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The Hidden #1
The Upwelling
“Oh, Mrs. Sirman, there’s a problem with your husband’s cremation.”
“What sort of problem?”
“It’s his body.”
“What about it?”
“It won’t burn.”
And so it begins for Pam Sirman…the first step toward learning that everything she thought she knew about her husband is wrong, perhaps even his humanity. But if he's not human, what is he?
Pam is one of three lives that will be drawn together by the apocalypse of the Upwelling.
The other two are Chan and Danni, but their worlds are already in chaos. A few weeks ago a fierce storm accompanied by an upwelling from the Atlantic abyssal plain tore into Atlantic City. When it receded, the city and its 25,000 inhabitants were gone without a trace. Chan and Danni remember being in the city that day, but the ten hours during which the Upwelling occurred have been wiped from their memories.
They want those memories back. Or do they? Did they witness something so unspeakably ghastly that their minds can’t face it? Or Was that ghastly thing something they did? And worst Were they responsible for the Upwelling?
“What sort of problem?”
“It’s his body.”
“What about it?”
“It won’t burn.”
And so it begins for Pam Sirman…the first step toward learning that everything she thought she knew about her husband is wrong, perhaps even his humanity. But if he's not human, what is he?
Pam is one of three lives that will be drawn together by the apocalypse of the Upwelling.
The other two are Chan and Danni, but their worlds are already in chaos. A few weeks ago a fierce storm accompanied by an upwelling from the Atlantic abyssal plain tore into Atlantic City. When it receded, the city and its 25,000 inhabitants were gone without a trace. Chan and Danni remember being in the city that day, but the ten hours during which the Upwelling occurred have been wiped from their memories.
They want those memories back. Or do they? Did they witness something so unspeakably ghastly that their minds can’t face it? Or Was that ghastly thing something they did? And worst Were they responsible for the Upwelling?
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2024
77 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
F. Paul Wilson
421 books1,995 followersFrancis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 23, 2024
F. Paul Wilson does it again! I have waited for a new series from him, one of my all time favorite authors, for a long time and it surpassed my expectations.
This continues the saga of the adversaries with a whole new cast of characters.
This continues the saga of the adversaries with a whole new cast of characters.
September 30, 2024
not his best work
I love all of F Paul Wilson’s work! I’ve read all his stories. This one doesn’t work for me. The concept just wasn’t believable even for this author. The beginning was fascinating but the story broke down after a few chapters. Unfortunately I couldn’t wait for the story to end.
I love all of F Paul Wilson’s work! I’ve read all his stories. This one doesn’t work for me. The concept just wasn’t believable even for this author. The beginning was fascinating but the story broke down after a few chapters. Unfortunately I couldn’t wait for the story to end.
September 22, 2024
The Upwelling by F. Paul Wilson
F. Paul Wilson is doing for the Pine Barrens of New Jersey what H.P. Lovecraft did for Providence, Rhode Island, namely, taking a quotidian and boring place and making it cosmically weird and threatening.
Wilson has been tying together his scores of novels with the idea that Earth is being contested for by cosmic entities that screw around with humanity as part of some game of dominance. One of the rules is that the entities cannot reveal themselves. So, they do oddball things that lead humans to wonder about violations of physics.
In this book, the oddball is the destruction of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the disappearance of 25,000 residents, by an “upwelling” of water that targeted only Atlantic City. Chan Liao and FBI Agent Danielle Boudreau are two of the survivors, but they don’t have any memory of the events.
And then there is Pam Sirman, who husband died in a crash. The weirdness for her is that her husband’s body refuses to be cremated. Chan knows of another time when that happened.
This story moves quickly as the characters put the pieces together. The reader gets a ringside seat to see Wilson’s view that history has involved a struggle between the Owner – the cosmic being with control over the Earth – and the Adversary – the cosmic being who would like to have that control. Other cosmic entities are shown to be in play, including the Squatter.
None of these entities are concerned with humanity. We are flies to be played with to them.
The story is consequently Lovecraftian, but the characters are empathetic and there is an optimism in Wilson’s writing which is different from the usual downbeat quality of most such books.
F. Paul Wilson is doing for the Pine Barrens of New Jersey what H.P. Lovecraft did for Providence, Rhode Island, namely, taking a quotidian and boring place and making it cosmically weird and threatening.
Wilson has been tying together his scores of novels with the idea that Earth is being contested for by cosmic entities that screw around with humanity as part of some game of dominance. One of the rules is that the entities cannot reveal themselves. So, they do oddball things that lead humans to wonder about violations of physics.
In this book, the oddball is the destruction of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the disappearance of 25,000 residents, by an “upwelling” of water that targeted only Atlantic City. Chan Liao and FBI Agent Danielle Boudreau are two of the survivors, but they don’t have any memory of the events.
And then there is Pam Sirman, who husband died in a crash. The weirdness for her is that her husband’s body refuses to be cremated. Chan knows of another time when that happened.
This story moves quickly as the characters put the pieces together. The reader gets a ringside seat to see Wilson’s view that history has involved a struggle between the Owner – the cosmic being with control over the Earth – and the Adversary – the cosmic being who would like to have that control. Other cosmic entities are shown to be in play, including the Squatter.
None of these entities are concerned with humanity. We are flies to be played with to them.
The story is consequently Lovecraftian, but the characters are empathetic and there is an optimism in Wilson’s writing which is different from the usual downbeat quality of most such books.
July 25, 2024
Always get a kick in the back-side reading F Paul. This adventure has the semblance of Jack’s old nemesis. Can’t go wrong there! But I always have trouble with nondescript entities that have no human characteristics and create chaos for the sake of chaos. “ Their ways are not our ways” is old as the hills and didn’t explain much. But,alas,it’s a tale and a rather good one. And I’ll read #2, for sure.
October 15, 2024
True fantasy and good fantasy borders on the unbelievable. But this one slides into the absurd! In addition, I found the author's default writing style of every time a female was introduced into a scene was to describe what she was wearing as though he was hosting a fashion show! He does not apply the same standard to males.
A passable read!
A passable read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 18, 2025Mother Teresa was not a saint and, in fact, a disgusting and nasty person.
It should be he spoke mandarine and English without an accent, not the other way around.
If it’s scientists studying and working on a flood or tsunami-like event it would be an oceanographer. An oceanologist includes all aspects of oceans including marine biology - plants and fishes and how the entire ecosystem works together.
Why wouldn’t his phone work to show him the time? Even without service the phone will still the display and access to apps it just won’t load the apps without service.
I get that there’s Asian and any kind of bigotry for non-whites all over the US but making it seem like nearly everyone is anti-Asian is just too much.
Medical records would NEVER provide any information or even a lack of information being available based on “my husband died.” She would need proof of death and marriage certificates at a minimum.
Earlier they’re told by Kurt that if the Alberta squatter is unbidden the swath of destruction the ocean one takes to get to would be incredible but when the sigils are destroyed the storm starts right there directly and instantly and then goes away.
Danni says earlier she always keeps her gun on her why, then, does she ask if she should bring her gun when there’s clearly a situation happening. If that was a male agent they never would’ve been written to stop and ask.
Why is a trained fbi agent needing someone else (a male) to explain how to sort everything out. Once again, if this was written as a male character they’d never have someone else explain to them how to handle everything.
It should be he spoke mandarine and English without an accent, not the other way around.
If it’s scientists studying and working on a flood or tsunami-like event it would be an oceanographer. An oceanologist includes all aspects of oceans including marine biology - plants and fishes and how the entire ecosystem works together.
Why wouldn’t his phone work to show him the time? Even without service the phone will still the display and access to apps it just won’t load the apps without service.
I get that there’s Asian and any kind of bigotry for non-whites all over the US but making it seem like nearly everyone is anti-Asian is just too much.
Medical records would NEVER provide any information or even a lack of information being available based on “my husband died.” She would need proof of death and marriage certificates at a minimum.
Earlier they’re told by Kurt that if the Alberta squatter is unbidden the swath of destruction the ocean one takes to get to would be incredible but when the sigils are destroyed the storm starts right there directly and instantly and then goes away.
Danni says earlier she always keeps her gun on her why, then, does she ask if she should bring her gun when there’s clearly a situation happening. If that was a male agent they never would’ve been written to stop and ask.
Why is a trained fbi agent needing someone else (a male) to explain how to sort everything out. Once again, if this was written as a male character they’d never have someone else explain to them how to handle everything.
August 12, 2024
I have been a F. Paul Wilson fan for a very long time. Since I read The Keep when it came out. He's written a ton of books. Lots of series of books. He is well supported (net worth between 1-5 million? https://www.celebsagewiki.com/f-paul-...). So there was something about this full page license "note" that irked me and set the tone for the read.
Also, the e-book had way too many distracting formatting and typo errors. Just saying.
The story was great. Starts with a bang and keeps the pace going through to the end. The reader is kept wondering for a long time. The three main characters (Pam, Chan, and Danni) are consistent and not particularly lovable. It's the mystery, the story, that's compelling - the characters push the story along. Ian and his sister were kinda fun. Anyway, I don't know why I only rate it 3 because I honestly spent the whole day reading it because I wanted to see what happened next. That's an awesome place to be as a reader. Okay, for that reason I'll put it at 4. :)
Having lived for decades in the area where the story is set, it was nice to have a home setting, too.
It's pretty clear, after you get about 3/4th of the way into it that it's part of a series. You'll get some satisfaction with the ending but it's meant to convey you on to Lexie, book #2.
Also, the e-book had way too many distracting formatting and typo errors. Just saying.
The story was great. Starts with a bang and keeps the pace going through to the end. The reader is kept wondering for a long time. The three main characters (Pam, Chan, and Danni) are consistent and not particularly lovable. It's the mystery, the story, that's compelling - the characters push the story along. Ian and his sister were kinda fun. Anyway, I don't know why I only rate it 3 because I honestly spent the whole day reading it because I wanted to see what happened next. That's an awesome place to be as a reader. Okay, for that reason I'll put it at 4. :)
Having lived for decades in the area where the story is set, it was nice to have a home setting, too.
It's pretty clear, after you get about 3/4th of the way into it that it's part of a series. You'll get some satisfaction with the ending but it's meant to convey you on to Lexie, book #2.
September 15, 2024
[Series Review] Dig deeper into the Secret History
This is a series review for both The Upwelling and Lexie.
I’m not sure how well this two-part story stands on its own for people who are new to the author’s Secret History of the World, but for those of us who are fans, it’s pure gold.
Beginning in The Upwelling and going much farther in Lexie, the author reveals much more information about the nature of the cosmic beings in the secret history, usually known as the Ally and the Otherness. He also touches on a number of other facets, including the signals, the Septimus Order, the Oculus, and the nature of the multiverse. We’re also introduced to a new player, a department of the National Security Agency (NSA) that has learned lot about the secret history and is doing its best to foil the plans of the Ally and the Otherness.
We don’t see Jack or his crew, nor do Rasalom or Glaeken make an appearance. But many other familiar faces are present, as well as a number of new ones.
Highly recommended for fans. I give it 5/5 stars.
This is a series review for both The Upwelling and Lexie.
I’m not sure how well this two-part story stands on its own for people who are new to the author’s Secret History of the World, but for those of us who are fans, it’s pure gold.
Beginning in The Upwelling and going much farther in Lexie, the author reveals much more information about the nature of the cosmic beings in the secret history, usually known as the Ally and the Otherness. He also touches on a number of other facets, including the signals, the Septimus Order, the Oculus, and the nature of the multiverse. We’re also introduced to a new player, a department of the National Security Agency (NSA) that has learned lot about the secret history and is doing its best to foil the plans of the Ally and the Otherness.
We don’t see Jack or his crew, nor do Rasalom or Glaeken make an appearance. But many other familiar faces are present, as well as a number of new ones.
Highly recommended for fans. I give it 5/5 stars.
November 26, 2024
The book shares many of the same plot points as Wilson’s The Adversary series. Both have unseen forces at work, both have humans who are more than human. But while The Upwelling is an interesting read, it doesn’t live up to the previous series. Though the Secret History of the World is noted and the books have been added to the History timeline, there are too many differences for me to see this book as part of that series.
Still, I enjoyed the book, but I think it would have worked better if it had been kept to its own universe. Another slight fault is that the characters aren’t as likable or compelling as those in The Adversary series. I sort of liked Chan and Danni, but found Pam to be too much of a cliché.
Yet, all in all, this combo science fiction/horror kept me interested, and I do look forward to the sequel (though, since it’s part of a series, it could be awhile.)
Still, I enjoyed the book, but I think it would have worked better if it had been kept to its own universe. Another slight fault is that the characters aren’t as likable or compelling as those in The Adversary series. I sort of liked Chan and Danni, but found Pam to be too much of a cliché.
Yet, all in all, this combo science fiction/horror kept me interested, and I do look forward to the sequel (though, since it’s part of a series, it could be awhile.)
October 27, 2024
Some predictably entertaining sci-fi from Mr. Wilson
>>In the first book of this duology (??), F. Paul Wilson starts with a strange tidal event that destroys an entire coastal area, and gradually moves deeper into a mysterious conspiracy. The main character, Chan, is right in the middle of these events, and is trying to figure out what is really going on. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, and it’s not hard to hang to find out “what happens next.”
>>In the first book of this duology (??), F. Paul Wilson starts with a strange tidal event that destroys an entire coastal area, and gradually moves deeper into a mysterious conspiracy. The main character, Chan, is right in the middle of these events, and is trying to figure out what is really going on. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, and it’s not hard to hang to find out “what happens next.”
July 11, 2024
This story was awesome
This story was awesome. The plot was strong as well as unique. The characters were believable and, for many of them, loveable. It usually takes me a while to read a fiction book, but everything about the story was so captivating that I finished it fairly quickly. It would make a great movie. The author really did a fantastic job!!
This story was awesome. The plot was strong as well as unique. The characters were believable and, for many of them, loveable. It usually takes me a while to read a fiction book, but everything about the story was so captivating that I finished it fairly quickly. It would make a great movie. The author really did a fantastic job!!
November 3, 2024
Started this because I figured this series was a tie in with the Repair Man Jack series by F. Paul Wilson, once started, I couldn't put it down. It does take place in the same universe, however Jack does not make any appearance but it is a great entry and enriched the world that Wilson has created involving the Otherness and the Ally.
January 12, 2025
Excellent Wilson book. He knows how to write a thriller that keeps your attention. This and its followup Lexie are two new stories from his adversary series of books. As usual, the story has inventive twists and turns and a great imagination. The characters are interesting and well imagined. What happens when the sea wells up and eliminates Atlantic City and why? So starts a long trail.
July 12, 2024
Jumping back into the strangeness
I've read all of the Secret History of the World books, and was disappointed when they ended. But this takes you right back in. A wonderful dive back into that world, minus Jack, of course.
I've read all of the Secret History of the World books, and was disappointed when they ended. But this takes you right back in. A wonderful dive back into that world, minus Jack, of course.
August 9, 2024
very good but not perfect
I really enjoy a book when the author uses words to take me on a trip through fiction where I suspend my disbelief. This book went a long long way in that direction
. Toward the end it got too far out of bounds for me.
I really enjoy a book when the author uses words to take me on a trip through fiction where I suspend my disbelief. This book went a long long way in that direction
. Toward the end it got too far out of bounds for me.
September 18, 2024
What a tangled web.
Only a gifted author such as Mr Wilson can weave a tale of extraordinary power, horror,action and mystery into his secret history of the world without a hiccup. Well written,well paced,well done.
Only a gifted author such as Mr Wilson can weave a tale of extraordinary power, horror,action and mystery into his secret history of the world without a hiccup. Well written,well paced,well done.
December 24, 2024
World history series of F. Paul Wilson ties into the Cthulhu like Mythos which is the fictional universe that includes the works of H. P. Lovecraft. Libby Library Kindle book. FBI agent stumbles on to the terrifying truth secrets of how the Universe entities control the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2024
A very good read. Major points if you like Wilson. It's a gift to read new books from him as his health and age have made it challenging for him to write. I'm reading book 2 next. Decent characters but a compelling story, very worth 4-star read.
January 30, 2025
Interesting plot
This is an interesting story and a nice departure from the usual post-apocalyptic stories I lean toward. The characters were well developed and interesting. I also enjoyed the suspense of not knowing what caused the event.
This is an interesting story and a nice departure from the usual post-apocalyptic stories I lean toward. The characters were well developed and interesting. I also enjoyed the suspense of not knowing what caused the event.
April 17, 2025
For the audiobook.
Good narration, interesting characters and a good story. It was good, not great. Can't see myself reading anymore of the series though.
Solid effort and can recommend for something a different and competent.
Good narration, interesting characters and a good story. It was good, not great. Can't see myself reading anymore of the series though.
Solid effort and can recommend for something a different and competent.
July 13, 2024
Fantastic novel that peels away a little more of Wilson's cosmic horror world view.
July 23, 2024
I want book 2 now! hahaha
August 6, 2024
Fabulous of course, can’t wait for book two!
August 18, 2024
F Paul Wilson never disappoints. This is another wonderful story of his.
September 4, 2024
A fairly compelling and quick read that is very reminiscent of Blake Crouch's work. The ending felt weirdly rushed to me. Probably more like a 3.5, but the audiobook narration brings it up to a 4.
September 11, 2024
Awesome book. F. Paul Wilson is an extraordinary writer.
September 20, 2024
FPW still turning out the weird thriller with panache and diamond sharp competence. FPW is still hitting his marks.
September 20, 2024
Audiobook review. One of the best best I have listened to recently. Great story narrator fits the story perfectly. Really enjoyed. Can't wait for book 2.
January 12, 2025
not the strongest entry in the secret history stories but still a fast and fun read and since this pair is almost certainly the last we are going to get - a fond farewell to an excellent body of work
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews