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Evan #1
Through the Fog
Two weeks after his eighteenth birthday, everything changes for Evan Nash. When he injures his head after being run down on his bicycle, he begins having strange, harrowing visions whenever he tries to sleep. He turns to psychiatrist Shannon Mayer for help. Mayer has troubles of her own: her daughter has been kidnapped, and she’s desperate for answers. Though she’s at first skeptical of Evan’s accounts, it quickly becomes clear that his mysterious ailment may be the key to finding her child. Soon Evan’s visions prove essential to the case but at a terrible cost. Evan and Shannon face an agonizing decision: Should he risk himself to save the girl?
Revised edition: Previously published as Evan After, this edition of Through the Fog includes editorial revisions.
Revised edition: Previously published as Evan After, this edition of Through the Fog includes editorial revisions.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2014
1838 people are currently reading
2337 people want to read
About the author
Michael C. Grumley
18 books1,313 followersMichael C. Grumley is the author of the best-selling BREAKTHROUGH series with over two million books sold. He lives in Northern California with his two young daughters. He’s an avid reader, runner and most of all father, and dotes on his girls every chance he gets. He loves hearing from readers while he works on the next ROLLBACK book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
March 4, 2015
WTF!!! WHAT HAPPENED??!!
I hate when this happens. The first half of this book will have you trying to read your fastest ever to stay with the action then like a bad dream, it walks off a cliff and everything stops. WTF!!! What happened. I was so disappointed and would have rated this lower but I really enjoyed the first part. Just wished this would have stayed on course. It would have been one hell of a good book.
I hate when this happens. The first half of this book will have you trying to read your fastest ever to stay with the action then like a bad dream, it walks off a cliff and everything stops. WTF!!! What happened. I was so disappointed and would have rated this lower but I really enjoyed the first part. Just wished this would have stayed on course. It would have been one hell of a good book.
April 26, 2021
Through the Fog (Evan #1) is a shorter novel which reads more like a prequel to a series, where we meet all the important characters and get the back story for how everyone got to the place where weird things will start happening. I'm excited to see where this series leads, because so far it's giving off a serious Stranger Things kind of vibe. I just can't get enough of the parapsychology stuff that came about back in the 60s-80s, and a modern revisit to all that potential thrills me to no end.
Truth: When I was a kid, growing up in Durham, NC, I told my parents I wanted to do parapsychology studies at The Foundation for Research on the Nature of Man at Duke University. They were doing some fascinating work regarding "exceptional human experience" and oh yeah, I had to know more! The cynical and skeptical adult me has since discarded such fantasies, but I still get a real kick out of anything and everything that posits psychic phenomena in a practical and believable way.
And even in highly unbelievable ways. Who doesn't love the idea of our brains achieving more, more, more?
Truth: When I was a kid, growing up in Durham, NC, I told my parents I wanted to do parapsychology studies at The Foundation for Research on the Nature of Man at Duke University. They were doing some fascinating work regarding "exceptional human experience" and oh yeah, I had to know more! The cynical and skeptical adult me has since discarded such fantasies, but I still get a real kick out of anything and everything that posits psychic phenomena in a practical and believable way.
And even in highly unbelievable ways. Who doesn't love the idea of our brains achieving more, more, more?
February 20, 2015
“Faith requires following the power of a whisper.”
----Shannon L. Alder, author
Michael C. Grumley, an American author, has woven an intriguing tale of dreams, visions and abduction, in his new book, Through the Fog , which is a short novel. You can read it in just an hour or two.
Synopsis:
Two weeks after his eighteenth birthday, everything changes for Evan Nash. When he injures his head after being run down on his bicycle, he begins having strange, harrowing visions whenever he tries to sleep. He turns to psychiatrist Shannon Mayer for help. Mayer has troubles of her own: her daughter has been kidnapped, and she's desperate for answers. Though she's at first skeptical of Evan's accounts, it quickly becomes clear that his mysterious ailment may be the key to finding her child. Soon Evan's visions prove essential to the case but at a terrible cost. Evan and Shannon face an agonizing decision: Should he risk himself to save the girl?
Evan Nash, an 18year old high school boy wakes up every night, after his accident, with his whole body drenched in sweat from screaming. No it is not because that he sees a nightmare, instead he has strange visions covered in mist and fog. And that's why Dr. Shannon Mayer, a shrink, is treating him under her wings, but every single day is a challenge for to diagnose Evan's problems. She says she never seen somebody like Evan! And when one day Evan's visions guide him to the location of Mayer's abducted daughter, things get real messy when Evan falls into a coma. Can he save her? Will he come out of the coma? What is his problem? Read this book to find out the mystery.
The writing is fantastic and the plot is tightly wrapped up with twists and turns. Yes there are some I-didn't-see-that-coming moments that will completely captivate you. The element of mystery is very strong and that will keep you on your edges. The prose is crisp and short with engaging narrative style.
The characters are well-developed and in fact draws a lot of similarity from any every day characters. Evan is a loner kid, who is bullied because he is short and weird. But strangely, Evan doesn't feel the pain from bullying, although he is scared enough to confront them. I never thought that Evan would want to help Shannon despite of the risk to his life. Shannon is a caring mother, shrink and a determined and fearless woman. Shannon's sister and Evan's mother are the two supporting characters which were also equally strong enough to make us feel their presence in the story. Overall, the characters that the author crafted have enough depth to pull you into their troubles and pain.
The pace of the book is really fast, moreover, I also felt the plot to be quite thought-provoking. The author made his story quite believable, but I felt the climax could have been much better. The emotions described in the book are also quite vividly portrayed, especially Evan's mother tears and Shannon's pain for her lost daughter. To be honest, I could I really liked the book cover, Evan floating through the mist.
Verdict: Read the book if you enjoy reading a great thriller that will keep you hooked onto your seats.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Michael C. Grumley, for giving me an opportunity to read and review his book.
----Shannon L. Alder, author
Michael C. Grumley, an American author, has woven an intriguing tale of dreams, visions and abduction, in his new book, Through the Fog , which is a short novel. You can read it in just an hour or two.
Synopsis:
Two weeks after his eighteenth birthday, everything changes for Evan Nash. When he injures his head after being run down on his bicycle, he begins having strange, harrowing visions whenever he tries to sleep. He turns to psychiatrist Shannon Mayer for help. Mayer has troubles of her own: her daughter has been kidnapped, and she's desperate for answers. Though she's at first skeptical of Evan's accounts, it quickly becomes clear that his mysterious ailment may be the key to finding her child. Soon Evan's visions prove essential to the case but at a terrible cost. Evan and Shannon face an agonizing decision: Should he risk himself to save the girl?
Evan Nash, an 18year old high school boy wakes up every night, after his accident, with his whole body drenched in sweat from screaming. No it is not because that he sees a nightmare, instead he has strange visions covered in mist and fog. And that's why Dr. Shannon Mayer, a shrink, is treating him under her wings, but every single day is a challenge for to diagnose Evan's problems. She says she never seen somebody like Evan! And when one day Evan's visions guide him to the location of Mayer's abducted daughter, things get real messy when Evan falls into a coma. Can he save her? Will he come out of the coma? What is his problem? Read this book to find out the mystery.
The writing is fantastic and the plot is tightly wrapped up with twists and turns. Yes there are some I-didn't-see-that-coming moments that will completely captivate you. The element of mystery is very strong and that will keep you on your edges. The prose is crisp and short with engaging narrative style.
The characters are well-developed and in fact draws a lot of similarity from any every day characters. Evan is a loner kid, who is bullied because he is short and weird. But strangely, Evan doesn't feel the pain from bullying, although he is scared enough to confront them. I never thought that Evan would want to help Shannon despite of the risk to his life. Shannon is a caring mother, shrink and a determined and fearless woman. Shannon's sister and Evan's mother are the two supporting characters which were also equally strong enough to make us feel their presence in the story. Overall, the characters that the author crafted have enough depth to pull you into their troubles and pain.
The pace of the book is really fast, moreover, I also felt the plot to be quite thought-provoking. The author made his story quite believable, but I felt the climax could have been much better. The emotions described in the book are also quite vividly portrayed, especially Evan's mother tears and Shannon's pain for her lost daughter. To be honest, I could I really liked the book cover, Evan floating through the mist.
Verdict: Read the book if you enjoy reading a great thriller that will keep you hooked onto your seats.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Michael C. Grumley, for giving me an opportunity to read and review his book.
February 10, 2015
I was absolutely riveted the first 65% of this book. The writing was fast paced and perfectly executed. I felt the pain of Shannon, the psychiatrist who had her young daughter kidnapped. I adored Evan and was riddled with anticipation r as they tried to figure out his "episodes". This book is fairly short, so it was flying by... then the climax came ... and .... wah wah wah waaahhh..... Obviously I still liked it because of the 4 stars but it isn't a 5 star because after 65-75% build up the last part was a little rushed. I was also just a tad disappointed in the big reveal. It was all wrapped in a shiny bow and I tend to my roll my eyes at some theories. (I cannot elaborate without giving away the ending)
I will most DEFINETLY read Michael Grumley again because the writing was really good, the characters believable and likable, and he actually got my heart racing a few times which is not easy to do.
All in all I liked it.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I will most DEFINETLY read Michael Grumley again because the writing was really good, the characters believable and likable, and he actually got my heart racing a few times which is not easy to do.
All in all I liked it.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
After a young man injures his head he starts experiencing strange visions that he cannot explain, so as a last resort he visits a psychiatrist. At first she thinks all of his problems are psychosomatic, but after hypnosis she realizes his visions are current happenings that he should not be able to see. This is when she has a break in her professional obligations and is unable to turn down his insistence to help her find her daughter who was abducted 18 months ago. She is morally torn as well because it may be detrimental to his health or maybe even his demise. Fast moving short with a cool concept.
January 14, 2015
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story is about a boy named Evan who starts to develop
The plot is silly on its own, but it could lead to a compelling story through characters, good world-building, and a good writing style. Unfortunately, Through the Fog does not have these things. The main characters are very one-sided and the secondary characters are barely developed at all. The dialogue is clunky - especially Evan's. The plot elements are unbelievable, and the ending leaves a lot to be desired.
This story is about a boy named Evan who starts to develop
The plot is silly on its own, but it could lead to a compelling story through characters, good world-building, and a good writing style. Unfortunately, Through the Fog does not have these things. The main characters are very one-sided and the secondary characters are barely developed at all. The dialogue is clunky - especially Evan's. The plot elements are unbelievable, and the ending leaves a lot to be desired.
January 26, 2015
A special thank you to Amazon Publishing, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
THROUGH THE FOG by Michael C. Grumley is an intense mystery psychological crime thriller of obsession, intrigue, with highly charged topics of PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and child abduction—a complex short, page-turner, full of action and intrigue.
Evan Nash, eighteen years old and is constantly bullied at school, a bit of a misfit. When some bullies run him down with their car, while riding his bike; he hits his head and damage to his bike. Later he begins experiencing change and alarming episodes, draining him, both physically and mentally. He sees things which make no sense.
He is seeking help by seeing a psychologist, Dr. Shannon Mayer. He trusts her and they have a good doctor/patient relationship. However, Evan is unaware Dr. Mayer’s daughter was kidnapped over eighteen months ago and she is hanging by a thread, with no leads on the case. Her husband a cop is suffering severe depression, and is close to suicide as he feels he has let his wife and daughter down.
When Evan is in Mayer’s office, she is shocked when he is put under, he sees things and she begins to wonder, selfishly, if this gifted boy can help solve the case of her daughter. She sends him to a doctor (her sister is a nurse for this medical doctor), to have him checked out. Everything checks out except he possibly had a concussion.
She sets up a clever trick to ensure Evan really can see things. When he is put under once again he sees things, however, his life is in danger, as drains him physically. She does not want to risk his life. She is honest with Evan and tells him she is sorry she used him to help solve her daughter’s kidnapping.
Evan, the thoughtful boy, wants to help and decides to be put under one more time as he sees more clues which alerts Shannon, of the immediate danger for a race against time. Evan says the little girl is still alive and the clues could lead back to someone in the Mayer’s past.
In the meantime, they began researching other similar cases and find one; however, the patient, similar to Evan died, and was part of the CIA using him in a horrific way; however, they continue to search for the doctor, needing answers, for both families to locate this abductor before it is too late. As all the storylines intersect, a powerful ending, setting up for the next book in the series. One boy risks his life for another.
I really enjoyed this short novel, reading in one sitting; well-developed likable characters, and twists and turns, keeping the suspense high, for an engaging read. Looking forward to reading his next book an author to watch, and follow!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
THROUGH THE FOG by Michael C. Grumley is an intense mystery psychological crime thriller of obsession, intrigue, with highly charged topics of PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and child abduction—a complex short, page-turner, full of action and intrigue.
Evan Nash, eighteen years old and is constantly bullied at school, a bit of a misfit. When some bullies run him down with their car, while riding his bike; he hits his head and damage to his bike. Later he begins experiencing change and alarming episodes, draining him, both physically and mentally. He sees things which make no sense.
He is seeking help by seeing a psychologist, Dr. Shannon Mayer. He trusts her and they have a good doctor/patient relationship. However, Evan is unaware Dr. Mayer’s daughter was kidnapped over eighteen months ago and she is hanging by a thread, with no leads on the case. Her husband a cop is suffering severe depression, and is close to suicide as he feels he has let his wife and daughter down.
When Evan is in Mayer’s office, she is shocked when he is put under, he sees things and she begins to wonder, selfishly, if this gifted boy can help solve the case of her daughter. She sends him to a doctor (her sister is a nurse for this medical doctor), to have him checked out. Everything checks out except he possibly had a concussion.
She sets up a clever trick to ensure Evan really can see things. When he is put under once again he sees things, however, his life is in danger, as drains him physically. She does not want to risk his life. She is honest with Evan and tells him she is sorry she used him to help solve her daughter’s kidnapping.
Evan, the thoughtful boy, wants to help and decides to be put under one more time as he sees more clues which alerts Shannon, of the immediate danger for a race against time. Evan says the little girl is still alive and the clues could lead back to someone in the Mayer’s past.
In the meantime, they began researching other similar cases and find one; however, the patient, similar to Evan died, and was part of the CIA using him in a horrific way; however, they continue to search for the doctor, needing answers, for both families to locate this abductor before it is too late. As all the storylines intersect, a powerful ending, setting up for the next book in the series. One boy risks his life for another.
I really enjoyed this short novel, reading in one sitting; well-developed likable characters, and twists and turns, keeping the suspense high, for an engaging read. Looking forward to reading his next book an author to watch, and follow!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
February 4, 2015
Just so you know you can have an edge of your seat thriller without the profanity and sexual innuendo. I could not stop reading. Not a train-wreck-can’t-keep-my-eyes, but a roller-coaster-ride-why-did-I-get-on-this-but-I-am-glad-I did.
With several narratives and protagonists, you are pulled into the apprehension of something is terribly wrong. Evan a young man, who suffered a bicycle accident, is now having visions. What do they mean? And the danger of these visions, will he survive? As his family seeks the help of psychiatrist Shannon Mayer, she wants to help him but she is desperate to use his visions for her own purpose. Her daughter has been missing for 18 months without a word or trace. When she reveals her need for his visions, he wants to help without regard to his own well-being. What will they find? Will they be in time? Will Evan survive these visions and can Shannon reconcile her duty as professional for her need to find her daughter?
You won’t want to put it down!
A special thank you Amazon, Thomas & Mercer , and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
With several narratives and protagonists, you are pulled into the apprehension of something is terribly wrong. Evan a young man, who suffered a bicycle accident, is now having visions. What do they mean? And the danger of these visions, will he survive? As his family seeks the help of psychiatrist Shannon Mayer, she wants to help him but she is desperate to use his visions for her own purpose. Her daughter has been missing for 18 months without a word or trace. When she reveals her need for his visions, he wants to help without regard to his own well-being. What will they find? Will they be in time? Will Evan survive these visions and can Shannon reconcile her duty as professional for her need to find her daughter?
You won’t want to put it down!
A special thank you Amazon, Thomas & Mercer , and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 11, 2015
Couldn't put this down
A great story; well told. If I could I would give this ten stars. Evan Nash is an 18 year old who is having trouble sleeping; awakening with visions. dr. Sharon Mayer is trying to help Evan while struggling to keep herself together because her daughter had been kidnapped 18 months earlier. It's a race against time. Evan wants to help Sharon, but are his attempts going to kill him? A short read that left me hungry for more.
A great story; well told. If I could I would give this ten stars. Evan Nash is an 18 year old who is having trouble sleeping; awakening with visions. dr. Sharon Mayer is trying to help Evan while struggling to keep herself together because her daughter had been kidnapped 18 months earlier. It's a race against time. Evan wants to help Sharon, but are his attempts going to kill him? A short read that left me hungry for more.
December 21, 2020
After being run down on his bicycle, Evan has terrifying nightmares or visions. He can see things that are currently happening at other places and to other people. I liked this book, but it was a bit too short. I should look into the next book in the series. Listened to the audio version.
February 11, 2015
Through the Fog by Michael C. Grumley is a paranormal mystery as young Evan Nash comes to grip with nightmares that haunt him every night. Nightmares that appear to be visions.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
"..Mayer studied him as he lay back down, mindful to prod gently. She waited until looked at her. 'And what did you see?'
'I saw...us. I saw the two of us, sitting here. I was on the couch, and you were sitting next to me.'
'You mean just as we are now?'
'Yes.'
Mayer considered Evan's answer. 'Did this feel like one of the episodes, or were you just remembering what you had last seen?'
'No,' he said, shaking his head. 'It definitely wasn't a memory.'
'Are you sure? How do you know?'
'Evan turned and looked at her, then glanced at the corner of her office near the window. 'Because I saw us from over there..."
Two weeks after his eighteenth birthday, Evan Nash injures his head in a bicycle accident and everything changes. He begins to have nightmares and visions every night he goes to sleep. Stephanie Mayer, a psychiatrist steps in to help but she has a nightmare of her own. Her young daughter has been kidnapped and gone missing for over a year. Her marriage is crumbling because of it and all she has to keep her going is her work.
But working with Evan is beginning to open possibilities for her. If his hallucinations are more than just dreams, he may the hold the key to her finding her daughter. But with each nightmare, Evan's health deteriorates until he is near death. How much will Stephanie risk to find her daughter?
Through The Fog is one of those small novels that would have been better served going back to the writer and having him expand on the concept and flesh out the story fully. As it is, as a short novel, it leaves many gaps and inconsistencies. The kidnapper is someone a restraining order has been put against and yet he isn't really looked into when the child first went missing? That is too difficult to buy into. The father of the child, who is a policeman, is ready to commit suicide in a secluded location with his phone turned off...and next he is busting down the door to save his child and everyone else? These and other inconsistencies leave the novel with gaping holes in the storytelling. And that is really too bad because the concept itself is really pretty good. Only it was done better in Stephen King's Dead Zone. And the part of CIA experimentation into psychic abilities through drugs...that would be Stephen Kings' Firestarter.
Still all that could have been forgivable if the story had just been fleshed out more. But unfortunately it wasn't so that leaves me with an empty feeling. A sense that here is a talented writer who needs better people around him to give him honest guidance.
A nice attempt but not good reads.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
"..Mayer studied him as he lay back down, mindful to prod gently. She waited until looked at her. 'And what did you see?'
'I saw...us. I saw the two of us, sitting here. I was on the couch, and you were sitting next to me.'
'You mean just as we are now?'
'Yes.'
Mayer considered Evan's answer. 'Did this feel like one of the episodes, or were you just remembering what you had last seen?'
'No,' he said, shaking his head. 'It definitely wasn't a memory.'
'Are you sure? How do you know?'
'Evan turned and looked at her, then glanced at the corner of her office near the window. 'Because I saw us from over there..."
Two weeks after his eighteenth birthday, Evan Nash injures his head in a bicycle accident and everything changes. He begins to have nightmares and visions every night he goes to sleep. Stephanie Mayer, a psychiatrist steps in to help but she has a nightmare of her own. Her young daughter has been kidnapped and gone missing for over a year. Her marriage is crumbling because of it and all she has to keep her going is her work.
But working with Evan is beginning to open possibilities for her. If his hallucinations are more than just dreams, he may the hold the key to her finding her daughter. But with each nightmare, Evan's health deteriorates until he is near death. How much will Stephanie risk to find her daughter?
Through The Fog is one of those small novels that would have been better served going back to the writer and having him expand on the concept and flesh out the story fully. As it is, as a short novel, it leaves many gaps and inconsistencies. The kidnapper is someone a restraining order has been put against and yet he isn't really looked into when the child first went missing? That is too difficult to buy into. The father of the child, who is a policeman, is ready to commit suicide in a secluded location with his phone turned off...and next he is busting down the door to save his child and everyone else? These and other inconsistencies leave the novel with gaping holes in the storytelling. And that is really too bad because the concept itself is really pretty good. Only it was done better in Stephen King's Dead Zone. And the part of CIA experimentation into psychic abilities through drugs...that would be Stephen Kings' Firestarter.
Still all that could have been forgivable if the story had just been fleshed out more. But unfortunately it wasn't so that leaves me with an empty feeling. A sense that here is a talented writer who needs better people around him to give him honest guidance.
A nice attempt but not good reads.
March 16, 2014
This was one of those book I chose as a respite from my normal reading genre which I enjoy doing every couple of books.
It starts out really slow and the author keeps all the main details of characters motivations very close to the vest for as long as possible. I do not like this writing style. It may keep some people in suspense but it annoys me.
That begin said once I got into the meat of the story I found myself drawn in and enjoying the rest of the book. I'm glad the author did not try to draw it out by jumping back and fourth between the scenes which can also drop my interest.
*NOTE TO AUTHOR* - Change the book cover and you probably will sell more books. If I had not gotten this recommended in a email mailing list I never would have even looked at it. The cover forces the eye to pass right over because it gives absolutely no indication of what the book is about or any promises of what is inside.
It starts out really slow and the author keeps all the main details of characters motivations very close to the vest for as long as possible. I do not like this writing style. It may keep some people in suspense but it annoys me.
That begin said once I got into the meat of the story I found myself drawn in and enjoying the rest of the book. I'm glad the author did not try to draw it out by jumping back and fourth between the scenes which can also drop my interest.
*NOTE TO AUTHOR* - Change the book cover and you probably will sell more books. If I had not gotten this recommended in a email mailing list I never would have even looked at it. The cover forces the eye to pass right over because it gives absolutely no indication of what the book is about or any promises of what is inside.
Read
November 27, 2017#
CompNtBk
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited. Audio book.
FS: "He lurched upright in the darkness, his chest heaving uncontrollably."
LS: "Relax boy. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to keep it from killing you..."
CompNtBk
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited. Audio book.
FS: "He lurched upright in the darkness, his chest heaving uncontrollably."
LS: "Relax boy. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to keep it from killing you..."
June 7, 2017
This one surprised me! It's a quick read, and simplistic in style, but it kept me attentive. The entire time, I was certain a woman (and mother) wrote this book and was surprised that a man wrote it. That's definitely a compliment, as most of the main characters were women. Impressive!
September 27, 2017
Weird, not a book - a CHAPTER ONE!
I only got this to read because I got the second "book" beforehand. I thought reading this one would fill me in on whatever book two started with but it's really nothing! It's as if this entire story could've been in ONE book. This was a waste of time. Had the author made this chapter one, it could've led easily to CHAPTER two, not an entirely new book. I hate this about all these new serial books that really are nothing more than overly verbose chapters of a single book. It's ridiculous! I won't be reading this writer again. Angers me off to be ripped off, again. This is NOT a book, it's just a misleading bunch of marketing crap to sell more .. chapters .. of one book. Grrrrrrr!!!
I only got this to read because I got the second "book" beforehand. I thought reading this one would fill me in on whatever book two started with but it's really nothing! It's as if this entire story could've been in ONE book. This was a waste of time. Had the author made this chapter one, it could've led easily to CHAPTER two, not an entirely new book. I hate this about all these new serial books that really are nothing more than overly verbose chapters of a single book. It's ridiculous! I won't be reading this writer again. Angers me off to be ripped off, again. This is NOT a book, it's just a misleading bunch of marketing crap to sell more .. chapters .. of one book. Grrrrrrr!!!
December 12, 2017
Liked the concept used in the book, but I would have liked to have more specifics of Evan's condition.
January 10, 2018
The writing was a little choppy. It switched between the characters' points of view too frequently. There were a couple of holes in the story, however the plot itself was a great idea. The ending seemed rushed and abrupt. Overall, the writing style wasn't my favorite.
June 24, 2018
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
This book is a show of unprofessionalism on the psychiatrist's side. When a new patient walks in who has been having strange visions after a bike accident, she only very mildly tries to put him off helping her solve the case of her missing daughter. Very mildly, and she risks the patient's life because he is certainly not doing well during these episodes.
This aside, it was a quick and easy read which didn't require a lot of thinking to stay with the story, which is sometimes nice for a change. The first half I liked better, since the conclusion I thought was rather too hurried and it was all too neatly fitting.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This book is a show of unprofessionalism on the psychiatrist's side. When a new patient walks in who has been having strange visions after a bike accident, she only very mildly tries to put him off helping her solve the case of her missing daughter. Very mildly, and she risks the patient's life because he is certainly not doing well during these episodes.
This aside, it was a quick and easy read which didn't require a lot of thinking to stay with the story, which is sometimes nice for a change. The first half I liked better, since the conclusion I thought was rather too hurried and it was all too neatly fitting.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 11, 2015
Through the Fog was a enjoyable, recommendable read. The story starts off on an interesting premise, and continues to zip along through the end. I did have a few quibbles, but these are more of a personal preference.
First, there were a handful of jarring issues of head-hopping. I know it doesn't bother some people, but it bothers me. And they were quick little jumps that threw me out of the moment. I don't like that. And I really don't like that when I'm enjoying the story.
Second, I didn't feel there was enough about Evan. I would have liked to have seen more of this story from his point of view, as well as a bit more action revolving around him. The mystery aspect of the missing child is always good for tension, but for the highlight of these particular plot points, Evan isn't anywhere to be seen. I did enjoy Dr. Mayer's character, as well Mary and Sue, but I think it would have highlighted the suspense and the tension if Evan had been more involved, given the nature of what was happening to him. (Trying not to use spoilers!)
The whodunit aspect and reveal were a touch commonplace, which wouldn't have been so bad if everything around Evan and his ability had been heightened. However, I really liked the afterword and seeing how things played out.
Overall, a good read that I think many will enjoy.
First, there were a handful of jarring issues of head-hopping. I know it doesn't bother some people, but it bothers me. And they were quick little jumps that threw me out of the moment. I don't like that. And I really don't like that when I'm enjoying the story.
Second, I didn't feel there was enough about Evan. I would have liked to have seen more of this story from his point of view, as well as a bit more action revolving around him. The mystery aspect of the missing child is always good for tension, but for the highlight of these particular plot points, Evan isn't anywhere to be seen. I did enjoy Dr. Mayer's character, as well Mary and Sue, but I think it would have highlighted the suspense and the tension if Evan had been more involved, given the nature of what was happening to him. (Trying not to use spoilers!)
The whodunit aspect and reveal were a touch commonplace, which wouldn't have been so bad if everything around Evan and his ability had been heightened. However, I really liked the afterword and seeing how things played out.
Overall, a good read that I think many will enjoy.
January 30, 2015
3.5 stars
This is a short, quick moving story that I was able to read in one evening. Granted, I was up until mid-night to finish it but it was still just one evening. That in itself says a lot for me. If a book can keep me awake that late on a weeknight, it has done a great job pulling me in and keeping my interest. I probably would have given it 4 stars, however, there were a couple things that didn’t appeal to me. I didn’t like the way the Roa character was introduced and then not revisited for a long time. I think that expanding on that character and revisiting him more often could have added a lot to the story. My other issue with the book was the ending – instead of continuing the storyline further for a smooth ending (and more of a full sized novel), I felt like the author just wrapped it up with a bow to put it away and be done with it. I did enjoy the book, but felt there was potential to have it be even better so I just can’t give it a higher rating.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
This is a short, quick moving story that I was able to read in one evening. Granted, I was up until mid-night to finish it but it was still just one evening. That in itself says a lot for me. If a book can keep me awake that late on a weeknight, it has done a great job pulling me in and keeping my interest. I probably would have given it 4 stars, however, there were a couple things that didn’t appeal to me. I didn’t like the way the Roa character was introduced and then not revisited for a long time. I think that expanding on that character and revisiting him more often could have added a lot to the story. My other issue with the book was the ending – instead of continuing the storyline further for a smooth ending (and more of a full sized novel), I felt like the author just wrapped it up with a bow to put it away and be done with it. I did enjoy the book, but felt there was potential to have it be even better so I just can’t give it a higher rating.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 12, 2015
Evan is a young boy suffering from strange dreams that cause physical trauma. Sarah is the doctor trying to help him, although she's battling demons of her own. Eighteen months ago, her daughter was kidnapped, but after many dead ends, the case was filed away. Sarah's husband is just a shell anymore, sitting in a rocking chair and staring into space. Sarah realizes that her only hope is Evan. In his dreams, he can see things that are happening now. But can he find her daughter without his dreams killing him first?
Sarah's hunt to find her daughter and to help Evan control his bizarre ability takes her beyond her scope as a doctor. She's an awesome character, filled with grief, guilt, concern, and hope. Evan is an eighteen-year-old boy just finishing high school. He's the brunt of jokes among the other students, but he's caring and willing to take a risk to help others.
This is a fast paced novel that will keep you turning the pages. The story has many surprising twists that will keep the reader entertained. This is a great novel! Add it to your collection!
Sarah's hunt to find her daughter and to help Evan control his bizarre ability takes her beyond her scope as a doctor. She's an awesome character, filled with grief, guilt, concern, and hope. Evan is an eighteen-year-old boy just finishing high school. He's the brunt of jokes among the other students, but he's caring and willing to take a risk to help others.
This is a fast paced novel that will keep you turning the pages. The story has many surprising twists that will keep the reader entertained. This is a great novel! Add it to your collection!
March 31, 2014
I got this free through Bookbub. It's an interesting story of an eighteen-year-old boy experiencing strange things after an accident. A psychiatrist with problems of her own treats him and they get together to help each other.
The story is really well built and written. Throughout the whole thing you're kept on your toes. The suspense is kept up until the end. I really enjoyed it. It's different from what I read usually and it was a nice change. Lots of twists and turns with the psychiatrist's sister playing a major role in the story making it even more interesting.
This is my first book by Michael C. Grumley although he's been publishing for a while now. It has an almost-five star rating on amazon.com and a five star rating on amazon.ca. I can understand why.
The story is really well built and written. Throughout the whole thing you're kept on your toes. The suspense is kept up until the end. I really enjoyed it. It's different from what I read usually and it was a nice change. Lots of twists and turns with the psychiatrist's sister playing a major role in the story making it even more interesting.
This is my first book by Michael C. Grumley although he's been publishing for a while now. It has an almost-five star rating on amazon.com and a five star rating on amazon.ca. I can understand why.
January 4, 2016
Like many other reviewers have said, this book was great most of the way through and then *poof*. I mean, don't get me wrong... I still really enjoyed the story but it was just so anticlimactic there at the end. I was expecting something totally off the wall but it ended up leaving me like "oh, okay then." I kinda hope the author will do some sort of spin off to this where we can see where Evan is now and how he's coping with his "episodes." (edit: just realized there is another book following Evan. I'll definitely be checking it out!) Would recommend if you're looking for a quick mystery and it's not your usual genre. Probably wouldn't rec if you read all types of thrillers and mysteries. It will be fairly bland for you, in my opinion.
February 18, 2015
**I reviewed a copy of this book from Amazon Publishing, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review**
4.5 stars. This is a fast paced, heart pounding, can be read in one sitting, thriller that deserves attention in the literary world and is a must read in my opinion. It kept my attention and at times I found myself holding my breath along with Evans. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is because I felt the ending was rushed, almost in an attempt as a cliffhanger for a book 2. Which, by the way, I'd buy the day it came out!!
4.5 stars. This is a fast paced, heart pounding, can be read in one sitting, thriller that deserves attention in the literary world and is a must read in my opinion. It kept my attention and at times I found myself holding my breath along with Evans. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is because I felt the ending was rushed, almost in an attempt as a cliffhanger for a book 2. Which, by the way, I'd buy the day it came out!!
December 30, 2015
Short and very quick read. Interesting and pretty unique. Likable characters, quick pace, short chapters and kept me interested without any lull in action. It was a good. I'm happy I read it :)
April 23, 2017
I honestly felt like i was reading an elementary school book.
Nothing in this book was believable. Not the characters, not their relationships, and most definitely not their reactions.
Nothing in this book was believable. Not the characters, not their relationships, and most definitely not their reactions.
March 24, 2017
I have previously enjoyed Breakthrough and Leap, two of Michael C. Grumley’s other works in the same series. However, I wanted to try another of his standalone books to see if he can entertain while writing a different genre. This book may become the start of a planned series based on some additional comments from the author, but it seems like we will have to wait to find out. If you are one who likes mysteries, thrillers, with a small piece of the paranormal thrown in (remote viewing), I recommend you pick up “Through of Fog” and give it a read; or listen. I must admit, the author kept me engaged and when it was over I was wanting to hear more.
Although the book is rather short compared to his other material I have listened too, just shy of four and a half hours of audio, I did not feel ripped off as so many series book can do. I will say that the author is able to keep the flow of the main story line going without bogging the reader down in overly technical detail. Could some of the story have been better researched and explained, yes of course as with most books. I believe the author was trying to experiment with this book and stepping out from the action genre e is more comfortable writing to a more thriller one. If you have read other books by this author, you know he can write and write well. This one was a bit weak, but still a very good and enjoyable story overall.
I was a bit unsure of the author’s audience with this book. Was it intended for teens or adults? The writing style was often simple enough of teens to enjoy, but there were a few aspects of the story that felt were more directed towards adults. I will give credit to the author for telling this suspenseful thriller without having to use vulgar language or other adult-only subject matter. So, if you have a younger reader asking to read this book, note it does not contain strong language; but there may be some subject matter (kidnapping) that could scare younger readers.
If you are someone who works in the medical profession, you may find the story too simplistic for your taste and even frustrating. I often get this when someone writes a computer or hacking non-fiction book and throws in jargon to sound good, but it often sticks out like a sore thumb. I do not have knowledge of the medical profession and enjoyed the story. I did not feel the characters were completely developed because the book was rather short, but I also did not find them flat or cardboardish. Some have complained that the book was too unrealistic. I should say that for a book that is a mix between “The Sixth Sense” and a TV drama, this book was entertaining and enjoyable and not meant to be a realistic portrayal of our world. I think if you take it as too realistic, it will seem unbelievable. If you can suspend belief at times when you read, this book is enjoyable.
It should come as no surprise that Amy McFadden does an exceptional job narrating this book, and I think she brings the author’s words to life. With over 240 book narrations on Audible, at the time of this review, she hits another home run. The book is professionally read and the many characters were properly voiced. The narration was clear and professionally recorded. I will keep her on my favorite narrator list going forward and have a few other books yet to get too narrated by her.
Although the book is rather short compared to his other material I have listened too, just shy of four and a half hours of audio, I did not feel ripped off as so many series book can do. I will say that the author is able to keep the flow of the main story line going without bogging the reader down in overly technical detail. Could some of the story have been better researched and explained, yes of course as with most books. I believe the author was trying to experiment with this book and stepping out from the action genre e is more comfortable writing to a more thriller one. If you have read other books by this author, you know he can write and write well. This one was a bit weak, but still a very good and enjoyable story overall.
I was a bit unsure of the author’s audience with this book. Was it intended for teens or adults? The writing style was often simple enough of teens to enjoy, but there were a few aspects of the story that felt were more directed towards adults. I will give credit to the author for telling this suspenseful thriller without having to use vulgar language or other adult-only subject matter. So, if you have a younger reader asking to read this book, note it does not contain strong language; but there may be some subject matter (kidnapping) that could scare younger readers.
If you are someone who works in the medical profession, you may find the story too simplistic for your taste and even frustrating. I often get this when someone writes a computer or hacking non-fiction book and throws in jargon to sound good, but it often sticks out like a sore thumb. I do not have knowledge of the medical profession and enjoyed the story. I did not feel the characters were completely developed because the book was rather short, but I also did not find them flat or cardboardish. Some have complained that the book was too unrealistic. I should say that for a book that is a mix between “The Sixth Sense” and a TV drama, this book was entertaining and enjoyable and not meant to be a realistic portrayal of our world. I think if you take it as too realistic, it will seem unbelievable. If you can suspend belief at times when you read, this book is enjoyable.
It should come as no surprise that Amy McFadden does an exceptional job narrating this book, and I think she brings the author’s words to life. With over 240 book narrations on Audible, at the time of this review, she hits another home run. The book is professionally read and the many characters were properly voiced. The narration was clear and professionally recorded. I will keep her on my favorite narrator list going forward and have a few other books yet to get too narrated by her.
October 13, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Two weeks after his eighteenth birthday, everything changes for Evan Nash. When he injures his head after being run down on his bicycle, he begins having strange, harrowing visions whenever he tries to sleep. He turns to psychiatrist Shannon Mayer for help. Mayer has troubles of her own: her daughter has been kidnapped, and she’s desperate for answers. Though she’s at first skeptical of Evan’s accounts, it quickly becomes clear that his mysterious ailment may be the key to finding her child. Soon Evan’s visions prove essential to the case but at a terrible cost. Evan and Shannon face an agonizing decision: Should he risk himself to save the girl?
Uggghhhh...so frustrating! That's all I can think to say. Let me tell you why:
1) What starts as an interesting mystery/thriller, dissipates into nothing at about the halfway mark...and the book is only 175 pages long. So about 90 pages of interest. I am sorry, but that is nowhere near good enough.
2) A personal bug-bear of mine is this trend of writing novellas and passing them off as novels. There is a second book in this "series" - why not just add them together to give this story some more depth and character. Surely there wasn't a deadline for a novella like this.
3) I have no interest in reading the follow-up story. This book has done the opposite effect for me than what it was hoping to achieve - if the author could only hold my attention for 90 pages...
Paul
ARH
Two weeks after his eighteenth birthday, everything changes for Evan Nash. When he injures his head after being run down on his bicycle, he begins having strange, harrowing visions whenever he tries to sleep. He turns to psychiatrist Shannon Mayer for help. Mayer has troubles of her own: her daughter has been kidnapped, and she’s desperate for answers. Though she’s at first skeptical of Evan’s accounts, it quickly becomes clear that his mysterious ailment may be the key to finding her child. Soon Evan’s visions prove essential to the case but at a terrible cost. Evan and Shannon face an agonizing decision: Should he risk himself to save the girl?
Uggghhhh...so frustrating! That's all I can think to say. Let me tell you why:
1) What starts as an interesting mystery/thriller, dissipates into nothing at about the halfway mark...and the book is only 175 pages long. So about 90 pages of interest. I am sorry, but that is nowhere near good enough.
2) A personal bug-bear of mine is this trend of writing novellas and passing them off as novels. There is a second book in this "series" - why not just add them together to give this story some more depth and character. Surely there wasn't a deadline for a novella like this.
3) I have no interest in reading the follow-up story. This book has done the opposite effect for me than what it was hoping to achieve - if the author could only hold my attention for 90 pages...
Paul
ARH
August 28, 2020
Unsettling yet fulfilling
This is a story of a frail, nerdy teen (Evan) who gets harassed by some high school bullies. Evan becomes the victim of an intended bicycle vs auto collision, leaving him with a concussion. He begins having psychic dreams and is referred to a Psychiatrist (Dr. Shannon Mayer). During an evaluation session, she discovers he can in fact "see" things, prompting the realization that he may be able to find her missing daughter. This ethical decision is complicated by the fact that Evan slips into a life threatening coma-like state and becomes difficult to awaken with each repeated episode. It's a thought-provoking plot with twists, turns and a satisfying ending that leaves room for a sequel. Having already read BREAKTHROUGH (Absolute Best book I've ever read) and the other four books in the series (also very good) ... I wanted to read some of Mr. Grumley's other books. The Monument Men was really cool...full of action and surprises with an intriguing ending and anecdotal note. This author stretches the imagination and does it brilliantly.
This is a story of a frail, nerdy teen (Evan) who gets harassed by some high school bullies. Evan becomes the victim of an intended bicycle vs auto collision, leaving him with a concussion. He begins having psychic dreams and is referred to a Psychiatrist (Dr. Shannon Mayer). During an evaluation session, she discovers he can in fact "see" things, prompting the realization that he may be able to find her missing daughter. This ethical decision is complicated by the fact that Evan slips into a life threatening coma-like state and becomes difficult to awaken with each repeated episode. It's a thought-provoking plot with twists, turns and a satisfying ending that leaves room for a sequel. Having already read BREAKTHROUGH (Absolute Best book I've ever read) and the other four books in the series (also very good) ... I wanted to read some of Mr. Grumley's other books. The Monument Men was really cool...full of action and surprises with an intriguing ending and anecdotal note. This author stretches the imagination and does it brilliantly.
June 9, 2019
I love the Breakthrough series by Mr. Grumley, so I wanted to try one of his other books. This one is a mixed bag for me. I liked the main idea, and most of the characters. But the book seemed way too short for the story being told. It read like a longer book that was very harshly edited to remove weak or slow areas. It seemed not fully fleshed out in all areas. Like a lot of reviewers, I thought the climax was very rushed and awkward. The few mostly separate plot arcs were woven together fairly well. The pacing and structure were OK for the most part. What threw me off was the author far too frequently generates "Aha!" moments, sometimes by restricting key information from the reader, and sometimes by having characters slow to realize obvious clues. I liked the Evan character and I'm somewhat curious about the extent of his abilities. I'm on the fence about whether to read the second Evan book or not.
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