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Cataclysm
From the chaotic, forceful mind of RJ Smith erupts this stunning summer masterpiece of destruction, conspiracy and intrigue.
It's not a question of if Cumbre Vieja collapses... but simply a question of when. As the Canary Island volcano experiences a major earthquake, many suppose it's just a local disaster.
Enter Dr. Samuel May, a crackerjack world renowned volcanologist who's predicted the quake would result in the collapse of the western ridge causing a catastrophic tsunami. Shuffled to the United Nations, he must convince world delegates to evacuate London, the east coast of the United States and the Caribbean.
Nobody believes it.
That is until the ridge shows signs of collapse.
But this isn't half of the story.
After the Roman Catholic Church names its new pope, Callixtus the Fourth, the 45-year old pontiff stumbles onto ancient secrets which lead him to the island of Tenerife. He soon realizes Earth is nothing more than a science project and extraterrestrials have begun to shut down the planet in a series of natural Cataclysms.
Arriving at the Basilica of Candelaria, he finds its too late. The earthquake has begun, and the volcano is slipping towards the sea.
What follows is a race against time to evacuate countries at risk of annihilation. But perhaps, the leader of Earth's 1.2 billion Catholics can save the day, if only he can convince the alien race that humanity is worth saving.
But first, the pope must navigate an assassination plot. The Jesuits want him dead.
Will he make it back to Rome in time to save the world? Or will life as we know it end?
It's not a question of if Cumbre Vieja collapses... but simply a question of when. As the Canary Island volcano experiences a major earthquake, many suppose it's just a local disaster.
Enter Dr. Samuel May, a crackerjack world renowned volcanologist who's predicted the quake would result in the collapse of the western ridge causing a catastrophic tsunami. Shuffled to the United Nations, he must convince world delegates to evacuate London, the east coast of the United States and the Caribbean.
Nobody believes it.
That is until the ridge shows signs of collapse.
But this isn't half of the story.
After the Roman Catholic Church names its new pope, Callixtus the Fourth, the 45-year old pontiff stumbles onto ancient secrets which lead him to the island of Tenerife. He soon realizes Earth is nothing more than a science project and extraterrestrials have begun to shut down the planet in a series of natural Cataclysms.
Arriving at the Basilica of Candelaria, he finds its too late. The earthquake has begun, and the volcano is slipping towards the sea.
What follows is a race against time to evacuate countries at risk of annihilation. But perhaps, the leader of Earth's 1.2 billion Catholics can save the day, if only he can convince the alien race that humanity is worth saving.
But first, the pope must navigate an assassination plot. The Jesuits want him dead.
Will he make it back to Rome in time to save the world? Or will life as we know it end?
- GenresThriller
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
19 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Smith
7 books28 followersRJ Smith is an American optioned screenwriter and author of contemporary horror, suspense, and action packed thrillers currently residing in Florida.
RJs books are represented by JRK Literary Agency in New York and Mr. Robert Snow of London. His film rights are managed by JS Integrity Management of Los Angeles.
He’s been noted by The Page International Screenwriting Awards, Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope Studios and the Sundance Film Festival Table Read.
His first novel, THE SANTA CLAUS KILLER was a 2013 Emmy Awards Swag Bag book selection.
CATACLYSM, his recent thriller was released worldwide July 1, 2014.
He is currently in the mountains of New York writing MOUNTAIN MONSTERS, available worldwide in summer 2015.
RJs books are represented by JRK Literary Agency in New York and Mr. Robert Snow of London. His film rights are managed by JS Integrity Management of Los Angeles.
He’s been noted by The Page International Screenwriting Awards, Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope Studios and the Sundance Film Festival Table Read.
His first novel, THE SANTA CLAUS KILLER was a 2013 Emmy Awards Swag Bag book selection.
CATACLYSM, his recent thriller was released worldwide July 1, 2014.
He is currently in the mountains of New York writing MOUNTAIN MONSTERS, available worldwide in summer 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 18, 2014
After receiving Cataclysm by R.J. Smith through a second chance giveaway, I couldn't wait to get started reading it right away. I was not disappointed. It appears at first glance to be a world ending disaster, but it is really so much more.
Dr Samuel May and his wife, Dr Tish Harriet, both volcanologists, long ago foretold the likelihood of the collapse of the side of an island if the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupts and predicted that such an occurence would cause a super-tsunami that will reach along the western coast of Europe and the eastern coast of the United States causing major damages and loss of life. They were ignored and basically labeled doomsayers. Cataclysm opens with the start of the foretold events triggered by an 8.9 earthquake. Dr Samuel May rushes to an emergency meeting in an attempt to convince the appropriate countries that his predictions are correct and immediate action is required. Even after witnessing the collapse of half and island into the sea via satellite feed, some government leaders are still reluctant to take appropriate action within the few hours left until the tsunamis start making landfall.
Now if that were the only issue going on, this novel would read just like a disaster movie plays and still be good, but more is going on throughout the story which the reader is fed piecemeal as the narrative point of view changes from character to character and location to location. I thought that would bother me, but the transitions were so smoothe and the print font changed with the characters so it was always easy to follow. There was even a unique addition to an extraordinary novel as the author added little asides, comments and advice where to research the net for the validity of facts set forth in the novel. This story has it all from the obvious disaster aspect, to events that seemed peeled from current headlines, conspiracy theories, long ago prophecies and modern day scientific research all set in a realistic run of events that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for what comes next in the non-stop action suspense.
The depth of the descriptive writing and location info puts the readers right in the scenes. The descriptions reach all of the senses, the sights, sounds, smells, of the action going on throughout the novel as if you were right there with the characters. I could actually recognize the accuracy of the locations that were described that I have previously visited.
Overall this novel was just amazing, enjoyable and a must read. Get your copy today.
Dr Samuel May and his wife, Dr Tish Harriet, both volcanologists, long ago foretold the likelihood of the collapse of the side of an island if the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupts and predicted that such an occurence would cause a super-tsunami that will reach along the western coast of Europe and the eastern coast of the United States causing major damages and loss of life. They were ignored and basically labeled doomsayers. Cataclysm opens with the start of the foretold events triggered by an 8.9 earthquake. Dr Samuel May rushes to an emergency meeting in an attempt to convince the appropriate countries that his predictions are correct and immediate action is required. Even after witnessing the collapse of half and island into the sea via satellite feed, some government leaders are still reluctant to take appropriate action within the few hours left until the tsunamis start making landfall.
Now if that were the only issue going on, this novel would read just like a disaster movie plays and still be good, but more is going on throughout the story which the reader is fed piecemeal as the narrative point of view changes from character to character and location to location. I thought that would bother me, but the transitions were so smoothe and the print font changed with the characters so it was always easy to follow. There was even a unique addition to an extraordinary novel as the author added little asides, comments and advice where to research the net for the validity of facts set forth in the novel. This story has it all from the obvious disaster aspect, to events that seemed peeled from current headlines, conspiracy theories, long ago prophecies and modern day scientific research all set in a realistic run of events that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for what comes next in the non-stop action suspense.
The depth of the descriptive writing and location info puts the readers right in the scenes. The descriptions reach all of the senses, the sights, sounds, smells, of the action going on throughout the novel as if you were right there with the characters. I could actually recognize the accuracy of the locations that were described that I have previously visited.
Overall this novel was just amazing, enjoyable and a must read. Get your copy today.
June 12, 2014
Reading on a plane, the cruise-ship,or a beautiful exotic beach this summer? Then I have the perfect vacation read for you.
Buckel your seatbelt and make sure your life preserver is within arms reach; you just might need them. "Cataclysm" is the second novel from unconventional novelist and screen writer RJ Smith and is this summer's first high-octane adventure. Seperated when the disaster begins, the story follows husband and wife volcanologists as they as struggle to survive the worst geological disaster in recorded history and save as many people as they can.
This novel hosted small explosive chapters keeping me on the edge of my seat, anticipating certain death for main, secondary and background characters alike as a killer tsunami sweeps across the atlantic ocean. I read the paperback which is the only way to read Mr. Smith's work. He doesn't format his work into tiny souless boxes of letters on thin cheap paper. The stock is thicker allowing for single page turns every time and the font is easily readable even in low light. Mr. Smith's narrative style is like nothing I have seen in the market today. It is rememisent of the illuminated manucripts of the renaissance. This unique method of changing fonts enhances the emotion and humor of his story while warding off reading hypnosis
This novel is populated by realisitic characters who have their own individual "voice" -- unique dialog structure and well crafted accents when necessary. This cast of characters provides someone for every reader to like, root for, and condemn, On the surface one might think find the plot ripped from a Syfy Channel Saturday Night Original, but it is the sub-text which bursts through and makes "Cataclysm" shine. This is a disaster epic is grounded in the philosophic and would keep book clubs knee-deep in conversation of weeks.
Is "Cataclysm" worth the price and the time to read it? Absolutely! In fact, when you release that last held breath and sit back in your chair to take the whole of the journey in, you may be of the opinion that its worth double.
Buckel your seatbelt and make sure your life preserver is within arms reach; you just might need them. "Cataclysm" is the second novel from unconventional novelist and screen writer RJ Smith and is this summer's first high-octane adventure. Seperated when the disaster begins, the story follows husband and wife volcanologists as they as struggle to survive the worst geological disaster in recorded history and save as many people as they can.
This novel hosted small explosive chapters keeping me on the edge of my seat, anticipating certain death for main, secondary and background characters alike as a killer tsunami sweeps across the atlantic ocean. I read the paperback which is the only way to read Mr. Smith's work. He doesn't format his work into tiny souless boxes of letters on thin cheap paper. The stock is thicker allowing for single page turns every time and the font is easily readable even in low light. Mr. Smith's narrative style is like nothing I have seen in the market today. It is rememisent of the illuminated manucripts of the renaissance. This unique method of changing fonts enhances the emotion and humor of his story while warding off reading hypnosis
This novel is populated by realisitic characters who have their own individual "voice" -- unique dialog structure and well crafted accents when necessary. This cast of characters provides someone for every reader to like, root for, and condemn, On the surface one might think find the plot ripped from a Syfy Channel Saturday Night Original, but it is the sub-text which bursts through and makes "Cataclysm" shine. This is a disaster epic is grounded in the philosophic and would keep book clubs knee-deep in conversation of weeks.
Is "Cataclysm" worth the price and the time to read it? Absolutely! In fact, when you release that last held breath and sit back in your chair to take the whole of the journey in, you may be of the opinion that its worth double.
July 16, 2014
Cataclysm by RJ Smith is an exciting and suspenseful read. Yes, I am biased. However, I think it is important to let you, the reader, know that the plot, characters, and descriptive scene setting took my attention away from the editing process many times. From the BETA read to the final edit, Mr. Smith’s unique writing style thrilled and entertained me.
The human experience exhibited through realistic characters, accurate depiction of scene locations, along with the combination of current events and scientific research mixed with ancient and current conspiracy theories is what makes this a fantastic read.
The human experience exhibited through realistic characters, accurate depiction of scene locations, along with the combination of current events and scientific research mixed with ancient and current conspiracy theories is what makes this a fantastic read.
June 12, 2014
This novel draws you in from the beginning and never lets you go until the end. Not to spoil it for everyone, but let's just say there is a twist in the book that I never saw coming...just BRILLIANT writing!!! I was quite taken by the fact that even the Pope was doing his part to save mankind from the Cataclysm. I haven't read a book like this in such a long time that took you on a whirlwind of a read. Non stop action. I enjoyed this novel and highly recommend this book. RJ is definitely a next breed of writers and I can't wait to read more from him.
June 10, 2014
"Cataclysm" by R.J. Smith was a totally different read for me. I've seen a lot of natural disaster movies but never read one ~ until "Cataclysm" occurred. I loved the shark scenes and can quite (happily) say that I could really picture the body parts resurfacing the waters with a *plop, plop, plop*! At one point I thought of a scene from the movie Sharknado where someone is inhaled by a shark and then sometime later uses a chainsaw to escape ~ I'm thankful that R.J. Smith didn't use a similar theme as he makes his novel realistic and extremely, scarily believable.
All the characters are very strong and well rounded. I was really rooting for a couple of them to escape the horrors of the story they were thrust headlong into....
During the book, the author added live streaming links which came as a nice surprise whilst reading on my ipad. There were also a couple of colour logos which added "texture" to the novel. The author uses different fonts during his written work which really makes his books have a different feel to your average book.
This is the second novel by R.J. Smith that I have had the great pleasure of reading, the first being "The Santa Claus Killer". The author really made me, as the reader, feel as though I am riding along in a Hollywood movie. The scenes are splashing through my mind as I read ~ and that takes a real talent. I'm really looking forward to seeing his books in the cinema in the near future. They will be loved worldwide that I can be sure of.
Many Thanks to the author for granting me a copy of his book "Cataclysm" in exchange for a fair and honest review. I'm really looking forward to his next novel.
All the characters are very strong and well rounded. I was really rooting for a couple of them to escape the horrors of the story they were thrust headlong into....
During the book, the author added live streaming links which came as a nice surprise whilst reading on my ipad. There were also a couple of colour logos which added "texture" to the novel. The author uses different fonts during his written work which really makes his books have a different feel to your average book.
This is the second novel by R.J. Smith that I have had the great pleasure of reading, the first being "The Santa Claus Killer". The author really made me, as the reader, feel as though I am riding along in a Hollywood movie. The scenes are splashing through my mind as I read ~ and that takes a real talent. I'm really looking forward to seeing his books in the cinema in the near future. They will be loved worldwide that I can be sure of.
Many Thanks to the author for granting me a copy of his book "Cataclysm" in exchange for a fair and honest review. I'm really looking forward to his next novel.
July 11, 2014
I was so excited to win this book in a second chance contest. I love catastrophe stories. I love sci-fi channels made for tv disaster movies. Having said that, I did not love this book.
Have you ever heard the expression " everything but the kitchen sink"? That is how I felt about this book. Not an excited what next but an annoyed what now.
In jumping every 2-3 pages to another person it kept me from getting to like/care about any of the people.
I also hated that every time a serious scene was being described glib, tongue in cheek jokes, puns or sarcastic comments would pop up. The world is being destroyed and they are being glib.
I also hate having to break out a dictionary to look up words. I cringed at the overly wordy descriptions.
This book had so much promise but just to much going against it.
Have you ever heard the expression " everything but the kitchen sink"? That is how I felt about this book. Not an excited what next but an annoyed what now.
In jumping every 2-3 pages to another person it kept me from getting to like/care about any of the people.
I also hated that every time a serious scene was being described glib, tongue in cheek jokes, puns or sarcastic comments would pop up. The world is being destroyed and they are being glib.
I also hate having to break out a dictionary to look up words. I cringed at the overly wordy descriptions.
This book had so much promise but just to much going against it.
July 20, 2014
In his second novel, author RJ Smith once again pulls his reader into an intricate, thrilling plot with ironic twists to save the world of planet Earth from mass destruction via a volcanic collapse, earthquake and cataclysmic tsunami. Smith's unique writing style has the foresight of taking time to let us fully understand and feel what is inside each character's mind, heart and motivation, including the Pope who discovers a secret that compels him to beat the clock and save humanity. Each chapter in itself is a complicated and juicy roller coaster ride that keeps you on the edge till story's end. An unusual author's feat to write a book that can't be put down. I love when a book like this is written. Makes me feel my money wasn't wasted.
March 3, 2016
This might be the most faced paced book I've ever read. From page one, the action and suspense was non-stop. The author draws outside of the lines a little from time to time in his writing style, even going so far as breaking the fourth wall a few times, but I found it to be very entertaining. Clearly well-researched, thrilling, and a ton of fun to read!
July 4, 2014
R.J. Smith's cataclysm is full of suspense from the very first word to the last. The storyline is unique for a disaster book. Thanks to Goodreads.com, i recieved my copy of cataclysm absolutely FREE!
November 26, 2017
Let's see. what do we have in this story?
Volcanic eruption.
Mega-tasunami.
The Pope.
The Dark Pope.
The Illuminati.
Jaws.
Poseidon Adventure
A scientist no one believes (at first.)
A monster in a chamber under the Sistine chapel.
Alien mothership.
Assassination attempt.
The Third Secret of Fatima.
The origin of the human race.
The Day the World Stood Still
The Annunaki
Project Lucifer
Massive numbers of people dying
Independence Day
Parts of the book considered to be factual by the author.
It almost becomes too much for one book but the author does manage to pull it off. There's continual action, politics, normal stupidity of some people, bravery, revelation and so on. It's probably the most complex disaster novel I've read. It's also good. There are parts, though, that delve into conspiracy theories that have either been totally disproven or lack solid proof.
Volcanic eruption.
Mega-tasunami.
The Pope.
The Dark Pope.
The Illuminati.
Jaws.
Poseidon Adventure
A scientist no one believes (at first.)
A monster in a chamber under the Sistine chapel.
Alien mothership.
Assassination attempt.
The Third Secret of Fatima.
The origin of the human race.
The Day the World Stood Still
The Annunaki
Project Lucifer
Massive numbers of people dying
Independence Day
Parts of the book considered to be factual by the author.
It almost becomes too much for one book but the author does manage to pull it off. There's continual action, politics, normal stupidity of some people, bravery, revelation and so on. It's probably the most complex disaster novel I've read. It's also good. There are parts, though, that delve into conspiracy theories that have either been totally disproven or lack solid proof.
September 28, 2019
So close!
Great cataclysmic sequences that was what I was after, about halfway through book took a turn into the Art Bell side of things really didn't appreciate that, however I didn't write it, good job to the author he published a novel!
Great cataclysmic sequences that was what I was after, about halfway through book took a turn into the Art Bell side of things really didn't appreciate that, however I didn't write it, good job to the author he published a novel!
July 27, 2014
First, let me start by saying OMG!!! I loved this. I wish I was able to post more than 5 stars! Secondly, I will not be writing any spoilers in my review. I hate when people write spoilers. I like to read and check things out for myself.
This was my first time reading anything by R. J. Smith and I am not disappointed at all. This novel combines an intense storyline with incredible characters and story plot. Cataclysm by R.J. Smith has kept me on edge the entire night with the twists and turns that he spins into his story. What an incredible ride! I highly recommend if you like being kept at the edge of your seat, you MUST read this novel. You will love it.
I must go back now and read his first novel, The Santa Claus Killer. I really enjoyed his style of writing.
This was my first time reading anything by R. J. Smith and I am not disappointed at all. This novel combines an intense storyline with incredible characters and story plot. Cataclysm by R.J. Smith has kept me on edge the entire night with the twists and turns that he spins into his story. What an incredible ride! I highly recommend if you like being kept at the edge of your seat, you MUST read this novel. You will love it.
I must go back now and read his first novel, The Santa Claus Killer. I really enjoyed his style of writing.
August 9, 2015
This could have been a good book. The basic scenario is good, the main characters are good, but then the injection of aliens and a plot to kill the pope sidelines the whole purpose for reading story like this.
It also seems that the author has a split personality. The mature man develops the good narrative, then the 14 year old immature boy jumps in with trite sayings and stupid thoughts. Didn't this author use a good editor?
It is time wasted to plod thru this story!
It also seems that the author has a split personality. The mature man develops the good narrative, then the 14 year old immature boy jumps in with trite sayings and stupid thoughts. Didn't this author use a good editor?
It is time wasted to plod thru this story!
May 13, 2016
AWESOME READ!!!!
This book was a pleasure to read. It seemed every turn of the page was a new twist on the mission. Every character was so easy to imagine, it felt like watching a movie ( oh it would be awesome as a movie ). Just wanted to say this was my first book from RJ Smith and it won't be my last
This book was a pleasure to read. It seemed every turn of the page was a new twist on the mission. Every character was so easy to imagine, it felt like watching a movie ( oh it would be awesome as a movie ). Just wanted to say this was my first book from RJ Smith and it won't be my last
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews