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The Purity Protocol
Not yet published
Expected 1 Mar 26Dr. James Truman wakes up in a cold, dimly lit bunker with no memory of the past three days. The only other occupant, Ryan, tells him the unthinkable—the world outside is gone, consumed by a deadly virus unlike anything seen before. A virus that doesn’t just kill—it drives people to take their own lives.
Trapped underground, James listens as Ryan pieces together the events leading to their survival. But the more he learns, the less things make sense. Holes in the story. Inconsistencies. Flashes of memories that contradict everything Ryan says.
As paranoia grows and trust dissolves, James faces a terrifying question: Is the world above truly lost, or is the real nightmare happening right here in the bunker?
Trapped underground, James listens as Ryan pieces together the events leading to their survival. But the more he learns, the less things make sense. Holes in the story. Inconsistencies. Flashes of memories that contradict everything Ryan says.
As paranoia grows and trust dissolves, James faces a terrifying question: Is the world above truly lost, or is the real nightmare happening right here in the bunker?
- GenresHorror
ebook
Expected publication March 1, 2026
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
R.A. King
12 books21 followersR.A. King is a horror author specializing in psychological horror. His books include The Dark Within, Channel 137, This Is How It All Ends, and others. A lifelong fan of horror cinema, he also collects books and films. A former college football player, he lives and writes in rural Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 3, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
📅 January 5, 2026
The concept immediately grabbed me. A deadly virus that attacks the mind rather than the body is such an unsettling idea, and the opening chapters deliver on that fear completely. The thought of a rapidly spreading outbreak forcing the world into shutdown is familiar enough on its own, but adding the possibility that you cannot trust your own thoughts makes it so much more terrifying. Experiencing the unfolding events alongside Dr. Truman creates this thick, creeping tension that really pulls you in.
Where things dipped slightly for me was in the character depth. For a story that spends so much time with Truman, I never felt like I truly got to know him. Strangely, I connected more with the earlier POV characters, especially Jane, whose actions kick everything into motion. Because we move through several perspectives before reaching Truman’s, I found myself bracing for his viewpoint to also be temporary, which made it harder to fully invest in him. I also wanted more clarity behind Jane’s motivations, since her choices shape the entire story yet remain somewhat vague.
Even so, the scenes where characters fall victim to the virus are incredible. They are tense, eerie, and easily the most memorable parts of the book. And the ending of Truman’s story was perfect imo. Not what I was expecting at all!
Overall, this is a psychological horror that thrives on atmosphere and concept. I just wish the character work had gone a bit deeper to match the strength of the premise. Still, it is a gripping and memorable read with some fantastic horror moments.
Thank you to the author for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
📅 January 5, 2026
The concept immediately grabbed me. A deadly virus that attacks the mind rather than the body is such an unsettling idea, and the opening chapters deliver on that fear completely. The thought of a rapidly spreading outbreak forcing the world into shutdown is familiar enough on its own, but adding the possibility that you cannot trust your own thoughts makes it so much more terrifying. Experiencing the unfolding events alongside Dr. Truman creates this thick, creeping tension that really pulls you in.
Where things dipped slightly for me was in the character depth. For a story that spends so much time with Truman, I never felt like I truly got to know him. Strangely, I connected more with the earlier POV characters, especially Jane, whose actions kick everything into motion. Because we move through several perspectives before reaching Truman’s, I found myself bracing for his viewpoint to also be temporary, which made it harder to fully invest in him. I also wanted more clarity behind Jane’s motivations, since her choices shape the entire story yet remain somewhat vague.
Even so, the scenes where characters fall victim to the virus are incredible. They are tense, eerie, and easily the most memorable parts of the book. And the ending of Truman’s story was perfect imo. Not what I was expecting at all!
Overall, this is a psychological horror that thrives on atmosphere and concept. I just wish the character work had gone a bit deeper to match the strength of the premise. Still, it is a gripping and memorable read with some fantastic horror moments.
Thank you to the author for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
There’s something in the water…
The Purity Protocol is a compelling apocalyptic horror novel filled with tension and paranoia. Told from multiple POV’s the story unravels slowly, but measured until the real horror gets revealed in all its gruesomeness.
It took a while before the story grabbed me, but from that point I was hooked. Nothing is what it seems, it kept me guessing and I truly enjoyed the psychological depth in it. Doctor Truman and officer Morgan were my favorite characters and I would like to get to know them even better if I could.
R. A. King always knows how to keep me invested with his wonderful storytelling. The scene with the running event is etched in my mind, that was definitely one of my favorite scenes in the book and I loved the surprising ending.
With The Purity Protocol R. A. King knows how to deliver an intriguing addition to his horror catalog and I’m a big fan of his work. Pick this one up if you love atmospheric slow-burn horror which tricks your mind and makes you question everything.
Thank you so much @rakingauthor for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m more than grateful!
The Purity Protocol is a compelling apocalyptic horror novel filled with tension and paranoia. Told from multiple POV’s the story unravels slowly, but measured until the real horror gets revealed in all its gruesomeness.
It took a while before the story grabbed me, but from that point I was hooked. Nothing is what it seems, it kept me guessing and I truly enjoyed the psychological depth in it. Doctor Truman and officer Morgan were my favorite characters and I would like to get to know them even better if I could.
R. A. King always knows how to keep me invested with his wonderful storytelling. The scene with the running event is etched in my mind, that was definitely one of my favorite scenes in the book and I loved the surprising ending.
With The Purity Protocol R. A. King knows how to deliver an intriguing addition to his horror catalog and I’m a big fan of his work. Pick this one up if you love atmospheric slow-burn horror which tricks your mind and makes you question everything.
Thank you so much @rakingauthor for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m more than grateful!
July 21, 2025
It hooks you from start to finish. This isn’t your average virus novel. It’s darker, smarter, and way more unsettling. The pacing is deliberate, giving just enough at a time to keep you guessing, but it pays off in the end. The final twist hits hard and ties everything together in a way that’s chilling. It doesn’t hold back at all.
November 6, 2025
Thank you R.A. King for sending an ARC!
A strange and deadly disease suddenly shows up in a small town in Ohio. Seems random, but the how and the why is anything but. Everything was carefully thought out, and the goal? To bring as much destruction to the community as possible.
The format of the book was pretty interesting. We kind of see the story develop from the POV of a few different characters, and most of them are just as in the dark as we (the readers) are. When you think it’s starting to make sense, something else happens and it leaves you going OH. Sometimes not in a good way too, because humans can be real pieces of shit.
While I enjoyed the book, a couple things I would like to mention: there are many mentions and descriptions of death, which is totally fine and normal since it’s relevant, but some parts kind of felt a bit over the top. It wasn’t super gross or anything, just kind of extensive. As I do enjoy character driven stories, I felt like this book did not delve too deep into the various characters we come across. I feel like I had to watch them die, would have been nice to get to know them a bit better.
With all that said, if you’re into apocalyptic books, conspiracies, and solve-it-as-you-go stories, please pick this one up!
Pub date: Jan 5, 2026
October 22, 2025
Zombiecalypse but not zombie?
Yes, this is far worst than the zombie itself. It's a virus that feed on human's fear. It manipulated their mind and whispering bad thought. When the host finally gave in....the last word they'll hear was "end it...."
It's a great read and i have a great time devouring the whole book.
Yes, this is far worst than the zombie itself. It's a virus that feed on human's fear. It manipulated their mind and whispering bad thought. When the host finally gave in....the last word they'll hear was "end it...."
It's a great read and i have a great time devouring the whole book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews