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The Great Apocalypse (Sparlock of the Multiverse) (Volume 1) by Daniel Thompson
Thomas Adams is a talented editor for a major New York book publisher. He lived quietly until a beautiful forensic psychologist came into his life. When she disappears under mysterious circumstances, he becomes obsessed with unraveling a "story" that unites the Bible, a lost masterpiece by Hieronymus Bosch, Jewish legends, apocryphal literature, fairy tales, forgotten Gnostic heresies, end time predictions of nineteenth century apocalyptic sects, and even a religious propaganda film for children. The story that begins to unfold is too fantastic to believe, but it contains a strange internal logic. Thomas becomes convinced that the key to solving this mystery involves an ancient purple-clad rebel from Jewish legend. Then he discovers an obscure reference from a second-century bishop mentioning a claim that this same rebel escaped the wrath of God when the Goddess Sophia carried him away.Thomas' investigation takes a sinister turn when elements of the "story" begin to play out in real life. He uncovers clues that indicate a Great Apocalypse is imminent. A countdown has begun, and Thomas must confront a greater threat than he ever imagined.The first book of the Sparlock Trilogy is an intriguing exploration of our history and myths, our shared dreams and nightmares. It examines the hidden meaning behind the stories we tell our children and the lies we sometimes tell ourselves.
- GenresMystery
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 14, 2015
21 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Thompson
1 book36 followersDaniel Thompson is the author of The Great Apocalypse, the first book of the Sparlock of the Multiverse Trilogy.
His life has taught him much about the conflict between faith and reason. Growing up in a Jehovah's Witness household, he became an ordained minister at the age of ten. Much of his youth and early adulthood has been spent giving Bible sermons and preaching in remote parts of the United States including Northern Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Badlands region of South Dakota. He has been bitten by dogs, chased by bulls, and threatened with physical violence. He may have even knocked on your door. If so, he apologizes for disturbing you.
Eventually, his desire to lead a rational, productive, and moral life led to conflicts with the arbitrary demands of his faith. He officially resigned his membership in that religion and was subjected to their institutionalized shunning policy that prohibits current members from associating with former members.
In his writing, Daniel Thompson explores the consequences of certain religious attitudes, especially the obsession with calculating the date for the end of the world. His stories often involve philosophical thought experiments that examine old ideas in a fresh context.
His life has taught him much about the conflict between faith and reason. Growing up in a Jehovah's Witness household, he became an ordained minister at the age of ten. Much of his youth and early adulthood has been spent giving Bible sermons and preaching in remote parts of the United States including Northern Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Badlands region of South Dakota. He has been bitten by dogs, chased by bulls, and threatened with physical violence. He may have even knocked on your door. If so, he apologizes for disturbing you.
Eventually, his desire to lead a rational, productive, and moral life led to conflicts with the arbitrary demands of his faith. He officially resigned his membership in that religion and was subjected to their institutionalized shunning policy that prohibits current members from associating with former members.
In his writing, Daniel Thompson explores the consequences of certain religious attitudes, especially the obsession with calculating the date for the end of the world. His stories often involve philosophical thought experiments that examine old ideas in a fresh context.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 24, 2017
I really enjoy this form of entertainment, involving ancient mysteries and artifacts and it is even better when connected to the Bible. So in general, I was entertained by this. There were a couple of what I consider to flaws that impacted my enjoyment. Great Aunt Joyce was just way too much to be plausible. I get that there is an element of suspending disbelief to any work in this style, but c'mon. The author apparently needed a means by which to provide a substantial context for further enlightenment of the main character. A little old lady who recalls a lot of obscure details, has an equally obscure library and just happens to be related to the Federal Agent (?) babysitting the main character, and lives nearby? Over the top. To a lesser degree, I felt the same way about the main character. I do not believe his work as an editor sufficiently explained his knowledge and ability to make the necessary connections that joined this tale together. Robert Langdon was an expert and a professor at least (no offense to editors!) Anyhow, it is something the author could work on in the future.
August 27, 2015
The prologue introduces our leading man: Thomas as he is investigating a series of hieroglyphic like drawings on the walls of a psychiatric hospital. Then the story flashes back to the past, to when the stock market crashes. With the crash some people actually made money, but none more than Koen Ramsey. He invites several notable people to a party and does something insane (no spoilers here). Thomas and Jeffrey (an author) spend their time investigating the crash and Ramsey in hopes of writing a new book. They get a little more than they bargained for.
There are many different things that i loved about this book. The art and literature discussions in the beginning of the book had me hooked. I admit I looked up Bosch's triptych just to see the imaged Thompson described. I also liked the inclusion of some art like "The Death of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram" that we see in chapter sixteen. One things I somewhat struggled with was a lot of the political and economic talk. It has a huge part in the book, but I generally struggle with understanding it, so that is more of a downfall on me rather than the novel. As I said it plays a major role to the story line and the book wouldn't be the same without it.
When I read about all the various elements that play a part in this novel such as The Bible, Jewish legends, various fairy tales, end times theories, lost art, and Gnostic heresies, I didn't think it would work. I thought it was too many things thrown into a story, but Daniel Thompson works them all together to create this compelling story. I enjoyed reading the end times theories; Thompson introduces some that I have not heard before. They added depth to the story, and another thing that I will be researching as well. Everything Thompson puts into this story shows he did his homework and knew what he was writing about rather than imply using the elements without backing them up.
He causes his readers to want more from his characters. You feel for the characters, I was on the edge of my seat so to speak when Dr. Lauren Glenn disappeared. Thomas was a great characters. Readers get to watch as he transform from being a meek and timid character to one who excludes strength and does what he needs to in order to meet his goals. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. You won't be able to either.
There are many different things that i loved about this book. The art and literature discussions in the beginning of the book had me hooked. I admit I looked up Bosch's triptych just to see the imaged Thompson described. I also liked the inclusion of some art like "The Death of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram" that we see in chapter sixteen. One things I somewhat struggled with was a lot of the political and economic talk. It has a huge part in the book, but I generally struggle with understanding it, so that is more of a downfall on me rather than the novel. As I said it plays a major role to the story line and the book wouldn't be the same without it.
When I read about all the various elements that play a part in this novel such as The Bible, Jewish legends, various fairy tales, end times theories, lost art, and Gnostic heresies, I didn't think it would work. I thought it was too many things thrown into a story, but Daniel Thompson works them all together to create this compelling story. I enjoyed reading the end times theories; Thompson introduces some that I have not heard before. They added depth to the story, and another thing that I will be researching as well. Everything Thompson puts into this story shows he did his homework and knew what he was writing about rather than imply using the elements without backing them up.
He causes his readers to want more from his characters. You feel for the characters, I was on the edge of my seat so to speak when Dr. Lauren Glenn disappeared. Thomas was a great characters. Readers get to watch as he transform from being a meek and timid character to one who excludes strength and does what he needs to in order to meet his goals. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. You won't be able to either.
September 1, 2015
A compelling read!
The prologue of this book has a narrative style in the tradition of an oral storyteller, which is not surprising given that Daniel Thompson grew up in a Jehovah's Witness home. Although Thompson has since left the faith he clearly retained the gift for sharing very rich and dramatic stories.
The narrative itself is written in the third person and features Thomas Adams as the main lead, Thomas is something of an Everyman character, as readers we cannot help but like him, we trust his judgement as a narrator and he often provides a voice of reason in what is a very complex plot. It is not the easiest of books to read but it is certainly one which poses questions and makes you think, I loved the analogy of poking an anthill with a stick, a very clever way of describing a climate of fear and unrest.
The author describes his work as a philosophical thriller which I would agree with although I would I would also include influences of urban fantasy and science fiction. There were times when I felt I was falling into my own descent into madness such is the pull of the reality that Thompson creates in his pages! Thompson is a proficient storyteller and although many of the references to religious and theological events were unfamiliar to me I was intrigued enough to look them up!
There were lots of things I really liked about this author’s writing, his use of analogy and allusion as well as his colourful imagination, after a few pages I was strangely gripped and I cannot tell you why I just needed to read on I had no idea what was going to happen or where this plot was leading to but I could not put it down and felt that I needed to get to the end.
The parallel between Koen and Korah was very clever… when we are not content with what we have and try to get more than we deserve, sometimes we end up with nothing. it was this kind of allusion that sent my head into a spin as I began to understand more about the references and delve deeper into the possibility of what I was truly reading about.
Overall, The Great Apocalypse is a really interesting, it may not be for everyone but I am really pleased that I took a chance on it as I found it surprisingly good and a compelling read.
The prologue of this book has a narrative style in the tradition of an oral storyteller, which is not surprising given that Daniel Thompson grew up in a Jehovah's Witness home. Although Thompson has since left the faith he clearly retained the gift for sharing very rich and dramatic stories.
The narrative itself is written in the third person and features Thomas Adams as the main lead, Thomas is something of an Everyman character, as readers we cannot help but like him, we trust his judgement as a narrator and he often provides a voice of reason in what is a very complex plot. It is not the easiest of books to read but it is certainly one which poses questions and makes you think, I loved the analogy of poking an anthill with a stick, a very clever way of describing a climate of fear and unrest.
The author describes his work as a philosophical thriller which I would agree with although I would I would also include influences of urban fantasy and science fiction. There were times when I felt I was falling into my own descent into madness such is the pull of the reality that Thompson creates in his pages! Thompson is a proficient storyteller and although many of the references to religious and theological events were unfamiliar to me I was intrigued enough to look them up!
There were lots of things I really liked about this author’s writing, his use of analogy and allusion as well as his colourful imagination, after a few pages I was strangely gripped and I cannot tell you why I just needed to read on I had no idea what was going to happen or where this plot was leading to but I could not put it down and felt that I needed to get to the end.
The parallel between Koen and Korah was very clever… when we are not content with what we have and try to get more than we deserve, sometimes we end up with nothing. it was this kind of allusion that sent my head into a spin as I began to understand more about the references and delve deeper into the possibility of what I was truly reading about.
Overall, The Great Apocalypse is a really interesting, it may not be for everyone but I am really pleased that I took a chance on it as I found it surprisingly good and a compelling read.
February 14, 2021
Mind blowing
This novel grabs you and takes you to the end. I can’t wait to start the next book in the trilogy. I love to think a bit when reading. Lots of thinking involved in this one.
This novel grabs you and takes you to the end. I can’t wait to start the next book in the trilogy. I love to think a bit when reading. Lots of thinking involved in this one.
October 4, 2015
Okay, from now on, for every book that I read I’ll put on different music, because once I accidentally chose the perfect playlist for this one, it became almost surreal. If one day this book is turned into a movie, I hope Dead Can Dance will be available for the soundtrack))
There’s something about The Great Apocalypse that turns the mystery into something dark, and the suspense into something heartwrenching. It must be the writing style that has you not just anticipating the next twist, but craving it just to see where is the story headed next. The words ‘philosophical thriller’ don’t really cover it, as there are also traces of sci-fi and urban fantasy, and I especially liked that. The way old legends and mythology were woven into this modern story was particularly fascinating. It’s an intelligent, unpredictable, thought-provoking read that mystery and suspense fans may find difficult, but totally worth it. The thing about this book is, it plants those deep, restless ideas in your head that will have you thinking for days.
The protagonist’s character development was brilliantly done, and unlike many modern heroes, he was believable and easy to relate to. His heroism was based on intelligence and bravery, and throughout the book he’s changed from this quiet, unsure individual into someone willing to risk his well-being for someone else’s good, and in a very natural way. I mostly focus on characters in any book, so for me it’s important that I can respect and feel for the protagonist, while seeing them develop into someone worth admiring under the circumstances. I was more than satisfied with it here.
It was also obvious that the author has done a lot of research, and his writing is based on the deep understanding of psychology and his knowledge of art. A lot of different elements are tied together in The Great Apocalypse, and the author uses them with passionate respect, not leaving any loose ends for the reader to pull at. Such an approach always deserves an extra star, in my opinion, but it’s not like this book needs it. It’s a solid 5-star read for fans of mysteries and deep, mind-troubling ideas.
*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something about The Great Apocalypse that turns the mystery into something dark, and the suspense into something heartwrenching. It must be the writing style that has you not just anticipating the next twist, but craving it just to see where is the story headed next. The words ‘philosophical thriller’ don’t really cover it, as there are also traces of sci-fi and urban fantasy, and I especially liked that. The way old legends and mythology were woven into this modern story was particularly fascinating. It’s an intelligent, unpredictable, thought-provoking read that mystery and suspense fans may find difficult, but totally worth it. The thing about this book is, it plants those deep, restless ideas in your head that will have you thinking for days.
The protagonist’s character development was brilliantly done, and unlike many modern heroes, he was believable and easy to relate to. His heroism was based on intelligence and bravery, and throughout the book he’s changed from this quiet, unsure individual into someone willing to risk his well-being for someone else’s good, and in a very natural way. I mostly focus on characters in any book, so for me it’s important that I can respect and feel for the protagonist, while seeing them develop into someone worth admiring under the circumstances. I was more than satisfied with it here.
It was also obvious that the author has done a lot of research, and his writing is based on the deep understanding of psychology and his knowledge of art. A lot of different elements are tied together in The Great Apocalypse, and the author uses them with passionate respect, not leaving any loose ends for the reader to pull at. Such an approach always deserves an extra star, in my opinion, but it’s not like this book needs it. It’s a solid 5-star read for fans of mysteries and deep, mind-troubling ideas.
*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2015
see full review @ Katie's Corner
Hello, everyone and welcome back to Katie’s Corner!Do you enjoy apocryphal literature? Are you Dan Brown books fan? If all those applied to you, then you will love this book! Enjoy the complex story that combines present, Bible stories, Jewish mysticisms and much more.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It hooked me up from the prologue, and I didn’t want to put it down. As soon as I read started it I knew that I would fall in love with, the way author builds up the tension by starting the story in a hospital and describing the mysterious drawings on the wall. However, right after that we are plunged in modern life crisis. It was interesting to read about how Mr. Thompson saw the life. He mixes mostly everything into this book: there’re Biblical stories, Jewish legends, fairy tales, time theories, some audacious theses. I have always prided myself for knowing mostly every legend and fairy tale, but here I had to come around some that I have never read about.
Another thing that I enjoyed while reading this book is the way Thompson uses art in his novel. I had to look up the drawings so I could see what the characters were seeing. Even thought some may find the whole economic talk boring and confusing, for me it was very interesting as I am an economics bachelor. Meet our main character – Thomas Adams. Unlike every other similar character in the same genre books, he’s a great one and the way author describes him makes you want to know more about him as well as the world he builds.
Don’t forget that this is only the first book in the series. I am very interested to know what happens in the next one. Did I get you interested? Then it’s time to grab your copy right now! Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
Hello, everyone and welcome back to Katie’s Corner!Do you enjoy apocryphal literature? Are you Dan Brown books fan? If all those applied to you, then you will love this book! Enjoy the complex story that combines present, Bible stories, Jewish mysticisms and much more.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It hooked me up from the prologue, and I didn’t want to put it down. As soon as I read started it I knew that I would fall in love with, the way author builds up the tension by starting the story in a hospital and describing the mysterious drawings on the wall. However, right after that we are plunged in modern life crisis. It was interesting to read about how Mr. Thompson saw the life. He mixes mostly everything into this book: there’re Biblical stories, Jewish legends, fairy tales, time theories, some audacious theses. I have always prided myself for knowing mostly every legend and fairy tale, but here I had to come around some that I have never read about.
Another thing that I enjoyed while reading this book is the way Thompson uses art in his novel. I had to look up the drawings so I could see what the characters were seeing. Even thought some may find the whole economic talk boring and confusing, for me it was very interesting as I am an economics bachelor. Meet our main character – Thomas Adams. Unlike every other similar character in the same genre books, he’s a great one and the way author describes him makes you want to know more about him as well as the world he builds.
Don’t forget that this is only the first book in the series. I am very interested to know what happens in the next one. Did I get you interested? Then it’s time to grab your copy right now! Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
October 5, 2015
Daniel Thompson’s novel The Great Apocalypse (the first book of the Sparlock of the Multiverse trilogy) is an amalgam of genres that would otherwise clash together, but which seem to coexist in harmony here. It’s a thriller-mystery where people mysteriously die or disappear and where the main protagonist is determined to solve the enigma and demystify the forthcoming ‘apocalypse.’ It’s an overview of historical facts (or fictions) told and retold through legends and fables, written and rewritten through religious works, and even propagated by religious sects and organizations. It’s a philosophical satire on the indoctrination of people confined in religious institutions as well as on how some people react to societal challenges not as individuals but collectively like ants when their anthill has been meddled with or sheep in a herd following the sheep that moves first.
The Great Apocalypse is both a fast-paced and illuminating read. I was hooked from the very start. And by the end, I was left hungry for more. Though sometimes I had difficulty following the discussions and speculations about Bosch’s art, Biblical passages, and apocalyptic theories—for my lack of better knowledge—it got me curious and interested to find out more information on the subjects afterwards. I very much like the main character in the story—Thomas Adams. He is intelligent, knowledgeable, affable, and relatable. I especially like his characteral evolution throughout the book from someone who is timid, hesitant, and soft-spoken to someone who is resourceful, perseverant, and assertive. The author did not exclude strong female characters from his story, which proved to be significant leads in getting to the bottom of things, a detail I find very key in gender-equality even in literary works. Overall, The Great Apocalypse is a meticulously researched, novel, and fantastic read.
The Great Apocalypse is both a fast-paced and illuminating read. I was hooked from the very start. And by the end, I was left hungry for more. Though sometimes I had difficulty following the discussions and speculations about Bosch’s art, Biblical passages, and apocalyptic theories—for my lack of better knowledge—it got me curious and interested to find out more information on the subjects afterwards. I very much like the main character in the story—Thomas Adams. He is intelligent, knowledgeable, affable, and relatable. I especially like his characteral evolution throughout the book from someone who is timid, hesitant, and soft-spoken to someone who is resourceful, perseverant, and assertive. The author did not exclude strong female characters from his story, which proved to be significant leads in getting to the bottom of things, a detail I find very key in gender-equality even in literary works. Overall, The Great Apocalypse is a meticulously researched, novel, and fantastic read.
September 14, 2015
I am a big fan of almost anything science fiction, and it helps if it’s a story that I can dig into and feel like I am a part of it. Thompson’s “The Great Apocalypse” happens to be one of those stories.
My first thought as I began this novel was the familiar feeling it had. It very much felt like an episode of Doctor Who starring Matt Smith. I say that as a good thing. Our hero, Thomas, really felt like Smith’s Doctor turned up to 10. Even before we are told what Thomas looks like, I could picture him looking all tall and lanky, bumbling his way around the room but at the same time being the smartest one there.
It also helps that our hero starts out an everyman, someone not too different from us who gets himself engulfed in this plot and becomes our hero. The book is exciting and well paced, keeping you enthralled throughout. Even the ending grabs you and makes you want the next book, which is what a good ending should do.
Doctor Who with a little bit of Sherlock Holmes, “The Great Apocalypse” is a solid must read for science fiction fans who love a smart and fast paced adventure.
My first thought as I began this novel was the familiar feeling it had. It very much felt like an episode of Doctor Who starring Matt Smith. I say that as a good thing. Our hero, Thomas, really felt like Smith’s Doctor turned up to 10. Even before we are told what Thomas looks like, I could picture him looking all tall and lanky, bumbling his way around the room but at the same time being the smartest one there.
It also helps that our hero starts out an everyman, someone not too different from us who gets himself engulfed in this plot and becomes our hero. The book is exciting and well paced, keeping you enthralled throughout. Even the ending grabs you and makes you want the next book, which is what a good ending should do.
Doctor Who with a little bit of Sherlock Holmes, “The Great Apocalypse” is a solid must read for science fiction fans who love a smart and fast paced adventure.
October 12, 2015
I found the Great Apocalypse to be much more than I expected!!! Too many books, these days lack any substance, but this was an excellent thriller that drew me in with some great twists. I don't want to go into the story too much as it will ruin it for others, I'm just going to say that it's definitely worth putting on your reading list ASAP!
The character development was really good. Daniel Thompson did an excellent job of making you feel invested with his characters. It's easy to fall into the trap of not putting enough into a character only to have him or her be a weak link in your story.
The thing that I would say that was the standout for me was the fact that I wasn't constantly guessing what was going to happen next. Daniel did a great job of keeping the story flowing without making it predictable at all.
The Great Apocalypse is full of some exciting twists and turns! If you aren't afraid to become invested in your book then grab this now and be prepared to read it from start to finish! :)
The character development was really good. Daniel Thompson did an excellent job of making you feel invested with his characters. It's easy to fall into the trap of not putting enough into a character only to have him or her be a weak link in your story.
The thing that I would say that was the standout for me was the fact that I wasn't constantly guessing what was going to happen next. Daniel did a great job of keeping the story flowing without making it predictable at all.
The Great Apocalypse is full of some exciting twists and turns! If you aren't afraid to become invested in your book then grab this now and be prepared to read it from start to finish! :)
January 2, 2016
I found this story engrossing. It carefully unfolded, with a well plotted story line. The author obviously has a religious background, and religion is a component of the story, along with the creation myths of other non Judeo-Christian cultures. The action is in the apparent efforts to either bring about or cause the world to prepare for the end of the world as we know it. But what will replace our world? First book of a trilogy, and I want to find the next book. I don't necessarily agree with the philosophy presented, it hits close enough to cause the type of anxiety it claims on the cover, a philosophical thriller. I did receive this free as a prize from Goodreads First Reads.
April 17, 2016
I don't think I ever figured this book out. I liked the idea of an author and his editor teaming up and ending up helping to solve a mystery (or two) but the prose goes off on many tangents of historical and religious information that Thomas thinks pertain to the case--I started tuning out about the time they got to the Watchtower information and never could get back into the story.
I'm not sure I figured out who or what Sparlock is. The dedication claims any references are under the terms of "fair use" which to me, means that it should be something of which the reader is aware prior to reading this series, but I do not know the reference.
I'm not sure I figured out who or what Sparlock is. The dedication claims any references are under the terms of "fair use" which to me, means that it should be something of which the reader is aware prior to reading this series, but I do not know the reference.
September 20, 2015
As a lover of science fiction and apocryphal literature I was hopeful that this book would lead up to it's description. I was happy that it lived up to it's description. It beautiful weaves current events, Biblical stories and other historical elements into a grate first book in this story. I can't wait to read the other books! I highly recommend this story!
November 25, 2015
This book was interesting. Was a good story but at time felt like I was reading a text book. I received this book from Goodreads giveaways.
April 7, 2016
good story but kind of boring in places
May 10, 2016
I won't be reading book two.
Perhaps I have outgrown science fiction, because I found this book extremely silly as well as mind numbingly tedious and boring.
Perhaps I have outgrown science fiction, because I found this book extremely silly as well as mind numbingly tedious and boring.
May 1, 2017
A waste of my time.
I did not like any part of this book and will read no more of this series and nothing else by this author.
I did not like any part of this book and will read no more of this series and nothing else by this author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews