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Flux
Iain is looking forward to the weekend when a number nineteen bus shatters his body, but broken bones are the least of his worries. In this disturbing, yet darkly funny novel, Iain’s near death experience is not a vision of exquisite godliness with light at the end of a tunnel. Instead he experiences a place of darkness and heat, inhabited by foul creatures, the sounds of suffering and a beast. During a long recovery Iain becomes plagued by nightmares and premonitions, shadowy apparitions, a magpie, and a vile old man. They all have a message, that something wants Iain and it won't give up easily. Iain’s friends do their best to cheer him up in ways they know how, until the unexpected events of one sunny afternoon mean that he is on his own, caught up in the age old battle of good versus evil.
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2012
8 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Mark R. Faulkner
6 books19 followersMark is a British horror author, who in 2011, published Flux. This was rapidly followed up by The Dark Stone, and the novella, Infested.
Picker's Bleed was published in September 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 6, 2012
In this remarkable first novel, Mark Faulkner creates a situation in which his main character Iain, a head injury victim, finds himself flicking from the present to a parallel nightmare reality. I didn't warm to the character initially but as the novel progressed I was really on Iain's side. After his accident his neuro-surgeon's main interest in his case was to try to make her own name in medical circles. The hospital chaplain wanted to find proof of an afterlife from Iain's near-death experience to bolster his own flagging faith. Iain, in increasing despair and distress, only has the elusive Eve on his side.
There is a real sense of hellish other-world here and poor Iain is, as the title implies, in a state of flux between here and there, with sometimes one 'reality' superimposed on the other. Iain's reading of the bible, given to him by the chaplain, leads him to a sense of good and evil, and the feeling he is being forced against his will to choose evil.
Mark Faulkner has created a realistic and believable story and one wonders whether this could happen as a result of an injury to the brain, that most complex and mysterious of organs. The ending is horrifying and in some senses, inevitable.
I really hope Mark has more work of this quality up his sleeve. He is an author to watch and has one keen fan already!
There is a real sense of hellish other-world here and poor Iain is, as the title implies, in a state of flux between here and there, with sometimes one 'reality' superimposed on the other. Iain's reading of the bible, given to him by the chaplain, leads him to a sense of good and evil, and the feeling he is being forced against his will to choose evil.
Mark Faulkner has created a realistic and believable story and one wonders whether this could happen as a result of an injury to the brain, that most complex and mysterious of organs. The ending is horrifying and in some senses, inevitable.
I really hope Mark has more work of this quality up his sleeve. He is an author to watch and has one keen fan already!
July 8, 2012
In summary, I loved this book. But I suppose I should write a bit more in my review lol.
Since getting my kindle, I've read a few books where the main character has mental health issues. They have all been superb, but this one had something extra (and I'm not just talking about Bert)
As I was reading this I was thinking of Tollesbury Time Forever by Stuart Ayris. In TTF, the protagonist lives in "Tollesbury Time" and he likes it there. In this book Iain's alternative world is scary and horrid and he doesn't want to be there.
Sometimes the book meanders with banality, but that just shocks more when Bert reappears.
I suppose it would be classed as horror, but apart from a few gross bits and some shocking moments, it's not just a horror book. It's much more than that. This book is very well written and I needed to keep on reading to find out what happens.
Since getting my kindle, I've read a few books where the main character has mental health issues. They have all been superb, but this one had something extra (and I'm not just talking about Bert)
As I was reading this I was thinking of Tollesbury Time Forever by Stuart Ayris. In TTF, the protagonist lives in "Tollesbury Time" and he likes it there. In this book Iain's alternative world is scary and horrid and he doesn't want to be there.
Sometimes the book meanders with banality, but that just shocks more when Bert reappears.
I suppose it would be classed as horror, but apart from a few gross bits and some shocking moments, it's not just a horror book. It's much more than that. This book is very well written and I needed to keep on reading to find out what happens.
January 3, 2012
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This one definitely gets 5 stars easily.
Iain, after being hit by a bus, finds himself in Hell but is given a reprieve as doctors save his life. However, hell isn't ready to let go just yet. We are drawn in to Iain's rapidly deteriorating sanity and its very hard to tell what is real and what is going on in his mind. This story grabs you from the very begining and holds your attention til the very end where you are wishing for more. Not for those under 18 or the faint of heart as we read of unspeakable horrors of hell which are very much brought to life. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good horror story. In one word I describe this book as AWESOME!!!
Iain, after being hit by a bus, finds himself in Hell but is given a reprieve as doctors save his life. However, hell isn't ready to let go just yet. We are drawn in to Iain's rapidly deteriorating sanity and its very hard to tell what is real and what is going on in his mind. This story grabs you from the very begining and holds your attention til the very end where you are wishing for more. Not for those under 18 or the faint of heart as we read of unspeakable horrors of hell which are very much brought to life. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good horror story. In one word I describe this book as AWESOME!!!
May 4, 2012
Flux... or one of those books that presses all the right buttons ! The story sucks you right in, and the writer puts you so easily into the main character's head that you don't know what's real and what isn't. That way, it's very easy to get close to Iain and care about him. I had no idea what was actually going on right until the end, not sure I know now actually. Aside all the gruesome bits (oooh yeah!)that would make me want to read more anyway, it was a total page turner, I hope there are more stories like this one coming soon !
By the way, Bert gets my award for the vilest character ever ! (But I think he was totally great !)
By the way, Bert gets my award for the vilest character ever ! (But I think he was totally great !)
May 5, 2014
I think this was a very good read! I like that the author made me wonder if the main character was insane or if everything he experienced was real. I changed my mind several time during the book.
It did drag on a bit in some places, but not enough to get me bored. I wanted to see how it would end!
It did drag on a bit in some places, but not enough to get me bored. I wanted to see how it would end!
July 5, 2013
This is a book that really took me out of my comfort zone. When Iain has a near death experience after an accident it is not the usual white light one that we have all read about, but it seems as if he is meant to go the other way; he sees some horrific hellish visions and something down there that definitely wants to claim Iain for his own. As Iain starts on the road to recovery he is plagued by yet more nightmares and visions, as it becomes apparent that his experience is far from over.
The story then twists and turns in a very chilling way and the reader is just swept along, wanting to know what is going to happen next. The character of Iain is likeable, he is just a normal young lad stuck in a dead end job who likes his mates, his beer and the occasional joint. In fact his life is so ordinary when you are reading about it, that it really highlights what a horrible and nasty turn his life is taking. There is nothing particularly special about Iain but you can't help rooting for him right from the start so that when the book turns out to be much more than the usual Good vs Evil fantasy battle you really do care about what happens to him.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the read, I did have a couple of niggles about - there are some typos which another edit could eliminate, but not enough to stop me concentrating on the story which is a really good read.
To sum up, a book that is addictive, chilling, horrific and very shocking at times, and will certainly leave you questioning and not sure whether the events were real or whether it was all one man's journey into insanity.
The story then twists and turns in a very chilling way and the reader is just swept along, wanting to know what is going to happen next. The character of Iain is likeable, he is just a normal young lad stuck in a dead end job who likes his mates, his beer and the occasional joint. In fact his life is so ordinary when you are reading about it, that it really highlights what a horrible and nasty turn his life is taking. There is nothing particularly special about Iain but you can't help rooting for him right from the start so that when the book turns out to be much more than the usual Good vs Evil fantasy battle you really do care about what happens to him.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the read, I did have a couple of niggles about - there are some typos which another edit could eliminate, but not enough to stop me concentrating on the story which is a really good read.
To sum up, a book that is addictive, chilling, horrific and very shocking at times, and will certainly leave you questioning and not sure whether the events were real or whether it was all one man's journey into insanity.
May 3, 2015
This is unquestioningly a horror novel. There are some scenes that are, frankly, stomach turning. Most involve Bertie and/or feces in some way, yuck (to both of them). But that's the type of book this is and it shouldn't be off-putting. If you pick up a horror novel, you should expect some gore and horror. You get plenty of both in Flux.
The book does drag at times, but it isn't enough to put you to sleep, and does serve to highlight the action in contrast. There are some really interesting characters here. Iain's two best buds I loved instantly. Beer guzzling, moderately aimless lads in their early twenties who, if I was in my late sixties, I would describe as 'good boys.' Though less ostensibly horrific, I felt sorrier for Dave than Iain. You'll have to read the book to know why.
This is a classic novel of light versus dark, good versus evil, sane versus insane. Possibly more the last than the first, but that's an ontological question that I think the book forces you to address. It keeps you guessing, you're never sure what will leap out at you (and poor Iain) next. I think it is well worth picking up, and if you are a particular fan of horror it's one you won't want to miss.
The book does drag at times, but it isn't enough to put you to sleep, and does serve to highlight the action in contrast. There are some really interesting characters here. Iain's two best buds I loved instantly. Beer guzzling, moderately aimless lads in their early twenties who, if I was in my late sixties, I would describe as 'good boys.' Though less ostensibly horrific, I felt sorrier for Dave than Iain. You'll have to read the book to know why.
This is a classic novel of light versus dark, good versus evil, sane versus insane. Possibly more the last than the first, but that's an ontological question that I think the book forces you to address. It keeps you guessing, you're never sure what will leap out at you (and poor Iain) next. I think it is well worth picking up, and if you are a particular fan of horror it's one you won't want to miss.
April 1, 2012
The way in which Mark Faulkner combines the 'real' world, with a parallel world consisting of a power play between 'good' and 'bad' forces is flawless. I didn't get the sense that this was a fight between heaven and hell, although in someways this did come through, it was more about an individuals struggle with himself. The brain is at the centre of this book, whether you believe the problem to be psychological or neurological, it is the brain(rather than the soul) that lies in the balance. In a brilliant show of literary talent this book is a mix horror, supernatural and psychological themes. Well recommended.
June 2, 2014
By far a total clusterfuck of a book, complete with a clusterfuck of an ending. I knew I shouldn't have expected any clear resolution (the man was seeing ghosts, hell's angels, and Biblical Eve, for R'hllor's sake), and that's exactly what I received. But hell, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Written in discernible prose, characterized by both the mundane and supernatural tropes, and topped off with parody-like Biblical overtones, it was a hot mess of a ride from start to finish. 4/5, would recommend!
March 15, 2013
Horrific, disturbing and very well written. A trip into Hell - not for the faint-hearted, but completely compelling.
October 4, 2021
After a life threatening accident Iain has a near death experience, a vision of Hell. Recovering from his injuries, he sees ghosts and worse, something has followed him back.
Quite graphic in parts, it moves along at a good pace and is a fairly short read. As Iain's life spirals out of control, Faulkner manages to keeps us guessing whether the monsters are real or imagined, just a consequence of the accident. There are definitely real world consequences for Iain and his friends. Flaws? I felt characters were introduced who seem important yet in the end don't really do very much. But then that's the author's choice, it didn't spoil the book for me, I just felt it could have been even better had they played greater roles.
This is a debut novel by the author first published in 2011. His next novel is, I believe, out this year and I intend picking it up.
Quite graphic in parts, it moves along at a good pace and is a fairly short read. As Iain's life spirals out of control, Faulkner manages to keeps us guessing whether the monsters are real or imagined, just a consequence of the accident. There are definitely real world consequences for Iain and his friends. Flaws? I felt characters were introduced who seem important yet in the end don't really do very much. But then that's the author's choice, it didn't spoil the book for me, I just felt it could have been even better had they played greater roles.
This is a debut novel by the author first published in 2011. His next novel is, I believe, out this year and I intend picking it up.
March 26, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. It's quite a dark tale of a man who starts experiencing horrific visions after a brutal accident.What I liked about Adrian is that he's not the usual protagonist you encounter in these type of stories. He's a flawed character and seems an unlikely hero, or victim for that matter.
The overall story is excellent, although a tad predictable on occasion. The pacing is excellent with the story flowing at a relentless pace. It does take a pause every so often to allow you to catch your breath before it plunges on.
In the blurb it mentions humour which I didn't really catch while I was reading it. Luckily it wasn't failed humour in the sense that I saw something trying to be funny. On the other hand the horror is written in a very engaging fashion. There's a question constantly bubbling about whether what is happening is real or some sort of psychotic break and that helps reinforce the terrible things he encounters.
For me the ending was the weakest part of the story. The actual event was fine and made sense, but it felt a bit abrupt in how the finale was reached. I also thought that compared to the imagination demonstrated through the earlier parts of the book it was a bit obvious. Other than that this is a decent horror read and one I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
The overall story is excellent, although a tad predictable on occasion. The pacing is excellent with the story flowing at a relentless pace. It does take a pause every so often to allow you to catch your breath before it plunges on.
In the blurb it mentions humour which I didn't really catch while I was reading it. Luckily it wasn't failed humour in the sense that I saw something trying to be funny. On the other hand the horror is written in a very engaging fashion. There's a question constantly bubbling about whether what is happening is real or some sort of psychotic break and that helps reinforce the terrible things he encounters.
For me the ending was the weakest part of the story. The actual event was fine and made sense, but it felt a bit abrupt in how the finale was reached. I also thought that compared to the imagination demonstrated through the earlier parts of the book it was a bit obvious. Other than that this is a decent horror read and one I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
July 7, 2012
I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it for fans of supernatural horror. Faulkner does a good job of creating a nightmare world, where the protagonist drifts between life and death (or is it sanity and insanity?). He keeps you guessing as to what's really happening, while putting his character through a living hell. I got a vibe similar to Joe Lansdale's Drive In trilogy at times.
On the negative side, I think the book would have benefited from a stronger edit. There were a few too many typos and odd word choices, to the point where it was slightly annoying, and the story did wander at times, but it was still an enjoyable read, and I look forward to picking up Faulkner's next novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it for fans of supernatural horror. Faulkner does a good job of creating a nightmare world, where the protagonist drifts between life and death (or is it sanity and insanity?). He keeps you guessing as to what's really happening, while putting his character through a living hell. I got a vibe similar to Joe Lansdale's Drive In trilogy at times.
On the negative side, I think the book would have benefited from a stronger edit. There were a few too many typos and odd word choices, to the point where it was slightly annoying, and the story did wander at times, but it was still an enjoyable read, and I look forward to picking up Faulkner's next novel.
May 6, 2013
Flux, where to start with this review!
The writing is good and the style is narrated over the characters in the story. And the story itself is good, though it wasn’t my cuppa tea!
Iain, who is hit by a bus and sustains horrific injuries awakes from his coma and is now in a struggle where evil forces want him to join them and the light of good is only partial in helping Iain and hope Iain will help them.
With no relatives to help Iain recover, pay the rent and bills, it’s a struggle and the evil things he sees and senses are repulsive and you are also left pondering on unanswered questions at the end.
This book is very descriptive and can turn a strong stomach with the horrors within the pages. If you like that sort of thing then this is a book for you.
The writing is good and the style is narrated over the characters in the story. And the story itself is good, though it wasn’t my cuppa tea!
Iain, who is hit by a bus and sustains horrific injuries awakes from his coma and is now in a struggle where evil forces want him to join them and the light of good is only partial in helping Iain and hope Iain will help them.
With no relatives to help Iain recover, pay the rent and bills, it’s a struggle and the evil things he sees and senses are repulsive and you are also left pondering on unanswered questions at the end.
This book is very descriptive and can turn a strong stomach with the horrors within the pages. If you like that sort of thing then this is a book for you.
November 20, 2012
I really liked the first half of this book, an interesting plot with someone teetering on the brink of insanity and seeing it all as a good versus evil battle. However, it dragged a little in places and I felt it all started to get a bit repetitive. I have to admit I ended up skipping bits of it just to reach the end. I'm loathe to mark it down too much, as it was a pretty entertaining read for a while, but I just can't get past having to skip pages.
October 3, 2013
Not my usual type of book but got through this one in a matter of days. Really liked the main character, Iain, who is very much your average guy. Struck down by a bus within the first couple of pages, the story kicks off quickly and sweeps you up into the weird and wonderful plot. I'm a bit of a baby when it comes to horror books, but I found this one bearable - enough moments to make me cringe without giving me sleepless nights.
December 6, 2025
This book has been lurking on my kindle for over a decade. It was a freebie when I first 'purchased' it, and quite frankly while it was a quick read, I'm not getting those couple of hours back. The main character was an ass from the get-go, and didn't seem to do anything that made him redeemable in my opinion. The plot was tenuous at best, and the overarching religious themes really weren't to my liking at all.
January 12, 2018
I've had this book on my tbr pile for a while , and decided that it was time to read it. It wasn't what I expected, the ending was completely the opposite of what I expected. It was a fantastic read, highly recommended.
January 16, 2025
I couldn’t finish this book, it was awful. I can’t believe anyone enjoyed it.
September 10, 2015
My Kindle broke partway through reading this and I had to finish it on my phone. :-(
This is such a hard book to review. I really like a lot of it but throughout I felt like there were things I was missing, like a page or paragraph was skipped but I read every word. All of the scenes written around "Hell" were pretty fantastic and the story got so much darker so much faster than I anticipated in at least one part. All the bits in "real life" seemed rushed, like all the authors best ideas were tied to the darkness.
The main thing that kept me from giving this a better rating was the lack of character depth and development. This story had such clear scenery and plot path but it was filled with characters that were just barely fleshed out. We know very little about the main character and his friends before the accident. The downstairs neighbor is mentioned but never curious or used in the story when most neighbors would be wondering what the hell is happening. Why is Bert so very awful, who was he before that first scene with him in the hospital? What really drives Dr. Goodman and why? Don't get me started on Eve or the baby, there is just so much more I want to know.
This is such a hard book to review. I really like a lot of it but throughout I felt like there were things I was missing, like a page or paragraph was skipped but I read every word. All of the scenes written around "Hell" were pretty fantastic and the story got so much darker so much faster than I anticipated in at least one part. All the bits in "real life" seemed rushed, like all the authors best ideas were tied to the darkness.
The main thing that kept me from giving this a better rating was the lack of character depth and development. This story had such clear scenery and plot path but it was filled with characters that were just barely fleshed out. We know very little about the main character and his friends before the accident. The downstairs neighbor is mentioned but never curious or used in the story when most neighbors would be wondering what the hell is happening. Why is Bert so very awful, who was he before that first scene with him in the hospital? What really drives Dr. Goodman and why? Don't get me started on Eve or the baby, there is just so much more I want to know.
July 19, 2015
I got this as a freebie for my Kindle over 3 years ago and finally got round to reading it while on holiday. I had a phase some years ago of reading James Herbert novels as my husband is a big fan, but other than the occasional Stephen King haven't read anything in this genre for several years. I don't think enjoyed is probably the right word for how I felt about Flux. I found it involving for most of the way through, but found the denouement hackneyed and obvious. Not really my cup of tea these days, but readers of James Herbert et al will probably like it.
April 12, 2012
Interesting, although it did tend to drag at some points.
June 16, 2012
Okay but not my type of book. Also too many dangling participles - annoying.
June 3, 2013
Well written and entertaining for the first two thirds, then lost its way somewhat.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews