The Source of Death

OtherSide #1

by Jay Michael Night

An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

Mikey Black's life shattered the night monsters with glowing eyes attacked.

He was left orphaned and marked by an eerie aura that brings sickness and death to those around him. Tossed from one fleeting foster home to another, Mikey resigns himself to a lonely existence until a kind-hearted mailman named Arthur offers to adopt him. To Mikey's astonishment, Arthur seems immune to his radioactive presence.

As Mikey finally finds hope for a real home, he discovers that his new foster father holds a secret as extraordinary and dangerous as Mikey's own nature. After learning the truth, Mikey begins to unravel the mystery behind the night that changed his life while confronting a world of hidden powers, ancient prophecies, and a destiny that could reshape reality.

With the help of friends and family he never thought he’d have, Mikey must navigate a perilous path of self-discovery, facing the monsters that haunt his past and the one that dwells within.

Genres: Fantasy

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2022

About the author

Meet the wizard of words, Jay Michael Night! By day, Jay works dental magic at a community health clinic in Virginia, and by night, conjures enchanting tales of fantasy. An Army Combat Veteran, Jay adds a touch of real-world heroism to every story woven. From young adult adventures to sizzling adult romances, Jay's series have something for everyone. With dreams as big as a dragon's wingspan, Jay aims to wave goodbye to the dental chair and dive into writing full time. So grab a quill and get ready for a fantastical journey!

Let's Escape Together. ❤️

You can find Jay at @authorjmn on Tiktok and Twitter.

Reviews

[Lucky karma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun sci-fi read that I'd recommend to a teen or YA fan. As an old crone, I'm not the targeted audience for this one, but I still enjoyed the accompanying audiobook. The story was genuinely well crafted and it would make a nice gift for a young person.

[Audrey Finchum · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What a prologue! The Source of Death drew me in from the start, resonating with Mikey's journey of self-discovery. Mikey knows he's different. He believes there is something wrong with him. People don't want him around. He moves from foster home to foster home. One day in high school, his world changed. He discovers who he really is. This is a beautiful coming of age story with found family and friendship. A fantasy tale in a modern world. It is a part of a trilogy. There is a cliffhanger.

[Jamie Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

keeps you wanting more

Had me hooked from the part in the book that said

Everything within a hundred feet of where Mikey had been was blackened, shriveled and dead.


It immediately had me wanting to know how and why?! Such a great read!! Can’t wait for the next book

[Melina Eguia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly invested in this book! We follow Mikey on his journey of finding out who he really is. Mikey learns new stuff about himself that he never could have imagined, he also learns all the secrets that were kept to protect him in attempts to allow him to lead a normal life. Mikey didn’t understand why he was so different. He would suck the life out of everything and he was constantly moving to different foster homes until someone permanently took him in. Mikey gains friends and family which he never thought he would have. He also learns how to control what makes him so different in the world he thought he was once misunderstood and alone in. This book has monsters and sorcery where everyone has their own unique abilities!

I love the characters and the story line. It was very well thought out. I think the story flows at a perfect pace which caused me to finish in one sitting. I enjoy the fantasy taking place in the modern world. The way Night made the story to be believable in our world today makes me excited for the journey in this series. If you love a Supernatural YA, start this series!

[tracey welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it.

Full disclosure,I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway.

This was a really good story. The characters are likable and relatable. The world in the book is flesh out with more to come, I’m sure.
It’s is not a complicated read as I was use to expecting a more complex plot . (George RR Marten type of character death and betrayal). I also like that the story is being told in a straight forward way. One intro of our young hero’s tragic backstory and then straight to the story when he’s older. I loved the character Marcus and the witty back and forth between the friends. I’m promise you also sympathize with Thomas. (Aka: Bully).
I can’t wait to read more of this.
Highly recommended.

[Amber Cusick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It has power and different creatures in it. It will keep you wanting to what is going to happen and why Mikey was an orphan to begin with and what happened to make him that way. Plus it draws you in by the way he makes people sick when they are around him except for Arthur. You have got to give this book a read. I am going to get the second book to this series because the ending will leave you wanting to more and what has happened to Mikey.

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at the beginning when Miley was young and what happens to him his parents and then when he’s older he learns about himself his parents and meets friends almost like him I love how he lets you know ow all the characters the descriptions were amazing and easy to keep track of book is is coming right away

[Jennifer Halloway ong · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING !

I found this Author on TikTok and was excited to read his new release. For someone who typically reads romance this genre was new to me . Right from the first chapter the characters and storyline had me hooked . Mikey was a true heroine, the friendships that were formed after his lonely upbringing was nice to see . His selfless act to save his friends was no surprise, throughout the book he had so much integrity. I can't wait to read book two , It'll be interesting to see how he gets out of that situation ! It's going to drive me crazy hoping he has that gift that the brownie fairy Laken gave him ...I'm so happy I found this series it's so well written !!

[Jennifer Halloway ong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this Author on TikTok and was excited to read his new release. For someone who typically reads romance this genre was new to me . Right from the first chapter the characters and storyline had me hooked . Mikey was a true heroine, the friendships that were formed after his lonely upbringing was nice to see . His selfless act to save his friends was no surprise, throughout the book he had so much integrity. I can't wait to read book two , It'll be interesting to see how he gets out of that situation ! It's going to drive me crazy hoping he has that gift that the brownie fairy Laken gave him ...I'm so happy I found this series it's so well written !!

[Katie Holder · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Source of Death was an easy read. A Ya Fantasy with a unique magic system. Likable characters and a peculiar adventure.

If you enjoy YA, this book is very YA.

Things that I didn’t love was the story was written in 3rd person and the dialogue was repetitive when informing the reader who was speaking. That being said this is just a personal preference and others may enjoy it.

[Heather S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler free: reading a YA book in my mid-30's and I plan to hand it off to my 11 year old son next. This was a great story that kept me swipping the pages and wanting more. I had a comfortable time reading, it was a pleasant reada not too heavy, not too fluffy. I had a great time reading this book! I eagerly downloaded book 2 upon completion.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action from the beginning!

Wow… This book hit the ground running… From beginning to end it’s filled with action.. Read it in one sitting. On to part 2..

[Laney Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!! It gave me the good type of anxiety like what’s going to happen next?!! I have to read faster to find out!!

[Jay myrandomspace2023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, yes! This was a banger, I rated it a 4.5 only bc I skimmed the places with all extra description. (IYKYK)

I liked Mikey, he's what I imagine as a golden retriever type guy. I adore the friendships built, and the path the story is heading!

[Claire L Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

This was such a different story than anything else I have read! It was a blend of paranormal and science fiction that fulfilled my book geek needs! The characters suck you right in and make you care about them. Downloading the next book as soon as I finish typing this!

[Ashley Ottesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Percy Jackson vibes, found family, scientific “magic” system and some wonderful messaging. Perfect for younger readers.

[Kristi Spinks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me from the first word. The story flowed perfectly. Not too fast. Not too slow. The characters were well thought out and detailed. I enjoyed it.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Source of Death" by Jay Michael Night is a captivating dive into a world where darkness and magic intertwine. Mikey Black's tragic past, marked by ominous powers, sets the stage for a thrilling journey of self-discovery. Night weaves a tale filled with monsters, sorcery, and the promise of a brighter future.
The author skillfully introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and secrets. Mikey's connection with his enigmatic foster father, Arthur, adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers guessing until the final pages.
"The Source of Death" delivers a spellbinding mix of supernatural elements and heartwarming relationships. Jay Michael Night's debut is a promising start to what promises to be an exciting literary journey. Recommended!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

an unexpected brotherhood

This goes from a loner to an unbreakable bonded brotherhood with the exciting turns of events that lead to the outcome. A must read! The characters make you feel like you’re part of their group and has you as invested as them. Onto the next adventure…..whatever is in store for Mickey and his friends?

[Brandy Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so loving Mikey and his journey I can't wait to see what happens next. I know that it will be awesome and I would recommend these books to everyone

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of the Otherside Series. I have been into thriller and fantasy books recently and the Source of Death piqued my interest. We start off in 1999 when Mikey, our main character, survives a horrific attack from monsters. He makes it out but his parents do not. Mikey is told that he is special and that’s why the monsters want him and we find out he does indeed have special powers. He spends his childhood hopping from foster home to foster home, never welcomed because of the effects of his powers. Finally finding someone, Mikey finds a home where he can stay and where his powers don’t cause issues. However, the feeling of normalcy doesn’t last long when an event happens at his new school and he discovers his “specialty” is actually supernatural powers and there are plenty of people who have them as well. Not only that, but the man that adopted him also knew his mother and made promises. To keep him safe. Enter information about the Otherside, a place full of monsters and the paranormal. And because Mikey is half human and half vampire, the first of his kind, everyone wants to get their hands on him. This book was an exciting read full of twists and turns that any teen would enjoy if they love fantasy and paranormal books. Waiting for the 2nd book coming out this summer!

[Karyn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for the next part.

Jay Michael Night has outperformed my expectation in this book with his excellent character development and plot twists. The Source of Death is one great fantasy that will keep you glued to the pages. It’s an exciting page-turner.
With the death of Mickey’s parents at the young age of five, followed by a series of events that left him wandering among the dead, the story continues to unfold with its twists, taking me on an exciting journey. Life wasn’t the best for Mickey; he faced several unfortunate events with different foster homes until he settled with an ex-postman, Arthur.

Events at school let him discover the secret powers he never knew he had, and so begins his journey to figure out his parent’s real personalities and his hidden abilities. The author takes us from the human world to the hidden one running with myriads of secrets.

The Source of death has monsters, vampires, monster hunters, sorcerers, magical powers, and everything you can imagine. The author took much time to develop this other world naturally and believably. I love this book.

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikey saw his parents murdered by monsters when he was 5, he was found wandering the area where everything around him was left dead and decayed. After spending years in the foster system where he was blamed for poisoning every carer he was placed with, he is finally adopted and settled with Arthur, a retired mailman or so he seems.

After a headbutt at school and the use of a strange magic he doesn’t understand he discovers who his parents were and his journey to find who or what he is and the training to control his powers begins.

This is wonderful, the secret world running alongside the human world is so well constructed, the story building is great, this is YA fantasy but with an arcane secret society twist. It is such a great story that pulls you in and keeps you wanting to find out the next thing, the next secret, the next power. It is fast paced and exciting, there are vampires, brownies, gnomes, dwarves, nightmare monsters, monster hunters, magical powers, sorcerers, I loved this world and was sad to leave it. Bring in Book 2!

[Aparna Preethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Source of Death" by Jay Michael Night is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that takes readers on a dark and twisted journey to the Other Side. The story follows the protagonist, Frank, who is thrust into a world of supernatural beings and must use his newfound abilities to save his loved ones from an evil force that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. Night's writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The characters are well-crafted and memorable, with each bringing their unique strengths and weaknesses to the story. The book's exploration of themes such as family, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil is engaging and thought-provoking. The world-building is also impressive, with Night creating a complex and intriguing OtherSide that is both fascinating and terrifying. Overall, "The Source of Death" is a captivating and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers.

[Ashley Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Source of Death is the first installment of the OtherSide Book Series by Jay Michael Night. It is a coming-of-age tale about Mikey Night, a teen that witnessed the murder of his parents as a child. You’re thrown into the story in chapter one, and can guess that Mikey’s dad was likely a vampire, with an ancient father figure that’s trying to track him, and his mom possibly human. The beginning reminded me of Harry Potter in that the two parents are on the run with their young kid, who ends up unleashing a wave of energy upon seeing his dead parents. A difference I like though, is that Mikey’s powers are his own, and are reactive to his emotions and the situation. Interestingly, he continues being “radioactive” through teen hood, causing him to be dumped from foster home to foster home. This representation, as well as the fact that the story identifies strength and promise behind kids in this situation, was a good addition to the story.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting fantasy.

With a beginning that reminded me of the story of the best-known magician in the world (Harry Potter, obviously), this story engaged me immediately. Quickly, this story takes a different and own direction, which is super interesting.
The Source of Death by Jay Michael Night develops around Mikey Black, a very particular boy, who, after the death of his parents when he was a child, grew up in foster homes but he never lasted more than a month at any of them. Everyone noticed that something was wrong with him, until a mailman named Arthur arrived, who curiously was not affected by his "aura of death".
This story continues to unfold at Mickey's school, as extraordinary things happen. The scenes posed by the author stimulate the imagination and make this reading a great experience. I think it is a great read for teenagers who enjoy a good fantasy and for adults too. I am not a teen and even so, I honestly liked it!

[Conscientious · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Source of Death by Jay Michael Night is a fantastic Young Adult novel. Mikey Black's life is nothing short of a tragedy. His life changed forever when the monsters attacked and he became orphaned. Tossed from one foster home to another due to the aura that brings sickness around him, he felt shattered and lonely. One day his gloomy life changed forever when Arthur offered to adopt him. Slowly he learns Arthur too shares mysteries as dark as his. Together with the help of his new family and friends, he must confront the monsters of his past and those that resides within. I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the story, the self-discovery of Mikey through darkness is amazing. The author is brilliant with the plot and keeps the story moving from one phase to another. There is never a dull moment and the characters guarantee engagement till the end. A must-read!

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Source of Death by Jay Michael Night is such a unique tale about the main character Mikey Black who had such a traumatic past when he was kid. He grew up being aware that there seems to be something different with him than the rest of the people. After getting transferred from one foster parent to another, he finally found the person that seemed to understand him and that was Arthur . Little did he know that Arthur holds such mystery as well that led him to discover more about himself. This was such a great story with unique plot. The mystery aspect of this book was unlike any other. It was unique and the narration was well-done. All throughout the book, I was curious as of how everything will unfold for Mikey. If you like a young adult mystery book with an air of fantasy, this is definitely a book you will enjoy.

[Azar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool YA book that sucks you in right from the beginning. Mikey is 5 years old and his parents have just found out that "they" have found Mikey and they must try and get away and hide. The night ends with Mikey's parents killed by monsters and Mikey just starting the discovery that he has some fearful powers that have killed those monsters and everything around him.
Fast forward to high school, where Mikey is still pretty oblivious to his powers, until he is taken into the "Other Side" for training to learn how to control his powers.
Pretty engaging story! The reader is definitely rooting for Mikey and is right there with him as he himself learns about this strange other world that he didn't even know he was a part of.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Source of Death by author Night is a skillfully written and entertaining fiction where wit meets word mastery. The narrative has a profound and cleverly woven plot that includes relatable genuine characters who are well-described and personified.
Mystery is what supports this tale and prepares us, readers, for the coming second installment which I will definitely not miss out. They all contribute to making us feel involved and caught up in the tale, so, at some points, the story feels more like a dream than a book.
What I like the most about this book is its writing since it is free-flowing; it has a nice rhythm, and it creates an atmosphere that is both mysterious and kind of lighthearted.