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Threshold
Malcolm can't remember being fatally stabbed. If the masked woman, Thalia, is to be believed, he's now in limbo along with six other strangers who are all guilty of unspeakable crimes.
For atonement, they must each survive a dangerous trial involving an eerie monster in a haunting locale. Succeed and return to life. Fail and it's straight to hell.
Malcolm could let the others face their trials alone. The monsters wouldn't sneeze at him otherwise. Unfortunately, he's grown to like some of these people. While death in limbo guarantees failure, risking his neck to help the others with their trials might be Malcolm's smartest play. The more allies in his corner come time for his own trial, the better his chances of seeing his family again.
As the trials proceed, Malcolm uncovers a link between their earthly demises. Each of the seven was responsible for the death of another, but the whos and whys are only a piece of the puzzle. He must uncover the identity of his murderer, but with his spicy temper, he might not be able to resist a little revenge. That is, if he can dodge the creature with a vintage camera for a head whose pictures literally set the scene on fire.
For atonement, they must each survive a dangerous trial involving an eerie monster in a haunting locale. Succeed and return to life. Fail and it's straight to hell.
Malcolm could let the others face their trials alone. The monsters wouldn't sneeze at him otherwise. Unfortunately, he's grown to like some of these people. While death in limbo guarantees failure, risking his neck to help the others with their trials might be Malcolm's smartest play. The more allies in his corner come time for his own trial, the better his chances of seeing his family again.
As the trials proceed, Malcolm uncovers a link between their earthly demises. Each of the seven was responsible for the death of another, but the whos and whys are only a piece of the puzzle. He must uncover the identity of his murderer, but with his spicy temper, he might not be able to resist a little revenge. That is, if he can dodge the creature with a vintage camera for a head whose pictures literally set the scene on fire.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
9 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 27, 2024
Seven people end up in the same place and they don’t know how they got there nor do they know each other and they really can’t figure out where they are.
The book initially reminded me of the television show Lost as the characters were in a place they couldn’t identify and it was jungle-like. They then found an airplane on the ground that happened to have food stored there. I wasn’t sure about the book at this point as it seemed all too familiar.
The main protagonist of the book is a man named Malcolm. Malcolm is a hard one to read. Sometimes I liked him and sometimes I didn’t like him at all. He was definitely not always a character for the reader to want to see succeed in his quest for the elusive second chance.
Eventually, the reader learns that the group is in a kind of purgatory where they’re each given the chance to redeem themselves before they are relegated to hell. Some of the trials don’t go so well for the subject of the particular redemption.
A mix of horror, thriller, and mystery, the book drags in some places but moves swiftly in others. Overall, I enjoyed it, but had to skim some parts that didn’t move the story along quickly enough for me.
Some of the characters were just plain nasty and unkind. Others had more redeeming qualities, making the reader want to root for them. Kudos to the author as he definitely has a twisted mind and made his characters go through some things. Each individual was unique and had their own quirks.
The horror isn’t too horrible, so if you’re on the fence about reading the book because of the word horror, don’t let that be the reason you don’t pick this one up. It’s basically a thriller with some slow parts and a bit of a hell-scape slotted in for fun. Three and a half stars from me.
The book initially reminded me of the television show Lost as the characters were in a place they couldn’t identify and it was jungle-like. They then found an airplane on the ground that happened to have food stored there. I wasn’t sure about the book at this point as it seemed all too familiar.
The main protagonist of the book is a man named Malcolm. Malcolm is a hard one to read. Sometimes I liked him and sometimes I didn’t like him at all. He was definitely not always a character for the reader to want to see succeed in his quest for the elusive second chance.
Eventually, the reader learns that the group is in a kind of purgatory where they’re each given the chance to redeem themselves before they are relegated to hell. Some of the trials don’t go so well for the subject of the particular redemption.
A mix of horror, thriller, and mystery, the book drags in some places but moves swiftly in others. Overall, I enjoyed it, but had to skim some parts that didn’t move the story along quickly enough for me.
Some of the characters were just plain nasty and unkind. Others had more redeeming qualities, making the reader want to root for them. Kudos to the author as he definitely has a twisted mind and made his characters go through some things. Each individual was unique and had their own quirks.
The horror isn’t too horrible, so if you’re on the fence about reading the book because of the word horror, don’t let that be the reason you don’t pick this one up. It’s basically a thriller with some slow parts and a bit of a hell-scape slotted in for fun. Three and a half stars from me.
November 6, 2024
What I Did Like:
+The attention to detail in the backstories is fantastic. I loved how they were revealed and how they came together.
+The concept is tackled in an interesting way. I enjoyed the details (no spoilers) and the connections (again, no spoilers).
+The ending was satisfying. No spoilers (which is so tricky with this one) but the way it played out worked.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of dark explorations of humanity and redemption.
My Rating: 3 Stars
Another editing pass and this one would be a solid 4.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/11/...
+The attention to detail in the backstories is fantastic. I loved how they were revealed and how they came together.
+The concept is tackled in an interesting way. I enjoyed the details (no spoilers) and the connections (again, no spoilers).
+The ending was satisfying. No spoilers (which is so tricky with this one) but the way it played out worked.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of dark explorations of humanity and redemption.
My Rating: 3 Stars
Another editing pass and this one would be a solid 4.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/11/...
May 29, 2024
Murphy St. John’s Threshold is a chilling and immersive horror novel that stands out among the genre for its gripping plot, atmospheric setting, and compelling character development. Set in the eerie realm of limbo, the novel follows protagonist Malcolm as he navigates a series of harrowing trials alongside six other strangers, all of whom are burdened with dark pasts and unspeakable crimes.
One of the standout features of Threshold is its ingenious premise. St. John introduces readers to a haunting limbo where the characters must confront their sins and face terrifying trials to earn redemption. The concept of atonement through survival adds a layer of psychological depth to the horror narrative, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. This unique blend of supernatural horror and moral dilemmas sets Threshold apart from other novels in the genre, offering readers a thought-provoking and spine-tingling reading experience.
The plot unfolds with masterful pacing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. St. John expertly builds tension and suspense as Malcolm and his companions navigate the treacherous trials, each one more horrifying than the last. The trials themselves are vividly described and filled with visceral imagery, evoking a sense of dread and foreboding that permeates every page. From the eerie locale to the monstrous creatures they encounter, the atmosphere of *Threshold* is hauntingly atmospheric, immersing readers in a world where terror lurks around every corner.
At the heart of the novel is Malcolm, a flawed and compelling protagonist whose journey of self-discovery forms the emotional core of the story. As Malcolm grapples with his own guilt and seeks redemption, he must confront the demons of his past while facing the very real threat of annihilation in limbo. St. John’s character development is rich and nuanced, allowing readers to empathize with Malcolm’s struggles and root for his survival against impossible odds.
The supporting cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the narrative, each one bringing their own unique backstory and motivations to the table. From the enigmatic Thalia to the morally ambiguous companions Malcolm encounters along the way, every character feels fully realized and contributes to the overall sense of unease and tension. The dynamic between the characters, fraught with suspicion and mistrust, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, keeping readers guessing until the shocking conclusion.
Fans of horror will be drawn to Threshold for its spine-chilling premise, compelling storytelling, and well-crafted scares. St. John’s mastery of atmosphere and tension, combined with the novel’s thought-provoking themes and memorable characters, make it a must-read for anyone seeking a truly immersive horror experience. Threshold is a dark and thrilling journey into the depths of guilt and redemption, where the line between the living and the dead blurs and the horrors of the past come back to haunt the present.
One of the standout features of Threshold is its ingenious premise. St. John introduces readers to a haunting limbo where the characters must confront their sins and face terrifying trials to earn redemption. The concept of atonement through survival adds a layer of psychological depth to the horror narrative, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. This unique blend of supernatural horror and moral dilemmas sets Threshold apart from other novels in the genre, offering readers a thought-provoking and spine-tingling reading experience.
The plot unfolds with masterful pacing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. St. John expertly builds tension and suspense as Malcolm and his companions navigate the treacherous trials, each one more horrifying than the last. The trials themselves are vividly described and filled with visceral imagery, evoking a sense of dread and foreboding that permeates every page. From the eerie locale to the monstrous creatures they encounter, the atmosphere of *Threshold* is hauntingly atmospheric, immersing readers in a world where terror lurks around every corner.
At the heart of the novel is Malcolm, a flawed and compelling protagonist whose journey of self-discovery forms the emotional core of the story. As Malcolm grapples with his own guilt and seeks redemption, he must confront the demons of his past while facing the very real threat of annihilation in limbo. St. John’s character development is rich and nuanced, allowing readers to empathize with Malcolm’s struggles and root for his survival against impossible odds.
The supporting cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the narrative, each one bringing their own unique backstory and motivations to the table. From the enigmatic Thalia to the morally ambiguous companions Malcolm encounters along the way, every character feels fully realized and contributes to the overall sense of unease and tension. The dynamic between the characters, fraught with suspicion and mistrust, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, keeping readers guessing until the shocking conclusion.
Fans of horror will be drawn to Threshold for its spine-chilling premise, compelling storytelling, and well-crafted scares. St. John’s mastery of atmosphere and tension, combined with the novel’s thought-provoking themes and memorable characters, make it a must-read for anyone seeking a truly immersive horror experience. Threshold is a dark and thrilling journey into the depths of guilt and redemption, where the line between the living and the dead blurs and the horrors of the past come back to haunt the present.
July 15, 2024
As a lover of horror, I am always looking for new books to dive into and devour. Murphy St. John’s Threshold instantly grabbed my attention with the premise, and I went in with high hopes. While I can certainly see many adoring this story, it did not quite work for me.
I will start with the good and why I think many will adore it. The story is an intriguing one. It puts an intriguing spin on purgatory that will have you turning the pages, eagerly powering through it to see how the pieces come together. There are plenty of questions to be asked throughout, and this ensures you are left wanting more. However, for me, I wanted to explore some of the elements in more detail. Early in the story there were many occasions where I was not quite one hundred percent sure of things. Not in the mystery way, but simply because I felt things were skimmed over a bit to reach the elements that would grip people the most. There is nothing wrong with focusing on the gripping parts, but it did lessen the impact of elements at the start. In the end, the reason I rounded my two-point-five-star rating down is due to the writing. While it was not bad (although there were some cases of misused words and grammar), it did feel a bit too juvenile for the story being told. It made the story seem like it was aimed at younger readers at times, despite the storyline not being aimed at the younger reader. This also carried over into the way some characters behaved, with things happening that felt more like the young adult jumps of emotions to move the story forward rather than fully exploring the complexity. Of course, this is not a bad thing. It works for many. However, it did not quite work for me.
All in all, this was an interesting premise. I can certainly see it gripping many. Sadly, however, it was not quite the story for me. I am putting this down as one of those ‘it is me, not the book’ cases.
I will start with the good and why I think many will adore it. The story is an intriguing one. It puts an intriguing spin on purgatory that will have you turning the pages, eagerly powering through it to see how the pieces come together. There are plenty of questions to be asked throughout, and this ensures you are left wanting more. However, for me, I wanted to explore some of the elements in more detail. Early in the story there were many occasions where I was not quite one hundred percent sure of things. Not in the mystery way, but simply because I felt things were skimmed over a bit to reach the elements that would grip people the most. There is nothing wrong with focusing on the gripping parts, but it did lessen the impact of elements at the start. In the end, the reason I rounded my two-point-five-star rating down is due to the writing. While it was not bad (although there were some cases of misused words and grammar), it did feel a bit too juvenile for the story being told. It made the story seem like it was aimed at younger readers at times, despite the storyline not being aimed at the younger reader. This also carried over into the way some characters behaved, with things happening that felt more like the young adult jumps of emotions to move the story forward rather than fully exploring the complexity. Of course, this is not a bad thing. It works for many. However, it did not quite work for me.
All in all, this was an interesting premise. I can certainly see it gripping many. Sadly, however, it was not quite the story for me. I am putting this down as one of those ‘it is me, not the book’ cases.
February 15, 2025
Great premise and superb character building
Wow. I was actually quite blown away by this read. I was instantly intrigued from the beginning. You end up following a group of people who are kinda stuck in limbo, getting a second chance at life by overcoming trials related to their sins made in the real world.
Each of the characters represents one of the 7 deadly sins, and their deaths are all linked to one another in pretty interesting ways. They don't know that at first and they come to realize it as they work together. Some characters, you feel bad for their circumstance, and for some, you just can't wait for their virtue (consider it a final boss in correlation to their sin) to destroy them.
The author does a splendid job with character development. There is a great array of mindsets at play as you follow them. Thalia is such a great character- I love her carnival jovialness in directing the members through their trials. Personally, I would love to see this made into an animation on account of her and the really cool monstrous virtues.
Also, I'm so pleased that Doug, Cameron, and Shelly got what was coming to them. Especially Cameron—I was so fired up to learn how he and Malcom were linked in death, and not gonna lie, I would have done the same, Malcom. You're not alone. Needless to say, I resonated with Malcom the most. He was such a unique case, and I loved his twist towards the end with his character. It's a splendid story, and I would love to read another iteration of this with a whole new set of characters and circumstances.
Wow. I was actually quite blown away by this read. I was instantly intrigued from the beginning. You end up following a group of people who are kinda stuck in limbo, getting a second chance at life by overcoming trials related to their sins made in the real world.
Each of the characters represents one of the 7 deadly sins, and their deaths are all linked to one another in pretty interesting ways. They don't know that at first and they come to realize it as they work together. Some characters, you feel bad for their circumstance, and for some, you just can't wait for their virtue (consider it a final boss in correlation to their sin) to destroy them.
The author does a splendid job with character development. There is a great array of mindsets at play as you follow them. Thalia is such a great character- I love her carnival jovialness in directing the members through their trials. Personally, I would love to see this made into an animation on account of her and the really cool monstrous virtues.
Also, I'm so pleased that Doug, Cameron, and Shelly got what was coming to them. Especially Cameron—I was so fired up to learn how he and Malcom were linked in death, and not gonna lie, I would have done the same, Malcom. You're not alone. Needless to say, I resonated with Malcom the most. He was such a unique case, and I loved his twist towards the end with his character. It's a splendid story, and I would love to read another iteration of this with a whole new set of characters and circumstances.
July 27, 2024
Seven strangers find themselves stranded on a plateau, with no memory of how they got there.
That's when Tahlia introduces herself and tells them of the unique opportunity they've been granted.
They're each on trial, and their souls are at risk. Should they win, they will be returned to their lives with an opportunity to atone for their past mistakes. Fail, however, and their souls are fast-tracked to hell.
This is an enjoyable and action-packed story that takes the reader through the varying horrifying trials and resulting pertinent punishments of each of the main characters' fates.
However, the story is much, much more than this.
As you read further into the book, you uncover the interconnectedness of the characters, their crimes, and their lives. The story is clever and contains a few twists that are great fun.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. With 'Threshold' as such a terrific debut novel, their work can surely only become even more awesome!
That's when Tahlia introduces herself and tells them of the unique opportunity they've been granted.
They're each on trial, and their souls are at risk. Should they win, they will be returned to their lives with an opportunity to atone for their past mistakes. Fail, however, and their souls are fast-tracked to hell.
This is an enjoyable and action-packed story that takes the reader through the varying horrifying trials and resulting pertinent punishments of each of the main characters' fates.
However, the story is much, much more than this.
As you read further into the book, you uncover the interconnectedness of the characters, their crimes, and their lives. The story is clever and contains a few twists that are great fun.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author. With 'Threshold' as such a terrific debut novel, their work can surely only become even more awesome!
November 25, 2024
Hell's Waiting Room!
Malcolm's afterlife is about as welcoming as a shark-infested swimming pool filled with broken glass and bad intentions.
Stuck in a limbo that makes your worst experience look like a tropical vacation, our protagonist must navigate a hellscape where his own murderers are his potential allies.
it's a twisted carnival ride through mortality's darkest, most demented funhouse, where survival means outsmarting monsters that would make Stephen King check under his own bed.
Murphy St. John serves up a deliciously dark cocktail of creature feature, murder mystery, and death game that'll have you simultaneously laughing and screaming into your pillow.
With creatures that'll make your skin crawl! "Threshold" redefines what it means to have a really, REALLY bad day.
So Prepare yourself!
Malcolm's afterlife is about as welcoming as a shark-infested swimming pool filled with broken glass and bad intentions.
Stuck in a limbo that makes your worst experience look like a tropical vacation, our protagonist must navigate a hellscape where his own murderers are his potential allies.
it's a twisted carnival ride through mortality's darkest, most demented funhouse, where survival means outsmarting monsters that would make Stephen King check under his own bed.
Murphy St. John serves up a deliciously dark cocktail of creature feature, murder mystery, and death game that'll have you simultaneously laughing and screaming into your pillow.
With creatures that'll make your skin crawl! "Threshold" redefines what it means to have a really, REALLY bad day.
So Prepare yourself!
August 11, 2024
As someone who enjoys horror but doesn't often read it, I'm always on the lookout for eerie reads that fit perfectly into my fall TBR. Threshold by Murphy St. John exceeded my expectations with its chilling premise and intense, character-driven narrative. Set in a sinister purgatory, the story follows Malcolm and six others as they face dark trials to determine their fate—either return to life or face eternal damnation. The pacing is smooth and gripping, with vivid imagery and a haunting atmosphere that keeps you on edge. While the world-building is minimal, it adds to the story's allure, though I wished for more detail in certain parts. Despite a few minor issues with writing and unanswered questions, Threshold is a must-read for horror fans, offering a dark and thrilling journey that blurs the line between the living and the dead.
December 21, 2024
captivating exploration of the boundaries between the known and the unknown.
The lyrical prose brings characters to life as they navigate themes of identity, loss, and transformation.
Each character faces their own challenges, making them relatable and engaging. The narrative raises thought-provoking questions about personal growth and the courage to confront change.
Overall, "Threshold" is a compelling read that lingers in the mind, showcasing St. John's unique voice and insightful storytelling. A must-read for fans of literary fiction.
The lyrical prose brings characters to life as they navigate themes of identity, loss, and transformation.
Each character faces their own challenges, making them relatable and engaging. The narrative raises thought-provoking questions about personal growth and the courage to confront change.
Overall, "Threshold" is a compelling read that lingers in the mind, showcasing St. John's unique voice and insightful storytelling. A must-read for fans of literary fiction.
January 31, 2025
A Dark and Horrific Adventure
This was a fast-paced, twisted read. An odd cast of strangers find themselves thrown together in mysterious location to face an equally mysterious set of trials. While the group initially seems composed of unlikable misfits, they grow on you as their tales unfold and their challenges become more clear. Just as the way forward seems to be solidifying into a formula, an unexpected twist breathes new energy into the narrative. Dark and gruesome, but engaging and entertaining.
This was a fast-paced, twisted read. An odd cast of strangers find themselves thrown together in mysterious location to face an equally mysterious set of trials. While the group initially seems composed of unlikable misfits, they grow on you as their tales unfold and their challenges become more clear. Just as the way forward seems to be solidifying into a formula, an unexpected twist breathes new energy into the narrative. Dark and gruesome, but engaging and entertaining.
March 13, 2025
captivating exploration of the boundaries between the known and the unknown.
The lyrical prose brings characters to life as they navigate themes of identity, loss, and transformation.
Each character faces their own challenges, making them relatable and engaging. The narrative raises thought-provoking questions about personal growth and the courage to confront change.
Overall, "Threshold" is a compelling read that lingers in the mind, showcasing St. John's unique voice and insightful storytelling. A must-read for fans of literary fiction.
The lyrical prose brings characters to life as they navigate themes of identity, loss, and transformation.
Each character faces their own challenges, making them relatable and engaging. The narrative raises thought-provoking questions about personal growth and the courage to confront change.
Overall, "Threshold" is a compelling read that lingers in the mind, showcasing St. John's unique voice and insightful storytelling. A must-read for fans of literary fiction.
February 5, 2025
Chilling and Unforgettable Horror!
Threshold is an unforgettable horror experience! The chilling atmosphere and gripping storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were deeply relatable, and the twists were shocking. This book delivered spine-tingling thrills and left me thinking long after I finished. I highly recommend it to horror fans!
Threshold is an unforgettable horror experience! The chilling atmosphere and gripping storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were deeply relatable, and the twists were shocking. This book delivered spine-tingling thrills and left me thinking long after I finished. I highly recommend it to horror fans!
August 2, 2024
nice read
Fans of horror will love this book. It is a blend of murder mystery and death game scenario all wrapped in one, topped off with a splash of dark humor to tie it all together.
Fans of horror will love this book. It is a blend of murder mystery and death game scenario all wrapped in one, topped off with a splash of dark humor to tie it all together.
June 12, 2024
Good suspenseful read.
Keeps you looking forward to what will happen next. With new twists around every corner. Recommend it to young readers.
Keeps you looking forward to what will happen next. With new twists around every corner. Recommend it to young readers.
July 13, 2024
Very good
Didn't expect this book to be as good as it was. Looking forward to the next book or even others from this writer.
Didn't expect this book to be as good as it was. Looking forward to the next book or even others from this writer.
February 23, 2025
Strongly recommend this book
Very good book, not giving spoilers, just know that it is really good and if you read it you will be glad you did
Very good book, not giving spoilers, just know that it is really good and if you read it you will be glad you did
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews