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Awake in the Dark #2
Bled White
The Jeff Grobnagger saga continues.
Bled White is book 2 in the epic 5 volume series.
Grobnagger's journey takes yet another twist when a burned corpse sporting a League of Light robe turns up in a vacant lot. Now he just has to solve a murder, find Glenn, save Amity, patch things up with Louise and figure out what the hell is happening to him. Should be a piece of cake.
Bled White is book 2 in the epic 5 volume series.
Grobnagger's journey takes yet another twist when a burned corpse sporting a League of Light robe turns up in a vacant lot. Now he just has to solve a murder, find Glenn, save Amity, patch things up with Louise and figure out what the hell is happening to him. Should be a piece of cake.
- GenresMystery
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2014
116 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 16, 2019
Bled White by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus
This book will go on my love/hate list. You will either love this or hate it. The first book was really good as an introduction but the finishing style of cliffhanger-ish ending begins that love-hate relationship. I'm not certain how many books will be done in all for this series, but I do have some friends who steer clear of any that look to be going past 3 with the pattern described by the plots and endings of the first two books. I had just a bit of trouble because number two had a clear look of starting off where one left off and thus could not stand alone. For me the first could stand alone with it being a rather upended ending that could almost be considered thought provoking. Had the second started more standalone I could come to the same conclusion that the ending of the second could also be considered as a single story with similar upended ending. The problem is that it goes that other route because the beginning depends on you knowing what happened in the previous and this comes close to what I really hate which is those books that have been torn into ten parts to make a serialized set of e-books. Only at least these are long enough to be called novels.
I think that I would have been happier if these had been put into one book instead of split like this. That would make it plenty long and it has that sort of ending that feels more rounded than the first book. Though both endings are quite satisfactory, it doesn't bode well that there is an undefined number ahead. Again the longer more epic novel would have been just right because we could rationalize, 'ok, four hundred some pages and they didn't want to subject the reader to eight hundred: so that's cool.' But this is just me ranting.
As with before the writing is superb. And Jeff Grobnagger is still the same old Jeff he used to be, which might be why someone might feel a bit let down this time. He almost looked like he was ready to make some headway and then he gets kicked back to the curb in this book. He still is naive and this is one thing that really hurts him and the reader can see this and so far there are few if any people he can trust. Yet he too easily trusts at the same time he is paranoid, which makes him his own worst enemy. He has some real issues that keep rearing their heads and he spends so much time on these this time that there are other questions that should come to mind that he completely overlooks.
Telling anyone about these questions would be a spoiler and I think that it would be best to read this story.
Once again this is a great suspense thriller without as much leaning toward the science as the mystical this time, which is fine because the better part of the last was probably the same.
I'm beginning to like the character Ms. Babinaux; though I don't trust her at all and I'll be interested in how things go with her in the next installment.
This is great SSF for fans of Thriller Horror Suspense and who don't mind the serialized nature of the stories. They could ‘almost’ each stand alone, though they are just not strong enough and you'll be eager to go on to the next one when it comes out, so you can hope for some resolution.
J.L. Dobias
This book will go on my love/hate list. You will either love this or hate it. The first book was really good as an introduction but the finishing style of cliffhanger-ish ending begins that love-hate relationship. I'm not certain how many books will be done in all for this series, but I do have some friends who steer clear of any that look to be going past 3 with the pattern described by the plots and endings of the first two books. I had just a bit of trouble because number two had a clear look of starting off where one left off and thus could not stand alone. For me the first could stand alone with it being a rather upended ending that could almost be considered thought provoking. Had the second started more standalone I could come to the same conclusion that the ending of the second could also be considered as a single story with similar upended ending. The problem is that it goes that other route because the beginning depends on you knowing what happened in the previous and this comes close to what I really hate which is those books that have been torn into ten parts to make a serialized set of e-books. Only at least these are long enough to be called novels.
I think that I would have been happier if these had been put into one book instead of split like this. That would make it plenty long and it has that sort of ending that feels more rounded than the first book. Though both endings are quite satisfactory, it doesn't bode well that there is an undefined number ahead. Again the longer more epic novel would have been just right because we could rationalize, 'ok, four hundred some pages and they didn't want to subject the reader to eight hundred: so that's cool.' But this is just me ranting.
As with before the writing is superb. And Jeff Grobnagger is still the same old Jeff he used to be, which might be why someone might feel a bit let down this time. He almost looked like he was ready to make some headway and then he gets kicked back to the curb in this book. He still is naive and this is one thing that really hurts him and the reader can see this and so far there are few if any people he can trust. Yet he too easily trusts at the same time he is paranoid, which makes him his own worst enemy. He has some real issues that keep rearing their heads and he spends so much time on these this time that there are other questions that should come to mind that he completely overlooks.
Telling anyone about these questions would be a spoiler and I think that it would be best to read this story.
Once again this is a great suspense thriller without as much leaning toward the science as the mystical this time, which is fine because the better part of the last was probably the same.
I'm beginning to like the character Ms. Babinaux; though I don't trust her at all and I'll be interested in how things go with her in the next installment.
This is great SSF for fans of Thriller Horror Suspense and who don't mind the serialized nature of the stories. They could ‘almost’ each stand alone, though they are just not strong enough and you'll be eager to go on to the next one when it comes out, so you can hope for some resolution.
J.L. Dobias
March 15, 2023
[DNF] Got to 16% and couldn’t go farther. I’ve read every series Vargus/McBain have written, starting with the TSATD all the way through Darger/Loshak/Winters and have wanted to read the Awake In The Dark series since I purchased book 1 in 2016 and finally decided to give it a go.
These are really nothing like their other works. I couldn’t connect at all with the main characters. The lead character is about as unlikeable as you can be. Dialog painfully drags and action is splintered and chaotic. Events are disconnected and don’t make much sense as things slog along. I got through book 1 and decided to buy this book to give it a fair shot but I simply cannot connect to this story. I can’t make sense of this story, the plot, or the characters….it’s just a mess.
I expected more like their other stories, but this is just not for me.
These are really nothing like their other works. I couldn’t connect at all with the main characters. The lead character is about as unlikeable as you can be. Dialog painfully drags and action is splintered and chaotic. Events are disconnected and don’t make much sense as things slog along. I got through book 1 and decided to buy this book to give it a fair shot but I simply cannot connect to this story. I can’t make sense of this story, the plot, or the characters….it’s just a mess.
I expected more like their other stories, but this is just not for me.
February 25, 2018
This was my review for Book 1:
"Enjoyed what was there -- it's only what is *not* there that prevents me from giving it a fifth star. What's missing is an ending -- I know, it's the first book in a series, so there's plenty more to come, but it just felt incomplete to me.
But I'd rather focus on what IS there -- it's captivating, intriguing, intelligent, and EXTREMELY funny. Looking forward to reading the next installment." -- and that's pretty much exactly how I feel about this one. It's definitely good -- but it doesn't feel like a book as much as it just feels like a portion of a book.
"Enjoyed what was there -- it's only what is *not* there that prevents me from giving it a fifth star. What's missing is an ending -- I know, it's the first book in a series, so there's plenty more to come, but it just felt incomplete to me.
But I'd rather focus on what IS there -- it's captivating, intriguing, intelligent, and EXTREMELY funny. Looking forward to reading the next installment." -- and that's pretty much exactly how I feel about this one. It's definitely good -- but it doesn't feel like a book as much as it just feels like a portion of a book.
September 29, 2017
I love this series! I really like how the protagonist talks exactly like your best friend would talk to you in private. It feels so natural. Honestly, it's hard to find such realistic dialogue in books. Most of the time I feel like the characters are talking like characters in books, but this feels like how real people talk. If that makes sense. And also there's supernatural stuff and murders and cults and love and mysteries and lots of soul-searching and whatnot. Fun read. Worth your time.
April 26, 2018
"The Faded Netherworld"
This is book 2 of a paranormal 5-book series. Jeff Grobnagger wants solitude, but he needs to continue his journey to find out what is happening to him and why. He soon finds a burned corpse in a vacant lot. He tries to solve the murder and learns more from his frequent seizures. He meets new people in new places on the other side. An eerie yet amazing and intriguing story.
This is book 2 of a paranormal 5-book series. Jeff Grobnagger wants solitude, but he needs to continue his journey to find out what is happening to him and why. He soon finds a burned corpse in a vacant lot. He tries to solve the murder and learns more from his frequent seizures. He meets new people in new places on the other side. An eerie yet amazing and intriguing story.
January 10, 2018
This was pretty trippy. The writing was enjoyable though. Many lines surprised me and/or made me chuckle. It's like the main character's amusing inner dialogue with not a lot left out.
November 26, 2016
Bled White continues Jeff Grobnagger’s story immediately after the close of “Fade to Black”. Waking up in a strange sort of prison after having been kidnapped by Rison Farber, Jeff tries to come to grips with the events of the past few days. Who is this Riston Farber guy? Why did he abduct him and why does he apparently want him dead? Things get weirder when Ms. Babinaux releases him and then he discovers Farber, burned to a crisp in the middle of nowhere.
So, now the guy who imprisoned him has turned up dead. Sounds good, right? Problem solved. Then his body goes missing. Who would want a burned-up body of a fanatical spoon flinging cultist? Attempting to answer these questions, Jeff ends up joining the League of Light and working closely with Louise and Ms. Babinaux to try to figure out what is going on. As Jeff gets deeper and deeper into the process of joining the League and associating with one of Farber’s closest associates, he learns almost nothing. As the initiation rituals become more and more bizarre Jeff gets drawn on a path that leads to a dark well and an uncertain outcome.
The best thing about “Bled White” is that it starts good and get better and better with every turn of the page. The blackouts are gone and replaced with the “white world” … an enlightened state that keeps Jeff conscious if not all the way present. I would say that some of these white out episodes are very comical as it appears to the world that Jeff is simply high. These sequences also provide important information for Jeff to digest in his quest for answers. Ms. Babinaux is intriguing as I can’t tell if she is helping Jeff or pushing him toward an ultimate end. As usual with this series the ending is a wild cliffhanger that will have you eagerly reaching for the next book in the series. Jeff is left right in the middle of a WTF moment, if not completely exposed and in danger. An excellent segue into “Red on the Inside”. This series has turned into one that I am eager to continue.
December 18, 2016
If you’ve read book one in the ‘Awake in the Dark’ series, you will probably not be confused by the opening to book two, Bled White, by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus. Our hero, Jeff Grobnagger, wakes up in a strange place with fuzzy memories—okay, I’m cool with that, I suppose, although, it would’ve been nice to have at least an inkling of an idea how he got there.
As the story moves along, we learn that Jeff’s friend, Glenn, is missing; only later do we learn that he’s ‘missing’ in some kind of ‘other’ dimension to which Jeff travels when he experiences his trances. Jeff’s search for Glenn is sidetracked when a burned corpse wearing a League of Light robe is found in a vacant lot, and he is asked to investigate the murder. Jeff senses that this death is somehow connected to Glenn’s disappearance, so he reluctantly takes the case. The victim wasn’t exactly a popular figure, but those with the most reason to want him dead, appear to Jeff to be innocent.
If it sounds like I’m rambling, that’s the way this story goes. But then, what would you expect with a hero with the surname, Grobnagger? The mystery and danger are palpable, and the supernatural is a bit on the offside—I mean, reincarnation after being toasted, really!
This book reads like experimental, paranormal fiction, with a touch of black humor and mystery thrown in to appeal to those readers who can’t quite get into a total magical romp. I rambled through to the end; mostly enjoyed it; but I’m so-o-o-o confused. Could’ve used a little more backstory, so I have a better idea of who the characters are and just how they relate to each other. Other than that, I think paranormal fans, especially McBain/Vargus fans, will like it.
I received a free copy of this book, and it’s a five star theme, but I knock it down to three and a half stars for confusing me so.
As the story moves along, we learn that Jeff’s friend, Glenn, is missing; only later do we learn that he’s ‘missing’ in some kind of ‘other’ dimension to which Jeff travels when he experiences his trances. Jeff’s search for Glenn is sidetracked when a burned corpse wearing a League of Light robe is found in a vacant lot, and he is asked to investigate the murder. Jeff senses that this death is somehow connected to Glenn’s disappearance, so he reluctantly takes the case. The victim wasn’t exactly a popular figure, but those with the most reason to want him dead, appear to Jeff to be innocent.
If it sounds like I’m rambling, that’s the way this story goes. But then, what would you expect with a hero with the surname, Grobnagger? The mystery and danger are palpable, and the supernatural is a bit on the offside—I mean, reincarnation after being toasted, really!
This book reads like experimental, paranormal fiction, with a touch of black humor and mystery thrown in to appeal to those readers who can’t quite get into a total magical romp. I rambled through to the end; mostly enjoyed it; but I’m so-o-o-o confused. Could’ve used a little more backstory, so I have a better idea of who the characters are and just how they relate to each other. Other than that, I think paranormal fans, especially McBain/Vargus fans, will like it.
I received a free copy of this book, and it’s a five star theme, but I knock it down to three and a half stars for confusing me so.
October 30, 2014
Like Fade to Black, the places Bled White really shined for me were Grobnagger’s moments of heartbreaking vulnerability. Grobs is an awesome narrator. He’s hilarious, he’s making a self-effacing joke, a wry observation about farmers markets or the use of the word "bro," doing the nonchalant shrug, then BAM!—he’s twisting the knife in your chest just by eating pickles or sitting on the couch in the dark. Grobnagger is trying to grow and change, but his fear of rejection and abandonment just keeps dragging him back into existential meaninglessness. He finds a shiny new way to escape the dark, but the people who’ve gotten closest to him—a pretty serious feat considering his attempts in FTB to avoid any and all relationships—start to notice that something’s not right.
Meanwhile, things with the League of Light are going crazy. People on all sides of Grobnagger start pushing and pulling him toward ends he doesn’t really care about and doesn’t want to be caught up in. Grobs just wants to be left alone, but destiny or murderers or his girlfriend or something won’t let him.
Altogether, Bled White is even more fun and heart-wrenching than Fade to Black. It builds exponentially on the previous book, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with and to Jeffrey Grobnagger in the rest of the series. Book 3 can’t come out soon enough.
And, as a side note, Tim McBain and LT Vargus have some of the best endings I’ve ever read. Once you read the last sentence of Bled White, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Meanwhile, things with the League of Light are going crazy. People on all sides of Grobnagger start pushing and pulling him toward ends he doesn’t really care about and doesn’t want to be caught up in. Grobs just wants to be left alone, but destiny or murderers or his girlfriend or something won’t let him.
Altogether, Bled White is even more fun and heart-wrenching than Fade to Black. It builds exponentially on the previous book, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with and to Jeffrey Grobnagger in the rest of the series. Book 3 can’t come out soon enough.
And, as a side note, Tim McBain and LT Vargus have some of the best endings I’ve ever read. Once you read the last sentence of Bled White, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
April 17, 2016
Bled White, Awake in the Dark #2 by Tim McBain & L.T. Vargas Bled White, Awake in the Dark #2 by Tim McBain & L.T. Vargas published by Smarmy Press is the second book in the series.
I would strongly suggest reading Fade to Black (Awake in the Dark Book 1) first. However, Bled White with some exceptions can be read as a stand alone story.
"The walls are pale around me like sickly skin never touched by the sun. It's not just the walls though. The floor, the bars, the blanket, the ceiling: everything is bled white like the life has been sucked out while I was away. I rub my eyes, but the drained look remains."
Grobnagger continues to deliver his laugh out loud dialogue. "He has one of those crazy laughs that sound louder on the inhale than the exhale. It has a wheezy quality to it.
I don't think I've ever heard an old person laugh like this. He looks like a maniac. I mean, I know laughter is supposed to be the best medicine, but Randy is flirting with an overdose at this point."
It is riveting. I gave it four stars because it was less intriguing than Book #1. The paranormal aspects of the League of Light in opposition to Jeff Grobnagger, were over the top.
Grobnagger continues to be introspective, vulnerable & hilarious. I look forward to the next book.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Bled-White-Awak...
I would strongly suggest reading Fade to Black (Awake in the Dark Book 1) first. However, Bled White with some exceptions can be read as a stand alone story.
"The walls are pale around me like sickly skin never touched by the sun. It's not just the walls though. The floor, the bars, the blanket, the ceiling: everything is bled white like the life has been sucked out while I was away. I rub my eyes, but the drained look remains."
Grobnagger continues to deliver his laugh out loud dialogue. "He has one of those crazy laughs that sound louder on the inhale than the exhale. It has a wheezy quality to it.
I don't think I've ever heard an old person laugh like this. He looks like a maniac. I mean, I know laughter is supposed to be the best medicine, but Randy is flirting with an overdose at this point."
It is riveting. I gave it four stars because it was less intriguing than Book #1. The paranormal aspects of the League of Light in opposition to Jeff Grobnagger, were over the top.
Grobnagger continues to be introspective, vulnerable & hilarious. I look forward to the next book.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Bled-White-Awak...
July 11, 2015
Bled White is book 2 in the series and you really, really should read book 1 before reading or you will be completely lost on what is going on/happening. Jeff Grobnagger is one of those guys that you could completely overlook in a crowded room, but you shouldn't. There is more going on with him than is visible with the naked eye. "That all of your identity, your imagination and thoughts and dreams, that spark divine madness that makes each of us unique...". In book 1 he had seizures that took him to another place. In book 2, the white place bleeds into his subconsciousness and through the modified cult that he has joined, he experiences things on a whole new level. "These experiences, they crept into my eyes and seeped into my pores and etched themselves into the wiring of my brain. They became a part of me and the whole was changed." The rituals that Jeff goes through to obtain some fleeting moment of time expand into this whole new religion. I just don't think he realized where it is taking him. "And I think maybe I accidentally resurrected." Heavy stuff and confusing. It is thought provoking and wondrous and you experience it step by step along with Grobnagger. Keep reading to find out what happens next in this f'ed up journey of enlightenment. Enjoy!
April 17, 2015
Oh my God! This was one of the greatest friggin books I've ever read! Seriously, I'm not just gushing. Totally cerebral, scary, and amazing, this story needs to get finished so I can read the rest! I called my older brother last night at 9:30 in the evening to tell him to read this series! That is a HUGE thing for me. I read 2-3 books per day , usually, and this book took me 2 days to finish! I had to keep putting it down to contemplate.... It's like this was written about me, which threw me off when he, the main character, would talk about his "dangly bits" , as I have none... All in all, a book bound to become a classic, if you liked book 1: Fade To Black , you will LOVE book 2! All of that is great, BUT.... If you are anything like me, you should probably wait until the series is finished, because it will eat your mind and curse you to wonder..... What happens next?????
July 30, 2015
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I liked this book, but it was a bit slower than the first one. I like where the storyline is going and how the ending makes you want to keep reading the series. Jeff sure gets himself into some predicaments. I will continues reading the series to find out what else he can get into.
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I liked this book, but it was a bit slower than the first one. I like where the storyline is going and how the ending makes you want to keep reading the series. Jeff sure gets himself into some predicaments. I will continues reading the series to find out what else he can get into.
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
http://lisasandberg88.wordpress.com/
http://thezeroshour.com/
https://m.facebook.com/lisa.sandberg8...
https://m.facebook.com/thezeroshour?r...
http://1988lisa1988.tumblr.com/
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September 26, 2015
Poor Jeff Grobnagger. Poor guy just wants to be left alone and hang out with his girl. But nothing is ever that easy, is it.
This was another book that just messed with my head. I loved it.
This time Grobs inserts himself into the world of the cult from book 1. He just wants to know why they are targeting him and why he is having the experiences he is. Bad idea. When you don't know who to trust and are getting conflicting information, it is easy to make mistakes.
This book pulled my feelings in so many directions. I hurt for Jeff, I laughed, I even felt disoriented. It was really hard to put it down.
I can't wait to read book 3. I can only imagine the mind screwy trip it will be.
This was another book that just messed with my head. I loved it.
This time Grobs inserts himself into the world of the cult from book 1. He just wants to know why they are targeting him and why he is having the experiences he is. Bad idea. When you don't know who to trust and are getting conflicting information, it is easy to make mistakes.
This book pulled my feelings in so many directions. I hurt for Jeff, I laughed, I even felt disoriented. It was really hard to put it down.
I can't wait to read book 3. I can only imagine the mind screwy trip it will be.
March 14, 2015
In Bled White, Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus continue to convey an unmistakable voice and unique story. This sequel couldn’t be considered a stand-alone; knowledge of Fade to Black is a must. As with all of these authors’ works, the characters are vivid and memorable. The plot has just enough intrigue to keep the reader engaged and wanting more at all times. The only downfall to Bled White is that some of the descriptions seem over-the-top and unnecessary; this can bog down the writing at times. Nevertheless, I will continue to read (and enjoy!) books from these authors.
March 26, 2015
Bled White is the second instalment of the Awake in the Dark series. Book 1 was clever, witty and laugh out loud funny.
Book 2 is just as good.
I love this guy. I love the crap out of this sugar addicted hero. Grobs is turning out to be one of my favourite fictional characters. He's just got something. A reclusive personality that comes to life. A fear of abandonment, and an apprehension to admit it.
Read my full review here: http://gcmacquarie.weebly.com/reviews...
Book 2 is just as good.
I love this guy. I love the crap out of this sugar addicted hero. Grobs is turning out to be one of my favourite fictional characters. He's just got something. A reclusive personality that comes to life. A fear of abandonment, and an apprehension to admit it.
Read my full review here: http://gcmacquarie.weebly.com/reviews...
December 15, 2014
Bled White is the second book in a five book series. Grobnaggers journey takes another twist when a burned body turns up in a vacant lot wearing a league of justice robe. It is up to Grobnagger to solve the murder.Bled White is more heart wrenching and fun than Fade to Black. Bled White builds on the previous book. I usually don't like to read series's but i,m hooked on this one.
April 3, 2016
Okay I love this book, it keeps me wondering what is going to happen to Jeff next. I'm not sure what is going on. It seems to me Jeff is trying to find something to believe in, but I'm not sure. This is not for everyone, because there is a lot of dreaming. I like this book, but I'm not sure why. I'm hoping I will get answers when the series is over.
July 10, 2015
Better than the first book, actually curious now. The self-loathing is still present, supporting characters are still lacking in depth, and the awful humor is still present, BUT, the story line is picking up so there's hope yet!
November 4, 2014
Very difficult to put down! I hate cliffhanger endings! I wish that the whole series was available now!
December 12, 2014
Brilliant & what a cliff hanger.
January 8, 2015
I LOVE this series!
May 31, 2015
Lacks the energy of the first book, which made it feel like a longer read than it actually is. But overall, it wasn't bad, and I'm invested in seeing where the story goes.
September 8, 2015
I am still not sure I understand anything that is going on in this series but I like it and look forward to reading how the authors close it all up.
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September 24, 2015I just can't finish this. It doesn't keep my attention enough.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews