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Blue Light #1
Apocalypse Island
A Maine city has turned into a killing ground. Is it a serial killer, someone with a penchant for the macabre and a need to destroy? Or is it a darker force, an ancient legend from a mysterious Island come ashore to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting?
Amid the backdrop of Portland's burgeoning night scene, Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings discovers that no one is safe, and that evil has many faces.
Danny Wolf, a gifted musician with alcohol problems is witnessing brutal murder in his dreams. Someone is carving a cross on each of the young female victims before crucifying them. Newly released from prison for a crime he did not commit, Wolf is having trouble adjusting to civilian life. He believes the dreams are a symptom of his adjustment until he discovers that they are real and that the victims are his own groupies. He soon begins to doubt his sanity. Could he be a homicidal madman? Wolf has no memory of his early childhood but discovers that he spent his first eight years in a Catholic orphanage on a mysterious island off the coast of Maine. Is it possible that his early life and the murders are somehow connected? Soon the killings become more bold and gruesome, as members of the church begin to die. Enter Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings and his young assistant Laura Higgins. They discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects. Danny Wolf becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
Amid the backdrop of Portland's burgeoning night scene, Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings discovers that no one is safe, and that evil has many faces.
Danny Wolf, a gifted musician with alcohol problems is witnessing brutal murder in his dreams. Someone is carving a cross on each of the young female victims before crucifying them. Newly released from prison for a crime he did not commit, Wolf is having trouble adjusting to civilian life. He believes the dreams are a symptom of his adjustment until he discovers that they are real and that the victims are his own groupies. He soon begins to doubt his sanity. Could he be a homicidal madman? Wolf has no memory of his early childhood but discovers that he spent his first eight years in a Catholic orphanage on a mysterious island off the coast of Maine. Is it possible that his early life and the murders are somehow connected? Soon the killings become more bold and gruesome, as members of the church begin to die. Enter Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings and his young assistant Laura Higgins. They discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects. Danny Wolf becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2012
522 people are currently reading
1577 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edward Hall
53 books150 followersMark Edward Hall is the author of the bestselling fantasy and science fiction Blue Light Series. He’s written more than twenty novels and numerous short stories.
Apocalypse Island — In Book 1 of The Blue Light Series we meet Danny Wolf, Laura Higgins and Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings.
Their city has turned into a killing ground. Is it a serial killer, someone with a penchant for the macabre and a need to destroy? Or is it a darker force, an ancient legend from a mysterious Island come ashore to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting?
In a desperate search for answers they discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects.
Danny Wolf, a local musician becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
Soul Thief — In Book 2 of the Blue Light Series we meet Doug and Annie McArthur. Doug McArthur, hit in the face by a young friend at the age of seven, is suddenly able to see a supernatural creature who calls itself Collector. Doug’s life is turned upside down when he realizes that it’s not just the creature he sees, but the atrocities it commits.
Since marrying Annie his visions have been quiet and Doug is grateful. Now Annie is pregnant with their first child—a child that promises to be special—and their world is in the process of coming apart, beginning with the destruction of their home and forcing them to run for their lives, back into the world of Annie’s childhood, the De Roché dynasty, to a murdered mother and a cruel and enigmatic father.
Song of Ariel — Book 3 of the Blue Light Series begins four years after Doug and Annie McArthur are forced to take refuge in the Maine Wilderness. Ariel has grown into a beautiful and gifted child wise beyond her years. Their life, although hard, has been peaceful and relatively quiet.
But the tide is about to turn. When they sense something isn't right in the world Doug leaves the shelter of their wilderness cabin to investigate. In a heartbeat their quiet life is shattered by an unspeakable violence, and once again they are forced to run for their lives, this time to a place where they will encounter a truth more fantastic than anything they could ever have imagined.
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Apocalypse Island — In Book 1 of The Blue Light Series we meet Danny Wolf, Laura Higgins and Police Lieutenant Rick Jennings.
Their city has turned into a killing ground. Is it a serial killer, someone with a penchant for the macabre and a need to destroy? Or is it a darker force, an ancient legend from a mysterious Island come ashore to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting?
In a desperate search for answers they discover a government conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, and a cold war CIA mind control program known as MK-Ultra where children were used as test subjects.
Danny Wolf, a local musician becomes the number one suspect in the murders, but no one, not even Wolf, is prepared for what they discover on Apocalypse Island, a mind blowing secret that was supposed to stay hidden forever.
Soul Thief — In Book 2 of the Blue Light Series we meet Doug and Annie McArthur. Doug McArthur, hit in the face by a young friend at the age of seven, is suddenly able to see a supernatural creature who calls itself Collector. Doug’s life is turned upside down when he realizes that it’s not just the creature he sees, but the atrocities it commits.
Since marrying Annie his visions have been quiet and Doug is grateful. Now Annie is pregnant with their first child—a child that promises to be special—and their world is in the process of coming apart, beginning with the destruction of their home and forcing them to run for their lives, back into the world of Annie’s childhood, the De Roché dynasty, to a murdered mother and a cruel and enigmatic father.
Song of Ariel — Book 3 of the Blue Light Series begins four years after Doug and Annie McArthur are forced to take refuge in the Maine Wilderness. Ariel has grown into a beautiful and gifted child wise beyond her years. Their life, although hard, has been peaceful and relatively quiet.
But the tide is about to turn. When they sense something isn't right in the world Doug leaves the shelter of their wilderness cabin to investigate. In a heartbeat their quiet life is shattered by an unspeakable violence, and once again they are forced to run for their lives, this time to a place where they will encounter a truth more fantastic than anything they could ever have imagined.
Join my mailing List Readers who join get advance copies of my ebooks before they're published: Also you will be notified of new releases, freebies, exclusive extras, and special promotions.
Visit my Website
Like me on Facebook. I love to chat with readers.
Follow me on Twitter.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 22, 2013
I found this to be a creative and unique story idea. After a slow start, this book really took off and was a fun and thrilling read. I expect that anyone who likes police or crime drama, scifi, thriller or mystery stories would find this book to be worthwhile reading.
June 21, 2012
I didn't know what to expect when I read a synopsis of Apocalypse Island by Mark Edward Hall. But the synopsis sounded intriguing and was well-written so I decided to give it a try.
I have to say I was not disappointed at all. The writing style is crisp and clear, the characters well developed and believable and the work is tightly plotted. It is also fast-paced and engaging right from the word go.
Hall is a defintely a talented, natural story teller and this quickly becomes abundantly clear in his concise writing style and ability to build tension, releasing information little by little until near the end when the pieces finally gell into an exciting and shocking ending.
There are a number of themes in the book; a kind of criticism and redemption of religion, the obvious and universal theme of a man trying to confront his demons (figuratively and literally), exorcise them and figure out his true identity; an analysis of how humankind might react in the face of a mysterious and superior intellect, possibly from another planet, and also a look at some of the destructive effects caused by government mind control experiments on unsuspecting human subjects. I'm sure I'm missing a theme or two.
The book is hard to categorize. Suffice it to say it is part psychogical thriller, part horror, part crime mystery thriller. Probably missing one here as well.
While Hall writes in the third person, he effectively manages to switch point of view from character to character without it coming across as confusing. And that's not an easy thing to do. I found his style interesting, unique and engaging.
It's also a great story and an entertaining read. Kudos to Hall.
I have to say I was not disappointed at all. The writing style is crisp and clear, the characters well developed and believable and the work is tightly plotted. It is also fast-paced and engaging right from the word go.
Hall is a defintely a talented, natural story teller and this quickly becomes abundantly clear in his concise writing style and ability to build tension, releasing information little by little until near the end when the pieces finally gell into an exciting and shocking ending.
There are a number of themes in the book; a kind of criticism and redemption of religion, the obvious and universal theme of a man trying to confront his demons (figuratively and literally), exorcise them and figure out his true identity; an analysis of how humankind might react in the face of a mysterious and superior intellect, possibly from another planet, and also a look at some of the destructive effects caused by government mind control experiments on unsuspecting human subjects. I'm sure I'm missing a theme or two.
The book is hard to categorize. Suffice it to say it is part psychogical thriller, part horror, part crime mystery thriller. Probably missing one here as well.
While Hall writes in the third person, he effectively manages to switch point of view from character to character without it coming across as confusing. And that's not an easy thing to do. I found his style interesting, unique and engaging.
It's also a great story and an entertaining read. Kudos to Hall.
November 6, 2019
Like 1.5 ⭐️
If this wasn’t the first in a series, I could actually see myself trying to finish it - it’s not horrible. But I’m not interested in starting a long relationship with this MC. So I’m bailing.
If this wasn’t the first in a series, I could actually see myself trying to finish it - it’s not horrible. But I’m not interested in starting a long relationship with this MC. So I’m bailing.
August 9, 2012
Danny Wolf was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but offered early parole if he agreed to psychological counseling. The nightmares he experienced in prison intensified upon his release, making him question his own sanity. When he becomes the main suspect in a string of ritualistic murders in the area he also begins to doubt his innocence. As he and the authorities try to unravel the mystery, they become embroiled in a huge government conspiracy, where no one is innocent.
Twists and turns abound in this supernatural thriller. It will definitely hold your interest and keep you turning pages to find out how the heck it’s all going to resolve. Mr. Hall has done an excellent job developing the characters and setting scenes while building the tension. The story is well-crafted and the writing is crisp and very unique. Part thriller, part mystery, part horror, part supernatural, and totally riveting! Fabulous job, Mr. Hall.
Twists and turns abound in this supernatural thriller. It will definitely hold your interest and keep you turning pages to find out how the heck it’s all going to resolve. Mr. Hall has done an excellent job developing the characters and setting scenes while building the tension. The story is well-crafted and the writing is crisp and very unique. Part thriller, part mystery, part horror, part supernatural, and totally riveting! Fabulous job, Mr. Hall.
April 10, 2013
I started reading this blindly only buying it for the title and I was NOT disappointed. A great "supernatural" mystery. I really was stressed at the end to find out ALL of the players in the crazy deaths around town. Only complainant is it took till the end to really find out any info- I like a few teasers in the middle hahahahaha Highly recommend to true mystery lovers!!!
April 16, 2013
Decent plot. Ridiculous number of grammatical errors. The author's note mentioned his gratitude to his author wife for her having read the manuscript. If two published authors can produce a book which repeatedly confuses "site" with "cite," then these may well be the end times. Pay a professional proofreader if you're a lousy speller.
April 12, 2013
Definitely a different genre of book than I normally read but it was a page turner. A story very loosely set in Portland, Maine which caught my attention...a story of government cover up involving the CIA..FBI..police force etc...young women who were in their Goth phase were being murdered and a cross carved into their chests...a young rock star had served 5 years for a previous killing he swore he didn't do and as soon as he was released the killings began again...throughout the story I was speculating as to whom the real killer was but never expected the true outcome...Definitely well worth the read!
April 11, 2013
Very good story. Quite a complicated plot with a bunch of threads, but the author pulled it off and brought everything together, yet still left a mysterious ending to keep the reader thinking. Great job. The cast of characters were all interesting, even though there were a lot of them. Kind of reminded me if another author from Maine... Good plot twists and the story held my interest. A mystery. SciFi. Paranormal. A love story. Well written and edited.
Good Read!
Good Read!
April 19, 2013
WOW!!!
If possible I would give it 10 stars!
Can't remember the last time I read a book like this that was a real page turner. I couldn't wait to read more.
The title completely misled me since I knew only tidbits about the book...but I was definitely rewarded with much more.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone :)
If possible I would give it 10 stars!
Can't remember the last time I read a book like this that was a real page turner. I couldn't wait to read more.
The title completely misled me since I knew only tidbits about the book...but I was definitely rewarded with much more.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone :)
October 5, 2018
First time reader of this author and now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative series. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
May 13, 2012
Apocalypse Island is an excellent read. Hall does a great job--he immediately pulls you in, but it's the riveting action and staccato chapters that propel the reader through the novel at breakneck speed. It will be interesting to see him attempt to surpass this effort with its follow-up.
April 7, 2013
Great suspense thriller that had me hooked from beginning to end... I really enjoyed it!
April 12, 2013
Well written. I thought it was an entertaining story and would recommend it. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone so I will just say that it was worth the time I put into it. I was entertained.
February 10, 2013
Good read, good story line, but a little too long and drawn out.
August 12, 2019
I just read the title of this and was totally expecting to listen to a post-apocalyptic story. lol And it was totally not even close. It's actually a serial killer, mystery-thriller story. That's what I get for not reading the preview. lol Once I adjusted my expectations and got into the story, I actually enjoyed it. It was a really good mystery with quite a few twists and turns. I was hoping the next book continued with the same characters though but it appears that the second book is based on two totally new characters with only the detective from this book making it appearance. Because of that, I haven't decided whether I'll continue the series or not. It may be surprise me though, as this one did...
Also, the audio narration was excellent! If you're looking for an audiobook to listen to, this is a really good performance.
Also, the audio narration was excellent! If you're looking for an audiobook to listen to, this is a really good performance.
March 17, 2017
This book is all over the place both in plot and writing. So many bad cliches and badly executed.
It's clearly a 'hidden' preachy god book where none of the characters are religious yet find it questioned and see / feel things, lots about demons and blasphemy.
Things that would've been obvious to a teenager and is to every reader is a hidden mystery for the characters. Then they are all struck by the clarity. Everyone is magnificent and beautiful but then suddenly being a deceiving monster.
The writing, oh dear. Stuff Iike "and he knew he shared his body with another person" and "on some deeper instinctive level that vast biological changes happens in an organism that senses danger" and experienced police officers constantly shocked and surprised.
It's clearly a 'hidden' preachy god book where none of the characters are religious yet find it questioned and see / feel things, lots about demons and blasphemy.
Things that would've been obvious to a teenager and is to every reader is a hidden mystery for the characters. Then they are all struck by the clarity. Everyone is magnificent and beautiful but then suddenly being a deceiving monster.
The writing, oh dear. Stuff Iike "and he knew he shared his body with another person" and "on some deeper instinctive level that vast biological changes happens in an organism that senses danger" and experienced police officers constantly shocked and surprised.
January 10, 2018
This book seemed to be an author fighting to decide on the genre he wanted to write, at first it seems like a crime thriller and then towards the end you have to suspend your disbelief as things start to get very weird and supernatural. I think the dramatic change between the two styles in the book made it hard to get into and made it less believable. It's not a particularly well written story and I found the chapter breaks to be extremely weird - sometimes changing chapter mid-conversation for no real reason.
This is apparently a trilogy but it's a fairly self-contained story in it's own right and I don't think I'll be picking up the second.
This is apparently a trilogy but it's a fairly self-contained story in it's own right and I don't think I'll be picking up the second.
April 29, 2019
3-3.5 stars.
It was okay, but this felt somewhat overrated. Indeed it kept you engaged from a thrilling aspect, but I’d consider the writing to be flat.
Although, there were a lot of twists and turns. As a result, it meant too much was going on. There were so many characters introduced that I actually didn’t remember who the killer was when his or her identity was revealed. Then it sunk in. The potential impact it could have made was delayed.
I also didn’t connect with any of the characters (especially the women), which is essentially why I don’t plan on reading the sequel to this series.
It was okay, but this felt somewhat overrated. Indeed it kept you engaged from a thrilling aspect, but I’d consider the writing to be flat.
Although, there were a lot of twists and turns. As a result, it meant too much was going on. There were so many characters introduced that I actually didn’t remember who the killer was when his or her identity was revealed. Then it sunk in. The potential impact it could have made was delayed.
I also didn’t connect with any of the characters (especially the women), which is essentially why I don’t plan on reading the sequel to this series.
July 6, 2017
Outstanding novel
This was an absolute treat to read. Great characters, a very good story, extremely well developed and conceived, this is a book to be enjoyed.
The author took time to very skilfully craft what has to be on of the better mystery/thriller novels of recent times. Furthermore, great care was taken in editing so that there is nothing to distract the reader from enjoying this book.
A recommendation without reservations, a must read. And make sure you have time enough, it is a page turner and you will not want to put it down once you start it.
This was an absolute treat to read. Great characters, a very good story, extremely well developed and conceived, this is a book to be enjoyed.
The author took time to very skilfully craft what has to be on of the better mystery/thriller novels of recent times. Furthermore, great care was taken in editing so that there is nothing to distract the reader from enjoying this book.
A recommendation without reservations, a must read. And make sure you have time enough, it is a page turner and you will not want to put it down once you start it.
May 26, 2019
Apocalypse Island: A Blue Light Thriller book 1
The story of Danny Wolf. Da my Wolf was convicted of murder of a man he did not kill. He has five year to go but He Can get out early if he see a psychologist for a year. Now he is out and some one is killing women he has sleep with. Don't turn away from this book because every page you find a new twist. Great story. Thrill, romance, paranormal, activity, and more.
The story of Danny Wolf. Da my Wolf was convicted of murder of a man he did not kill. He has five year to go but He Can get out early if he see a psychologist for a year. Now he is out and some one is killing women he has sleep with. Don't turn away from this book because every page you find a new twist. Great story. Thrill, romance, paranormal, activity, and more.
June 7, 2017
Apocalypse Island was a trippy weird kind of read. The writing did remind me of a Stephen King novel - long winded and creepy in a "what the heck's going on" kind of way. There was a slow wind up and the story is a bit convoluted but not a bad read.
For those who want to know: This story contains language, sex and violence.
For those who want to know: This story contains language, sex and violence.
January 22, 2019
Surprises galore
I wouldn’t usually read this genre but I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly I am glad that I didn’t realize that there was anything about the paranormal until I was well into it. What I liked the most was that the players were unveiled one by one and kept my interest.
I wouldn’t usually read this genre but I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly I am glad that I didn’t realize that there was anything about the paranormal until I was well into it. What I liked the most was that the players were unveiled one by one and kept my interest.
March 5, 2022
Kept me guessing!
Enjoyed this book very much. Although it had things murder thrillers usually have: frustration w/ rules & politics among detectives, partners & bosses; interference from outside agencies & trying to solve current cases that seem to be connected to old cases that are "strictly off limits". The " twist" was definitely new for me. Enjoyed it!
Enjoyed this book very much. Although it had things murder thrillers usually have: frustration w/ rules & politics among detectives, partners & bosses; interference from outside agencies & trying to solve current cases that seem to be connected to old cases that are "strictly off limits". The " twist" was definitely new for me. Enjoyed it!
July 10, 2022
interesting
I’ve had this book for awhile in my library and finally decided to read it. It was slow at first, but once the character Laura was introduced things got moving. It’s about what lengths the government will go to to experiment and try and make the “perfect” soldier. The Catholic Church is part of it as well. Do they get away with it?
I’ve had this book for awhile in my library and finally decided to read it. It was slow at first, but once the character Laura was introduced things got moving. It’s about what lengths the government will go to to experiment and try and make the “perfect” soldier. The Catholic Church is part of it as well. Do they get away with it?
April 18, 2018
Bone chilling thriller
Very interesting fictional story about an orphanage full of kids that the government used as experiments and tortured, then tried to kill and cover up the whole thing. Very good read!
Very interesting fictional story about an orphanage full of kids that the government used as experiments and tortured, then tried to kill and cover up the whole thing. Very good read!
July 23, 2018
Excellent Book
This book Apocalypse Island kept you on the edge of your seat all the way through. I was totally surprised at the outcome. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading other books by Mark Edward Hall.
This book Apocalypse Island kept you on the edge of your seat all the way through. I was totally surprised at the outcome. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading other books by Mark Edward Hall.
May 30, 2019
This is one great read.
Frankly, I ordered it by mistake. I finally decided to look it over. Once I started it, I couldn't put down . One of the best thrillers I've read. I strongly suggest you give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
Frankly, I ordered it by mistake. I finally decided to look it over. Once I started it, I couldn't put down . One of the best thrillers I've read. I strongly suggest you give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
September 5, 2020
It grabs you by the......
hands and keeps them turning the pages. Mark has a knack for creating immersive characters and storylines turning his books into page turners that you don't want to put down.
hands and keeps them turning the pages. Mark has a knack for creating immersive characters and storylines turning his books into page turners that you don't want to put down.
June 6, 2021
A very good plot & story. However, reading was spoiled & distracting by the use of crude swearing, cussing, & Bulger language, especially by the female characters. I would have given a higher rating if not for this spoiler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2022
Apocalypse Island
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. It had so many twists in it that you could never be sure who the bad guys were. Add some supernatural phenomenon to it and you have a fantastic story
This book was so good I couldn't put it down. It had so many twists in it that you could never be sure who the bad guys were. Add some supernatural phenomenon to it and you have a fantastic story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews