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Nothing is Real
When author Kevin J. Kennedy began receiving unmarked boxes filled with journals and scattered notes from an unknown sender, he was baffled. But confusion soon gave way to obsession. The mysterious stranger’s story drew him in, each page revealing tantalising fragments of a man consumed by his perception of flaws in the universe—and by a haunting belief that nothing is real. As Kevin sifted through the cryptic entries, he became consumed—piecing together the puzzle, chasing the truth, and desperately trying to uncover why these journals had found their way to him.
A dark novella, told in epistolary fashion, where mystery unravels into an exploration of existentialism and nihilism.
"A mysterious, surreal, intelligent story, full of shadowy possibilities and deep contemplation. Makes one think.” Michael S. A. Graziano, author of The Divine Farce
“Nothing Is Real is a haunting chronicle of obsession, perception, and the possibility that reality itself may be nothing more than a fragile illusion.” Devin Cabrera, author of Welcome to Nightmare Island
“Nothing is Real is a phenomenal piece of writing. It is imaginative, thought-provoking, and raw. What’s more, it perfectly encapsulates the sheer madness of life in the modern world.” Lee Mountford, author of The Haunted series
“Kevin J. Kennedy blurs the lines between fiction and reality in this thought-provoking novella that will leave you just as unsettled as his traditional horror work.” James Kaine, author of The Dead Children’s Playgound
"An existential fever dream with a side of nihilism, Kennedy takes no prisoners as he plucks at the thread of circumstance and human nature. Am I even real?" Leigh Kenny, best-selling author of Cursed and Hush, My Darling.
A dark novella, told in epistolary fashion, where mystery unravels into an exploration of existentialism and nihilism.
"A mysterious, surreal, intelligent story, full of shadowy possibilities and deep contemplation. Makes one think.” Michael S. A. Graziano, author of The Divine Farce
“Nothing Is Real is a haunting chronicle of obsession, perception, and the possibility that reality itself may be nothing more than a fragile illusion.” Devin Cabrera, author of Welcome to Nightmare Island
“Nothing is Real is a phenomenal piece of writing. It is imaginative, thought-provoking, and raw. What’s more, it perfectly encapsulates the sheer madness of life in the modern world.” Lee Mountford, author of The Haunted series
“Kevin J. Kennedy blurs the lines between fiction and reality in this thought-provoking novella that will leave you just as unsettled as his traditional horror work.” James Kaine, author of The Dead Children’s Playgound
"An existential fever dream with a side of nihilism, Kennedy takes no prisoners as he plucks at the thread of circumstance and human nature. Am I even real?" Leigh Kenny, best-selling author of Cursed and Hush, My Darling.
- GenresHorror
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2025
About the author
Kevin J. Kennedy
170 books353 followersKevin J. Kennedy is a Scottish horror author known for his fast-paced storytelling, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. He is also the curator of the bestselling The Horror Collection and Classic Monsters anthology series.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 4, 2025
Would this be Nihilism???? Existentialism??? I'm not sure.What I do know is that this book had my mind reeling. The what ifs are endless.
September 27, 2026
Kevin receives a lot of notebooks filled with what seem like random ramblings of a mad man, but is there more to it?
This book is set out as snippets of these ramblings for you to decipher and read into as you will. A brilliantly unique concept, and I thoroughly enjoyed Kennedy's narrative.
It's very intriguing and thought provoking. Is everything already mapped out for you, predestined, whatever actions you decide to take, or is it those decisions you make that eventually and gradually, define you and what you become??
An intense, addictive and eerie mindfuck of a trip.
This was fascinating!
Was I destined to read this book? I think I might've been, you know! 😉
If you want a book you can really sink your teeth into, that'll set your mind wandering down all sorts of rabbit holes, and have you seriously questioning your own existence, this is it!
It's absolutely gripping, I was so immersed I read it in one sitting!
Is it the ramblings of an unsound mind in slow decline? Or something else??
"In a mad world, only the mad are sane.”
"We are all prisoners of ourselves and from that there is no escape.”
This book is set out as snippets of these ramblings for you to decipher and read into as you will. A brilliantly unique concept, and I thoroughly enjoyed Kennedy's narrative.
It's very intriguing and thought provoking. Is everything already mapped out for you, predestined, whatever actions you decide to take, or is it those decisions you make that eventually and gradually, define you and what you become??
An intense, addictive and eerie mindfuck of a trip.
This was fascinating!
Was I destined to read this book? I think I might've been, you know! 😉
If you want a book you can really sink your teeth into, that'll set your mind wandering down all sorts of rabbit holes, and have you seriously questioning your own existence, this is it!
It's absolutely gripping, I was so immersed I read it in one sitting!
Is it the ramblings of an unsound mind in slow decline? Or something else??
"In a mad world, only the mad are sane.”
"We are all prisoners of ourselves and from that there is no escape.”
September 6, 2025
After reading Nothing is Real by Kevin J. Kennedy, I'm not sure if this review is of my own free will or if it is predestined.
If you are expecting horror stories as in Kennedy's other two outstanding works, the exquisitely colorful Horror Collection and geographical terrors of Places, then you will be in for a surprise.
In March of 2022, Kevin Kennedy received boxes of notebooks and journals at his door with no identification as to who wrote it. This novella is a compilation of these numerous books.
By the title alone, I expected a frightening horror tale. Perhaps vampires who drain the blood of the living or werewolves who transform when the moon is full in the night sky. I would be content with a zombie who craves human flesh or a vengeful spirit that torments the living.
Instead, we have a thought provoking tale with a plethora of philosophical and meta physical concepts.
Are each of us living out a predetermined script or not, is a question that has been asked throughout the ages and frankly I feel we will never know.
If we are all prisoners of ourselves, where is my bread and water?
Is there a hereafter? I'm still here after reading this book.
Can we read each other's thoughts? I hope not, because I will be in a world of trouble.
As for the shadow creature, the shadows of life revealed, all hidden agendas brought to the light.
We start of with high hopes and then realize we are all going to die and our lives were meaningless.
I recommend this book to anybody who has ever pondered what the meaning of life is. Anyone who is torn between free will and predetermination.
Anybody who questions the the world around them and feel that we might not be living in reality.
If you are expecting horror stories as in Kennedy's other two outstanding works, the exquisitely colorful Horror Collection and geographical terrors of Places, then you will be in for a surprise.
In March of 2022, Kevin Kennedy received boxes of notebooks and journals at his door with no identification as to who wrote it. This novella is a compilation of these numerous books.
By the title alone, I expected a frightening horror tale. Perhaps vampires who drain the blood of the living or werewolves who transform when the moon is full in the night sky. I would be content with a zombie who craves human flesh or a vengeful spirit that torments the living.
Instead, we have a thought provoking tale with a plethora of philosophical and meta physical concepts.
Are each of us living out a predetermined script or not, is a question that has been asked throughout the ages and frankly I feel we will never know.
If we are all prisoners of ourselves, where is my bread and water?
Is there a hereafter? I'm still here after reading this book.
Can we read each other's thoughts? I hope not, because I will be in a world of trouble.
As for the shadow creature, the shadows of life revealed, all hidden agendas brought to the light.
We start of with high hopes and then realize we are all going to die and our lives were meaningless.
I recommend this book to anybody who has ever pondered what the meaning of life is. Anyone who is torn between free will and predetermination.
Anybody who questions the the world around them and feel that we might not be living in reality.
August 26, 2025
A mysterious dark tale. Full of what if.
October 8, 2025
I enjoyed the epistolary style of the book. It gives the story a personal and immersive feeling. The mystery alone will keep you engaged in the story but the blurred lines between reality and illusion will keep you guessing all the way to the end. It's different from his usual style, but definitely worth a read. A great piece of work by Kennedy.
September 6, 2025
I have read several of Kevin Kennedys books, both his novels and short story collections and enjoyed them all immensely so I couldn’t wait to start this.
I went into it blind, naively assuming it was a short horror story, similar to his others. How wrong I was.
This is a story of an unknown person sending a selection of diary entries and letters to our author who is trying to piece them all together and make sense of what they mean.
Is the author of these notes falling into insanity? Is it a dodgy batch of drugs causing hallucinations or is it simply that he is able to see the world clearer than the rest of us.
Halfway through I was tempted to stop reading as some of the content was going over my head and I had to reread several paragraphs for them to make sense to me. I carried on and I’m glad I did, it really made me think and question things that I took for granted.
Though not a typical horror story, I finished reading it late in the evening and consequently dreamed about it, or more accurately had nightmares about it. At one point I woke up convinced that there was some subliminal messages hidden in the book as I couldn’t get it out of my head, this book lead to the worst nights sleep that I have had in a very long time.
Would I read it again? Probably not but would I recommend it to others? Definitely!!!
If you want something a bit different that really makes you think and may give you nightmares, then give this a read!
I went into it blind, naively assuming it was a short horror story, similar to his others. How wrong I was.
This is a story of an unknown person sending a selection of diary entries and letters to our author who is trying to piece them all together and make sense of what they mean.
Is the author of these notes falling into insanity? Is it a dodgy batch of drugs causing hallucinations or is it simply that he is able to see the world clearer than the rest of us.
Halfway through I was tempted to stop reading as some of the content was going over my head and I had to reread several paragraphs for them to make sense to me. I carried on and I’m glad I did, it really made me think and question things that I took for granted.
Though not a typical horror story, I finished reading it late in the evening and consequently dreamed about it, or more accurately had nightmares about it. At one point I woke up convinced that there was some subliminal messages hidden in the book as I couldn’t get it out of my head, this book lead to the worst nights sleep that I have had in a very long time.
Would I read it again? Probably not but would I recommend it to others? Definitely!!!
If you want something a bit different that really makes you think and may give you nightmares, then give this a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
"Nothing Is Real" is Kevin Kennedy's first foray into non-horror fiction, though I personally read the book as the complex mental spiral of its fictional, anonymous author, a slow descent through conspiracy theories, metaphysical conjectures, pseudo-scientific rabbit holes, and disturbing, self-critical, negative thinking. The novella takes the form of a chronicle: Kennedy's editing and presenting a variety of selected fragments taken from journals and notebooks mysteriously delivered to his door by an unknown sender. The notes take the form of undated journal entries, without any obvious way to identify the author.
Although it's not hard to keep up with the intricate thinking presented in those notes, interspersed with actual quotes from easily recognizable names (writers, philosophers, and so on), they occasionally do read like Reddit posts or creepypasta (especially when the shadow people start making appearances), eventually triggering chain-reactions of anxiety-driven interpretations of existence, the universe, and man's place in the cosmos. The thinking therein is not original (ranging from simulation theory and the Mandela Effect to nihilism and existentialism), but there are a couple of thoughts on reincarnation and the afterlife which surprised me (especially the ease with which they led to a solid theory of ethics).
I recommend the book to readers who enjoy "what if?" thinking, bleak and challenging conclusions, puzzling premises and extended introspection to the point of solipsism.
Although it's not hard to keep up with the intricate thinking presented in those notes, interspersed with actual quotes from easily recognizable names (writers, philosophers, and so on), they occasionally do read like Reddit posts or creepypasta (especially when the shadow people start making appearances), eventually triggering chain-reactions of anxiety-driven interpretations of existence, the universe, and man's place in the cosmos. The thinking therein is not original (ranging from simulation theory and the Mandela Effect to nihilism and existentialism), but there are a couple of thoughts on reincarnation and the afterlife which surprised me (especially the ease with which they led to a solid theory of ethics).
I recommend the book to readers who enjoy "what if?" thinking, bleak and challenging conclusions, puzzling premises and extended introspection to the point of solipsism.
September 19, 2025
Nothing Is Real by Kevin J. Kennedy is this author’s first non-horror tale that veers into some very dark existential territory.
So many topics are touched on. KJK has a killer way of taking everyday life elements and twisting them just slightly into something more intense when it calls for it, while leaving some things more surface-level in this book. One of the spookier ones for me was TikTok and the use of algorithms to tailor content and how dangerous that can be, as we’re seeing it play out in real time over very scary topics here in 2025. Another was cell phone usage and the addiction that has trained us to fill every second with stimulation from our phones.
Go pick this up today! You’re going to want to read it in one sitting, but prepare yourselves for this wild journey!
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/nothi...
*UPDATE* You know when you read a book and you absolutely love it, but then when you listen on audio, it’s a whole new experience? That’s exactly what happened to me with this one! Check out my audiobook review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/nothi...
So many topics are touched on. KJK has a killer way of taking everyday life elements and twisting them just slightly into something more intense when it calls for it, while leaving some things more surface-level in this book. One of the spookier ones for me was TikTok and the use of algorithms to tailor content and how dangerous that can be, as we’re seeing it play out in real time over very scary topics here in 2025. Another was cell phone usage and the addiction that has trained us to fill every second with stimulation from our phones.
Go pick this up today! You’re going to want to read it in one sitting, but prepare yourselves for this wild journey!
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/nothi...
*UPDATE* You know when you read a book and you absolutely love it, but then when you listen on audio, it’s a whole new experience? That’s exactly what happened to me with this one! Check out my audiobook review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/nothi...
August 27, 2025
"Nothing Is Real" by Kevin J. Kennedy is more of a thought experiment than a traditional story. Anyone looking for the standard plot formulas will be disappointed, because at first, this narrative, told in epistolary form through non-linear diary entries and random philosophical quotes, seems to follow little rhyme or reason. There's no climactic epiphany here, no conflict to speak of, and while elements of dread are sprinkled throughout, there are no monsters or villains or even heroes in the end.
What there is, however, is a quiet, introspective exploration of what it means to be human, and how inconsequential so many of the things we value or aspire toward really are. In the story, Kennedy finds himself the unwitting recipient of mysterious journals that have been mailed to him from an anonymous source. Undated and out of order, these describe the experiences of an unidentified narrator with an unknown but seemingly omnipotent entity. These encounters, the narrator writes, begin shortly after he tries a novel hallucinogenic drug with some friends. The experience, he describes, is like discovering a glitch in the matrix, as while under the drug's effects, time seems to come to a complete standstill all around, leaving the narrator as the sole person still able to move freely or interact. Once the drug wears off, these experiences subside, but new ones soon occur to replace them: primarily, the narrator becomes aware of a "shadow person," a ghostly figure in the periphery of his vision who gradually comes closer and closer, until at last, it begins interacting with him.
From there, the narrator says, it begins to show him other plains of dimensions, worlds that are both like and unlike our own, strange, bizarre, and wonderful. One such encounter leaves the narrator stranded in a room with no windows or doors, filled with diaries and clocks with no working hands to lend any perspective of time. The shadow entity that delivered him there disappears, abandoning him, but rather than be afraid upon the realization of his predicament, the narrator feels a strange sense of resignation and calm.
There are parallels throughout these encounters with the shadow figure and real life. Through the journal author, Kennedy posits about these, offering philosophical commentary about how helpless we are to manifest or affect our own fates, despite our best efforts to the contrary. While it would be easy to find a pessimistic takeaway from this observation, Kennedy also suggests a sort of liberation that stems from this very realization, a freedom to enjoy the gift that is life without feeling encumbered by the constant pressures of what's considered "necessary" or "important." Rather than nothing literally being real, Kennedy instead challenges us to find the things that truly are, at least to us. And in the end, isn't that the best anyone could hope for?
"Nothing Is Real" is available September 16, 2025.
What there is, however, is a quiet, introspective exploration of what it means to be human, and how inconsequential so many of the things we value or aspire toward really are. In the story, Kennedy finds himself the unwitting recipient of mysterious journals that have been mailed to him from an anonymous source. Undated and out of order, these describe the experiences of an unidentified narrator with an unknown but seemingly omnipotent entity. These encounters, the narrator writes, begin shortly after he tries a novel hallucinogenic drug with some friends. The experience, he describes, is like discovering a glitch in the matrix, as while under the drug's effects, time seems to come to a complete standstill all around, leaving the narrator as the sole person still able to move freely or interact. Once the drug wears off, these experiences subside, but new ones soon occur to replace them: primarily, the narrator becomes aware of a "shadow person," a ghostly figure in the periphery of his vision who gradually comes closer and closer, until at last, it begins interacting with him.
From there, the narrator says, it begins to show him other plains of dimensions, worlds that are both like and unlike our own, strange, bizarre, and wonderful. One such encounter leaves the narrator stranded in a room with no windows or doors, filled with diaries and clocks with no working hands to lend any perspective of time. The shadow entity that delivered him there disappears, abandoning him, but rather than be afraid upon the realization of his predicament, the narrator feels a strange sense of resignation and calm.
There are parallels throughout these encounters with the shadow figure and real life. Through the journal author, Kennedy posits about these, offering philosophical commentary about how helpless we are to manifest or affect our own fates, despite our best efforts to the contrary. While it would be easy to find a pessimistic takeaway from this observation, Kennedy also suggests a sort of liberation that stems from this very realization, a freedom to enjoy the gift that is life without feeling encumbered by the constant pressures of what's considered "necessary" or "important." Rather than nothing literally being real, Kennedy instead challenges us to find the things that truly are, at least to us. And in the end, isn't that the best anyone could hope for?
"Nothing Is Real" is available September 16, 2025.
August 26, 2025
I think I can say this has been my favorite KJK creation.
I have been eyeballing this every time he posts about it, and needing to read it
This was my absolutely chaotic, fucked up nothing is real chaos alternate reality dream-mare?
Like a dream come true, but maybe not the most delightful content lol
So our MC who just happens to be Kevin, starts getting cryptic deliveries unmarked and creepy, he's not sure what is going on.
But, just like KJK, how could you stop reading the pages, to figure out what the deal is?
This here is my weakness, I always lecture those people who pick up stuff that isn't theirs, steal some old heirloom or piece of treasure, or even those people that buy those haunted items from the local yard sale, who would do that??
Then I read about this, and I would absolutely fall into this trap, the obsession of needing to read the next page, it is alluring.
I loved this, it was something to think about and it had me thinking, what if the whole time, which is something I think about often.
This is a different type of book then what he usually does, but I love it, the entire journey, following each crazy note, little trip, new rabbit hole to dive into ?
Obsessed, I am one of those people who can and will spend a long time combing no sleep, creepy pastas. urban legends, things like that because to me, they are all formed from What If ?
Movies like Virtuosity and The Game, also lend heavy into my obsession with, what really is real..
And this was one big, what If.
I will be buying this on release.
I need more of this type of book
I have been eyeballing this every time he posts about it, and needing to read it
This was my absolutely chaotic, fucked up nothing is real chaos alternate reality dream-mare?
Like a dream come true, but maybe not the most delightful content lol
So our MC who just happens to be Kevin, starts getting cryptic deliveries unmarked and creepy, he's not sure what is going on.
But, just like KJK, how could you stop reading the pages, to figure out what the deal is?
This here is my weakness, I always lecture those people who pick up stuff that isn't theirs, steal some old heirloom or piece of treasure, or even those people that buy those haunted items from the local yard sale, who would do that??
Then I read about this, and I would absolutely fall into this trap, the obsession of needing to read the next page, it is alluring.
I loved this, it was something to think about and it had me thinking, what if the whole time, which is something I think about often.
This is a different type of book then what he usually does, but I love it, the entire journey, following each crazy note, little trip, new rabbit hole to dive into ?
Obsessed, I am one of those people who can and will spend a long time combing no sleep, creepy pastas. urban legends, things like that because to me, they are all formed from What If ?
Movies like Virtuosity and The Game, also lend heavy into my obsession with, what really is real..
And this was one big, what If.
I will be buying this on release.
I need more of this type of book
November 2, 2025
What a philosophical ride! Nothing is Real is a novella that slips beneath the skin and lingers, whispering questions long after the final page. This is a story that unsettles, provokes, and invites the reader to peer over the edge of the everyday into the dizzying abyss of possibility.
Who are we?
Why are we here?
Is this the only life — or one thread in an infinite tapestry?
Is time a line, or a looping dream?
Do other dimensions breathe beside our own, just out of reach?
This book doesn’t pretend to hold the answers. Instead, it embraces uncertainty with open arms, offering the delicious discomfort of unknowing. If you enjoy philosophy — or even if you don’t and simply love fiction that makes your mind stretch and strain — this novella will leave you with more questions than you began with. And somehow, that feels like the point.
The narrative follows the author himself, who receives a collection of thoughts, letters, and diary fragments in the mail. As he attempts to weave them into meaning, he wonders if the author of the notes has lost his mind, or is he on to something that the rest of us are unable to perceive?
I, myself have often wondered if people who are schizophrenic, use psychedelics, or even are autistic, are perceiving something that the rest of us can't.
Strange, cerebral, and hypnotic, Nothing is Real is a quiet invitation to question everything — well, more than usual — and to sit gratefully in the mystery.
I received a free Epub from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who are we?
Why are we here?
Is this the only life — or one thread in an infinite tapestry?
Is time a line, or a looping dream?
Do other dimensions breathe beside our own, just out of reach?
This book doesn’t pretend to hold the answers. Instead, it embraces uncertainty with open arms, offering the delicious discomfort of unknowing. If you enjoy philosophy — or even if you don’t and simply love fiction that makes your mind stretch and strain — this novella will leave you with more questions than you began with. And somehow, that feels like the point.
The narrative follows the author himself, who receives a collection of thoughts, letters, and diary fragments in the mail. As he attempts to weave them into meaning, he wonders if the author of the notes has lost his mind, or is he on to something that the rest of us are unable to perceive?
I, myself have often wondered if people who are schizophrenic, use psychedelics, or even are autistic, are perceiving something that the rest of us can't.
Strange, cerebral, and hypnotic, Nothing is Real is a quiet invitation to question everything — well, more than usual — and to sit gratefully in the mystery.
I received a free Epub from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2025
Interesting little bit of existential horror. I’ve read quite a bit from Kennedy and enjoy his work and this was no different. While I’d generally consider his work to slot neatly into the horror category, Nothing is Real is more existential musings with a sliver of darkness throughout. I tended to agree with the anonymous narrator when it comes to many philosophies but this novelette will likely be polarizing due to many of the views expressed.
The creepiest bit of the story for me when it came to the room of clocks. The immensity of the monotony of existence is downright terrifying at times. I loved many of the quotes used and concepts that Kennedy discusses. There isn’t much definition regarding a plot. It’s just scattered journal entries but I definitely vibed with this read. It’s weird, existential and has some creepy shadow people to keep the reader on their toes. If that sounds like a good time I’d definitely recommend this one.
The creepiest bit of the story for me when it came to the room of clocks. The immensity of the monotony of existence is downright terrifying at times. I loved many of the quotes used and concepts that Kennedy discusses. There isn’t much definition regarding a plot. It’s just scattered journal entries but I definitely vibed with this read. It’s weird, existential and has some creepy shadow people to keep the reader on their toes. If that sounds like a good time I’d definitely recommend this one.
December 30, 2025
Is this book even real?
Kennedy’s exploration of fringe theories surrounding human existence is not something he simply conjured up. These ideas have been discussed and supported by some of history’s greatest academic minds. The story follows author Kevin J. Kennedy, who receives boxes of notes and journals that question everything. When I say everything, I mean the life itself, the origin of human existence, meaning of our actions, and whether we truly have control over the direction of our lives.
A recurring theme throughout the book asks whether our choices are already decided or if we possess genuine control over our destiny. I was most intrigued by the proposition that we may be living in a simulation. I have listened to talks on this theory before, but after finishing Kevin’s audiobook and doing some follow up research, I now find myself questioning whether everything around us is truly real.
Kennedy’s exploration of fringe theories surrounding human existence is not something he simply conjured up. These ideas have been discussed and supported by some of history’s greatest academic minds. The story follows author Kevin J. Kennedy, who receives boxes of notes and journals that question everything. When I say everything, I mean the life itself, the origin of human existence, meaning of our actions, and whether we truly have control over the direction of our lives.
A recurring theme throughout the book asks whether our choices are already decided or if we possess genuine control over our destiny. I was most intrigued by the proposition that we may be living in a simulation. I have listened to talks on this theory before, but after finishing Kevin’s audiobook and doing some follow up research, I now find myself questioning whether everything around us is truly real.
September 1, 2025
Nothing is Real by Kevin J. Kennedy
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I read this short novella as a spiral of existence, with a very deep way of thinking about everything in life, and the mere presence of humanity.
The story focuses on obsessions, mysteries and perceptions.
It’s an entertaining read and definitely had me thinking of different parts of my life and the world overall. It reminded me of being in a philosophy class and overthinking everything!
Is anything in the world real? A little trip down the rabbit hole!
This is different from other books that I’ve read from this author and I totally enjoyed it, but not my favorite from him.
Thank you to Kevin J. Kennedy for an arc of this very original and interesting read!
*This novella comes out September 16th. You will definitely want to check this out!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I read this short novella as a spiral of existence, with a very deep way of thinking about everything in life, and the mere presence of humanity.
The story focuses on obsessions, mysteries and perceptions.
It’s an entertaining read and definitely had me thinking of different parts of my life and the world overall. It reminded me of being in a philosophy class and overthinking everything!
Is anything in the world real? A little trip down the rabbit hole!
This is different from other books that I’ve read from this author and I totally enjoyed it, but not my favorite from him.
Thank you to Kevin J. Kennedy for an arc of this very original and interesting read!
*This novella comes out September 16th. You will definitely want to check this out!!*
August 22, 2025
When Kevin recieved mystery journals he begins pouring over them, attempting to put the pieces together.
This wasn’t for me. This was extremely deep thinking into the “what ifs” of the world. Based off the character receiving notes, not many were mentioned within this which I believe may have an impact on what I was expecting. I think this book is massively relatable to a lot of us. I mean who hasn’t seen shadow men in the corner of our eyes that when we look, they just dissipate into thin air? However parts of this became confusing for me. I do believe Kevin had masterfully created a character that is meant to confuse us and get us thinking which he has pulled off tremendously. This just wasn’t my cup of tea! A slow burner for sure but couldn’t hold my attention as much as his other works out there
This wasn’t for me. This was extremely deep thinking into the “what ifs” of the world. Based off the character receiving notes, not many were mentioned within this which I believe may have an impact on what I was expecting. I think this book is massively relatable to a lot of us. I mean who hasn’t seen shadow men in the corner of our eyes that when we look, they just dissipate into thin air? However parts of this became confusing for me. I do believe Kevin had masterfully created a character that is meant to confuse us and get us thinking which he has pulled off tremendously. This just wasn’t my cup of tea! A slow burner for sure but couldn’t hold my attention as much as his other works out there
September 1, 2026
Is everything real? Is nothing at all?
Kevin J Kennedy asks the important questions in Nothing is Real.
I wouldn’t exactly call this a novel, it’s more like a collection of journal entries about a variety of topics that will stir up some existential dread and make you think about the world around you. The premise of this is interesting because a lot of the ideas mentioned in this book are thoughts I’ve had at some point in the past.
I read this book twice actually just to really dive down the rabbit hole.
This is different from any story I’ve read recently. If you want to pick up something that will make you stop and stare at the wall to collect your thoughts, this is perfect.
Kevin J Kennedy asks the important questions in Nothing is Real.
I wouldn’t exactly call this a novel, it’s more like a collection of journal entries about a variety of topics that will stir up some existential dread and make you think about the world around you. The premise of this is interesting because a lot of the ideas mentioned in this book are thoughts I’ve had at some point in the past.
I read this book twice actually just to really dive down the rabbit hole.
This is different from any story I’ve read recently. If you want to pick up something that will make you stop and stare at the wall to collect your thoughts, this is perfect.
August 28, 2025
This book was so weird but in a good way. It follows our “author” who had been receiving boxes of journals from an anonymous source that deal with questioning our very existence. He attempts to put them in order by writing them into a book. I personally felt that the “author” wrote the journals himself and he doesn’t remember because he’s going insane. I could be totally wrong though. I do want to say that the topic of the shadow people was the creepiest part to me because I can swear that I have seen these shadows in my peripheral vision and when I try to focus they are gone.
January 1, 2026
An Excellent Work
Kevin J. Kennedy’s work is an existential piece of surrealist writing encompassing the key theme of what we can as human beings accept as reality. Spanning various life situations,it provides a fascinating and compelling way of understanding what it is that we can articulate as to the real and the artificial in our daily lives. A new perspective on how we can come to understand who we are, while at the same time examining our relationships with the world around us.
Kevin J. Kennedy’s work is an existential piece of surrealist writing encompassing the key theme of what we can as human beings accept as reality. Spanning various life situations,it provides a fascinating and compelling way of understanding what it is that we can articulate as to the real and the artificial in our daily lives. A new perspective on how we can come to understand who we are, while at the same time examining our relationships with the world around us.
September 3, 2025
Although a departure from Kevin's usual horror style, this story has a focus on both existentialism and nihilism. It's epistolary in approach, which gives it a very surreal feeling, and it really reads like a snapshot into either someone's descent into madness or their awakening! I'm not sure if I liked the book or not, but it certainly gave me pause, which is never a bad thing!
December 30, 2025
I know I have reread it again to get a better understanding by taking my turtle time in a good way. This story does make me think and I do enjoy reading it. I will need my snacks for this special story. I do wonder who wrote these journals and what happened to him. my curiosity wants to know more. Iler.
January 3, 2026
This one was an absolute trip!
Kevin J. Kennedy dove into one of my favorite subjects head on. Challenging the very existence of reality itself, Nothing is Real isn’t horror in the traditional “monster” or “cosmic force” sense, but an exploration of the truly mortifying possibility that our understanding of reality is a mere illusion masking the game being played on the other side of the veil.
Kevin J. Kennedy dove into one of my favorite subjects head on. Challenging the very existence of reality itself, Nothing is Real isn’t horror in the traditional “monster” or “cosmic force” sense, but an exploration of the truly mortifying possibility that our understanding of reality is a mere illusion masking the game being played on the other side of the veil.
March 9, 2026
I'm not sure what is real or not real about this novella, and I think that's the entire point the anonymous writer of the journals tries to get across. How do we know what we experience actually exists or are we trapped in the matrix? It definitely makes readers think. In this, Kevin J. Kennedy receives mysterious notebooks with rants from a mentally ill man who the author cannot find. Though not horror in the traditional sense, being inside this man's head is terrifying.
September 13, 2025
I have now read quite a lot by Kevin J. Kennedy, and this is now one of my favs. It's a bit different from the others as he is in the book, but it makes it a more "personal" read.
I really did enjoy it, and if you want to be entertained and a bit creeped out, this is a no brainer.
I really did enjoy it, and if you want to be entertained and a bit creeped out, this is a no brainer.
October 15, 2025
This book is extremely deep, thought provoking, and introspective. It asks many of life's great questions. The descent into madness and overwhelming paranoia that made me feel as if I too could have shadow figures watching my every move.
September 2, 2025
Another Hit and another fun time reading. This book was a lot of fun.
November 27, 2025
4.5 stars.
June 23, 2026
My god. That was a lot to take in from such a small book.
I’ll be honest. It only took me about two hours to read this book. During that time, and since, it’s had me questioning a lot.
There’s so many interesting thoughts and theories within this story, but that’s not really what gripped me. What got me was….. they are the exact thoughts I’ve had myself many, many times throughout my life.
Even random thoughts that would make people assume I’m crazy if they knew I was thinking them!
Even arrogant thoughts like I’m the only real person in the world and everyone else is created by my mind!
The shadow people? Yep. I’ve seen them!
I suffer night terrors. One night I woke up screaming at the shadow man who was looming over me. My wife, in an attempt to make me feel better whispered
“shhh it’s okay. I see it too.”
And she still insists to this day that she DID see what I saw!
So now I’m questioning, following the logic of one of the theories within….
Am I Kevin Kennedy?
Is Kevin Kennedy me?
Are you Kevin Kennedy?
Are you, reader. Me. Reading this?
“I need to make sense of it all.”
I’ll be honest. It only took me about two hours to read this book. During that time, and since, it’s had me questioning a lot.
There’s so many interesting thoughts and theories within this story, but that’s not really what gripped me. What got me was….. they are the exact thoughts I’ve had myself many, many times throughout my life.
Even random thoughts that would make people assume I’m crazy if they knew I was thinking them!
Even arrogant thoughts like I’m the only real person in the world and everyone else is created by my mind!
The shadow people? Yep. I’ve seen them!
I suffer night terrors. One night I woke up screaming at the shadow man who was looming over me. My wife, in an attempt to make me feel better whispered
“shhh it’s okay. I see it too.”
And she still insists to this day that she DID see what I saw!
So now I’m questioning, following the logic of one of the theories within….
Am I Kevin Kennedy?
Is Kevin Kennedy me?
Are you Kevin Kennedy?
Are you, reader. Me. Reading this?
“I need to make sense of it all.”
April 3, 2026
A stream of consciousness, or unconsciousness... In Nothing Is Real, Kevin J. Kennedy takes the reader on a journey of contemplation. What if this life is all a simulation? What if it is exactly what we see? Is that better? Worse? This book feels, at times, like an allegory of mental health as we get deeper into the stories epistolary journal entries. The shadow people are a very nice touch. Are they real? Are they a representation of an approaching mental break? This book is a lot of questions, and not many answers, but as you become immersed in the story, you find yourself asking do you think these things as well? Is it all eat, work, shit, sleep on and on until you give up the ghost? Is there anything after that? Is there anything between those waking moments? Is there a way to peek behind the curtain? Is there even a curtain? I listened to the audiobook twice. Once for joy, and again for more understanding. What is the author trying to say or convey here? Therein lies the beauty of the book. It seems more like an entertaining thought experiment on the what ifs and conspiracy theories that surround life and death. Why are we here? Maybe we are here to sit back, relax, and enjoy a book.
September 4, 2025
This is a whole bunch of "WTF?!" but so pretty? That makes sense, right?
Journals are being sent to a random stranger that showcases so much more then questioning life but a decent into madness......or is it?
Beautifully put together and deeper then I was expecting. I found myself reading the same sentences a lot because it was so thought provoking and ,ugh, just so beautiful. A stunning spiral about existence of the soul.
Journals are being sent to a random stranger that showcases so much more then questioning life but a decent into madness......or is it?
Beautifully put together and deeper then I was expecting. I found myself reading the same sentences a lot because it was so thought provoking and ,ugh, just so beautiful. A stunning spiral about existence of the soul.
December 30, 2025
Nihilism with a bit of existential crisis packed into a short novella. This won't be for everyone, but a must read for folks who think outside the box!
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