The Shimmering

by Michael Stone

Nolan watches his mother commit suicide…over and over again.

She died forty-five years ago.

She’s a shimmer.

When the shimmers first appeared, no one knew what they were or why they had come. Speculation gave way to fear, panic to chaos. Governments collapsed. Civilization crumbled. In the Shimmering's wake, a secretive cult called the Redeemers claim biblical prophecy explains the Shimmers’ origin. Now, twenty-five years later, the line between the post-apocalyptic world and the Shimmers is indistinguishable. No one knows if they're ghosts, aliens, or the coming of God. What they do know, is that Shimmers reveal humanity’s darkest sins. The Shimmers are the least of Nolan Elwood’s worries. Secrets, betrayal, and the hope of redemption drive him on a perilous journey across America’s wasteland to find his family.

The shimmers await…

Genres: Post Apocalyptic

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2025

About the author

Michael Stone crafts stories of speculative and contemporary fiction. His work can be found in online publications and print anthologies. When he’s not creating post-apocalyptic and supernatural worlds, he’s helping institutionalized veterans transition from service by guiding them through career exploration and self-reflection. Outside of his writing endeavors, he plays fetch with his pups, Maggie and Macy, and spends quality time with his family of six, exploring the vibrant culture of the Windy City.

Reviews

[Michael Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is finally growing on me.

[Jyl Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shimmering is apocalyptic horror that hits on every level. It’s tense, emotional, weird, and surprisingly human. You get a blend of psychological horror, slashers, body horror, and cosmic horror. You don’t just see the world collapsing. You feel it. The Shimmers are so unique and terrifying… you’ll see! It’s wild in the best way. This book is absolutely hypnotic and if you’re not running to buy it, you should be!

5/5 breaths I didn’t know I was holding.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning world building; extraordinarily well-drawn characters; a terrifying premise; and a powerful ending! "The Shimmering" is occult post-apocalyptic horror on a grand scale: with larger than life evildoers and a jaw-dropping idea of how evil manifests itself in a world gone bad, it sets the scene for family, love and hope to shine!

The book starts with a countdown to the Collapse of the world, and picks up the story twenty-five years later. In the meantime, a religious cult has developed around conservative values taken to the extreme, worshipping the God of Christianity in a manner which brings less light and far more darkness to the lives of the faithful. Haunted by the Shimmers, supernatural places where old evil acts once perpetuated by now dead people are reproduced anew and indefinitely, the communities in this dystopia feed upon bigotry, arrogance, and male toxicity to insulate themselves from the chaotic world outside. God forbid one steps into a Shimmer; God forbid one talks back to the Prophet or the Reverend - not to mention encountering the Dark Ones, deformed cannibals roaming the Wasteland, ready to devour on the spot whatever they catch alive. Nolan, formerly in the Army, once a husband and a father of two, stays with the cult for reasons of convenience. Lisa, a young woman whose dreams have a reality of their own, has been banished from the cult's mainstay in Kansas. Who are they to each other? How are they related to the cult's leader? What happens when they finally meet?

The answers are surprising and deeply satisfying! Michael Stone can simply do no wrong, and brings everything together to a majestic close with his cinematic prose, engrossing action scenes, and insightful forays into Native American lore. The Shimmers are a great concept, original and creepy - especially when it allows you to take a peak at the evil committed by such revolting individuals as the BTK killer, for example. The occult elements are handled with great imagination and entertaining finesse, preparing the road for a spectacular showdown in the ending.

The book delivers exactly what it promises: an immersive reading experience into the hearts and minds of both good and bad people, survivors of a world gone paranormal as well as sick and evil. Arresting visuals and triggering situations (especially if you have a weak spot for horses and kids) are also included. Highly recommended!

[Carly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

The Shimmering
Author: Michael Stone
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Horror
Release: December 10, 2025


The Shimmering was the horror novel I didn’t know I needed.
The world building was amazing! Atmospheric and terrifying…with descriptions of how the air smells to how the “rain” feels. You’re going to want a shower after “The Wastelands”.
It gave me “The Walking Dead” vibes but instead of walkers, there are the Shimmers.
It takes a lot to give me the heebs…I won’t spoil it but there is a shimmer that involves a basement…that sh1t right there was money! It makes you question what you would do if you faced the apocalypse…so you follow or do you fight?


#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #bookish #bookrec #books #bookaddict #dark
#horror #michaelstone

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes a good a good apocalyptic story? I think a good apocalyptic story does more than depict the end of the world, it makes you feel the collapse, feel the change in humanity and feel the fear it all brings. The best apocalyptic fiction isn’t just about endings, it’s more about what or who survives and that is exactly what Stone gives us. He gives us deeply human stakes that lead to moral and philosophical questions that take the characters on a rollercoaster of morally gray actions and decisions. The characters are forced to question what they are willing to sacrifice or believe for survival.

Right off we start with a very strong apocalyptic story line and then the shimmers begin. I found the concept of the “Shimmering” fascinating. A mysterious creepy force that distorts reality and blurs the line between what physically exists and what is considered to be a supernatural phenomenon. The strongest part of this book for me was the atmosphere the author creates. So lets talk about the world building in this story. Right out of the gate I was immersed in the world that Stone creates. We have vivid detail that can and will set off some alarms so definitely check your triggers.

Stone delivers evocative horror, evoking emotion and providing a deeply dark and tense atmosphere. In my humble opinion horror is most vivid and effective when it’s felt and that is exactly what Stone delivers with his world building. Then the cosmic horror really kicks in. As the story goes on the tension builds and so does the horror. We go from psychological horror, to slasher horror and end up in a fantastical world of cosmic horror. Yes please! All while maintaining a complex plot and strong characters easily keeping me turning the pages.

That ending…will we know more about the Drowned King?

Overall this was a wild ride through hell and back with psychological manipulation and detailed body horror that felt completely immersive and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

just finished The Shimmering by Michael Stone and wow. absolutely blown away. the author has this almost hypnotic way of stringing sentences together to the point where they just FLOW. it’s one of those books where the writing itself feels alive, like its heartbeat pulls you through every page whether you’re ready or not.

the world building is unreal. you can practically smell the stale air in the abandoned post-apocalyptic buildings and feel the shimmers between nightmare and reality pressing in. it’s gritty and eerie and somehow still beautiful as fuck.
what really got me was the quiet humanity beneath all the chaos. those small moments of hope, grief, and memory that sneak up on you when everything feels lost. Stone doesn’t just build a world. he makes you ache for it. even when it’s crumbling.

if you’re into stories that wrap around your heart and squeeze a little too tight, The Shimmering needs to be added to you TBR asap!

[Ian Gielen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post apocalyptic horror at its finest, The Shimmering is a blast from start to finish.

The book is set 25 years after a devasting event that sent the world into a downward spiral fast and sees the emergence of Shimmers, a phenomenon that takes the past and twists it, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural and lures unsuspecting people into their trap. The story follows Nolan, a former military man who has lost his family due to that event who is now in a colony of religious fanatics calling themselves the Redeemers run by his friend Tate who had convinced him to come with him to escape into the country at the onset of the collapse of the world. Being an unbeliever in their harsh doctrines, he is an outsider despite being the one to train the colony to guard it and help them build what they have today.
The relationship between Tate and Nolan has frayed over the years so it is no surprise when something occurs to make him leave the colony altogether and embark on finding answers to a question he hadn't thought was possible.

Meanwhile Liza, an outcast from the Redeemer colony in Park City where the Prophet, the leader of the redeemer's resides is desperate to try and pull her sister away from the impending sisterhood induction. Guided by her foster mother Mimi, she embarks on a quest of her own for answers. How do the threads of Liza and Nolan's story connect? You'll have to find out yourself.

The world building in this book is phenomenal. The in-depth exploration of the Redeemers and their idealogy is rich and believable. It's a truly terrifying world that the characters inhabit which has a tragic backstory. It's easy to sympathize with Nolan and Liz as they navigate the strict and often cruel nature of those around them.
The Shimmers themselves are a creepy concept, highlighting the horrors that people can do. Anyone finding themselves in one will be in peril as the Shimmer adjusts itself to target the newcomer, making it almost impossible to escape.

There is so much to love in this book but if you're after a well written, intelligent post-apocalyptic horror book, you can't do much better then Stone's, The Shimmering.

[Joel Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shimmering by Michael Stone is a true force to be reckoned with. A story so immersive that it reminded me of watching a friend play Fallout for the first time. I was a spectator of this wildly unique apocalypse and couldn’t look away.
From wasteland scavengers to crazy religious zealotry the main character Nolan finds himself thrust through a horrifying version of a future earth that’s been ravaged by strange things only known as ‘shimmers,’ one of which shows Nolan’s mothers death on repeat.
As he carves out his life somewhere in between the religious fanatics and the wild people outside of the walls, he learns that his family may be alive. Now, he must travel across a treacherous country for a chance to reunite with his loved ones.
Full of incredible scenes, pop off the page characters, and enough emotion to keep you turning the pages well after bedtime, The Shimmering is a must read!

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well done fusion of Post-Apocalyptic and Occult fiction. Even the beginning starts off ominous with the world building. It starts off with a cult that 'pretends' to bring in conservative, religious values, but it's really a front for something much darker. Think of the Hunger Games, but with religion as the main trope being used.

Michael pulls no punches when it comes to the gruesome details of the wasteland and the characters. I have to warn you that some of the details can be triggering, you've been warned. The ending is high impact and leaves me with questions, but in a good way.

Well done on this one, Michael. It's a great crossover between post-apocalyptic and religious horror. Give it a read, just be prepared for some of the darker sections.

[Wicked Habit · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The word, expendable, lodged in the back of his head like a tick, sucking the life out of him.”
A family torn and broken for years and now we follow them on a journey to reunite and help stop evils from being unleashed upon an already broken world.
An apocalyptic novel that is packed with heartache and adventure.
Stone really brought it home with this one. Wonderfully written with jaw dropping moments and cliff hangers at the end of each chapter. I am very thankful to have read this early

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved post-apocalyptic wastelands and the worlds created about them. This likely started by reading The Stand at a very young age. Michael Stone’s world building does not disappoint. If you enjoy heavy religious themed stories then check this one out.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Michael Stone’s newly released post-apocalyptic novel, "The Shimmering," is a work of profound emotional depth and masterful world-building that immediately earns its five-star rating. This story transcends the typical survival narrative, focusing with devastating clarity on a family torn apart and the unbreakable human drive to reunite. Stone lays the groundwork for this tragedy by first showing us a glimpse at the world and our characters right before the collapse, and then makes the jump to a shattered world 25 years later, which makes the story all the more impactful and heartbreaking.

The tension within the narrative is palpable, woven from the various dangers that inhabit this new reality. The world is populated by creatures like the inhumane "Dark Ones," who feed relentlessly, and the terrifying, illusory remnants of past evils known as "Shimmers." However, the human threat is equally compelling, embodied by "The Redeemers," a group of religious fanatics whose zealotry is a constant source of fear lead by “The Prophet”. Through these escalating conflicts, the core themes of longing, determination, and the fierce power of deep, protective love, are brought into sharp focus.

For readers who appreciate the intensity of stories like The Last of Us and The Walking Dead, The Shimmering offers a richer, more sincere exploration of survival. It asks the fundamental question: what remains of the human spirit when everything we know is gone, and what acts will we undertake to save the people we love? Stone’s writing pulls at the heartstrings while never sacrificing the brutal reality of the world he has created. This is an essential read for anyone seeking a truly meaningful and intense post-apocalyptic experience.

[Horror Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling horrific novel is set in a post apocalyptic world where Shimmers appear. These can be dead people, buildings, and even whole town's. These shimmers relive tragedies, murders, suicides,etc from the past and if someone enters or encounters one, they generally don't survive.

In this world a religious cult runs things through human sacrifice and extremely strict rules and commandments. But while they preach a type of Christianity, they worship something much darker.

The main characters are a family who have been separated since the initial event twenty five years prior. Nolan thinks his family is dead but his oldest daughter, Liza, is alive and unaware of where he is. But there's something in her bloodline that could be the key to stopping the terrifying unrelenting cult from bringing their dark gods to the world. But can this family reunite in time before it's too late?

This is a fantastic apocalyptic novel with well written characters, an action filled narrative, and some truly creepy mysteries to uncover. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book through Booksirens. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[Drew Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shimmering is post apocalyptic horror like nothing else I’ve read before. It has a creepy occult vibe mixed with apocalyptic horror. When strange shimmers show up all over the world, where sprits live repeating horrible atrocities, it causes society to unravel at the seams. And if you get stuck in a shimmer, good luck ever getting back out! As the world collapses, a new religious cult takes over. We follow Nolan who, 25 years after the collapse, finds out the daughter he once thought to be long dead is still alive.

This book has vibes of occult horror mixed with Fallout, and with a hint of cosmic horror, yet it's a completely unique experience. I was fascinated by the whole concept of the shimmers and the writing here just flows well and kept me engaged with every twist and turn. The story is just dripping with atmosphere and was surprisingly heartwarming at times.

This one is hard to put down. The world building here was so excellent and I felt completely sucked into this world. I would love to dive deeper into this world and I hope there’s a follow up!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 - A gripping post apocalyptic novel that kept me hooked from start to finish! A lot of new concepts that made the book original and made me want to keep reading to figure everything out! The author did a great job leaving breadcrumbs of information throughout the book so that the end was definitely worth the build up. I do wish the ending was a bit longer though with maybe more struggle or with more of the outcomes, but it still wrapped everything up nicely! Otherwise the writing style was fantastic and I really enjoyed the flow of the book and how it kept you on edge the entire time. I loved the cult/lovecraftian vibes the book gave me and is one of my favorite reads in this genre for sure!! The horror scenes were also the perfect amount of wtf! I highly recommend reading this book and will definitely put this author on my must read list!

Also side note- as someone from the Chicago suburbs, all the suburb references really got me excited as my town got mentioned which made it all the more scary!

[Jules Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmospheric. Twisted. Action-packed.

It goes on. This dystopian horror by Michael Stone will leave you feeling stunned, disgusted, horrified, intrigued, and more. He threads in pieces of history with the Shimmers, glimpses into the worst parts of human past, with the post-apocalyptic horrors Nolan and his daughter, Liza, are experiencing. (Get ready for an interesting take on the BTK serial unaliver…)

We follow the paths of two main perspectives, until they collide for an ending that will make you question your own beliefs and reality. While navigating the wasteland, characters are facing themes of family ties, crisis of faith, survival, loss, and more. Some of these folks you come to love, and others you hope go to the Dark Ones.

Join us in the Wastelands, and discover the true purpose of the Redeemers.

(If you are sensitive around topics of kids and animals - proceed with caution. The apocalypse spares no one.)

Cover: Don Noble

[A.M. Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever the apocalypse happens, dear Lord let’s hope it’s not the way this author writes in The Shimmering. Because he rivals Dante with the sheer number of horrors going on!

The Shimmering is a loaded post-apocalyptic story that beautifully captures so many aspects of what happens when humans face extinction. I particularly loved the depth the story took with consequences of letting outside influence destroyed the strength of family.

But this book has it all! Monsters, evil humans, witches, mystics, demonic creatures, the old west, serial k!llers, religious nuts, satanic super psychos…and an intro that’s going to uncomfortably haunt my dream for a while.

It’s a nice balance of action, drama, and emotion. And damn if Trevor didn’t end his chapters in a way that made it impossible to stop reading. There was no “I’ll just wait till tomorrow to find out what happens next.”

[Dan Mckeithan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you call a post-apocalyptic story fun? That's exactly what this is. Michael brings us Nolan, who has set out on a journey through the wasteland of America to find his family that may or may not be dead. This world that he has to travel through and survive is what makes this story so alive and exciting. We enter a world that might be ghostly, or demonic. A world that is so well described we can feel and taste the destruction. The characters are spot on, and the mystery of what has happened keep you turning the pages. We encounter cosmic horror, psychological horror, and slasher horror all in this unique makeup and the best of all is that we have fun while reading it.

[Amber Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shimmering is a fresh take on post apocalyptic horror reminiscent of The Stand, Swan Song and Handmaid’s Tale while maintaining its own originality. This is the story of a desperate father trying to get to his family, and the horrors they meet along the way. Nolan and Liza are beautifully crafted characters who exhibit unparalleled strength and determination in their quest to triumph over evil. The “shimmers” they run into are truly unique and terrifying and the parallels to the real world were unmistakable. This book was captivating from start to finish and I have to say, one of the best books of the year.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This worked well as a a post-apocalyptic horror element that I was wanting and enjoyed how it was used in the storyline. The overall feel was everything that I was looking for and had that tension that I was expecting and enjoyed the overall feel of the world. The characters were so well written and enjoyed how they were used in the cult and from the rest of the characters. Michael Stone was able to weave a strong story and left me wanting to read more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

25 years after the collapse of civilization we jump between Nolan and Liza as they search for answers in a bleak world. Both trying to avoid Dark Ones, raiders, and Shimmers. Shimmers blur reality and make the poor soul who stumbled upon it too endure some horrible things. Like your mother comm!tt!ng su!c!de over and over.
This had me hooked from the very beginning. The world building was amazingly done and the cast of characters were superb. The pacing and tension made me want to keep reading page after page. If you're looking for a dystopian, post- apocalyptic horror then grab this ASAP.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine witnessing a suicide? Once would be abd enough, but for poor Nolan, its a reoccurring reality. His long-dead mother is a Shimmer, a supernatural being unlike anything you've encountered before. Deeply atmospheric from the get go, The Shimmering will draw you into its world, crush your heart, and remind you of what it means to be human. Beautiful and brilliant, there's nothing else quite like it. Prepare to feel all the things and to be haunted long after the final page.

[Rose Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shimmering is a post apocalyptic book like none seen before. Filled with no only the end of the world as we've known it but throw in a cult and supernatural surprises and you're in for one wild ride! Stone takes the end of the world to new levels, chills and scares!

[Duncan Ralston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite feeling a bit rushed toward the end and less time spent with the Shimmers than I'd have liked, The Shimmering is an inventive horror novel with a compelling concept and an unwavering moral center.

[Jason M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An original and unsettling take on the Apocalyptic horror genre.

Loved it.