found, ALIVE?!...or in pieces? DESOLACE, book one, in a series of books by Author Lucian Barnes in his continuing saga of murder, time portals, and an underworld preparing for world domination!---Raquel Monday,Author/Writer and CEO of Art by Monday-art & literary studio- and RAM Book Reviews on FB.
December 28, 2012
I did enjoy reading this book, however I felt like I was reading two separate books and all the while I couldn't wait to get back to the first one.
The first half deals with a serial killer and has the beginning of a great horror/mystery novel. Then you turn the page and you're with a giggling high school girl who's friend has just been abducted and taken to a different dimension/ world? Don't get me wrong, this story is good too, but I felt like we would eventually bounce back to the story at the beginning of the book. I felt like I was left hanging in the middle of a climactic scene and made to start a different book. The writing is good and both story lines are strong and inventive I just wish the author would take the beginning of this book and finish it as a mystery/ horror thriller and then finish the sci-fi novel that ends the book.
The first half deals with a serial killer and has the beginning of a great horror/mystery novel. Then you turn the page and you're with a giggling high school girl who's friend has just been abducted and taken to a different dimension/ world? Don't get me wrong, this story is good too, but I felt like we would eventually bounce back to the story at the beginning of the book. I felt like I was left hanging in the middle of a climactic scene and made to start a different book. The writing is good and both story lines are strong and inventive I just wish the author would take the beginning of this book and finish it as a mystery/ horror thriller and then finish the sci-fi novel that ends the book.
December 30, 2012
First you have a serial killer and two typical teenage girls Julie and Katie. One night playing with a Ouija board call up a victim ghost and follow her to the killer. The girls feel no one will believe them its their old bus driver so they stay quite. Katie doesn't mention a word even after her best friend Julie gets kidnapped by the killer. Instead she sets off with the ghost and a friend,from the spirit world I guess Edward to find her hopefully in time. The killer hears a voice telling him what to do. Get more humans to put to work making metal creatures . Must admit I was confused kept waiting for it all to be in the killers head . So now I'm traveling to Haven to get my answers. I did stay up late reading it ,I did enjoy it and I hope to find out if Julie is still alive and what purpose the metal creatures play and how it all joins together .
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