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In The Foothills of Mt. Empyreal: The End is Now
THE END IS COMING! Maias 26:14
Two writers, tell two very different stories detailing the same event.
Griot. Raconteur. Bard. Jongleur. Skop. Spinner of yarns. Rabbi. Named by a thousand words, storytellers and those who crave them know one thing as true: that every truth has two sides.
This is a simple truth that has not been denied.
In a world with two realities the imaginations of author's Crystal Connor and Lori Titus are unleashed upon the unsuspecting people living in the Foothills of Mt. Empyreal and the fate of all the world hangs in the balance.
Who will save you now?
Two writers, tell two very different stories detailing the same event.
Griot. Raconteur. Bard. Jongleur. Skop. Spinner of yarns. Rabbi. Named by a thousand words, storytellers and those who crave them know one thing as true: that every truth has two sides.
This is a simple truth that has not been denied.
In a world with two realities the imaginations of author's Crystal Connor and Lori Titus are unleashed upon the unsuspecting people living in the Foothills of Mt. Empyreal and the fate of all the world hangs in the balance.
Who will save you now?
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2014
21 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Connor
21 books109 followersI grew up telling spooky little campfire style stories at slumber parties. We’d make a tent in the bedroom, and the only source of light would be from a flashlight that was about to die. I’d tell my tale of doom and then while everyone was jumping at the tree branch scraping against the window and I’d be sound asleep!
I served my country in the United States Navy working as a boiler technician on board the USS McKee AS-41 assigned to the 7th fleet.
While deployed at various ports-of-call throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East I began to learn about other cultures’ monsters and nightmares and I use my world travels and experiences take you to some of the exotic places that I’ve been but have altered and embellished with my twisted view of how a story should end…while at the same time taking you on a journey you might not otherwise be able to afford or brave enough to undertake.
The Darkness, is my first full-length novel, is published by Bennett and Hastings. My current projects, “…And They All Lived Happily Ever After” and “Artificial Light,” the sequel to The Darkness will be released in 2011. My short story “The Ruins” was the runner-up selection of Crypticon Seattle’s 2010 writing contest, and accepted for publication for The Static Movement Anthology "Sowing the Seeds of Horror.” My short story “The Monster” will be featured in the anthology “Strange Tales of Horror” published by NorGus Press.
I served my country in the United States Navy working as a boiler technician on board the USS McKee AS-41 assigned to the 7th fleet.
While deployed at various ports-of-call throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East I began to learn about other cultures’ monsters and nightmares and I use my world travels and experiences take you to some of the exotic places that I’ve been but have altered and embellished with my twisted view of how a story should end…while at the same time taking you on a journey you might not otherwise be able to afford or brave enough to undertake.
The Darkness, is my first full-length novel, is published by Bennett and Hastings. My current projects, “…And They All Lived Happily Ever After” and “Artificial Light,” the sequel to The Darkness will be released in 2011. My short story “The Ruins” was the runner-up selection of Crypticon Seattle’s 2010 writing contest, and accepted for publication for The Static Movement Anthology "Sowing the Seeds of Horror.” My short story “The Monster” will be featured in the anthology “Strange Tales of Horror” published by NorGus Press.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 21, 2014
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
“Wow.”
That was my reaction as I read the closing words of The End is Now by Connor Titus. It's a post-apocalyptic book with angels, demons, and various other groups which finally come together at a place called Mt. Empyreal which is near Fates Keep. What's unique about this particular novel is that there are actually two books by two different authors which detail the same events, but different points of view. The other one is Guardians of Man.
What I loved about The End is Now is that as a reader, I was dropped into the action right away and it didn't let up until the very end. All communication has been knocked out in the town, with a strange snow that has fallen. Things aren't what they seem, and the people in the town soon find themselves dealing with a battle between angels and demons. There are some familiar elements in the story, but I loved the combination of history and mythology, with actual historical events mentioned at various points in time. I loved the twists that the author used in crafting this story while using those elements. It added depth and had me engaged and interested through the whole novel, and I came to the conclusion this is not your typical end-of-the-world book.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but if I had to name some that stood out as my favorites, the angel known as The Commander would be one, as well as Khrystle and Jessica.
Engaging from the very beginning, I recommend this book to those who enjoy dark fantasy, apocalyptic stories, and books with angels and demons. My rating is 5/5 platypires.
“Wow.”
That was my reaction as I read the closing words of The End is Now by Connor Titus. It's a post-apocalyptic book with angels, demons, and various other groups which finally come together at a place called Mt. Empyreal which is near Fates Keep. What's unique about this particular novel is that there are actually two books by two different authors which detail the same events, but different points of view. The other one is Guardians of Man.
What I loved about The End is Now is that as a reader, I was dropped into the action right away and it didn't let up until the very end. All communication has been knocked out in the town, with a strange snow that has fallen. Things aren't what they seem, and the people in the town soon find themselves dealing with a battle between angels and demons. There are some familiar elements in the story, but I loved the combination of history and mythology, with actual historical events mentioned at various points in time. I loved the twists that the author used in crafting this story while using those elements. It added depth and had me engaged and interested through the whole novel, and I came to the conclusion this is not your typical end-of-the-world book.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but if I had to name some that stood out as my favorites, the angel known as The Commander would be one, as well as Khrystle and Jessica.
Engaging from the very beginning, I recommend this book to those who enjoy dark fantasy, apocalyptic stories, and books with angels and demons. My rating is 5/5 platypires.
May 18, 2014
The End is Now, grabs you by the throat on the first page and doesn't let go! The story starts with a small town with no power. A snow is falling that is poison and a dead body is in the middle of the road.... and it only gets better after that!
Her writing style is really unique... quick paragraphs that expertly blend into the next one... with writing so descriptive that you feel like you are there with them peering out the windows watching the scenes take place. I was totally absorbed, and getting annoyed when someone pulled me away from my computer. lol.
That's how I know I really love a book, when someone talks to me I want to smack them for pulling me away from my book... kind of breaks the spell for a moment... and that is what this book did to me... it felt like I was really pulled into their world... so awesome!
At first I thought this was going to be global warming or some other man made catastrophe. Then starts a battle between angels and demons that leads to a wonderfully written and incredibly imaginative story that had me on the edge of my seat, with a lot of twists and turns that I totally didn't expect.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers, the paranormal .... or just a really unique wonderfully written story, that sucks you in and keeps you turning page after page!
Her writing style is really unique... quick paragraphs that expertly blend into the next one... with writing so descriptive that you feel like you are there with them peering out the windows watching the scenes take place. I was totally absorbed, and getting annoyed when someone pulled me away from my computer. lol.
That's how I know I really love a book, when someone talks to me I want to smack them for pulling me away from my book... kind of breaks the spell for a moment... and that is what this book did to me... it felt like I was really pulled into their world... so awesome!
At first I thought this was going to be global warming or some other man made catastrophe. Then starts a battle between angels and demons that leads to a wonderfully written and incredibly imaginative story that had me on the edge of my seat, with a lot of twists and turns that I totally didn't expect.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers, the paranormal .... or just a really unique wonderfully written story, that sucks you in and keeps you turning page after page!
August 31, 2014
What an amazing book! The Foothills of Mt. Empyreal: The End is Now is so captivating and adventurous. I decided to give this book a try after one of my friends recommended it to me. She had told me how great that the book was, so I thought it would be a great read for me as well.
The book is filled with fun and memorable characters. One of the most interesting parts about this book, is that it is being told from the perspective of two different authors. Each author is telling the story of the same events, but they are each telling it in a completely different way, which will blow your mind! I found the storytelling in this book to be attention-grabbing and something different.
I really believe that this book is unlike anything that I have ever read before. It has a mix of science fiction, horror and even a little bit of comedy. The layout of the book is also different and I really enjoyed how the authors set this book up. The passages are labeled by numbers, which is so awesome! It made the book easy to follow and I think this is the first time I have ever read a book that was laid out like that.
I'm really glad that I read this book. I would highly recommend this one to others. It's a lot of fun and very unique!
The book is filled with fun and memorable characters. One of the most interesting parts about this book, is that it is being told from the perspective of two different authors. Each author is telling the story of the same events, but they are each telling it in a completely different way, which will blow your mind! I found the storytelling in this book to be attention-grabbing and something different.
I really believe that this book is unlike anything that I have ever read before. It has a mix of science fiction, horror and even a little bit of comedy. The layout of the book is also different and I really enjoyed how the authors set this book up. The passages are labeled by numbers, which is so awesome! It made the book easy to follow and I think this is the first time I have ever read a book that was laid out like that.
I'm really glad that I read this book. I would highly recommend this one to others. It's a lot of fun and very unique!
August 15, 2014
First, we start off with a small, isolated mountain town. Supplies are scarce, and in the depths of the winter, toxic snow is killing off any pets that get outside. Only the crows seem immune. And there is a dead body laying in the street. No one knows who this poor soul was or how he got there.
Fates Keep is being invaded by a powerful, evil force, foretold in the most secret of prophecies. In this humble town, where the mountain holds deadly secrets, a long forgotten holy book may hold the key. As the forces of good and evil are drawn into the ultimate combat, the destiny of mankind hangs in the balance.
The action starts out early and keeps going to the very end. Along the way, you'll meet courageous men and women, angels uncertain of their place in this final war, Wolves that seek to protect their human brothers, a witch who does not know her own power, and a group of humans who have given their will over to the evil that seeks to consume everything.
And then there's Rythy, a creature that rivals any Big Bad you've ever read about.
This is a great book for anyone who loves adventure and action, and will keep you breathless until the last page.
Fates Keep is being invaded by a powerful, evil force, foretold in the most secret of prophecies. In this humble town, where the mountain holds deadly secrets, a long forgotten holy book may hold the key. As the forces of good and evil are drawn into the ultimate combat, the destiny of mankind hangs in the balance.
The action starts out early and keeps going to the very end. Along the way, you'll meet courageous men and women, angels uncertain of their place in this final war, Wolves that seek to protect their human brothers, a witch who does not know her own power, and a group of humans who have given their will over to the evil that seeks to consume everything.
And then there's Rythy, a creature that rivals any Big Bad you've ever read about.
This is a great book for anyone who loves adventure and action, and will keep you breathless until the last page.
June 13, 2016
A sweeping “The end of the world is here. Are you ready?” story.
Angels and Demons are at war. Humanity struggles in the middle of these two warring powerhouses. Can humanity be saved? I don’t want to spoil too much of Connor’s epic tale of Armageddon, but I can see where the two authors’ visions diverged. And the ending will stun you. I mean, wow…
What begins as a technological Armageddon quickly descends into the actual final battle. Crystal’s version is printed in a way that is reminiscent of the Bible, two columned, beginning with a stunningly detailed illustration, and peppered with a calligraphic font. It is obvious from the procedures and the clear-headed discipline from some of the characters that Crystal has successfully used her own military background to craft the Mt. Empyreal clan. The language and the actions feel realistic and believable. It makes you as a reader pull even harder for the group’s survival, even in the face of insurmountable and otherworldly odds.
Angels and Demons are at war. Humanity struggles in the middle of these two warring powerhouses. Can humanity be saved? I don’t want to spoil too much of Connor’s epic tale of Armageddon, but I can see where the two authors’ visions diverged. And the ending will stun you. I mean, wow…
What begins as a technological Armageddon quickly descends into the actual final battle. Crystal’s version is printed in a way that is reminiscent of the Bible, two columned, beginning with a stunningly detailed illustration, and peppered with a calligraphic font. It is obvious from the procedures and the clear-headed discipline from some of the characters that Crystal has successfully used her own military background to craft the Mt. Empyreal clan. The language and the actions feel realistic and believable. It makes you as a reader pull even harder for the group’s survival, even in the face of insurmountable and otherworldly odds.
February 17, 2017
In the quietness, darkness existed, but in a blink of an eye, chaos erupts. The world as we know will never be the same again . . .
At the middle of winter, all of the technology of the world had been wiped out by a geomagnetic storm. It was predicted that within a year that majority of the global population would freeze, starve, or die. The people caught in this hellish existence felt that the end was near.
Is there hope for their survival? How do those that are left to endure this grueling situation and cope with certain devastation? There is said to always be two sides of every coin. With this theory, it is tested to the fullest throughout the pages of this book. Is there hope for survival? Will one side be saved while the other perishes?
IN THE FOOTHILLS OF MT. EMPYREAL: THE END IS NOW is one riveting novel! The descriptive passages allow you to feel the hopeless anguish each one of the characters is experiencing. This book will play on your every emotion. You will catch yourself feeling as though you are powerless to stop what it is that you are reading. Then a small glimmer of hope comes to light and quickly gets snatched away.
Crystal Connor has proven to me that she is a master storyteller. Her writing ability far surpasses any other author in her gene. Her words are told with a purpose, they are interwoven with a complex plot that provides the ultimate reading experience. To say that I was impressed with this first offering of her writing is an understatement. I highly recommend this author and look forward to discovering more of her addictive work
At the middle of winter, all of the technology of the world had been wiped out by a geomagnetic storm. It was predicted that within a year that majority of the global population would freeze, starve, or die. The people caught in this hellish existence felt that the end was near.
Is there hope for their survival? How do those that are left to endure this grueling situation and cope with certain devastation? There is said to always be two sides of every coin. With this theory, it is tested to the fullest throughout the pages of this book. Is there hope for survival? Will one side be saved while the other perishes?
IN THE FOOTHILLS OF MT. EMPYREAL: THE END IS NOW is one riveting novel! The descriptive passages allow you to feel the hopeless anguish each one of the characters is experiencing. This book will play on your every emotion. You will catch yourself feeling as though you are powerless to stop what it is that you are reading. Then a small glimmer of hope comes to light and quickly gets snatched away.
Crystal Connor has proven to me that she is a master storyteller. Her writing ability far surpasses any other author in her gene. Her words are told with a purpose, they are interwoven with a complex plot that provides the ultimate reading experience. To say that I was impressed with this first offering of her writing is an understatement. I highly recommend this author and look forward to discovering more of her addictive work
January 26, 2015
“Everyone who has read the Bible thinks they know this story. But they do not.” This is one frightening and absolutely convincing story. The horrifying end of the world is coming.
Angels, demons, humans, wolves, werewolves, and unimaginable creatures are part of this bestseller. Each side argues over tactics and strategies of winning, to end in a crescendo with all sides in an epic battle. With traditional military tactics, weatherized warfare, magic and biblical prophesies, the combat starts over 3 books and a child that contain secret keys to the universe.
Toxic weather leads to being stuck inside to watch the horror unfold before them. Through their front windows, these small town folk are forced to watch demons and angels continue an 1100+ yearlong battle. When the humans find out they’re related through generational breeding, they, too, get involved. With each side united in their own mission, there seems to be something wrong; they all have the same Intel. Is someone on both sides?
Super creepy tidbits are include: when they eat each other or drink their enemy’s blood, they become more powerful. “Those marked with a blood crest were hunted and killed for sport.” “The pedophile received the payment for kidnapping the nine-year-old girl who had first been raped and then gave birth to the second earth-born heir of Satan.” “…the words carved into the skin of this child are the words and instructions for mass destruction.” All spine-chilling and rapid-fire like a hasty battle.
Incorporating historical and mythical events makes the story real and engaging. For any reader who grew up in a religious household, this book is sure to shake their beliefs.
ln the Foothills of Mt. Empyreal: The End Is Now is why Crystal Connor and Lori Titus are the new master writers of the horror genre.
--Tofts Reviews
Angels, demons, humans, wolves, werewolves, and unimaginable creatures are part of this bestseller. Each side argues over tactics and strategies of winning, to end in a crescendo with all sides in an epic battle. With traditional military tactics, weatherized warfare, magic and biblical prophesies, the combat starts over 3 books and a child that contain secret keys to the universe.
Toxic weather leads to being stuck inside to watch the horror unfold before them. Through their front windows, these small town folk are forced to watch demons and angels continue an 1100+ yearlong battle. When the humans find out they’re related through generational breeding, they, too, get involved. With each side united in their own mission, there seems to be something wrong; they all have the same Intel. Is someone on both sides?
Super creepy tidbits are include: when they eat each other or drink their enemy’s blood, they become more powerful. “Those marked with a blood crest were hunted and killed for sport.” “The pedophile received the payment for kidnapping the nine-year-old girl who had first been raped and then gave birth to the second earth-born heir of Satan.” “…the words carved into the skin of this child are the words and instructions for mass destruction.” All spine-chilling and rapid-fire like a hasty battle.
Incorporating historical and mythical events makes the story real and engaging. For any reader who grew up in a religious household, this book is sure to shake their beliefs.
ln the Foothills of Mt. Empyreal: The End Is Now is why Crystal Connor and Lori Titus are the new master writers of the horror genre.
--Tofts Reviews
October 5, 2015
As far as horrors go, this had everything I like. I learned something new, and there was a massive amount of imagination put into religious history. There was also a complete set of flawed/awesome characters.
The story begins with a set of characters in a unique situation. They stayed in their houses respectively. Two of them played charades and other games from their windows to pass the time. The world, as they know it, was changing. The sun created a mass of changes that isolated much of the world. The focal point of the story is in a town in the mountains. Here things go from bad to worse. Suddenly, the characters who just clung to basic survival are also trying to survive demonic creatures. I was immediately reminded of "30 Days of Night", as they're stranded in their town as a supernatural element invades. Just this time, instead of vampires, it's a apocalypse of religious proportions that could wipe out the human race.
There's plenty of action and mayhem as the different characters find each other and a group of celestial beings who, at first, could have been either friend of foe.
There were a few lengthy discussions that kind of bordered on Bible study, for me but there was a lot to absorb. It was like rewriting religious history and the players were all there to fight for a new world. Even the formatting (this I thought rather clever), was shaped to look like scripture though flowed much easier than any King James Bible. Then, came a constant struggle and battle that was both fun and nail-biting.
With multiple points of view, it wasn't hard to keep track of who was who. I think action/adventure and horror fans would really be drawn to this story.
CONCLUSION
There was an interesting prophecy and great twist on religious stories with a pinch of Rosemary's Baby that evolved into a a vivid imagery of action and horror.
The story begins with a set of characters in a unique situation. They stayed in their houses respectively. Two of them played charades and other games from their windows to pass the time. The world, as they know it, was changing. The sun created a mass of changes that isolated much of the world. The focal point of the story is in a town in the mountains. Here things go from bad to worse. Suddenly, the characters who just clung to basic survival are also trying to survive demonic creatures. I was immediately reminded of "30 Days of Night", as they're stranded in their town as a supernatural element invades. Just this time, instead of vampires, it's a apocalypse of religious proportions that could wipe out the human race.
There's plenty of action and mayhem as the different characters find each other and a group of celestial beings who, at first, could have been either friend of foe.
There were a few lengthy discussions that kind of bordered on Bible study, for me but there was a lot to absorb. It was like rewriting religious history and the players were all there to fight for a new world. Even the formatting (this I thought rather clever), was shaped to look like scripture though flowed much easier than any King James Bible. Then, came a constant struggle and battle that was both fun and nail-biting.
With multiple points of view, it wasn't hard to keep track of who was who. I think action/adventure and horror fans would really be drawn to this story.
CONCLUSION
There was an interesting prophecy and great twist on religious stories with a pinch of Rosemary's Baby that evolved into a a vivid imagery of action and horror.
August 29, 2015
In The Foothills of Mt. Empyreal The End is Now is a collaboration between Crystal Connor and Lori Titus and is quite simply about people in a small town called Fates Keep dealing with the apocalypse. This book starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. We have angels, demons, wolves, a witch and lots of people hoping to survive. While the story is deceptively simple, there are a lot of characters and viewpoints to keep track of.
One way I would describe The End is Now is as ambitious. The way the book is written is different than anything I’ve read, there are no main character but it has several characters that are important and there is no resting point in the action. This book is about action and chaos in a war between angels and demons. You have to stick with this book in order to get into it because it moves fast. What starts as a simple action driven apocalypse tale becomes a complex story about good versus evil and the choices we make.
While reading this one I found myself wondering what the writing process must have been like, because unless you have a program its hard to keep it all straight. My favorite part of the book was the humans, who despite the hopelessness of their situation still do what they can to survive. This book is an original take on the apocalypse fiction genre that is so popular right now. There is a lot going on in this book and the story moves along at the speed of a freight train and doesn’t stop until the end.
One way I would describe The End is Now is as ambitious. The way the book is written is different than anything I’ve read, there are no main character but it has several characters that are important and there is no resting point in the action. This book is about action and chaos in a war between angels and demons. You have to stick with this book in order to get into it because it moves fast. What starts as a simple action driven apocalypse tale becomes a complex story about good versus evil and the choices we make.
While reading this one I found myself wondering what the writing process must have been like, because unless you have a program its hard to keep it all straight. My favorite part of the book was the humans, who despite the hopelessness of their situation still do what they can to survive. This book is an original take on the apocalypse fiction genre that is so popular right now. There is a lot going on in this book and the story moves along at the speed of a freight train and doesn’t stop until the end.
October 3, 2015
Exciting, Action Packed, and Chilling
This book is not your usual apocalyptic, end of the world read. First of all the authors did an excellent job at giving the same story while telling if from the different sides. The story is epic and includes fierce battles and angels, demons and other paranormal creatures, things that nightmares are made of. The action and adventure is practically non stop. There are so many twists and turns and bits and pieces that really keep you on your toes. I was really captivated by the story and was reluctant to put it down. I was generously provided a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
This book is not your usual apocalyptic, end of the world read. First of all the authors did an excellent job at giving the same story while telling if from the different sides. The story is epic and includes fierce battles and angels, demons and other paranormal creatures, things that nightmares are made of. The action and adventure is practically non stop. There are so many twists and turns and bits and pieces that really keep you on your toes. I was really captivated by the story and was reluctant to put it down. I was generously provided a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
March 9, 2015
What a wild, kick-butt action backed read!! Connor Titus not only opened one's mind to the history of what the End really means, but the plot twists left me astounded. Rythy wears her crown proudly and Lilth is as she always should be, awesomely wicked, I enjoyed their development although I was praying for the good guys. Great read, plenty of Biblical kick but with a respectful touch to all religions and their aid in the final battle of the end...or is it really the end? :) ~KL approved
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews