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The Black Trilogy #1
Fade to Black
A tale of unimaginable horror follows Piper Mitchell from adolescence to adulthood as she tries to escape the chains that hold her long after she is free. A chance meeting with one of Hollywood's’ biggest stars, Ryan Knox, will forever change both of their lives. Venture the unknown with beauty and the daring actor as they both are forced to endure the devastating acts of evil, yet continues fight the drowning current that threatens to pull them both under. Full of hair pin turns you will not soon forget.
394 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
24 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Webb
15 books87 followersM.C. Webb is a contemporary author of dark romance. First published in high school, the attention shy writer avoided publication for many years, opting to limit her work locally. Her now widely released bibliography includes the suspenseful "The Black Trilogy" a touch of second chance love in "Second String" and newest spellbinding novel "Breaking the Girl" out Valentines Day 2017. Born in Chatsworth Georgia, M.C. spent most of her childhood in the deep south until landing in the place she calls home today, Knoxville Tennessee. She loves interacting with readers and is a huge supporter of film, football, hockey and the blues.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 4, 2013
I LOVED this book! My heart broke too many times to count in this story! It was a very "real" book that didn't seem far fetched like others. It was a dark read with some rays of sunshine. I put it down so many times and said I can't read this and 20 seconds later I picked it up and continued on. The story pulls you in from the beginning and doesn't lose you once. I can't wait to read the second and see more stories from author. I would highly recommend this book!!
July 17, 2013
Autographed Goodreads Giveaway! Loved it. Page turner written in an almost old fashioned hand...would recommend
March 6, 2019
This is not normally the kind of book I would read because of the dark content, but I devoured it in one sitting. I really enjoyed Piper's story and her strength through all of the traumatic events that happened to her. It is very real and deals with the dark aftermath of trauma in a believable way. Despite feeling like she was forever broken, she still was able to heal and find happiness in loved ones. I can't wait to continue reading her story.
July 23, 2013
This is a highly enjoyable read, I loved the way this author knows how to stimulate emotions in her readers. Piper suffers abuse at the hands of her mother who should have been protecting her. Since then she tries to heal even though she feels "diseased" and unworthy.
Evil intervenes again in her life setting her on a course of abuse once again. However, life has a way of making its own miracles and she finds herself fighting for her loved ones, can Piper survive the odds against her?
A hugely gripping read and I would have awarded 5 stars if it had been proof read and typos and grammar corrected.
Evil intervenes again in her life setting her on a course of abuse once again. However, life has a way of making its own miracles and she finds herself fighting for her loved ones, can Piper survive the odds against her?
A hugely gripping read and I would have awarded 5 stars if it had been proof read and typos and grammar corrected.
March 28, 2015
The book started out really great and fast-paced. I, personally started to lose interest, and half way through the book, continuing to read felt like a chore. I am not the romantic type so I did not find this book as interesting as many others. Overall, it was well written but not my type.
February 9, 2021
Let me start by saying I never thought I’d finish this book.
The first couple of chapters were horrifying.
I wanted to stop, but I. Just. Couldn’t.
It sucks you in and you want to know what happens next.
The harsh thing about it is that this kind of shit happens all the damn time. I think that’s what made it so hard to read in the beginning, because rape isn’t okay. Never. But when it’s a child? Holy fuck.
I had tears streaming down my face for the first 16 chapters of the book. They just wouldn’t stop.
The author did a very fine job with this tale, however I do have some issues... and it has everything to do with editing/grammar. Does no one proof read books before publishing? Or is this strictly an ebook issue??? Cause I see it all the time now, and it’s annoying as all hell. That’s why this book doesn’t get the full 5/5 ⭐️.
Now where in the actual eff do I find the next 2 books?! I only see it on Amazon as listed on MC’s website, but it’s not even available!!! WHAT THE HELL. I need them.
Can someone send them my way? Wtf am I supposed to do? I can’t leave this story unfinished. Fuck.
Anyway...
Read this book.
Just do it.
The first couple of chapters were horrifying.
I wanted to stop, but I. Just. Couldn’t.
It sucks you in and you want to know what happens next.
The harsh thing about it is that this kind of shit happens all the damn time. I think that’s what made it so hard to read in the beginning, because rape isn’t okay. Never. But when it’s a child? Holy fuck.
I had tears streaming down my face for the first 16 chapters of the book. They just wouldn’t stop.
The author did a very fine job with this tale, however I do have some issues... and it has everything to do with editing/grammar. Does no one proof read books before publishing? Or is this strictly an ebook issue??? Cause I see it all the time now, and it’s annoying as all hell. That’s why this book doesn’t get the full 5/5 ⭐️.
Now where in the actual eff do I find the next 2 books?! I only see it on Amazon as listed on MC’s website, but it’s not even available!!! WHAT THE HELL. I need them.
Can someone send them my way? Wtf am I supposed to do? I can’t leave this story unfinished. Fuck.
Anyway...
Read this book.
Just do it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
A standout in its genre. Yes, it's got all the tropes we love-- herds of gorgeous men, obsession, love lost and found-- but it's also got a lot more depth than its contemporaries. The beginning of the story is heart-wrenching and lays a foundation Webb draws on throughout the rest of the series. What follows is a series of events and decisions that horrify, delight, terrify, and enrage. By the end of the series, I hated the main character, but I understood why she did the things she did. That's a high compliment. There may be nothing worse than finishing a novel or series without ever having your own limits tested, your sense of decency violated.
March 17, 2018
This book F'ed me up! Can I say that on Goodreads?! I just did!
It was really hard to get started, none of it is easy subject matter, and during the first 4 chapters I almost gave up but I'm glad I kept going!
My heart broke over and over reading it, and once my heart mends a bit, I'll head into Book 2!
<3
It was really hard to get started, none of it is easy subject matter, and during the first 4 chapters I almost gave up but I'm glad I kept going!
My heart broke over and over reading it, and once my heart mends a bit, I'll head into Book 2!
<3
July 2, 2018
Great book!
The story line is strong and kept me interested. I really like the characters. I recommend this read. I look forward to reading the next in series.
The story line is strong and kept me interested. I really like the characters. I recommend this read. I look forward to reading the next in series.
August 22, 2018
4.5 stars.
October 3, 2013
The title, Fade to Black, is catchy, poetic. I might have passed this book up, however, because the title suggests a slide into personal tragedy. I was pleasantly surprised that even though the main characters suffer, this is a story of how damaged people struggle to overcome immense pressures rather than wallow in defeat. Enough decent people with inner strength exist to lift the story from the dregs of depression.
From Page One, we are pulling for Piper, the female protagonist. She is damaged when at age eleven her father dies and her mother and her mother’s boyfriend brutalize her. The sickening incidents are narrated rather than shown as detailed scenes, for which I am grateful. Physically she escapes. Mentally she struggles to overcome the ruin of her sense of self worth.
Then there is Ryan, the male protagonist. He realizes his dream to become a movie star, only to discover that fame is hell. How can he escape his fans who are deadly in their devotion.
Ryan suffers from too much adoration; Piper suffers from too much hate. Both are driven to apparent self-destruction in their efforts to survive. They are self medicating by seeking refuge in drugs, alcohol, or self mutilation as a way toward normalcy. Salvation comes in the form of good relationships. Solid friends and relatives help to guide Ryan and Piper to wholesome living. One of several who help Piper is my favorite character, Nana, who is wise and compassionate, the kind of person I like to emulate.
Eventually Piper and Ryan have each other. The detailed sex scene between Piper and Ryan is a contrast to the narrative that glosses over most of the story.
The narrative quickens the pace, so the story never stalls. Some transitions, however, are so quick and subtle, the reader has to backtrack. One moment, Ellie is 4 and suddenly she is 8. Sometimes we don’t have the preparation we need. For example, Piper meets Ryan once and then ten years later, having never heard what was going on with him, suddenly she is involved with and concerned about his health. Part of the story is missing. When did she learn of his drug addiction before the two of them meet again?
Nevertheless the author handles well the reader’s anticipation of Piper and Ryan meeting for the second time.
Eventually Piper grows stronger, more confident, and happier. The struggle, the love, and the glossing over of the evil acts, lift this story from unrelenting darkness. However I am disappointed that the litany of “I’m no good” isn’t replaced in Piper’s head with “I am loved. I have worth.” We know she loves, is compassionate, and protective. Piper is like the finest silk who considers herself a dirty rag, desiring only to be tossed against the threshold to protect loved ones from a poisonous draft.
The story has its fine points, but there is no escaping the need for more proofreading to clean up errors.
The writing is often reporting, with only a few scenes developed, mostly the positive scenes and the climactic scene. But even the climactic action scene has missing details, which leave the reader wondering what happened or how this situation ended as it did. The action scene near the novel’s end has only a hint of preamble and a muddy ending. Joshua—family friend and protector—comes to the rescue, supposedly blowing away the antagonist. Afterward we discover Joshua is injured and the antagonist is still a threat. How did that happen?
And then we have Piper’s noble deed, understandable, but leaving us with a cliff hanger.
I don’t like novels to end in cliff hangers, with the story to be continued in a following novel. Do I read the next book because I love the characters or because I love the story?
I’m left thinking this is a melancholy tale. Like the “she or he-done-me-wrong” sad song. Some find comfort in sadness, treating it like an old friend. I loved Piper’s and Ryan’s victories. I wanted them to come into the sunshine of life and stay there.
This story is mostly a report. But fascinating. It is intense and compassionately written. The main characters are likable and convincing. The author gives us a sensitive and stunning insight into different lifestyles.
From Page One, we are pulling for Piper, the female protagonist. She is damaged when at age eleven her father dies and her mother and her mother’s boyfriend brutalize her. The sickening incidents are narrated rather than shown as detailed scenes, for which I am grateful. Physically she escapes. Mentally she struggles to overcome the ruin of her sense of self worth.
Then there is Ryan, the male protagonist. He realizes his dream to become a movie star, only to discover that fame is hell. How can he escape his fans who are deadly in their devotion.
Ryan suffers from too much adoration; Piper suffers from too much hate. Both are driven to apparent self-destruction in their efforts to survive. They are self medicating by seeking refuge in drugs, alcohol, or self mutilation as a way toward normalcy. Salvation comes in the form of good relationships. Solid friends and relatives help to guide Ryan and Piper to wholesome living. One of several who help Piper is my favorite character, Nana, who is wise and compassionate, the kind of person I like to emulate.
Eventually Piper and Ryan have each other. The detailed sex scene between Piper and Ryan is a contrast to the narrative that glosses over most of the story.
The narrative quickens the pace, so the story never stalls. Some transitions, however, are so quick and subtle, the reader has to backtrack. One moment, Ellie is 4 and suddenly she is 8. Sometimes we don’t have the preparation we need. For example, Piper meets Ryan once and then ten years later, having never heard what was going on with him, suddenly she is involved with and concerned about his health. Part of the story is missing. When did she learn of his drug addiction before the two of them meet again?
Nevertheless the author handles well the reader’s anticipation of Piper and Ryan meeting for the second time.
Eventually Piper grows stronger, more confident, and happier. The struggle, the love, and the glossing over of the evil acts, lift this story from unrelenting darkness. However I am disappointed that the litany of “I’m no good” isn’t replaced in Piper’s head with “I am loved. I have worth.” We know she loves, is compassionate, and protective. Piper is like the finest silk who considers herself a dirty rag, desiring only to be tossed against the threshold to protect loved ones from a poisonous draft.
The story has its fine points, but there is no escaping the need for more proofreading to clean up errors.
The writing is often reporting, with only a few scenes developed, mostly the positive scenes and the climactic scene. But even the climactic action scene has missing details, which leave the reader wondering what happened or how this situation ended as it did. The action scene near the novel’s end has only a hint of preamble and a muddy ending. Joshua—family friend and protector—comes to the rescue, supposedly blowing away the antagonist. Afterward we discover Joshua is injured and the antagonist is still a threat. How did that happen?
And then we have Piper’s noble deed, understandable, but leaving us with a cliff hanger.
I don’t like novels to end in cliff hangers, with the story to be continued in a following novel. Do I read the next book because I love the characters or because I love the story?
I’m left thinking this is a melancholy tale. Like the “she or he-done-me-wrong” sad song. Some find comfort in sadness, treating it like an old friend. I loved Piper’s and Ryan’s victories. I wanted them to come into the sunshine of life and stay there.
This story is mostly a report. But fascinating. It is intense and compassionately written. The main characters are likable and convincing. The author gives us a sensitive and stunning insight into different lifestyles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2017
Ok
Kept my interest but the plot was weak. What piper did in the end made me not like that character. Weak.
Kept my interest but the plot was weak. What piper did in the end made me not like that character. Weak.
October 3, 2013
Fade to Black is primarily about Piper Mitchell, who at 11 years of age is removed from her grandparents' loving home and all but sold by her drug-addicted mother to a pedophile boyfriend. Piper manages to escape but not after hideous acts. As a result of her torture, Piper turns to drugs, self-mutilation and when she finally finds someone to love and who loves her, he is tragically killed. She eventually marries but her husband turns out to be a wife beater and criminal of the number one order. A third of the way into the book, Piper’s story is put on hold as the author introduces another major character, Ryan Knox, who has his own demons to contend with. Once Ryan’s story is related, the author brings the two characters together, spurring the plot into another direction.
If it weren’t for Piper’s and Ryan’s characterizations and the emotional impact of the storytelling, Fade to Black’s storyline could easily have turned into a soap opera. There was so much evil but M.C. Webb made the story and events believable. She wrote at length about each of the major characters, telling their individual stories with care, precision, authenticity, and without any judgement. She then brought the characters together, turning the story toward the promise of hope.
Even though some events in Fade to Black were anticipated, there were many surprising twists and turns, which hooked me and kept me reading.
If it weren’t for Piper’s and Ryan’s characterizations and the emotional impact of the storytelling, Fade to Black’s storyline could easily have turned into a soap opera. There was so much evil but M.C. Webb made the story and events believable. She wrote at length about each of the major characters, telling their individual stories with care, precision, authenticity, and without any judgement. She then brought the characters together, turning the story toward the promise of hope.
Even though some events in Fade to Black were anticipated, there were many surprising twists and turns, which hooked me and kept me reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2015
Fade to Black (The Black Trilogy #1) by M.C. Webb is the story about a young girl from a small town in Tennessee who’s life is wretchedness. Piper and her family are ripped apart when her dad dies suddenly. Piper’s vacuous mother takes her and her brother, Nathan, to live in a rundown, secluded trailer. Nathan takes off to Nashville and leaves Piper alone. Huge mistake. What happens next you won’t believe.
This is an extremely emotional story involving death, murder, abuse, addiction, self-harm, and other delicate topics. Despite all of the suffering Piper endures, it’s not a pity party. It’s realistic.
I found the novel heartrending. It’s one of those stories that touches your soul. Even though Piper’s life is bleak, she is a ray of sunshine. I especially like the lesson of, “To thine own self be true.”
There are a lot of intriguing characters to say the least both good and bad. The pace is steady-going. I approve of the way the story ends.
It is the first book in a series. Sometimes you have to wait for all of the action to hit at the end of a first novel in a series. But this isn’t so! It’s ACTION-PACKED.
This is an extremely emotional story involving death, murder, abuse, addiction, self-harm, and other delicate topics. Despite all of the suffering Piper endures, it’s not a pity party. It’s realistic.
I found the novel heartrending. It’s one of those stories that touches your soul. Even though Piper’s life is bleak, she is a ray of sunshine. I especially like the lesson of, “To thine own self be true.”
There are a lot of intriguing characters to say the least both good and bad. The pace is steady-going. I approve of the way the story ends.
It is the first book in a series. Sometimes you have to wait for all of the action to hit at the end of a first novel in a series. But this isn’t so! It’s ACTION-PACKED.
May 6, 2015
Piper Mitchell has had a tough life. Every time she manages to make it through something alive, something else happens to drag her down again. After a chance meeting with a Hollywood star, Ryan Knox, things being to spiral out of control. Can they manage to work through all of the past when it is continually coming after them?
This book was intense. I felt so bad for Piper and all of the abuse she had dealt with. Every time her life took a turn for the better, she would end up in a bad place again. She couldn't seem to catch a break. This book was hard to put down. I love how Piper never gave up, and even when she thought there wasn't much left in her, she would still fight. Even through all of the bad in her life, Piper still managed to want to help others. I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved all of the surprised that the author threw in!
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was intense. I felt so bad for Piper and all of the abuse she had dealt with. Every time her life took a turn for the better, she would end up in a bad place again. She couldn't seem to catch a break. This book was hard to put down. I love how Piper never gave up, and even when she thought there wasn't much left in her, she would still fight. Even through all of the bad in her life, Piper still managed to want to help others. I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved all of the surprised that the author threw in!
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 2, 2013
WOW! All I can say is just Wow!
This story is definitely one that you could actually see playing out in life. Horrible abuse opening up reveal to the healing strength of a family's love and endless support.
This has been an incredible story. My heart ached for a little 11yo. girl who had just lost her father she idolized and then was tortured beyond belief at the hands of her mother. The twists and turns of her life, her love for Matthew and his death right up to finding love again with Ryan. Definitely an emotional roller coaster. I found myself torn - as I cried and rejoiced with each move up and down the storyline took. The characters were creatively thought out and their personalities flowed well. And the ending - what a cliff hanger! I have to have more!
It's definitely one series that has to be seen to the ending!
This story is definitely one that you could actually see playing out in life. Horrible abuse opening up reveal to the healing strength of a family's love and endless support.
This has been an incredible story. My heart ached for a little 11yo. girl who had just lost her father she idolized and then was tortured beyond belief at the hands of her mother. The twists and turns of her life, her love for Matthew and his death right up to finding love again with Ryan. Definitely an emotional roller coaster. I found myself torn - as I cried and rejoiced with each move up and down the storyline took. The characters were creatively thought out and their personalities flowed well. And the ending - what a cliff hanger! I have to have more!
It's definitely one series that has to be seen to the ending!
January 27, 2015
***DISCLAIMER*** I have an imagination and am easily entertained...
This was a free download from Amazon.
Review of Fade to Black by M.C. Webb
Although I always add my disclaimer at the beginning of a review, I am certain that even a person with very limited imagination and the inability to be entertained easily would have found this book to be an exceptional read...
From the very first paragraph until the very last, this book was vivid, emotional, tragic and beautiful. I will be purchasing the next two books in the trilogy by the end of the week...
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a realistic story, solidly fleshed characters and a fast flowing story line. I spent part of this book breathless, part in tears, and the whole anxious for the main character.
This was a free download from Amazon.
Review of Fade to Black by M.C. Webb
Although I always add my disclaimer at the beginning of a review, I am certain that even a person with very limited imagination and the inability to be entertained easily would have found this book to be an exceptional read...
From the very first paragraph until the very last, this book was vivid, emotional, tragic and beautiful. I will be purchasing the next two books in the trilogy by the end of the week...
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a realistic story, solidly fleshed characters and a fast flowing story line. I spent part of this book breathless, part in tears, and the whole anxious for the main character.
December 28, 2014
This is a story that has you gripped from the very beginning and moves at a good pace to keep you interested. It has flawed characters who have been through much tragedy and basically things no one should experience. My rating is actually a 3.5 stars.... It is a huge distraction (at least on the Kindle version) to have frequent poor grammar and editing. I wished I had highlighted all of them to keep an actual count... But in essence it was the worst I have seen in a book and leaves me quite disappointed. Not sure I am willing to go to the next book as a result. Would be great if those get fixed and an update is sent from Amazon.
August 20, 2013
This book moved me in so many ways. I went through so many emotions reading this story. I yelled, screamed, cried, laughed and gasped many times. This story is so riveting and dramatic I could not put it down. A child, sexually abused and verbally abused starting at the age of 11. Fighting inner demons and eventually finding the strength she needs to survive. This story is not for the faint hearted....child abuse, excessive drug use, self mutilation and murder. Amazing story and fabulously written.
October 14, 2014
Still in shock
Still in shock
I loved it ... I cried, I laughed, I hoped, and I died. Every emotion that is felt through this book I also went through it with them. I mean to know that Piper was getting hit with bad experiences left and right and still came out a winner is eye opening. Ryan you also felt his pain and anger, I love how they survive together when times were rough. I recommend this book to every person I can think of 18yrs and up.
Still in shock
I loved it ... I cried, I laughed, I hoped, and I died. Every emotion that is felt through this book I also went through it with them. I mean to know that Piper was getting hit with bad experiences left and right and still came out a winner is eye opening. Ryan you also felt his pain and anger, I love how they survive together when times were rough. I recommend this book to every person I can think of 18yrs and up.
August 7, 2013
This book really keep me on my toes never knowing what could possibly happen next. This was normally a book I would not like, but I couldn't stop reading it. You get really connected to Piper's character and become invested in her. I would recommend this book to my friends and anyone who wanted to be shock or likes books that is a little dark.
January 25, 2016
This is a dark and tragic story that will enthrall and enrapture you from beginning to end. I was eating up these pages so fast that I could not tear myself away from this book. I forgot there was a life to be had inside my home until I finished this book. Marlene became my new favorite dark romance writer. The story was entertaining and I was hooked.
October 25, 2014
I won this book through a Goodread giveaway. This is not my typical reading, and at times I found it hard to read, with all the abuse. But the suspense kept me going and I couldn't put it down until the end! Great book!
December 13, 2014
This book is absolutely heart breaking. It is such a raw, intense story, it had me crying and reflecting on life, happiness, and the struggle to continue. The characters deal with wicked demons and use different demons to overcome their pain and hurt. I definitely give it 4 stars!!
Want to read
June 3, 2013Okay...how did I miss this??? This looks amazing! Definitely need to read this!
December 27, 2013
To see my more in depth review you can visit WWW.renesgetaway.blogspot.com or follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/renesgetaway
December 12, 2014
Awesome
Very good series. On to 2 nd book EXCITING to read and intense... I have had several say these are amazing and they are correct.
Very good series. On to 2 nd book EXCITING to read and intense... I have had several say these are amazing and they are correct.
March 8, 2016
Didn't finish this dark horrid book. Why would anyone want to read this?
Read
November 2, 2014couldn't put it down- wow what a story. she just keeps going and going
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews