What do you think?
Rate this book
Doomsday: Book I
302 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Review of advance copy
Let me preface this review by saying it's not my usual read BUT I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! It's fast-paced and engaging, and there's a lot going on in this YA horror/thriller so you'll need to pay close attention. It's the start of a series, which was very evident in the excess of exposition that went on during the first part of the book. Hopefully it's because this is the start of a series so there's a lot of world-building that has to happen in this first book. I did enjoy it overall!
What I liked:
• This book had an imaginative premise that was fairly well executed with great pacing. The story grabbed you right away and kept you reading to the end.
• The writer packed an impressive amount of detail into this book. There's a lot of action from beginning to end, and this was most definitely not a boring story.
• I liked the strong emphasis on family, whether it's biological or found family. The strong bond between the siblings was fantastic.
• For me, Kelly's ESP was a bit of a mixed-bag so your mileage may vary. As a kid I would have thought the way she used her abilities was very cool. As an adult, however, her thought-reading was an intrusive invasion of privacy. But this is a YA book so I'm erring on the side of what a kid will like when reading this book.
What didn't quite work for me:
• Too many characters to keep track of, and too many POVs. The constantly shifting POVs was helpful on the one hand, since it gave a lot of insight into the characters. However, it slowed down the pacing in places.
• I was confused that the kids seemed to take their extra-sensory abilities for granted while simultaneously acknowledging that they should hide it from most people. I hope there's more backstory there that will hopefully come to light in the other books.
• I thought the book was a bit gory and graphic for YA readers. The book is noted as appropriate for ages 13-18 years, and I would argue that younger teens may find the level of detail too much for many of the upsetting and traumatizing events. As an adult reading it, I found some of the events and details to be triggering. I won't spoil anything but definitely check content warnings before reading.
• I didn't like how cavalierly a child/adult romantic relationship was presented, especially in a book for teens.
• This didn't affect my enjoyment of the story, but I wasn't a fan of the AI book cover on the copy I was given.
Overall, I gave this 4 stars despite a few story elements that weren't for me. I do think both kids and adults will like this story, and I definitely liked it enough that I want to read the next book in the series. This review was based on a complimentary copy of the ebook, all opinions are my own.
What I liked:
• This book had an imaginative premise that was fairly well executed with great pacing. The story grabbed you right away and kept you reading to the end.
• The writer packed an impressive amount of detail into this book. There's a lot of action from beginning to end, and this was most definitely not a boring story.
• I liked the strong emphasis on family, whether it's biological or found family. The strong bond between the siblings was fantastic.
• For me, Kelly's ESP was a bit of a mixed-bag so your mileage may vary. As a kid I would have thought the way she used her abilities was very cool. As an adult, however, her thought-reading was an intrusive invasion of privacy. But this is a YA book so I'm erring on the side of what a kid will like when reading this book.
What didn't quite work for me:
• Too many characters to keep track of, and too many POVs. The constantly shifting POVs was helpful on the one hand, since it gave a lot of insight into the characters. However, it slowed down the pacing in places.
• I was confused that the kids seemed to take their extra-sensory abilities for granted while simultaneously acknowledging that they should hide it from most people. I hope there's more backstory there that will hopefully come to light in the other books.
• I thought the book was a bit gory and graphic for YA readers. The book is noted as appropriate for ages 13-18 years, and I would argue that younger teens may find the level of detail too much for many of the upsetting and traumatizing events. As an adult reading it, I found some of the events and details to be triggering. I won't spoil anything but definitely check content warnings before reading.
• I didn't like how cavalierly a child/adult romantic relationship was presented, especially in a book for teens.
• This didn't affect my enjoyment of the story, but I wasn't a fan of the AI book cover on the copy I was given.
Overall, I gave this 4 stars despite a few story elements that weren't for me. I do think both kids and adults will like this story, and I definitely liked it enough that I want to read the next book in the series. This review was based on a complimentary copy of the ebook, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I didn’t expect this book to grab me the way it did. It starts out feeling like a normal teen story, and then suddenly you’re in this cave with Travis and his sister, and everything tilts. The moment she freezes in front of that wall of symbols and whispers, “I’ve seen this before,” honestly gave me goosebumps. It’s such a tiny line, but it’s the first time you realize something is seriously wrong — not just spooky wrong, but personal for her.
Travis ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. He has this protective, slightly overwhelmed energy that feels so real for an older brother who’s trying to keep it together. There’s a scene where he finds his sister at the kitchen table, sketching those symbols over and over like she’s in a trance. She doesn’t even look up when he says her name. That moment hit me harder than any of the action scenes because it shows how alone she feels in whatever the cave did to her — and how helpless he is to fix it.
And then the supernatural stuff ramps up fast. When the three demons show up at the house, the whole vibe shifts from eerie to “oh, we’re in danger now.” Grund especially — the six arms braced against the doorway, the way Travis describes him moving “like a spider trying to stand upright” — that image has been stuck in my head ever since. It’s not gory, but it’s the kind of unsettling that crawls under your skin.
What surprised me most is how much emotional weight the story carries underneath the chaos. Travis’s sister’s obsession with the cave drawings isn’t treated like a quirky plot point; it feels like trauma. It’s messy and confusing and honestly kind of heartbreaking. By the end, I felt like I understood both of them better — not because the world suddenly made sense, but because their reactions did.
This is one of those YA thrillers that lingers after you close the book. Not because of the monsters (though they’re wild), but because of how the characters carry their fear, their loyalty, and that desperate need to survive something they can’t fully explain.
Travis ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. He has this protective, slightly overwhelmed energy that feels so real for an older brother who’s trying to keep it together. There’s a scene where he finds his sister at the kitchen table, sketching those symbols over and over like she’s in a trance. She doesn’t even look up when he says her name. That moment hit me harder than any of the action scenes because it shows how alone she feels in whatever the cave did to her — and how helpless he is to fix it.
And then the supernatural stuff ramps up fast. When the three demons show up at the house, the whole vibe shifts from eerie to “oh, we’re in danger now.” Grund especially — the six arms braced against the doorway, the way Travis describes him moving “like a spider trying to stand upright” — that image has been stuck in my head ever since. It’s not gory, but it’s the kind of unsettling that crawls under your skin.
What surprised me most is how much emotional weight the story carries underneath the chaos. Travis’s sister’s obsession with the cave drawings isn’t treated like a quirky plot point; it feels like trauma. It’s messy and confusing and honestly kind of heartbreaking. By the end, I felt like I understood both of them better — not because the world suddenly made sense, but because their reactions did.
This is one of those YA thrillers that lingers after you close the book. Not because of the monsters (though they’re wild), but because of how the characters carry their fear, their loyalty, and that desperate need to survive something they can’t fully explain.
April 24, 2026
Doomsday Book I is an fantasy/adventure/thriller YA story featuring three siblings. I don't read a lot of YA but I do love mystery/thriller and I think this book does that really well.
The story moves pretty slowly for the first two thirds of the book and a lot of characters are introduced. So many in fact, that I had a hard time keeping track of everyone and keeping who was who straight.
In the last third of the book, the story ramps up and we start getting some action. I liked the main characters and the supporting characters and am interested to see how the special skills of the main characters develop.
What I really liked were the complex family dynamics and how that's developing. I wish we would have gotten more of Jon though.
What I didn't enjoy was how the insta-love trope or blackmail was incorporated since I didn't feel either added to the actual story. I also found Brandon Cole who is Jon's best friend commenting on Kelly being hot for a 13 year old and getting hotter everyday was inappropriate and treated too casually considering the context and his likely age though it's not specified if he's 17 or 18. Regardless, that wasn't necessary.
One thing that felt odd throughout was many of the characters continuing to say "I have much work to do. I need to work hard and fast" as a response to everything. I understand part of the reason they were saying it but it was said at least a dozen times in the book and we never get any context for why they would say that specific odd phrase that I wish that had been explained more.
Overall, I liked the plot of this adventure story and would read the next installment in the series. I gave it 4 starts since I think this was a good first book in a series that feels original and interesting. This review was based on a complimentary copy of the ebook, all opinions are my own.
The story moves pretty slowly for the first two thirds of the book and a lot of characters are introduced. So many in fact, that I had a hard time keeping track of everyone and keeping who was who straight.
In the last third of the book, the story ramps up and we start getting some action. I liked the main characters and the supporting characters and am interested to see how the special skills of the main characters develop.
What I really liked were the complex family dynamics and how that's developing. I wish we would have gotten more of Jon though.
What I didn't enjoy was how the insta-love trope or blackmail was incorporated since I didn't feel either added to the actual story. I also found Brandon Cole who is Jon's best friend commenting on Kelly being hot for a 13 year old and getting hotter everyday was inappropriate and treated too casually considering the context and his likely age though it's not specified if he's 17 or 18. Regardless, that wasn't necessary.
One thing that felt odd throughout was many of the characters continuing to say "I have much work to do. I need to work hard and fast" as a response to everything. I understand part of the reason they were saying it but it was said at least a dozen times in the book and we never get any context for why they would say that specific odd phrase that I wish that had been explained more.
Overall, I liked the plot of this adventure story and would read the next installment in the series. I gave it 4 starts since I think this was a good first book in a series that feels original and interesting. This review was based on a complimentary copy of the ebook, all opinions are my own.
June 5, 2026
Doomsday has the bones of something great. This book opens with a genuinely gripping first chapter and a premise that has a lot of potential. Three siblings with unusual abilities are reunited after years apart, placed with foster parents who are warm and well-written. We then see them pulled into a world of caves, demons, and things that absolutely should not exist.
The Bishop siblings are the strongest part of the book. Kelly's powers and her narrative voice are engaging, Jon's mix of bravado and genuine heroism is fun to follow, and Travis is a quietly endearing presence. When the story focuses on the three of them and their relationships, it earns real affection from the reader.
Gemmill wastes very little time getting to the action, and the story moves with confidence. The cave sequences in the second half in particular are tense and propulsive, and the demons themselves are genuinely creative and sometimes darkly funny.
The one thing I had a hard time with is that the book struggles to find its footing sometimes. The shift from suburban supernatural thriller to full-scale demon adventure happens quickly enough that the earlier world building can feel slightly underserved. The pacing sometimes feels a bit uneven as the story progresses, with some sequences dragging in places where the earlier chapters felt more confident.
There is a lot set up in the first half that the ending doesn't have room to resolve, though that is partly to leave room for the series to continue.
That said, the ending leaves you wanting more and is a great recommendation for younger readers. If you enjoy fast-paced YA horror with a big cast of likeable characters and genuinely inventive monster design, this is a great time. For anyone looking for a tighter story with a more satisfying arc, it may be worth waiting to see how the series develops before diving in.
The Bishop siblings are the strongest part of the book. Kelly's powers and her narrative voice are engaging, Jon's mix of bravado and genuine heroism is fun to follow, and Travis is a quietly endearing presence. When the story focuses on the three of them and their relationships, it earns real affection from the reader.
Gemmill wastes very little time getting to the action, and the story moves with confidence. The cave sequences in the second half in particular are tense and propulsive, and the demons themselves are genuinely creative and sometimes darkly funny.
The one thing I had a hard time with is that the book struggles to find its footing sometimes. The shift from suburban supernatural thriller to full-scale demon adventure happens quickly enough that the earlier world building can feel slightly underserved. The pacing sometimes feels a bit uneven as the story progresses, with some sequences dragging in places where the earlier chapters felt more confident.
There is a lot set up in the first half that the ending doesn't have room to resolve, though that is partly to leave room for the series to continue.
That said, the ending leaves you wanting more and is a great recommendation for younger readers. If you enjoy fast-paced YA horror with a big cast of likeable characters and genuinely inventive monster design, this is a great time. For anyone looking for a tighter story with a more satisfying arc, it may be worth waiting to see how the series develops before diving in.
April 28, 2026
Doomsday Book I by R.L. Gemmill immediately pulls you in from the very first pages. Right away, you're dropped into an intense and action-packed situation alongside the characters. This instant immersion makes the book hard to put down and sets the tone for the rest of the story. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is how the author crafts the characters. The Bishop siblings, and their foster family and friends, each get their own perspective and presence within the narrative. The book takes its time showing what each character is doing and how they interpret the events unfolding around them. Because of this, the characters feel fully alive and real. You do more than just read what's happening to them, you connect with them. Even the antagonistic characters are written with so much depth that you either sympathize with them or appreciate how fully vile they are. There is also a constant sense of movement and momentum in the story. It's filled with action, events, and supernatural elements such as unique abilities, telepathy, and demons, making the story gripping, original, and unique. Gemmill's writing style deserves recognition as well. The imagery throughout the book is vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize what's happening. The author also does a phenomenal job of showing rather than telling, making you feel like you've stepped into the world he's crafted, rather than just being an outsider looking in. The combination of realistic characters, fantastic imagery, and a unique storyline was what made this one of my new favorite books and I'm very excited to read Book Two!
Review of advance copy
A terrible accident claimed both parents at the start of Doomsday by R. L. Gemmill, and Kelly, Travis, and Jon were forced to live apart for seven years before Angie and Chris McCormick invited them into their home. Kelly can read the thoughts of most people, while Travis has uncanny empathy for what others are feeling.
Much of the book's action takes place in Crystal Creek Park, which will later become part of Shenandoah National Park. It is home to Pandora’s Cave, which the group, including two of Jom's teachers, explores. While they are in the cave, a natural disaster occurs. Will they survive? Separated from most of the adults, the children make a scary discovery.
The author often uses character names as subheadings. While this may be helpful in longer chapters, I found them annoying when placed too close together. The author also places nearly blank pages between chapters, and I found them pointless. While describing people by their race when necessary for character descriptions is fine, I think this author sometimes used race unnecessarily.
I love the way that Kelly is always correcting Travis' grammar. It adds the perfect touch of humor to this story. This book definitely has enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5. I took a point away for the racial profiling, especially in the cave scene. The book flows smoothly, and the characters are well-developed. This is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading more.
Much of the book's action takes place in Crystal Creek Park, which will later become part of Shenandoah National Park. It is home to Pandora’s Cave, which the group, including two of Jom's teachers, explores. While they are in the cave, a natural disaster occurs. Will they survive? Separated from most of the adults, the children make a scary discovery.
The author often uses character names as subheadings. While this may be helpful in longer chapters, I found them annoying when placed too close together. The author also places nearly blank pages between chapters, and I found them pointless. While describing people by their race when necessary for character descriptions is fine, I think this author sometimes used race unnecessarily.
I love the way that Kelly is always correcting Travis' grammar. It adds the perfect touch of humor to this story. This book definitely has enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5. I took a point away for the racial profiling, especially in the cave scene. The book flows smoothly, and the characters are well-developed. This is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading more.
Review of advance copy
**ARC Review**
This novel is a strong and engaging series opener that blends horror with emotional depth, driven by an imaginative premise and fast-paced storytelling. From the beginning, the plot hooks the reader and maintains momentum with near-constant action, making it a compelling and difficult-to-put-down read. The author also succeeds in weaving in meaningful themes of family, both biological and chosen, with particularly effective sibling dynamics that add heart to the story.
The book’s detail-rich narraive occasionally leans too heavily on exposition, especially in dialogue. Allowing characters’ actions to convey emotion rather than explicitly stating it would create a more natural and impactful reading experience. Additionally, while the mysterious antagonist and demonic elements are intriguing, the world-building could benefit from more unique and specific lore to distinguish it from familiar apocalyptic tropes.
Some aspects may not work for all readers. The large cast of characters and shifting points of view, while offering insight, can sometimes disrupt pacing and make the story harder to follow. Certain character elements, such as the casual treatment of psychic abilities, feel underexplored and may leave readers wanting more background. The tone can also be surprisingly graphic for a YA audience, with some scenes potentially too intense for younger readers. Finally, a questionable romantic subplot may be off-putting for some given the agre groups involved.
This novel is a strong and engaging series opener that blends horror with emotional depth, driven by an imaginative premise and fast-paced storytelling. From the beginning, the plot hooks the reader and maintains momentum with near-constant action, making it a compelling and difficult-to-put-down read. The author also succeeds in weaving in meaningful themes of family, both biological and chosen, with particularly effective sibling dynamics that add heart to the story.
The book’s detail-rich narraive occasionally leans too heavily on exposition, especially in dialogue. Allowing characters’ actions to convey emotion rather than explicitly stating it would create a more natural and impactful reading experience. Additionally, while the mysterious antagonist and demonic elements are intriguing, the world-building could benefit from more unique and specific lore to distinguish it from familiar apocalyptic tropes.
Some aspects may not work for all readers. The large cast of characters and shifting points of view, while offering insight, can sometimes disrupt pacing and make the story harder to follow. Certain character elements, such as the casual treatment of psychic abilities, feel underexplored and may leave readers wanting more background. The tone can also be surprisingly graphic for a YA audience, with some scenes potentially too intense for younger readers. Finally, a questionable romantic subplot may be off-putting for some given the agre groups involved.
Review of advance copy
*ARC REVIEW*
I'm conflicted with how to feel about this book. For one thing, I feel this was really well done and the plot was excellent, and some parts of the writing were great (especially the jumping perspectives so readers can see each character and their motivations). However, I had some trouble with the pacing of the story. There were some moments where I was having trouble getting through small sections, and then there were sections that read by so fast, that I was worried I missed out on some of the action.
The characters all had nuance and I felt stood out as their own, and worked as an ensemble. The human characters felt very real when I read the book and the human situations they found themselves in (for example, Kelly gets bullied by a character named Donnivee and becomes best friends with a character named Melissa) were also real and didn't feel too mature or childlike for the character going through it (save for Kurt. Although I feel sharing my issue with Kurt's character may be a spoiler).
I would recommend this book to a young adult (ages 13-18) who might want to try some monster stories and want a place to start. Mind your triggers, as there is violence (people are fighting real demons), and topics that may not be suitable for younger audiences. But it is a great introduction to monster stories, is very original, and will develop a fandom once the series is all published.
I'm conflicted with how to feel about this book. For one thing, I feel this was really well done and the plot was excellent, and some parts of the writing were great (especially the jumping perspectives so readers can see each character and their motivations). However, I had some trouble with the pacing of the story. There were some moments where I was having trouble getting through small sections, and then there were sections that read by so fast, that I was worried I missed out on some of the action.
The characters all had nuance and I felt stood out as their own, and worked as an ensemble. The human characters felt very real when I read the book and the human situations they found themselves in (for example, Kelly gets bullied by a character named Donnivee and becomes best friends with a character named Melissa) were also real and didn't feel too mature or childlike for the character going through it (save for Kurt. Although I feel sharing my issue with Kurt's character may be a spoiler).
I would recommend this book to a young adult (ages 13-18) who might want to try some monster stories and want a place to start. Mind your triggers, as there is violence (people are fighting real demons), and topics that may not be suitable for younger audiences. But it is a great introduction to monster stories, is very original, and will develop a fandom once the series is all published.
June 3, 2026
Although the premise of this book had merit, the writing and flow left much to be desired. There was simply too much going on in this book, leading to it being full of a lot of fluff that I did not think benefited the storytelling. Some of the filler material that did not seem to fit the basis of the story included the causal special powers of the children, the secondary friend characters such as Brandon and Melissa, and the chess tournament side story. I found the multiple points of view difficult to follow and unnecessary, as many of the characters did not have enough depth to warrant switching between their view points. The many named characters served to distract instead of enhance.
At times, this book is both too mature and too juvenile for a young adult audience. There were several mentions of Kelly being “pretty” and in one instance, “hot”, by Jon’s friend Brandon that is seriously inappropriate to describe a 13 year old character. I had some issues with the way that people of color and other nationalities are described, such as evaluating the characters on their English-speaking capabilities instead of their merit as a rescue crew.
I was lost how two very main characters, Chris and Jon, are completely different after the cave, yet their friends and family treat it as quirky and humor the personality changes. This does not fit with the family-first narrative that is attempted in bringing the Bishop siblings together with Chris and Angie.
At times, this book is both too mature and too juvenile for a young adult audience. There were several mentions of Kelly being “pretty” and in one instance, “hot”, by Jon’s friend Brandon that is seriously inappropriate to describe a 13 year old character. I had some issues with the way that people of color and other nationalities are described, such as evaluating the characters on their English-speaking capabilities instead of their merit as a rescue crew.
I was lost how two very main characters, Chris and Jon, are completely different after the cave, yet their friends and family treat it as quirky and humor the personality changes. This does not fit with the family-first narrative that is attempted in bringing the Bishop siblings together with Chris and Angie.
June 5, 2026
There is a lot to cover in this book. The first is that there were a lot of characters that were rapidly introduced one after another and each had such small sections of text. This made it difficult to keep track of which characters were performing the action as well as which characters were core to the story (the siblings).
The premise and description of the book was fascinating. The entry to the action with the car crash in the very beginning was well done and a great introduction to the siblings and how they ended up in the foster care system. I was very intrigued once I figured out that Kelly had psychic powers and that she could tell how her peers thought of her. I feel that if she had been the primary POV with some chapters from Jon and Travis that it would have significantly helped the flow of the book not feel forced.
The writing itself was clear and easy to read. It was perfect for younger readers when enough variation in sentence structure and pacing that it will keep younger readers engaged. I do think that having all those POVs from different characters will be confusing to the same audience, though. That along with some of the grammatical errors caused a few issues when reading it.
Overall, the book was paced well with an intriguing storyline and plot that will keep kids reading well after bedtime. There were issues with introducing too many character POVs, but the writing itself made this an easy read.
The premise and description of the book was fascinating. The entry to the action with the car crash in the very beginning was well done and a great introduction to the siblings and how they ended up in the foster care system. I was very intrigued once I figured out that Kelly had psychic powers and that she could tell how her peers thought of her. I feel that if she had been the primary POV with some chapters from Jon and Travis that it would have significantly helped the flow of the book not feel forced.
The writing itself was clear and easy to read. It was perfect for younger readers when enough variation in sentence structure and pacing that it will keep younger readers engaged. I do think that having all those POVs from different characters will be confusing to the same audience, though. That along with some of the grammatical errors caused a few issues when reading it.
Overall, the book was paced well with an intriguing storyline and plot that will keep kids reading well after bedtime. There were issues with introducing too many character POVs, but the writing itself made this an easy read.
Review of advance copy
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure what to expect because the cover of the copy I received was clearly AI generated, but I didn't want to judge a book by its cover just yet. The story starts off by 3 kids tragically losing both of their parents, which sets the mood of the rest of the book. The pace of it was perfect for me, not too fast or too slow, which I can always appreciate in a book. I didn't love how many different character point of views there were, but I understand that it was probably the best way of getting the most information from the characters by using differing perspectives. I've never read a book with this type of story line before, it kept me super engaged! The details were pretty impressive, even though it was kind of a lot to swallow sometimes. It also wasn't predictable which I loved because nothing is worse than when you're reading and know exactly what is going to happen throughout the book or the end. I loved how realistic the relationship between the siblings is, I related to both Jon and Kelly at different points as i'm also an older sibling. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because I didn't like how everyone seemed to ignore the way that Chris and Jon acted when first leaving the cave after the earthquake. I am excited to see how people interpret this book once it's published and can't wait for the future books of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wasn't sure about this book going in. But a quarter into it I was hooked. A third into it I was worried. Halfway I was anxious. And at the end I was relieved and waiting for book 2. This book is a good mix of Science Fiction, horror, and thriller. The middle is a little slow, but that only serves to ratchet up the tension. There's not exactly a climax, though, as the action stays consistently high through the second half of the book.
I had a couple of minor issues. First, the author likes to front-load all the character descriptions, going for a "tell, don't show" approach. Caught me off guard the first few times but I didn't mind so much. Then I realized that there's no additional description later on. Nothing mentions a quality of the characters to remind you of what they look like. I honestly kind of forgot by the end. The other thing touched on a peeve of mine, which is having the name of the POV character stated before the scene. At first it was distracting, then it was annoying. Sometimes it's the same character but their name is inexplicably mentioned again. Often it's not strictly in that character's POV. At least it's in the third person.
Overall it's a really good read. I'm going to find out how long I have to wait for Book 2.
I had a couple of minor issues. First, the author likes to front-load all the character descriptions, going for a "tell, don't show" approach. Caught me off guard the first few times but I didn't mind so much. Then I realized that there's no additional description later on. Nothing mentions a quality of the characters to remind you of what they look like. I honestly kind of forgot by the end. The other thing touched on a peeve of mine, which is having the name of the POV character stated before the scene. At first it was distracting, then it was annoying. Sometimes it's the same character but their name is inexplicably mentioned again. Often it's not strictly in that character's POV. At least it's in the third person.
Overall it's a really good read. I'm going to find out how long I have to wait for Book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A lovely and engaging read, the story follows Kelly, a strong teenager who has survived what most people would not be able to endure while growing up in foster homes. After years of uncertainty, she finally finds a place she can truly call home with the McCormick family, who care about her and give her the sense of belonging she has long needed. This new environment allows Kelly to begin building trust and meaningful relationships again.
Fortunately for her, she meets Melissa, a new friend who is exceptionally curious and always eager to find answers to mysterious things. Their friendship quickly becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of the story. I especially appreciated the level of trust they share and the courage they show when they find themselves in dangerous situations. Both girls think alike, and their shared curiosity leads them to uncover clues about strange events happening around them.
As the story unfolds, their determination and willingness to investigate begin to reveal important information about what is happening and what might be done to stop it. The McCormick family also adds an interestin. Thanks for giving me the privilege to read it for free. I hope you find my honest review encouraging.
Fortunately for her, she meets Melissa, a new friend who is exceptionally curious and always eager to find answers to mysterious things. Their friendship quickly becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of the story. I especially appreciated the level of trust they share and the courage they show when they find themselves in dangerous situations. Both girls think alike, and their shared curiosity leads them to uncover clues about strange events happening around them.
As the story unfolds, their determination and willingness to investigate begin to reveal important information about what is happening and what might be done to stop it. The McCormick family also adds an interestin. Thanks for giving me the privilege to read it for free. I hope you find my honest review encouraging.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The opening is a gut-punch of emotional devastation — three young kids losing their parents in a car crash. The children are Jon, who has a particular martial prowess, Kelly, who is wise beyond her years and a budding telepath, and young Travis who is an empath. They end up separated in the foster system but eventually reunited by the McCormick family — Chris and Angie, who take all three children into their home.
The characters are written well and the world is believable in a way that sucks you in and makes you feel a nostalgia for youth and a time gone by, even if that time technically never existed as the book describes. It's whimsical and brutal all at once. Reading this is like living in the strangest movie, I was enrapt and at the edge of my seat in the best way.
The family gets into trouble when they go to explore a local cave and find an entire demon society. After this there is strange magic, potion brewing, and an ominous looming threat. Jon hasn't come back the same. Neither has Chris, the father figure.
I got this book for free in advance so I could review it honestly. This is my honest review, I can't wait to read the second installment and find out what happens next.
The characters are written well and the world is believable in a way that sucks you in and makes you feel a nostalgia for youth and a time gone by, even if that time technically never existed as the book describes. It's whimsical and brutal all at once. Reading this is like living in the strangest movie, I was enrapt and at the edge of my seat in the best way.
The family gets into trouble when they go to explore a local cave and find an entire demon society. After this there is strange magic, potion brewing, and an ominous looming threat. Jon hasn't come back the same. Neither has Chris, the father figure.
I got this book for free in advance so I could review it honestly. This is my honest review, I can't wait to read the second installment and find out what happens next.
April 27, 2026
Doomsday is a good book I believe because it combines supernatural suspense, strong character development, emotional weight, and relentless pacing into a story that feels thrilling and meaningful. This is certainly the kind of novel that hooks you early and doesn’t let go.
I liked how the plot moves quickly, with escalating stakes and a constant feeling that the characters are one step away from disaster. The suspense of supernatural elements and conspiracy keeps the tension high from the first chapter....sitting on the edge of your chair early and wanting to read the entire book right away.
The emotional core of the book comes from a couple of orphaned siblings who are not only navigating a terrifying discovery but also their own trauma and complicated family dynamics. Their bond, their fear, and their determination give the story a softness. This kind of action and emotional realism is one reason the book resonates with you.
Another thing I liked about this book is the way the story tied in themes of trust, courage, and resilience, giving it more than a typical monster driven plot to think about.
This is the exact type of suspense thriller that you can't put down once you pick it up.
I liked how the plot moves quickly, with escalating stakes and a constant feeling that the characters are one step away from disaster. The suspense of supernatural elements and conspiracy keeps the tension high from the first chapter....sitting on the edge of your chair early and wanting to read the entire book right away.
The emotional core of the book comes from a couple of orphaned siblings who are not only navigating a terrifying discovery but also their own trauma and complicated family dynamics. Their bond, their fear, and their determination give the story a softness. This kind of action and emotional realism is one reason the book resonates with you.
Another thing I liked about this book is the way the story tied in themes of trust, courage, and resilience, giving it more than a typical monster driven plot to think about.
This is the exact type of suspense thriller that you can't put down once you pick it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2026
Headline: An Intense, High-Stakes Thriller with Core Heart and Minor Speedbumps
Doomsday: Book I is a fast-paced, engaging dive into a YA horror/thriller landscape that grabs you from the very first page. At its heart, the story shines brightest when focusing on the powerful bond between the siblings and the concept of found family amidst chaos. That said, the book does ask the reader to juggle a lot. The opening acts are heavy on exposition to establish the series' world-building, and the frequent POV shifts among a large cast of characters can occasionally stall the book's great momentum. Kelly’s ESP abilities add a fun, classic sci-fi element, though the narrative leaves a few questions unanswered regarding how easily the characters accept these powers.
A quick note for sensitive readers: The story ventures into pretty graphic, gory territory that might feel a bit intense for the younger end of the YA spectrum. Additionally, a brief adult/child romantic dynamic felt out of place for a teen novel. Overall, R.L. Gemmill has crafted an imaginative and action-packed launchpad for a new series. If you love high-intensity survival stories and strong family dynamics, this is absolutely worth the read!
Doomsday: Book I is a fast-paced, engaging dive into a YA horror/thriller landscape that grabs you from the very first page. At its heart, the story shines brightest when focusing on the powerful bond between the siblings and the concept of found family amidst chaos. That said, the book does ask the reader to juggle a lot. The opening acts are heavy on exposition to establish the series' world-building, and the frequent POV shifts among a large cast of characters can occasionally stall the book's great momentum. Kelly’s ESP abilities add a fun, classic sci-fi element, though the narrative leaves a few questions unanswered regarding how easily the characters accept these powers.
A quick note for sensitive readers: The story ventures into pretty graphic, gory territory that might feel a bit intense for the younger end of the YA spectrum. Additionally, a brief adult/child romantic dynamic felt out of place for a teen novel. Overall, R.L. Gemmill has crafted an imaginative and action-packed launchpad for a new series. If you love high-intensity survival stories and strong family dynamics, this is absolutely worth the read!
Review of advance copy
Wow. This book gripped me from the first page. I was highly entertained and impressed. I will not give any spoilers away but Jon, Kelly, and Travis are the three main characters of this story and they endured a lot for youngsters, and now they must fight against Mr. Deel and the demons. Those demons are scary, weird, and ugly-looking. I can literally picture these demons. Kelly had me laughing about Majik Juice's ingredients. It's mixed with hair and cockroaches. She made a face and guess what? I made a face, too. It's disgusting just picturing it.
There are some funny moments in this book. I'm glad it's a series because I want to see how the characters will develop more in their actions going forward. It can't end there. This book is definitely descriptive, action-packed, and will have you reading to the end.
Hats off to R. L. Gemmill. Young people do act and think like that. I loved all the Bishop kids. They are resilient and determined to fight the forces of good against evil with the help of the supporting characters who are also awesome in this book. I can't wait to read the second. I recommend reading this book. Enjoy reading. 🙂
There are some funny moments in this book. I'm glad it's a series because I want to see how the characters will develop more in their actions going forward. It can't end there. This book is definitely descriptive, action-packed, and will have you reading to the end.
Hats off to R. L. Gemmill. Young people do act and think like that. I loved all the Bishop kids. They are resilient and determined to fight the forces of good against evil with the help of the supporting characters who are also awesome in this book. I can't wait to read the second. I recommend reading this book. Enjoy reading. 🙂
Review of advance copy
I got the opportunity to read this book and it turned out to be a pretty intense story. It starts off following a group of teenagers dealing with normal life stuff like foster homes, friendships, and trying to figure out where they fit in, but it slowly starts getting darker as the story goes on. There’s this uneasy feeling building in the background with strange ideas, questionable influences, and plans that don’t seem right. By the time things really start unfolding, it’s clear something much bigger and more disturbing has been developing the whole time. Some parts are a little unsettling, but that’s also what makes it hard to stop reading. If you like stories that mix suspense with darker themes and keep you wondering where things are headed, this one will probably keep your attention.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is about siblings Jon, Kelly, and Travis. It is told from many people's point of view and I honestly think that makes it more interesting. There are a couple mistakes but nothing major. I'm really looking forward to reading the second book in this series. It does end on a little bit of a cliffhanger. Even if you don't like cliffhangers you should still give this book a try.
Slight spoilers: the siblings become orphaned at a young age. Many years later they end up with a couple who never had kids of their own. On a day trip with their foster dad and a couple other adults there was a natural disaster that led to them finding out about some evil plans. There are things in their world that they never thought existed. They have a fight on their hands trying to get people to believe them. So if you are into fantasy books with a little mystery give this book a chance.
Slight spoilers: the siblings become orphaned at a young age. Many years later they end up with a couple who never had kids of their own. On a day trip with their foster dad and a couple other adults there was a natural disaster that led to them finding out about some evil plans. There are things in their world that they never thought existed. They have a fight on their hands trying to get people to believe them. So if you are into fantasy books with a little mystery give this book a chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
Review of Advance Copy
I enjoyed the premise of the book and the idea. It's right up my alley as far as genre and plot line. Demons and special powers are always a good read.
However, some things that bothered me was the dialogue of all the characters. I know the book is YA, but the dialogue felt really immature, even for the adult characters and it didn't feel natural. People don't naturally talk like that.
And the way the siblings acted didn't fit with what their ages were supposed to be in the present time. For example, Travis now being 9 but talking like a 5-year-old.
The book could be a 4- or 5-star rating if there were some adjustments made to the dialogue. That was my only gripe.
I enjoyed the premise of the book and the idea. It's right up my alley as far as genre and plot line. Demons and special powers are always a good read.
However, some things that bothered me was the dialogue of all the characters. I know the book is YA, but the dialogue felt really immature, even for the adult characters and it didn't feel natural. People don't naturally talk like that.
And the way the siblings acted didn't fit with what their ages were supposed to be in the present time. For example, Travis now being 9 but talking like a 5-year-old.
The book could be a 4- or 5-star rating if there were some adjustments made to the dialogue. That was my only gripe.
May 13, 2026
Doomsday starts with a thrilling scene of how the children become orphans and omg, way to make me cry in the first chapter. I loved that as the story unfolds you are told from various characters' perspectives but this could get a little confusing when the perspective would change mid-scene. The beginning and end of the book are thrilling and very fast paced and I could not put the book down. The middle of Doomsday was a tad slow but I feel this was somewhat necessary to introduce new characters and help set the end scene.
Overall this was a terrific, fun, quick read and I'm going to have to check out the next book in this series because I cannot be left on a cliffhanger like that!! I was given a complimentary ARC of this book
Overall this was a terrific, fun, quick read and I'm going to have to check out the next book in this series because I cannot be left on a cliffhanger like that!! I was given a complimentary ARC of this book
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed Doomsday by R. L. Gemmill. It grabbed my attention right away with an intense opening scene, and the excitement never let up. The characters felt incredibly realistic, especially Kelly, Jon, and Travis. Each one had their unique traits and skills, which really enriched the story. The combination of mystery, action, and supernatural elements made the reading experience enjoyable and thrilling. Plus, the cave exploration and the bizarre events surrounding Pandora’s Cave added a lot of suspense. Overall, it was an entertaining read and a fantastic kickoff to the series. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy
Tragedy leaves the Bishop siblings orphaned. Each child is exceptional; gifted with special powers and talents. This serves them well in their foster family and throughout this YA novel. a highly anticipated day of cave exploration leads them to the discovery of a conspiracy involving a strange salesman, demon creatures, and possible possession. Yet, their story is so unexpectedly bizarre, who will believe them? The characters are relatable. The story moves at a good clip keeping the reader in suspense with paranormal plot twists and cliffhangers. The book is quite a ride, especially for those missing TV's "Stranger Things."
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book there was a lot going on especially after they enter the cave. there was an earthquake and then they found demons in the cave and some of the characters were captured and used by the demons as slaves to work until they die and then they eat them. the demons also go after one of the characters that got away because of her having telepathic powers. Also the ones that were captured had demons come out of the cave in their place so that no one would know that the real people were captured and still in the cave. Also the mean character had problems with a bully at school. over all I really liked this book.
Review of advance copy
It’s a little earnest and occasionally cheesy, but underneath that there’s a genuine tenderness and a real sense of loss that made the early chapters quietly affecting. It starts with outright horror and grief, then quietly settles into a story about three siblings who are still carrying that night around in everything they do, how they protect each other, how they hide things, how they try to be “normal” when nothing really is.
What stayed with me wasn’t the powers or the school drama so much as the emotional texture and love showing up in the little moments with their new foster parents...loneliness never quite leaves the edges of the page.
What stayed with me wasn’t the powers or the school drama so much as the emotional texture and love showing up in the little moments with their new foster parents...loneliness never quite leaves the edges of the page.
Review of advance copy
When tragedy hits the Bishop siblings in the first chapter from the perspective from the kids I didn't think that I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. The author does take alot of time describing the characters and places but does not really touch on those descriptions later in the book so it was a little hard to remember what some of the characters look like when they were described early on. I did enjoy that the magic started with just having some abilities to actual creatures trying to destroy the world. I can not wait to see what happens next in the series.
Review of advance copy
I honestly didn't expect to get so sucked into this story! The way the tension builds leading up to the halfway mark kept me up way too late.
I was especially hooked by the shift in the main character's motivations it made the stakes feel so much higher and completely changed how I saw the rest of the book. The world-building is intense, and the pacing never really lets up once the doomsday clock starts ticking.
If you like stories with high stakes and morally grey characters that keep you guessing until the very last chapter, you definitely need to add this to your TBR
I was especially hooked by the shift in the main character's motivations it made the stakes feel so much higher and completely changed how I saw the rest of the book. The world-building is intense, and the pacing never really lets up once the doomsday clock starts ticking.
If you like stories with high stakes and morally grey characters that keep you guessing until the very last chapter, you definitely need to add this to your TBR
April 29, 2026
This was a fun read about three siblings who tragically lose their parents in a car accident and are sent to live with new foster parents. I do read some YA here and there but I would categorize this novel as a bit more of a teen series. There are a lot of character perspectives so there is quite a bit of bouncing back and forth throughout the storyline which could be a little confusing. The storyline is unique and is more of a fantasy adventure than a thriller. Overall, a good read and I’d be interested to see what happens next in book 2!
May 13, 2026
This book started off really slow for me, but as it started picking up and the relationship started to grow in the story, it really started pulling me in and not to give anything really away, but I really liked all the diversity in the different demons that the writer really puts into the story itself. I also really enjoyed the fact that the children have mental abilities that are growing throughout the story and are used appropriately. I also really enjoyed the fact that everything they’ve been through they still support each other no matter what.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I received and ARC copy of this book. While reading this book, I struggled with viewing the characters as any older than middle school with their dialect and mannerisms. It was presented to me as a YA but I feel it is more of a teen series. Some of the "side comments" I felt were more of a distraction from the overall flow of the story and often found myself struggling to reconnect with the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews