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The Terminals #1
The Terminals: Spark
Sometimes the dead don’t want to talk.
You need Terminals to make them.
Terminals solve crimes in this realm by investigating them in the next.
Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow, fresh from a failed suicide attempt after she cost 11 of her soldiers their lives, is recruited into the covert unit of Terminals as a handler. It's an easy sell. If she's really determined to die, it’s a chance to give her death meaning.
But her first case—convincing a monk to chase Hillar the Killer into the afterlife to find the location of a missing bus and the children it carried—has her wondering how to make a dead psychopath talk.
Christine must follow the clues sent back by the shotgun-toting monk, who tracks Hillar through the seven deeps of hell, so she can find eleven kids before it’s too late.
Maybe this time killing a man will give Christine a reason to live.
You need Terminals to make them.
Terminals solve crimes in this realm by investigating them in the next.
Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow, fresh from a failed suicide attempt after she cost 11 of her soldiers their lives, is recruited into the covert unit of Terminals as a handler. It's an easy sell. If she's really determined to die, it’s a chance to give her death meaning.
But her first case—convincing a monk to chase Hillar the Killer into the afterlife to find the location of a missing bus and the children it carried—has her wondering how to make a dead psychopath talk.
Christine must follow the clues sent back by the shotgun-toting monk, who tracks Hillar through the seven deeps of hell, so she can find eleven kids before it’s too late.
Maybe this time killing a man will give Christine a reason to live.
310 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Michael F. Stewart
18 books267 followersMichael F. Stewart has authored over two dozen books for kids and young adults. With works ranging from interactive digital epics and graphic novels to humorous middle grade and surreal young adult novels, Michael enjoys stretching the limits on his storytelling and working with other authors young and old to tell their stories. He has an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and lives in Ottawa with his partner, four daughters, a cat, and a dog.
To learn more about Michael and his next projects visit his website.
To learn more about Michael and his next projects visit his website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 8, 2014
“The question of afterlife disappears, when we start to recognize the fact that we did not existed before our birth and the same will happen after death.” ― Sipendr
“I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” ― Mark Twain
Joshua Bruns said that the trouble with quotes about death is that 99.999 perent of them are made by people who are still alive. So, I’m part of the 0.001 percent. – Captain Kade “Morph” Harmina, US Army Terminal
If you knew that you were going to die soon, that your death would have no meaning other than pain – your own and that of your loved ones – would you be willing to sacrifice what little comfortable time you might have remaining in order to save the lives of others? Causa moriendi est causa vivendi. Dying for a reason is a good reason to keep living.
But what happens after death occurs? Does religion really have the answers? Or is it both more and less than what the human mind may conceive? If the afterlife is real, does our energy simply sustain what our mind conceives, fading into oblivion as the currants of life expire?
Questions upon questions, with no answers in sight. Well, until you are dead, and then will those questions actually be answered? Or is the concept of an afterlife merely a conceit, a naïve attempt to ease the terrors of the unknown?
Michael F. Stewart has written a horrifying book in The Terminals Episode 1: Spark. Oh, don’t get me wrong – I mean horrifying in the best possible definition of literary excellence. This is a spine-chilling novel, full of disturbing layers of both the physical and metaphysical. The story reached down inside my mind and jerked at the lids of all the mentally hardened boxes it contains, the memories inherent in a mind tormented by PTSD. the dark terrors at the edges of death, only to return, kicking and screaming, into the agony of life once more.
When Lieutenant Colonel Christine Kurzow awakens in a hot, dusty field hospital in the burning desert of Iraq, the first words she hears are those of General F. Aaron: Dying for a reason is a good reason to live, Colonel. A strange comment, and one that opens the door to a perverted, powerful, and deeply disturbing book that reaches into the mind, distorting science, religion, belief, and the basic tenants of the human concept of the afterlife.
Kurzow is crippled by guilt after the loss of eleven of those under her command – a loss that could have been prevented if she had taken one shot – a shot which would have killed a child, but saved her team. A rising star in the Army hierarchy, Kurzow’s misjudgment, and subsequent suicide attempt, is a public relations nightmare for the Army, one that is quickly swept under the rug. No punishment attached, rather a Medal of Honor awarded by the military machine. No punishment from her peers, but a deadly degree of self-punishment in the form of a sharp blade, and a massive number of pills. Now, she is pulled back from the brink and pushed into a secret military unit. A unit that accomplishes the impossible – communication with the dead. The only problem? One must die that many may live.
What is most terrifying about Stewart’s tale is just how clearly I could see in my mind’s eye everything that was happening, in grotesque detail. And how horrific the religious visions of the afterlife really are. For, the method the group uses to track down the killers and terrorists in the afterlife is based on religious beliefs – the sharing of the Terminal’s beliefs with those of the person they seek in the afterlife.
Can Christine gain her redemption by her own death? She will be given the chance – but before she can reach for salvation, she must handle the euthanizing of the Gnostic monk, Charlie. For Charlie is an expert on Hillar the Killer, a psychopathic mass murderer with a minimum of eighty kills under his belt. Charlie not only shares Hillar’s religion, but also understands the depths of Hillar’s psychopathy. Charlie must find Hillar in the afterlife – the lives of eleven kidnapped children depend upon him. And when an incompetent, glory hound cop blunders what should have been a simple shot, killing the killer, Charlie the monk must die in order to save them.
Can Christine convince the monk that he must die in order to save the children? And can Charlie track Hillar through the brutalities of the Gnostic deep – and then pull the needed information from a creature of pure evil? Finally, can Christine, an Atheist, truly work through a system that relies upon meshing the religious beliefs of the Terminal and their prey?
“Though one believes in nothing, there are moments in life when one accepts the religion of the temple nearest at hand.” ― Victor Hugo
More questions - of religion and faith, of the good of the many over the good of the one. Of honor and pride, patriotism and heroism. And even greater questions of morality and ethics and an even simpler question – are the Terminals really terminal, or is there something truly evil in the works – an evil promulgated upon the innocent by a selfish, sociopathic coward with a god complex?
“Where questions of religion are concerned, people are guilty of every possible sort of dishonesty and intellectual misdemeanor.” ― Sigmund Freud, The Future of an Illusion (The Standard Edition)
Morph says it best. "Listen, don't fixate so much on death. It doesn't matter. When we are alive, we are not dead, and when we are dead, we are no longer alive. There is no in-between. No dying. It is the dying that most people fear." Of course, when she made that statement, she was already dead.
I received The Terminals Episode 1: Spark from Netgalley.com in return for a realistic review. If I could give the book ten stars, I certainly would. It has nothing to do with whether or not I received the book for free and everything to do with the fact that this one of the best books I have read in recent memory. I can hardly wait for the next Episode and will drop everything to read it to see if it lives up to its stunning début.
“I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” ― Mark Twain
Joshua Bruns said that the trouble with quotes about death is that 99.999 perent of them are made by people who are still alive. So, I’m part of the 0.001 percent. – Captain Kade “Morph” Harmina, US Army Terminal
If you knew that you were going to die soon, that your death would have no meaning other than pain – your own and that of your loved ones – would you be willing to sacrifice what little comfortable time you might have remaining in order to save the lives of others? Causa moriendi est causa vivendi. Dying for a reason is a good reason to keep living.
But what happens after death occurs? Does religion really have the answers? Or is it both more and less than what the human mind may conceive? If the afterlife is real, does our energy simply sustain what our mind conceives, fading into oblivion as the currants of life expire?
Questions upon questions, with no answers in sight. Well, until you are dead, and then will those questions actually be answered? Or is the concept of an afterlife merely a conceit, a naïve attempt to ease the terrors of the unknown?
Michael F. Stewart has written a horrifying book in The Terminals Episode 1: Spark. Oh, don’t get me wrong – I mean horrifying in the best possible definition of literary excellence. This is a spine-chilling novel, full of disturbing layers of both the physical and metaphysical. The story reached down inside my mind and jerked at the lids of all the mentally hardened boxes it contains, the memories inherent in a mind tormented by PTSD. the dark terrors at the edges of death, only to return, kicking and screaming, into the agony of life once more.
When Lieutenant Colonel Christine Kurzow awakens in a hot, dusty field hospital in the burning desert of Iraq, the first words she hears are those of General F. Aaron: Dying for a reason is a good reason to live, Colonel. A strange comment, and one that opens the door to a perverted, powerful, and deeply disturbing book that reaches into the mind, distorting science, religion, belief, and the basic tenants of the human concept of the afterlife.
Kurzow is crippled by guilt after the loss of eleven of those under her command – a loss that could have been prevented if she had taken one shot – a shot which would have killed a child, but saved her team. A rising star in the Army hierarchy, Kurzow’s misjudgment, and subsequent suicide attempt, is a public relations nightmare for the Army, one that is quickly swept under the rug. No punishment attached, rather a Medal of Honor awarded by the military machine. No punishment from her peers, but a deadly degree of self-punishment in the form of a sharp blade, and a massive number of pills. Now, she is pulled back from the brink and pushed into a secret military unit. A unit that accomplishes the impossible – communication with the dead. The only problem? One must die that many may live.
What is most terrifying about Stewart’s tale is just how clearly I could see in my mind’s eye everything that was happening, in grotesque detail. And how horrific the religious visions of the afterlife really are. For, the method the group uses to track down the killers and terrorists in the afterlife is based on religious beliefs – the sharing of the Terminal’s beliefs with those of the person they seek in the afterlife.
Can Christine gain her redemption by her own death? She will be given the chance – but before she can reach for salvation, she must handle the euthanizing of the Gnostic monk, Charlie. For Charlie is an expert on Hillar the Killer, a psychopathic mass murderer with a minimum of eighty kills under his belt. Charlie not only shares Hillar’s religion, but also understands the depths of Hillar’s psychopathy. Charlie must find Hillar in the afterlife – the lives of eleven kidnapped children depend upon him. And when an incompetent, glory hound cop blunders what should have been a simple shot, killing the killer, Charlie the monk must die in order to save them.
Can Christine convince the monk that he must die in order to save the children? And can Charlie track Hillar through the brutalities of the Gnostic deep – and then pull the needed information from a creature of pure evil? Finally, can Christine, an Atheist, truly work through a system that relies upon meshing the religious beliefs of the Terminal and their prey?
“Though one believes in nothing, there are moments in life when one accepts the religion of the temple nearest at hand.” ― Victor Hugo
More questions - of religion and faith, of the good of the many over the good of the one. Of honor and pride, patriotism and heroism. And even greater questions of morality and ethics and an even simpler question – are the Terminals really terminal, or is there something truly evil in the works – an evil promulgated upon the innocent by a selfish, sociopathic coward with a god complex?
“Where questions of religion are concerned, people are guilty of every possible sort of dishonesty and intellectual misdemeanor.” ― Sigmund Freud, The Future of an Illusion (The Standard Edition)
Morph says it best. "Listen, don't fixate so much on death. It doesn't matter. When we are alive, we are not dead, and when we are dead, we are no longer alive. There is no in-between. No dying. It is the dying that most people fear." Of course, when she made that statement, she was already dead.
I received The Terminals Episode 1: Spark from Netgalley.com in return for a realistic review. If I could give the book ten stars, I certainly would. It has nothing to do with whether or not I received the book for free and everything to do with the fact that this one of the best books I have read in recent memory. I can hardly wait for the next Episode and will drop everything to read it to see if it lives up to its stunning début.
May 1, 2014
When it comes to scary books - stories of horror and gore - I'm most certainly not your girl! And I'm damn proud to say so!
But I'm also proud to say that despite my cowardice, I manage to read wonderful books that are simply gondsend gifts to humanity - books that are so scary, my freaked out self from two years ago wouldn't even touch them with a ten-foot pole. And The Terminals: Spark was one of those.
When a psycho who has abducted eleven kids dies unexpectedly, everything seems lost - there's no way the police can find where Hillar the Killer had hidden the children before his brains got shot out of his head. Or is there? The Terminals beg to differ. A special military unit, these people specialize in interrogating the dead in the afterlife. Its agents are either on their way there, or eager to kick the bucket, anyway. Looking for some kind of redemption and honorable death, Christine Kurzow becomes a handler and future Terminal. Her first case is Hillar, and with Attila the medium, Dr. Deeth, and the General who recruited her on her side, Christine will try her hardest to bring the kids back. But will they make it in time? Or will their many differences and Christine's own suicidal ways prove to be too much?
While the book started in a rather confused way - and it took me a while to get where this was going - the pace and the interest soon picked up to keep me hooked. There were definitely many chapters that were pure terror for me, and I came too close for comfort to losing my lunch or dinner sometimes, but I made it to the end of the story seemingly unscathed - and with the bile held down, thank God! Yes, I'm not going to lie, many parts were violent and disgusting. (by the way, the author did warn me, but masochistic ol' me never seems to listen)
There were scenes where kids were tortured and treated awfully. Oh, and don't let my flowery words misguide you. I don't mean they were just beaten around or got bullied by their kidnappers. I mean the real deal. One that had to do with needles, and sewing, and creepy lullaby songs while this whole thing was taking place.
And surprisingly, that's what made it better. See, Mr. Stewart had warned me. But what I read was far worse than what he briefly descibed in his email. It was downright terrifying, and can cause the nightmares of a lifetime. Because in his story, he didn't sugarcoat things. He told them as they were. He didn't cut down on the violence for the reader's sake. And that, people, THAT showed how much respect he holds for his readers. He doesn't keep us sheltered, he doesn't try to just give us a nice story with action and suspense - maybe throw a little horror in the mix - and be done with it. No, instead he lays the events in a rude but oh-so-brilliant way, bursts our bubble, and gives us the scene raw and uncensored - the way it should be. That... that, my darlings, had me loving this book so much - despite the fact I lost my sleep, despite the fact I cried and sobbed, scared that "monsters" like the ones he described could very well and truly exist in our world, despite the many times I told myself "ok, one more line, and I'm closing the file, I can't take anymore of this". In the end, that "one more line" somehow became a little magical word called "END". I was so engrossed, I didn't even realize I had reached the end of the story!
If you're looking for a book to take you beyond what you have ever experienced as scary and violent, this is the one for you. Believe you me, meeting Christine and the rest of Mr. Stewart's cast may seem like a bad idea at first, but you will come to see it is the best decision you ever took!
***I was given a review copy from a LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
But I'm also proud to say that despite my cowardice, I manage to read wonderful books that are simply gondsend gifts to humanity - books that are so scary, my freaked out self from two years ago wouldn't even touch them with a ten-foot pole. And The Terminals: Spark was one of those.
When a psycho who has abducted eleven kids dies unexpectedly, everything seems lost - there's no way the police can find where Hillar the Killer had hidden the children before his brains got shot out of his head. Or is there? The Terminals beg to differ. A special military unit, these people specialize in interrogating the dead in the afterlife. Its agents are either on their way there, or eager to kick the bucket, anyway. Looking for some kind of redemption and honorable death, Christine Kurzow becomes a handler and future Terminal. Her first case is Hillar, and with Attila the medium, Dr. Deeth, and the General who recruited her on her side, Christine will try her hardest to bring the kids back. But will they make it in time? Or will their many differences and Christine's own suicidal ways prove to be too much?
While the book started in a rather confused way - and it took me a while to get where this was going - the pace and the interest soon picked up to keep me hooked. There were definitely many chapters that were pure terror for me, and I came too close for comfort to losing my lunch or dinner sometimes, but I made it to the end of the story seemingly unscathed - and with the bile held down, thank God! Yes, I'm not going to lie, many parts were violent and disgusting. (by the way, the author did warn me, but masochistic ol' me never seems to listen)
There were scenes where kids were tortured and treated awfully. Oh, and don't let my flowery words misguide you. I don't mean they were just beaten around or got bullied by their kidnappers. I mean the real deal. One that had to do with needles, and sewing, and creepy lullaby songs while this whole thing was taking place.
And surprisingly, that's what made it better. See, Mr. Stewart had warned me. But what I read was far worse than what he briefly descibed in his email. It was downright terrifying, and can cause the nightmares of a lifetime. Because in his story, he didn't sugarcoat things. He told them as they were. He didn't cut down on the violence for the reader's sake. And that, people, THAT showed how much respect he holds for his readers. He doesn't keep us sheltered, he doesn't try to just give us a nice story with action and suspense - maybe throw a little horror in the mix - and be done with it. No, instead he lays the events in a rude but oh-so-brilliant way, bursts our bubble, and gives us the scene raw and uncensored - the way it should be. That... that, my darlings, had me loving this book so much - despite the fact I lost my sleep, despite the fact I cried and sobbed, scared that "monsters" like the ones he described could very well and truly exist in our world, despite the many times I told myself "ok, one more line, and I'm closing the file, I can't take anymore of this". In the end, that "one more line" somehow became a little magical word called "END". I was so engrossed, I didn't even realize I had reached the end of the story!
If you're looking for a book to take you beyond what you have ever experienced as scary and violent, this is the one for you. Believe you me, meeting Christine and the rest of Mr. Stewart's cast may seem like a bad idea at first, but you will come to see it is the best decision you ever took!
***I was given a review copy from a LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
April 11, 2014
When we first meet Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow, she’s recovering from a suicide attempt. When she is approached to join the Terminals program, she decides to join to maybe do some good through her death. Meanwhile, Hillar the Killer has taken a bus full of children and hidden them away for later tortures. When Hillar is killed by an overeager police officer, the Terminals are called in to communicate with Hillar and learn the location of the children. As Hillar is Gnostic, Christine must find another Gnostic and convince them to go Terminal to speak with Hillar in the afterlife. Will the Terminals find the children before it’s too late?
THE TERMINALS: SPARK is the first book in The Terminals series. The characters and plot are well-developed in this gritty and complex book. There are many aspects of the book which will spark heated debate – the nature of the soul, potential for an afterlife (or afterlives), suicide, and if there is such a thing as a worthwhile death (dying for a good cause/reason). I loved the uniqueness of this world and the strong characters. THE TERMINALS: SPARK is a stand out book with a novel premise which was thoroughly enjoyable.
THE TERMINALS: SPARK is the first book in The Terminals series. The characters and plot are well-developed in this gritty and complex book. There are many aspects of the book which will spark heated debate – the nature of the soul, potential for an afterlife (or afterlives), suicide, and if there is such a thing as a worthwhile death (dying for a good cause/reason). I loved the uniqueness of this world and the strong characters. THE TERMINALS: SPARK is a stand out book with a novel premise which was thoroughly enjoyable.
April 15, 2014
This is a crime novel with a difference, mixing together crime, the paranormal and some philosophy. Suicidal army colonel is recruited to a top secret unit so that she can live a bit longer and die for a reason. The terminals can hunt killers beyond the grave and send back crucial information, but it is a very shady business. Who decides who the terminals are? It seems very convenient for the general that experts in certain fields are diagnosed with terminal illnesses mere days before he would be needing them. With killers being pursued after death to find information on possible survivors and their location, time is running out, especially as unbeknown to anyone else, the serial killer had a partner who is holding the children prisoners. This book is well worth a read and I'd certainly be interested if there were other books involving the terminals. It is very dark though, so if you don't like graphic descriptions of violence then it may not be for you, however, they weren't gratuitous and were important to the story.
March 26, 2014
Wow! What a ride! I read this book in under twenty four hours. It was a great mix of mystery, sci-fi, and suspense. I love the character of Christine. She is the perfect antihero. I get tired of all the super optimistic characters sometimes a character that just is fed up with life works well. Charlie on the other hand seems to be the opposite but in truth they are very similar with demons of their own.
I would recommend [The Terminals] to almost anyone who likes a good read. Unfortunately due to some of the content I can not recommend it to my students since they are 12-14 yrs old. I would really like to see [Michael F. Stewart] continue on with this idea or similar concepts.
I would recommend [The Terminals] to almost anyone who likes a good read. Unfortunately due to some of the content I can not recommend it to my students since they are 12-14 yrs old. I would really like to see [Michael F. Stewart] continue on with this idea or similar concepts.
January 21, 2015
This review of The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart is the result of a copy sent to Ginger Nuts of Horror in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone who has a Kindle has books on it that they buy and don’t read for months or years. Right? I bought this book in July of last year and although I meant to read it never seemed to get around to it. When it came up for review at Ginger Nuts I thought I would finally give it a go. Why the hell did I leave it so long! Another lesson learnt.
Lt Col. Christine Kurzow is lying in a military hospital in the desert, recovering after a failed suicide attempt. She lost 11 soldiers in her unit 2 weeks prior and it was clearly her fault. She can’t live with the guilt. She gets a visit from a mysterious General who begs her not to kill herself but come help him. She is now going to die anyway from the damage to her body and he wants her to join his “special” unit, The Terminals. The Terminals are a group of terminally ill people who volunteer to die early and with the help of a psychic connecting with them on “the other side”, provide information back to the living to help save lives and stop catastrophes from happening. In the interest of National Security of course.
Christine’s first mission is to handle a monk who is sent to the other side to chase down Hillar the Killer, a serial killer who was killed before he could reveal the whereabouts of 11 children he was holding hostage. She must firstly battle her own beliefs to convince herself the messages being sent back are true. When things start to go wrong, it’s not just herself she needs to convince, and who can she really trust?
So, try to put this story into a genre. OK. It’s a supernatural crime thriller with mountains of horror and philosophical elements that will make you question not only your own beliefs but those of every single person, religion and belief system in the world today. Phew. Aside from the mismatch of genres within this story, it’s such a good read.
Christine is an atheist so how can she possibly subscribe to dealing with people in the afterlife when she doesn’t believe in it? This is her first hurdle. She also has to deal with an apparently psychotic General in charge of everything she is involved in. She initially is sceptical about Attila, the psychic as well but soon learns to trust him more than others.
As well as being a bloody good read, this book examines many differing opinions on religion and which is right or wrong. Each time someone is sent to the other side they must have the same beliefs as the person they are hunting. We have an Egyptian, a Muslim and a gnostic all dying to try and save someone in the living world. Michael Stewart comes up with some interesting ideas as to what each faith might find at the other side.
In terms of the story it has a bit of everything. From the outset you have Christine trying to deal with her internal turmoil at not wanting to live. You have the mental General who is obviously doing things according to his own agenda and 11 children slowly fading as time goes by. It’s mainly a thriller in my opinion but when it focuses on the person who is on “the other side”, they do go through some horrifying scenes, full of plenty of blood and gore. When it focuses on the children as well it can be quite harrowing watching them suffer at the hands of the serial killers accomplice. Psychological horror is the name of the game for big periods as well.
All in all this is a very good read. I was pleasantly surprised with the direction it took and the way Michael Stewart keeps you glued to the story, always keeping your fingers crossed that what is about to happen is the right thing. It’s well paced with characters that are very believable and well placed in the story. Some site bill this as part 1. I do hope there is more. It could prove to be a very interesting series.
Giving a 3.5ish edging towards 4.
- See more at: http://gingernutsofhorror.com/4/post/...
Everyone who has a Kindle has books on it that they buy and don’t read for months or years. Right? I bought this book in July of last year and although I meant to read it never seemed to get around to it. When it came up for review at Ginger Nuts I thought I would finally give it a go. Why the hell did I leave it so long! Another lesson learnt.
Lt Col. Christine Kurzow is lying in a military hospital in the desert, recovering after a failed suicide attempt. She lost 11 soldiers in her unit 2 weeks prior and it was clearly her fault. She can’t live with the guilt. She gets a visit from a mysterious General who begs her not to kill herself but come help him. She is now going to die anyway from the damage to her body and he wants her to join his “special” unit, The Terminals. The Terminals are a group of terminally ill people who volunteer to die early and with the help of a psychic connecting with them on “the other side”, provide information back to the living to help save lives and stop catastrophes from happening. In the interest of National Security of course.
Christine’s first mission is to handle a monk who is sent to the other side to chase down Hillar the Killer, a serial killer who was killed before he could reveal the whereabouts of 11 children he was holding hostage. She must firstly battle her own beliefs to convince herself the messages being sent back are true. When things start to go wrong, it’s not just herself she needs to convince, and who can she really trust?
So, try to put this story into a genre. OK. It’s a supernatural crime thriller with mountains of horror and philosophical elements that will make you question not only your own beliefs but those of every single person, religion and belief system in the world today. Phew. Aside from the mismatch of genres within this story, it’s such a good read.
Christine is an atheist so how can she possibly subscribe to dealing with people in the afterlife when she doesn’t believe in it? This is her first hurdle. She also has to deal with an apparently psychotic General in charge of everything she is involved in. She initially is sceptical about Attila, the psychic as well but soon learns to trust him more than others.
As well as being a bloody good read, this book examines many differing opinions on religion and which is right or wrong. Each time someone is sent to the other side they must have the same beliefs as the person they are hunting. We have an Egyptian, a Muslim and a gnostic all dying to try and save someone in the living world. Michael Stewart comes up with some interesting ideas as to what each faith might find at the other side.
In terms of the story it has a bit of everything. From the outset you have Christine trying to deal with her internal turmoil at not wanting to live. You have the mental General who is obviously doing things according to his own agenda and 11 children slowly fading as time goes by. It’s mainly a thriller in my opinion but when it focuses on the person who is on “the other side”, they do go through some horrifying scenes, full of plenty of blood and gore. When it focuses on the children as well it can be quite harrowing watching them suffer at the hands of the serial killers accomplice. Psychological horror is the name of the game for big periods as well.
All in all this is a very good read. I was pleasantly surprised with the direction it took and the way Michael Stewart keeps you glued to the story, always keeping your fingers crossed that what is about to happen is the right thing. It’s well paced with characters that are very believable and well placed in the story. Some site bill this as part 1. I do hope there is more. It could prove to be a very interesting series.
Giving a 3.5ish edging towards 4.
- See more at: http://gingernutsofhorror.com/4/post/...
April 19, 2014
The Terminals is a powerful, often chilling and thought provoking, novel. It’s fantasy but it raises real ethical questions about euthanasia.
Although they don’t lack humour, Stewart’s adult books are much darker and deeper than the ones he writes for young adults. One of the themes he often explores in his adult novels is different concepts of the afterlife. As he did in 24 Bones, in this book the author weaves a compelling story around a little known set of religious beliefs and, using his ability to create almost tangible characters and settings, draws the reader into an unusual and frightening afterlife.
The story is fast paced, gripping and tense. It’s not an easy read and I found the scenes where the children are held captive harrowing but, at the same time, I couldn’t put the book down. There is a brief respite in several tender scenes where characters face turning points in their lives, often saying goodbye to their past or to each other. I was particularly touched by the monk Charlie’s farewell to the monastery where he had spent his adult life. The book keeps the reader on edge until the end because when you think it’s reached the climax there’s still more. Everything seems to be resolved then another problem rears its head and you are gripped again. When it’s all over there’s still a couple unanswered questions, whetting the reader’s interest for a sequel.
One of Stewart’s fortes is his characters. They are complete: the reader sees, hears and smells them and empathises with their struggles. We know the psychic Attila by his coffee smell and the three elderly soldiers in the unit by their banter and never ending card game. The elderly soldiers are gutsy, funny and vulnerable. Readers admire their indomitable spirits and are moved by their frailty and vulnerability. The main character, Christine Kurzow isn’t your usual army officer. She’s tough, determined and suicidal. The reader roots for her as she fights to save a busload of kidnapped children and wonders until the end whether she will decide to live or die once her mission is completed. As Christine gets to know a couple other members of the unit, the psychic Attila and fellow female soldier Morph, we see the depth of their characters and are moved by the challenges they face. Stewart portrays all of this without verbose prose; often simple, well-chosen comments and actions by characters reveal all the reader needs to know.
The story flows between the two primary settings: a contemporary veteran’s hospital’s secret locked ward in the palliative care unit and the fantasy world of the Borborite afterlife. Like his characters, Stewart’s settings are vivid and tangible. He is able to create believable contemporary and fantasy worlds with equal skill. The worlds are never comfortable and may make you squirm as you absorb the graphic detail but it’s impossible not to get lost in them.
While cautioning that this book isn’t for readers who are disturbed by gritty stories, The Terminals is a novel I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a gripping, thought provoking story.
I received a free copy of the ebook to review it as part of the blog tour but my review is my honest opinion of the book.
Although they don’t lack humour, Stewart’s adult books are much darker and deeper than the ones he writes for young adults. One of the themes he often explores in his adult novels is different concepts of the afterlife. As he did in 24 Bones, in this book the author weaves a compelling story around a little known set of religious beliefs and, using his ability to create almost tangible characters and settings, draws the reader into an unusual and frightening afterlife.
The story is fast paced, gripping and tense. It’s not an easy read and I found the scenes where the children are held captive harrowing but, at the same time, I couldn’t put the book down. There is a brief respite in several tender scenes where characters face turning points in their lives, often saying goodbye to their past or to each other. I was particularly touched by the monk Charlie’s farewell to the monastery where he had spent his adult life. The book keeps the reader on edge until the end because when you think it’s reached the climax there’s still more. Everything seems to be resolved then another problem rears its head and you are gripped again. When it’s all over there’s still a couple unanswered questions, whetting the reader’s interest for a sequel.
One of Stewart’s fortes is his characters. They are complete: the reader sees, hears and smells them and empathises with their struggles. We know the psychic Attila by his coffee smell and the three elderly soldiers in the unit by their banter and never ending card game. The elderly soldiers are gutsy, funny and vulnerable. Readers admire their indomitable spirits and are moved by their frailty and vulnerability. The main character, Christine Kurzow isn’t your usual army officer. She’s tough, determined and suicidal. The reader roots for her as she fights to save a busload of kidnapped children and wonders until the end whether she will decide to live or die once her mission is completed. As Christine gets to know a couple other members of the unit, the psychic Attila and fellow female soldier Morph, we see the depth of their characters and are moved by the challenges they face. Stewart portrays all of this without verbose prose; often simple, well-chosen comments and actions by characters reveal all the reader needs to know.
The story flows between the two primary settings: a contemporary veteran’s hospital’s secret locked ward in the palliative care unit and the fantasy world of the Borborite afterlife. Like his characters, Stewart’s settings are vivid and tangible. He is able to create believable contemporary and fantasy worlds with equal skill. The worlds are never comfortable and may make you squirm as you absorb the graphic detail but it’s impossible not to get lost in them.
While cautioning that this book isn’t for readers who are disturbed by gritty stories, The Terminals is a novel I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a gripping, thought provoking story.
I received a free copy of the ebook to review it as part of the blog tour but my review is my honest opinion of the book.
March 20, 2014
Full review at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress...
I received a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher via netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Suicidal Lt. Colonel is coerced into dying for a cause. No criminal will be able to rest easy in their grave/urn/unspecified corpse repository with the Terminals on the case.
This book was a surprising read for me - it was far darker than I expected it to be, but that could just be because I'm not used to the level of violence and pain and murdering and eyeballs that is common to contemporary crime thrillers. It was also way more complex than I thought it would be, given the blurb. This is mostly a gritty, complex novel that has lots of layers. There’s lots of action and violence, there’s a bit of philoshopy and religious debate, there’s ethical conundrums a-plenty, there’s romance (well, sex), crochety old bastards with dubious moral standards, gods and hells and pain and suffering, and there’s eyeballs. Did I mention the eyeballs? They're important.
The Terminals stood out for me most because the premise is so different. The coupling of paranormal with what is essentially a murder mystery through world-building rather than through giving a character a particular power or gift is something that I haven’t come across before. The paranormal aspect of the book allows for a whole range of ethical and spiritual musing, but this doesn't detract from the action or the pace of the plot. It's like a wonderful, thought-provoking addition to your average crime novel. For those who read a lot of either crime or paranormal books, I think this will provide plenty of new fodder for the collective imagination.
One of the best aspects of the book is the way the author shifts the perspectives with each chapter so that the reader really gets a good chance to take in as much of both the paranormal and crime elements as possible. It breaks up the book nicely and allows time for the reader to decompress between reveals so as not to suffer from plot twist overload. It also provides a nice balance between the spiritual/paranormal and mundane action, so as to avoid becoming too much of one or the other.
Overall this book has a great new twist on your standard crime novel and I think it will appeal greatly to readers of crime fiction who are looking for something different that will leave them with something to think about long after the crime has been solved.
I received a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher via netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Suicidal Lt. Colonel is coerced into dying for a cause. No criminal will be able to rest easy in their grave/urn/unspecified corpse repository with the Terminals on the case.
This book was a surprising read for me - it was far darker than I expected it to be, but that could just be because I'm not used to the level of violence and pain and murdering and eyeballs that is common to contemporary crime thrillers. It was also way more complex than I thought it would be, given the blurb. This is mostly a gritty, complex novel that has lots of layers. There’s lots of action and violence, there’s a bit of philoshopy and religious debate, there’s ethical conundrums a-plenty, there’s romance (well, sex), crochety old bastards with dubious moral standards, gods and hells and pain and suffering, and there’s eyeballs. Did I mention the eyeballs? They're important.
The Terminals stood out for me most because the premise is so different. The coupling of paranormal with what is essentially a murder mystery through world-building rather than through giving a character a particular power or gift is something that I haven’t come across before. The paranormal aspect of the book allows for a whole range of ethical and spiritual musing, but this doesn't detract from the action or the pace of the plot. It's like a wonderful, thought-provoking addition to your average crime novel. For those who read a lot of either crime or paranormal books, I think this will provide plenty of new fodder for the collective imagination.
One of the best aspects of the book is the way the author shifts the perspectives with each chapter so that the reader really gets a good chance to take in as much of both the paranormal and crime elements as possible. It breaks up the book nicely and allows time for the reader to decompress between reveals so as not to suffer from plot twist overload. It also provides a nice balance between the spiritual/paranormal and mundane action, so as to avoid becoming too much of one or the other.
Overall this book has a great new twist on your standard crime novel and I think it will appeal greatly to readers of crime fiction who are looking for something different that will leave them with something to think about long after the crime has been solved.
June 29, 2014
I was given this book free through LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
This story can fit into a myriad of genres, such as Horror, fantasy/Sci-Fi, YA, Supernatural thriller etc. The premise is original, where a secret military squad, answering directly to the President, is responsible for solving crimes in the here and now, by conversing with the dead. The way this is done, is by using a combination of terminally ill military personnel, and sending them on a final mission into the afterlife, in search of people who died with important information, and having them relay that information to the resident seer (A gambling Gypsy who converses with the dead through a crystal door knob), before entering the final stage of their journey into afterlife.
The main arc in The Terminals: Spark, is the relentless, bloody search for a serial killer who died without revealing where he had hidden a busload of kidnapped children. Hillar the Killer, the serial killer in question, was also a Gnostic, and in order to find him, the "Terminal" or Euth being sent, must also be a Gnostic, or at least be an expert in Gnostic afterlife beliefs. An interesting storyline to be sure, but also extremely dark, and not for the weak of heart, especially those upset by stories of kidnapped children being tortured and killed.
Michael F.Stewart combines sobering violence, with ironic psychological commentary dealing with suicide, murder, government secrecy, spiritualism and morality. The language is colorful, and at times is downright amusing, such as the sentence "the general’s office stank like someone had left a used colostomy bag on a radiator to cook." This is not a feel-good, happy ending type of book, but if you like your horror-thrillers dark, quick paced and thought-provoking, I would highly suggest jumping on board for the ride.
The last page of the epilogue will straighten your spine, and if you are like me, will make you yearn for volume 2 of the Terminals series.
Read review on my blog the Thugbrarian review @
www.thugbrarianreview.wordpress.com
This story can fit into a myriad of genres, such as Horror, fantasy/Sci-Fi, YA, Supernatural thriller etc. The premise is original, where a secret military squad, answering directly to the President, is responsible for solving crimes in the here and now, by conversing with the dead. The way this is done, is by using a combination of terminally ill military personnel, and sending them on a final mission into the afterlife, in search of people who died with important information, and having them relay that information to the resident seer (A gambling Gypsy who converses with the dead through a crystal door knob), before entering the final stage of their journey into afterlife.
The main arc in The Terminals: Spark, is the relentless, bloody search for a serial killer who died without revealing where he had hidden a busload of kidnapped children. Hillar the Killer, the serial killer in question, was also a Gnostic, and in order to find him, the "Terminal" or Euth being sent, must also be a Gnostic, or at least be an expert in Gnostic afterlife beliefs. An interesting storyline to be sure, but also extremely dark, and not for the weak of heart, especially those upset by stories of kidnapped children being tortured and killed.
Michael F.Stewart combines sobering violence, with ironic psychological commentary dealing with suicide, murder, government secrecy, spiritualism and morality. The language is colorful, and at times is downright amusing, such as the sentence "the general’s office stank like someone had left a used colostomy bag on a radiator to cook." This is not a feel-good, happy ending type of book, but if you like your horror-thrillers dark, quick paced and thought-provoking, I would highly suggest jumping on board for the ride.
The last page of the epilogue will straighten your spine, and if you are like me, will make you yearn for volume 2 of the Terminals series.
Read review on my blog the Thugbrarian review @
www.thugbrarianreview.wordpress.com
April 5, 2014
An eBook copy of THE TERMINALS: SPARK by Michael F. Stewart was provided to me free of charge through www.librarything.com in exchange for an honest review.
Lt. Colonel Christine Kurzow had made a mistake. One she couldn't forgive herself for. That mistake led to the death of many soldiers under her command.
Her guilt & remorse led her to attempt suicide.
Her suicide attempt fails and she is taken to New York and enlisted in a super secret army program known as The Terminals.
"Causa moriendi est causa vivendi." This is the code The Terminals live by. Basically, it means, "Dying for a reason is a good reason to keep living."
The Terminals are soldiers who are terminally ill, but who are holding off dying until given their mission. Once chosen for a mission, they are euthanized while in the presence of a medium. Their spirit then completes their mission in the afterlife and reports back the intelligence they were seeking to the medium. This allows the army to act on what they learned and prevent further deaths. For instance, a cult leader dies after instructing his followers to commit mass suicide at a set time. But, no one but the cult members know when that will be. A Terminal meets the cult leader in the afterlife and learns that the mass suicide is set to happen at the next solar eclipse. The Army can now pass on that information to the FBI and they can hopefully stop it from happening.
Meanwhile, a serial killer named Hillar The Killer is killed before telling anyone where he has hidden the bus load of children that he abducted.
The Terminals hope that they can send someone into the Afterlife to find Hillar and to retrieve the location of the children before they die of starvation or dehydration. Time is running out.
Throw in lots of twists and turns, and some wild goose chases as well as a suicidal army Colonel who is actually a good person at heart and you have a thrill ride of a read.
This book is being touted as Young Adult fiction, however I believe it's audience will actually be older. The themes of this book are very mature and the intricacies of different religions and their afterlives are very interesting. There is violence and even some sex, so this is definitely NOT for younger children. I would recommend a minimum age of 16 as the target audience.
That being said, this book was excellent. The story was fast paced and kept me reading long after I should have gone to sleep for the night.
The lead character is portrayed as a reluctant hero. She does not see herself as a hero and in fact blames herself for the deaths of her squad members. She is intensely realistic and though flawed is a good person who genuinely tries to "do the right thing" at all times. Her inner pain, turmoil, guilt and remorse make her seem all the more real. The author has done a terrific job in creating a character that everyone can relate to in at least some small way.
It is refreshing to read a book that takes into account that the world is not black and white and neither are the choices people make.
I highly recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars.
Lt. Colonel Christine Kurzow had made a mistake. One she couldn't forgive herself for. That mistake led to the death of many soldiers under her command.
Her guilt & remorse led her to attempt suicide.
Her suicide attempt fails and she is taken to New York and enlisted in a super secret army program known as The Terminals.
"Causa moriendi est causa vivendi." This is the code The Terminals live by. Basically, it means, "Dying for a reason is a good reason to keep living."
The Terminals are soldiers who are terminally ill, but who are holding off dying until given their mission. Once chosen for a mission, they are euthanized while in the presence of a medium. Their spirit then completes their mission in the afterlife and reports back the intelligence they were seeking to the medium. This allows the army to act on what they learned and prevent further deaths. For instance, a cult leader dies after instructing his followers to commit mass suicide at a set time. But, no one but the cult members know when that will be. A Terminal meets the cult leader in the afterlife and learns that the mass suicide is set to happen at the next solar eclipse. The Army can now pass on that information to the FBI and they can hopefully stop it from happening.
Meanwhile, a serial killer named Hillar The Killer is killed before telling anyone where he has hidden the bus load of children that he abducted.
The Terminals hope that they can send someone into the Afterlife to find Hillar and to retrieve the location of the children before they die of starvation or dehydration. Time is running out.
Throw in lots of twists and turns, and some wild goose chases as well as a suicidal army Colonel who is actually a good person at heart and you have a thrill ride of a read.
This book is being touted as Young Adult fiction, however I believe it's audience will actually be older. The themes of this book are very mature and the intricacies of different religions and their afterlives are very interesting. There is violence and even some sex, so this is definitely NOT for younger children. I would recommend a minimum age of 16 as the target audience.
That being said, this book was excellent. The story was fast paced and kept me reading long after I should have gone to sleep for the night.
The lead character is portrayed as a reluctant hero. She does not see herself as a hero and in fact blames herself for the deaths of her squad members. She is intensely realistic and though flawed is a good person who genuinely tries to "do the right thing" at all times. Her inner pain, turmoil, guilt and remorse make her seem all the more real. The author has done a terrific job in creating a character that everyone can relate to in at least some small way.
It is refreshing to read a book that takes into account that the world is not black and white and neither are the choices people make.
I highly recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars.
August 3, 2016
Another book that I requested to review from NetGalley, I was really wondering how the author was going to pull off the story without a lot of over-the-top antics. From the moment I began the book, it was clear that the author took the telling of this story seriously. I admit, I ended up liking this story a lot more than I initially thought I would. A great surprise, I really am looking forward to other books in the Terminal series as well as checking out some of the author's other works.
As I mentioned, the beginning chapter of the book got right into the action and why the main character, Christine, found herself in a hospital of sorts. Not all of her motives for her actions were made clear at the outset, but her thought process and beliefs were laid bare. It was easy to measure her feelings about herself from them. Despite her nearly constant desire to die, she was a complicated character with a sharp mind that interacted harshly with the other characters. I liked that not all of the other characters were staunchly good or bad. They each held secrets that made them the way they were and it made the story more interesting, in my opinion.
Under the guise of a secret unit which has to answer only to the top level, there were many avenues open for the story to explore. The characters were able to play fast and loose with the laws of the land as they went about their missions due to the freedom they were afforded by the secret status. Having the ability to move outside the law didn't always play in the unit's favor. In fact, on more than one occasion, it worked against them with tragic results and added more fuel to the fiery desire for death that Christine carried with her. Throw in some ghosts, different afterlives and a psychic and you got yourself a plate full of possibilities.
Speaking of the afterlives, I was impressed by the author's explanations of the different versions featured in the book and the exploration of each. I was able to understand many of the tenets of the different faiths he explored in the books without feeling as though the information was being dumbed down or important information was being left out. The visitations were often used to advance the story and they easily kept the story moving at a steady pace. With so many faiths to choose from, I believe the author has so many paths to walk down. The only question will be which one to explore next.
Despite my early worries, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a departure from other books that mixed the paranormal and serial killers in that it brought up so many things to think about. Whether it was a person's right to die, the weight of a soldier's death upon a commander's soul or the almost fanatical desire to ensure a lasting legacy, the author presented a definite thrill ride of a book. Looking for book with action, adventure, heart and soul, then this is the book for you!
As I mentioned, the beginning chapter of the book got right into the action and why the main character, Christine, found herself in a hospital of sorts. Not all of her motives for her actions were made clear at the outset, but her thought process and beliefs were laid bare. It was easy to measure her feelings about herself from them. Despite her nearly constant desire to die, she was a complicated character with a sharp mind that interacted harshly with the other characters. I liked that not all of the other characters were staunchly good or bad. They each held secrets that made them the way they were and it made the story more interesting, in my opinion.
Under the guise of a secret unit which has to answer only to the top level, there were many avenues open for the story to explore. The characters were able to play fast and loose with the laws of the land as they went about their missions due to the freedom they were afforded by the secret status. Having the ability to move outside the law didn't always play in the unit's favor. In fact, on more than one occasion, it worked against them with tragic results and added more fuel to the fiery desire for death that Christine carried with her. Throw in some ghosts, different afterlives and a psychic and you got yourself a plate full of possibilities.
Speaking of the afterlives, I was impressed by the author's explanations of the different versions featured in the book and the exploration of each. I was able to understand many of the tenets of the different faiths he explored in the books without feeling as though the information was being dumbed down or important information was being left out. The visitations were often used to advance the story and they easily kept the story moving at a steady pace. With so many faiths to choose from, I believe the author has so many paths to walk down. The only question will be which one to explore next.
Despite my early worries, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a departure from other books that mixed the paranormal and serial killers in that it brought up so many things to think about. Whether it was a person's right to die, the weight of a soldier's death upon a commander's soul or the almost fanatical desire to ensure a lasting legacy, the author presented a definite thrill ride of a book. Looking for book with action, adventure, heart and soul, then this is the book for you!
August 11, 2016
Ever since she witnessed the deaths of her colleagues, Christine Kurzow has yearned for death. She's tried to take her life many times, but each instance has failed her. Her current try was almost successful, but the attempt was thwarted at the last minute. She now finds herself recovering from the ordeal, aching for the moment when she can finally end things all-together.
When an unexpected request lands in her lap, Christine isn't sure about what to make of it. According to what she's been told, she has the chance of saving lives in the midst of such tragedies, but she's not sure how such a thing is possible. Most especially when those recruited for this cause are almost on Death's doorstep to begin within. Still, the thought of achieving the very goal she was recruited for is tempting. So much so, that's she's willing to give things a try before she slinks to the other side, once and for all.
Determined to do the best she can, Christine immerses herself in the task at hand. In her mind, by encouraging others to die for a good cause, she'll be able to gain the freedom she's sought for some time now. Granted, getting people to comply isn't that easy, but at least things give her the needed momentum to do what's necessary, for the time being. She has a job to complete, and she'll do whatever is necessary to make sure things fall into place.
As time continues to dwindle, and the location of the missing kids is still unknown, Christine soon realizes just how difficult things have become. Not only for herself, mind you, but for those giving their lives to right wrongs committed by others. Deep inside, she's no longer sure as to what is right or wrong. She's stepped across an invisible line, taking her in a direction she never expected to take. Part of her wonders if things will actually go as planned. Will she be able to find her own brand of redemption once everything is said and done?
A thought-provoking story, Michael spins a tale that will definitely draw you out of your comfort zone the farther along in reading you get. He takes the theme of using death as an advantage in order to gain information from those who have already crossed over. Information that's to be used for the greater good, supposedly. I think he's done a remarkable job with the beginning of this series. It's certainly piqued my interest, and I look forward to more of it in the future.
When an unexpected request lands in her lap, Christine isn't sure about what to make of it. According to what she's been told, she has the chance of saving lives in the midst of such tragedies, but she's not sure how such a thing is possible. Most especially when those recruited for this cause are almost on Death's doorstep to begin within. Still, the thought of achieving the very goal she was recruited for is tempting. So much so, that's she's willing to give things a try before she slinks to the other side, once and for all.
Determined to do the best she can, Christine immerses herself in the task at hand. In her mind, by encouraging others to die for a good cause, she'll be able to gain the freedom she's sought for some time now. Granted, getting people to comply isn't that easy, but at least things give her the needed momentum to do what's necessary, for the time being. She has a job to complete, and she'll do whatever is necessary to make sure things fall into place.
As time continues to dwindle, and the location of the missing kids is still unknown, Christine soon realizes just how difficult things have become. Not only for herself, mind you, but for those giving their lives to right wrongs committed by others. Deep inside, she's no longer sure as to what is right or wrong. She's stepped across an invisible line, taking her in a direction she never expected to take. Part of her wonders if things will actually go as planned. Will she be able to find her own brand of redemption once everything is said and done?
A thought-provoking story, Michael spins a tale that will definitely draw you out of your comfort zone the farther along in reading you get. He takes the theme of using death as an advantage in order to gain information from those who have already crossed over. Information that's to be used for the greater good, supposedly. I think he's done a remarkable job with the beginning of this series. It's certainly piqued my interest, and I look forward to more of it in the future.
February 2, 2018
"The Terminals" by Michael F. Stewart is the subject of this book review. I don’t know where to begin. You wouldn’t believe it. You won’t believe it. I have never read anything like this before. Dante’s Inferno comes to mind—maybe. But Stewart’s gnostic hell is more graphic than Dante’s. If you have a weak stomach then this book is not for you.
In fact, nobody should eat or munch on any goodies while reading "The Terminals." Your stomach is guaranteed to turn. That’s not saying that the story isn’t good, because it is. I was hooked and kept on reading, in spite of my IBS.
The story revolves around Col. Christine Kurzow, who feels responsible for her troops who were blown up in Afghanistan. She’s suicidal. Actually, all the characters in this novel are suicidal, hence the title, "The Terminals". These people who are going to die are referred to as Terminals. (I’m trying very hard not to give out spoilers.) The Terminals descend into death to solve crimes.
If you don’t understand, good. Read the book. I can’t explain it. Like the “Lovin Spoonful” say, “It’d be like trying to explain Rock n’ Roll.”
Christine becomes a handler of Charles Hackman, a monk who specializes in the gnostic religion. Charles’ assignment is to find Hillar the Killer in gnostic hell. Hillar is psycho and had kidnapped a school bus full of kids, then he was killed before he could reveal where he hid the kids. Charles communicates the clues he’s garnered from Hillar (easier said than done) and Christine tries to locate the kids before they die.
Even dead, Hillar is psycho. His clues are worthless. What else can I tell you? It’s not a happy ending; not an unhappy ending. It’s real. “Ha!” “Did I just say that?”
"The Terminals" is not like Michael F. Steward’s Assured Destruction series. I’ve read those and liked them. I like "The Terminals", too, but this is nothing like Assured Destruction. In fact, it’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. The descriptive action is grotesque. It’s disgusting. It’s nauseating.
“Oh, wait.” It is hell, isn’t it?
I received a free e-copy of "The Terminals" by Michael F. Stewart, from Tribute Books. No other compensation was received and my review is my honest evaluation.
In fact, nobody should eat or munch on any goodies while reading "The Terminals." Your stomach is guaranteed to turn. That’s not saying that the story isn’t good, because it is. I was hooked and kept on reading, in spite of my IBS.
The story revolves around Col. Christine Kurzow, who feels responsible for her troops who were blown up in Afghanistan. She’s suicidal. Actually, all the characters in this novel are suicidal, hence the title, "The Terminals". These people who are going to die are referred to as Terminals. (I’m trying very hard not to give out spoilers.) The Terminals descend into death to solve crimes.
If you don’t understand, good. Read the book. I can’t explain it. Like the “Lovin Spoonful” say, “It’d be like trying to explain Rock n’ Roll.”
Christine becomes a handler of Charles Hackman, a monk who specializes in the gnostic religion. Charles’ assignment is to find Hillar the Killer in gnostic hell. Hillar is psycho and had kidnapped a school bus full of kids, then he was killed before he could reveal where he hid the kids. Charles communicates the clues he’s garnered from Hillar (easier said than done) and Christine tries to locate the kids before they die.
Even dead, Hillar is psycho. His clues are worthless. What else can I tell you? It’s not a happy ending; not an unhappy ending. It’s real. “Ha!” “Did I just say that?”
"The Terminals" is not like Michael F. Steward’s Assured Destruction series. I’ve read those and liked them. I like "The Terminals", too, but this is nothing like Assured Destruction. In fact, it’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. The descriptive action is grotesque. It’s disgusting. It’s nauseating.
“Oh, wait.” It is hell, isn’t it?
I received a free e-copy of "The Terminals" by Michael F. Stewart, from Tribute Books. No other compensation was received and my review is my honest evaluation.
May 6, 2014
The Terminals has an unusual story line with the Army using/killing terminal patients so the patients can track bad guys in the afterlife and hopefully coerce details about plots that haven't actually taken place yet so they can be stopped. Christine, our heroine (a Lt. Colonel in the Army), made a bad choice getting 11 of her troops killed (apparently there are two other events which went bad, but they weren't described) so she kills herself out of guilt, well almost. It's made clear it was no pansy a$$ed attempt so we know her state of mind. The General comes and talks her into joining the team. I don't want to write more about the plot, because it's what develops that is intriguing, it's better the readers discover it on their own.
I can't rate it higher because I thought it needed to be fleshed out more. There are actually two entwined stories Christine's and one of the terminal's. I found his to be confusing and the transfer of knowledge from him to Christine unexplained. One minute he's fighting the bad dead guy, then it cuts to Christine in a chopper. We're introduced to other characters who are stock characters because Christine can't be the only one looking for the missing kids. How Christine handles some betrayal left me cold too. I would have thought she'd have responded more and try to be more proactive. Why Christine decided to give something to the family of one of her troops isn't clear either. It pops out of no where. The change in the husband's demeanor too facile.
Another reviewer mention that this may be a series. I guess I'm curious about what happens with the program and the main characters from this point, but it's not something I'm anxious to read, so 3 stars.
I received two copies for my honest review: one from the author and one from Netgalley which I forgot I'd requested. So, I was obviously interested in the premise.
I can't rate it higher because I thought it needed to be fleshed out more. There are actually two entwined stories Christine's and one of the terminal's. I found his to be confusing and the transfer of knowledge from him to Christine unexplained. One minute he's fighting the bad dead guy, then it cuts to Christine in a chopper. We're introduced to other characters who are stock characters because Christine can't be the only one looking for the missing kids. How Christine handles some betrayal left me cold too. I would have thought she'd have responded more and try to be more proactive. Why Christine decided to give something to the family of one of her troops isn't clear either. It pops out of no where. The change in the husband's demeanor too facile.
Another reviewer mention that this may be a series. I guess I'm curious about what happens with the program and the main characters from this point, but it's not something I'm anxious to read, so 3 stars.
I received two copies for my honest review: one from the author and one from Netgalley which I forgot I'd requested. So, I was obviously interested in the premise.
October 30, 2014
What can I say, I really liked this book. It's an interesting concept that is a nice departure from the non-stop parade of apocalypse stories I see online.
Imagine a secret group that has the ability to contact the dead, but someone from their group has to die to mediate between the group and the already deceased who can provide the intel they need.
It's meaty stuff that leaves a lot of room for exploration of morality, life, death and people's motivations.
I liked the concept of shifting to whatever afterlife the dying person encounters although it threw me the first time it was done as the main point of view character suddenly was no longer POV, instead a character who had been secondary became center stage. But I like this concept of handling the revelations of the afterlife better than just having the protagonist hear the medium relate information. It draws you in and creates the world for you.
I do like the concept that the author had that what you believe, you become and that each afterlife matches exactly what the person expected thus the need to find a matching belief system to die to contact the already departed.
I can see a lot of possibilities in this storyline. The world is full of different beliefs and it opens the door for original imagery each time rather than the same thing over and over.
There's very good conflict among the central characters. Their motivations are slowly revealed as the book progresses.
I can see obtaining the next installment to see how the series matures.
Imagine a secret group that has the ability to contact the dead, but someone from their group has to die to mediate between the group and the already deceased who can provide the intel they need.
It's meaty stuff that leaves a lot of room for exploration of morality, life, death and people's motivations.
I liked the concept of shifting to whatever afterlife the dying person encounters although it threw me the first time it was done as the main point of view character suddenly was no longer POV, instead a character who had been secondary became center stage. But I like this concept of handling the revelations of the afterlife better than just having the protagonist hear the medium relate information. It draws you in and creates the world for you.
I do like the concept that the author had that what you believe, you become and that each afterlife matches exactly what the person expected thus the need to find a matching belief system to die to contact the already departed.
I can see a lot of possibilities in this storyline. The world is full of different beliefs and it opens the door for original imagery each time rather than the same thing over and over.
There's very good conflict among the central characters. Their motivations are slowly revealed as the book progresses.
I can see obtaining the next installment to see how the series matures.
August 15, 2014
This book was ok. I really, really liked the premise, but I couldn't really connect with any of the characters and most of them I didn't like. Even the ones I got the feeling I was supposed to like (such as the main character, Christine).
The idea was really good, and that's what made me pick it up in the first place. What if there is an afterlife? What would happen if the dead could talk... to a select few? Could crimes really be solved this way? There are a lot of ethical and moral dilemmas that spawn from this idea, and I thought that, for the most part, they were dealt with quite well. The General was an excellent representation of all the ways things could go wrong with this kind of situation, and how to much unchecked power can be a very bad thing. And I liked Attila and Deeth (whose name was a little too coincidental) and the morality they tried to bring to the situation.
What I didn't like was all the unnecessary brutality and violence. Sure, this is a military/mystery story, so there's going to be some gore, but most of the time it felt like gore for the sake of gore, or violence aimed to shock and awe, which meant it detracted from the story, rather than adding to it.
And all Christine did was make me want to slap her, hard, a few times. She was fierce and determined, which I did like, but she was way too single-minded and most of her character developments seemed forced and unbelievable.
So all in all probably a 2.5/5, not sure I'll be grabbing the next one, though.
The idea was really good, and that's what made me pick it up in the first place. What if there is an afterlife? What would happen if the dead could talk... to a select few? Could crimes really be solved this way? There are a lot of ethical and moral dilemmas that spawn from this idea, and I thought that, for the most part, they were dealt with quite well. The General was an excellent representation of all the ways things could go wrong with this kind of situation, and how to much unchecked power can be a very bad thing. And I liked Attila and Deeth (whose name was a little too coincidental) and the morality they tried to bring to the situation.
What I didn't like was all the unnecessary brutality and violence. Sure, this is a military/mystery story, so there's going to be some gore, but most of the time it felt like gore for the sake of gore, or violence aimed to shock and awe, which meant it detracted from the story, rather than adding to it.
And all Christine did was make me want to slap her, hard, a few times. She was fierce and determined, which I did like, but she was way too single-minded and most of her character developments seemed forced and unbelievable.
So all in all probably a 2.5/5, not sure I'll be grabbing the next one, though.
April 16, 2014
Love crime novels? Love paranormal novels? You'll love The Terminals. The Terminals is the perfect blend of the two, with a dark element to make it more gritty with graphic descriptions and violence. It's fast paced, with a fantastic flow, that keeps you gripped from the first page, and continues to be a real page turner the whole way through.
The plot itself is a lot more complex than we are lead to believe from the blurb, which made the book even more surprisingly enjoyable. There's plenty of layers and threads running through it, and for me, it was very unpredictable. There was also a surprising religious/philosophical element weaved through that added some intrigue and made the novel quite thought provoking, there where gods, hell, pain, suffering, eyeballs (you don't wanna know) and dubious moral standards all around. Let's not forget the romance aka sex, either.
The book was amazingly written and the world building was incredible. The entire premise, merging the different genres together, makes the book unique and makes it stand out from all the other crime novels.
There are plot twists everywhere, but the book is expertly broken up by shifting the perspectives each chapter so you have time to process whichever bomb has been dropped, and you get a good insight in to the paranormal and the crime aspects.
The plot itself is a lot more complex than we are lead to believe from the blurb, which made the book even more surprisingly enjoyable. There's plenty of layers and threads running through it, and for me, it was very unpredictable. There was also a surprising religious/philosophical element weaved through that added some intrigue and made the novel quite thought provoking, there where gods, hell, pain, suffering, eyeballs (you don't wanna know) and dubious moral standards all around. Let's not forget the romance aka sex, either.
The book was amazingly written and the world building was incredible. The entire premise, merging the different genres together, makes the book unique and makes it stand out from all the other crime novels.
There are plot twists everywhere, but the book is expertly broken up by shifting the perspectives each chapter so you have time to process whichever bomb has been dropped, and you get a good insight in to the paranormal and the crime aspects.
November 12, 2025
I received this book from the LibraryThing Member giveaway. The premise is that when people die, they can communicate for a shot period of time with a psychic, Atilla. It is by this means that criminals are contacted after death and crimes solved. Bam! Who says the death of the main suspect has to bring a case to a halt. Except that a terminally ill patient has to volunteer to end their life early so that they can communicate.
Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow attempted suicide after eleven soldiers under her command were killed by a suicide bomber, of course she blames herself. She no has special talents and is recruited into the Terminals as a handler. Her first case is to convincing a Gnostic Monk to follow Hiller the Killer into the afterlife and find the location of a bus with eleven children he kidnapped before his death. Does it seem coincidental that she lost eleven soldiers and now must rescue eleven children, tit for tat? One little problem, this is a highly spiritual job, and Christine is an atheist.
I really liked this book, Stewarts writing style kept the story flowing and the pages turning, I kept getting drawn back in, with the classic line "Just one more chapter." I can't wait for the next one in the series.
For more reviews, please see my blog: http://adventuresofabibliophile.blogs...
Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow attempted suicide after eleven soldiers under her command were killed by a suicide bomber, of course she blames herself. She no has special talents and is recruited into the Terminals as a handler. Her first case is to convincing a Gnostic Monk to follow Hiller the Killer into the afterlife and find the location of a bus with eleven children he kidnapped before his death. Does it seem coincidental that she lost eleven soldiers and now must rescue eleven children, tit for tat? One little problem, this is a highly spiritual job, and Christine is an atheist.
I really liked this book, Stewarts writing style kept the story flowing and the pages turning, I kept getting drawn back in, with the classic line "Just one more chapter." I can't wait for the next one in the series.
For more reviews, please see my blog: http://adventuresofabibliophile.blogs...
September 14, 2014
This book has a dark yet intriguing concept. People can connect with a medium when dying to gather information from the newly dead related to crimes or terrorism. However, the person collecting the information needs to understand the version of the afterlife the target believes in. This leads us into a somewhat dark urban fantasy in which the main criminal is a serial killer who has kidnapped a busload of school children. The lead character is a veteran suffering from guilt following a loss in Afghanistan. The main problem I had is that the main character is thrown into carrying out tasks with apparently no training, which is really unrealistic for a secret military operation. Also, there are some real messes that occur due to questionable information that would have been prevented by simple, cautious police work. Finally, I had to really suspend disbelief regarding how easily it is to match a dying person to someone else's vision of the afterlife. The visions of the various afterlives are interesting and varied. The internal intrigue within the organization, the revelations the heroine experiences, and the climatic scenes were quite creepy and satisfying.
I received a copy in exchange for a review.
I received a copy in exchange for a review.
October 14, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely something different. I've never read anything with this storyline before. It certainly makes you think about what comes after you die.
When Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow wakes from a failed suicide after eleven of her men are killed in the line of duty, she doesn't expect to get conscripted into a new, secret part of the army known as The Terminals.
The Terminals contact a medium and give him information to help solve crimes that are occurring or are about to happen. When an over-zealous police officer kills Hillar the Killer before they can find out where he has taken a bus full of young children, Christine has to talk a monk who is dying into becoming a Terminal.
Things don't quite work out how they should when Hillar gets control of the artefact to talk to the medium. He sends faulty information back which causes more people to be killed.
With a reporter dogging her steps, a Major who is in control of the department and seems to have it in for her, she has her work cut out for her.
I found this to be quite enthralling but it didn't change my mind about what comes next, although I would really like to read the next book in the series.
This is definitely something different. I've never read anything with this storyline before. It certainly makes you think about what comes after you die.
When Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow wakes from a failed suicide after eleven of her men are killed in the line of duty, she doesn't expect to get conscripted into a new, secret part of the army known as The Terminals.
The Terminals contact a medium and give him information to help solve crimes that are occurring or are about to happen. When an over-zealous police officer kills Hillar the Killer before they can find out where he has taken a bus full of young children, Christine has to talk a monk who is dying into becoming a Terminal.
Things don't quite work out how they should when Hillar gets control of the artefact to talk to the medium. He sends faulty information back which causes more people to be killed.
With a reporter dogging her steps, a Major who is in control of the department and seems to have it in for her, she has her work cut out for her.
I found this to be quite enthralling but it didn't change my mind about what comes next, although I would really like to read the next book in the series.
April 4, 2014
Lt Col Christine Kurzow is lying in an Army field hospital in Iraq after a failed suicide attempt. General Aaron tries to convince her to hang on a little longer as he has a mission for her. The Army uses a medium to contact the newly dead, called Terminals, to embark on missions to gather information vital to national security. She has to convince a monk to die then follow a killer to find out where he put 11 children before they die too. But things don't go according to plan & Christine starts to question herself again.
An interesting premise that has been delivered well. Christine's battle with life, confusion and the work of the unit are memorable. Attila, the General, Morph/Kade, Dr Deeth and the old poker players make an intriguing group. But of course it's the villain, Hillar the Killer, and his pursuer, Charlie, that really make the story work the way it was intended to.
In my opinion, this is a great story that deserves good treatment by TV or film, if it makes it. It has echoes of Quantum Leap and British cop shows like Waking the Dead. I recommend this to any lover of crime/mystery and/or SF/Horror.
An interesting premise that has been delivered well. Christine's battle with life, confusion and the work of the unit are memorable. Attila, the General, Morph/Kade, Dr Deeth and the old poker players make an intriguing group. But of course it's the villain, Hillar the Killer, and his pursuer, Charlie, that really make the story work the way it was intended to.
In my opinion, this is a great story that deserves good treatment by TV or film, if it makes it. It has echoes of Quantum Leap and British cop shows like Waking the Dead. I recommend this to any lover of crime/mystery and/or SF/Horror.
May 27, 2014
The Terminals: Spark (The Terminals #1)
Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow, a woman on the edge who attempted suicide and failed, is called to solve a case. She is a "Handler" for a division known as The Terminals. She has to go into another realm to catch the killer.
She is on the hunt for Hillar the Killer, she thinks maybe if she can get him to talk, it may give her a reason to live. Hillar is a monster, he took a school bus of children into another realm. If she could just get him to talk and lead her to the children, this could be the case that gives her reason to live.
A very original story. I love the supernatural/sci-fi undertones. There are laugh out loud moments, along with terrifying and disturbing events that occur. I really liked Christine, although flawed, she was very likable.
Those who like supernatural/sci-fi/horror/thriller should enjoy this unique and fantastic story.
Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow, a woman on the edge who attempted suicide and failed, is called to solve a case. She is a "Handler" for a division known as The Terminals. She has to go into another realm to catch the killer.
She is on the hunt for Hillar the Killer, she thinks maybe if she can get him to talk, it may give her a reason to live. Hillar is a monster, he took a school bus of children into another realm. If she could just get him to talk and lead her to the children, this could be the case that gives her reason to live.
A very original story. I love the supernatural/sci-fi undertones. There are laugh out loud moments, along with terrifying and disturbing events that occur. I really liked Christine, although flawed, she was very likable.
Those who like supernatural/sci-fi/horror/thriller should enjoy this unique and fantastic story.
September 1, 2014
I started this book yesterday evening and finished it before going to sleep sometime after midnight. The first line, “Dying for a reason is a good reason to live” hooked me and I remained so through the entire book. This story is dark, gritty, graphic and at times horrific. There are paranormal, military, criminal, romantic, personal, religious and psychological elements that are covered in a way that engages and intrigues. This book was not what I expected – it was more than I expected. It drew me in, made me think, had me questioning and rooting for a solution to more than one situation. The imagination of Mr. Stewart is phenomenal and his writing impeccable. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. I should probably mention that this book came my way through a librarything giveaway in May and but I also have to say that it was a very generous gift and that I am sorry I didn’t read it sooner!
August 6, 2016
Is There Life After Death?
Lt Col Christine Kurzow has decided to die after making a bad decision which cost 11 soldiers under her command to lose their lives. Imagine her dismay when she wakes up still alive with General F Aaron by her side. The General "convinces" Christine he can make her death matter without causing disgrace to her uniform and her country. He recruits her into a super secret Presidentially sanctioned group _ the Terminals. Christine must convince a dying Monk to die earlier in order to chase after a dead psycho who is the only one that knows where the 11 school children he kidnapped prior to being shot and killed are stashed, before it's too late to save them. Tick tock goes the clock. A psychological thriller with so many twists and turns your head might just be spinning. Great characters and a novel idea which makes for a great story.
Lt Col Christine Kurzow has decided to die after making a bad decision which cost 11 soldiers under her command to lose their lives. Imagine her dismay when she wakes up still alive with General F Aaron by her side. The General "convinces" Christine he can make her death matter without causing disgrace to her uniform and her country. He recruits her into a super secret Presidentially sanctioned group _ the Terminals. Christine must convince a dying Monk to die earlier in order to chase after a dead psycho who is the only one that knows where the 11 school children he kidnapped prior to being shot and killed are stashed, before it's too late to save them. Tick tock goes the clock. A psychological thriller with so many twists and turns your head might just be spinning. Great characters and a novel idea which makes for a great story.
April 2, 2014
Brrr! this one gave me the shivers at times.
This new series has a premise that mixes crime, mystery and paranormal elements which caught my interest at the get go.
The idea of contacting killers in the afterlife makes this particular tale dark and creepy. And, how the characters go about in extracting info from a killer was quite a process - hard enough to get them to talk when alive.
A perspective and folklore of hell and a couple of its creatures are revealed which I found scary.
The main thing that I liked about this story are the strong female characters, especially main character, Christine, who proves to be one tough cookie even in a weakened physical state.
This new series has a premise that mixes crime, mystery and paranormal elements which caught my interest at the get go.
The idea of contacting killers in the afterlife makes this particular tale dark and creepy. And, how the characters go about in extracting info from a killer was quite a process - hard enough to get them to talk when alive.
A perspective and folklore of hell and a couple of its creatures are revealed which I found scary.
The main thing that I liked about this story are the strong female characters, especially main character, Christine, who proves to be one tough cookie even in a weakened physical state.
April 21, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel idea and concept created by this author. What if we could stop threats or prevent deaths by being able to communicate with the dead perpetrators? It makes you think about the afterlife in a completely novel way. What you believe is what you get. This story follows Christine, an army Colonel, who is dealing with terrible guilt after the men under her command are killed because of her actions. Certainly worth reading! On my way to look for any other episodes of this! The author mentions that this might be picked up as a TV series. I certainly hope so as I would love to watch this!
August 9, 2015
Very interesting book. A view of life, death, and the afterlife that is both unique and compelling. Religion is treated from an objective and somewhat "clinical" stance. While the book has some graphic and disturbing scenes, I hesitate to call it a horror novel; it's more of a dark science fiction novel with spiritual overtones.
From a character standpoint, I was unable to really care about any of the characters and some of them seemed very cliché and one-dimensional.
All in all, a very good read and definitely something different.
From a character standpoint, I was unable to really care about any of the characters and some of them seemed very cliché and one-dimensional.
All in all, a very good read and definitely something different.
May 27, 2014
I found the next series I'm going to devour! I couldn't put this one down. I read it in a few hours. For me, this book has:
Well thought out characters
A plot with twists, layers and mystery
Action and thrills.
Ancient religions and the paranormal
You know it's a good book when you find yourself fully invested in the characters and their lives.
Well thought out characters
A plot with twists, layers and mystery
Action and thrills.
Ancient religions and the paranormal
You know it's a good book when you find yourself fully invested in the characters and their lives.
May 20, 2014
THIS IS A REALLY, REALLY, REALLY GREAT BOOK!!!
I wasn't sure about it when I first saw it, but I was really curious about how it would play out. Now, I'm hooked. I need more from these characters. I need another Terminals. Great writing Mr. Stewart.
I wasn't sure about it when I first saw it, but I was really curious about how it would play out. Now, I'm hooked. I need more from these characters. I need another Terminals. Great writing Mr. Stewart.
July 11, 2014
Quite engaging - I devoured it in less than 24 hours. I enjoyed the characters and it left me wondering about their aftermath (whether the Terminals in waiting would finally get a mission, and more).
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