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Morium Trilogy #2

Morium: Dark Horizons

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When the Light of Hope fades….
All that’s left are Dark Horizons…

A POWERFUL and INTENSE SUPERNATURAL THRILLER

In Book 2 of the MORIUM Trilogy, Alexandria and Nathan’s struggle with their supernatural powers continue.

When a new person enters her life, Alexandria or Lexi discovers that she doesn’t need supernatural powers to have a brighter future. She can leave her bullied past behind and rebuild her life. Meanwhile, “The Gift” takes deeper hold of Nathan and his hunger for revenge grows. But he fights his need to absorb souls to regain Lexi’s trust and save their friendship.

Stacy finds herself caught in the conflict between her closest friends, even as she battles her own demons. Whose side should she take? Will she choose love over friendship… or will she fail them both?

An opportunity to get back at Lexi’s assaulter pushes Nathan back into the path of darkness. One final act of bullying sets him over the edge, and he decides to put an end to the never ending pain and humiliation he and his friends suffered over the years.

Can Lexi save Nathan from completely giving in to the dark influence of The Gift?
Will their friendship survive?

DARK HORIZONS will immerse the reader into the intricate psyches of the bullied characters we rooted for in MORIUM. Morals aside, can we really blame Nathan for his anger and his need for revenge? Through indifference, did we not have a hand in creating the monster he has become?

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2015

1 person is currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

S.J. Hermann

20 books57 followers
S.J. Hermann is a writer of paranormal, science fiction, horror, and urban fantasy novels. He has the same taste in movies, television shows and books. He currently resides in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois,

Hermann is an avid rollercoaster fan who has ridden over forty different coasters throughout his life. If there is a hockey game on television, you can bet that he will be watching, especially his favorite team the Chicago Blackhawks.

He is a Walking Dead fan and will read or watch anything about zombies. Max Brooks and Stephen King are his authors of choice.

Follow SJ on BookBub for latest new releases.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Her...

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Adri Sinclair.
Author 17 books44 followers
March 19, 2015
Let me start by saying: What an apt Title!
Mr. S.J Hermann, you have outdone yourself. The very first of your written work I read, was the interview you did with your characters – which convinced me to get the first book in the trilogy. Morium [book 1 in the trilogy]: I read it, raved and waited in anticipation [thank goodness not for too long] for the second book. Which I have just finished reading. This book IS a Thriller, it IS a Romance, and it IS absolutely beautifully depicting the intricate webs one expect from a Y/A author/read.

Sticking with the original story-line, continuing on the path of choices that needs making, friendships and hardships, I am glad I didn’t get a paper back. It would have gone flying a few times in utter frustration and disbelief – because the feelings inside build up THAT intensely.

You will NOT expect the genius twists and turns in the plots. Not only is the familiarity of the characters maintained – the story-line remained in tact and kept me emotionally bound. I screamed, and cheered, and ‘aaahhhw’ed’ and then I cried. Yes, I’m a softy and that happens. The action is intense and suspenseful, the tenderness beautiful and endearing… and the internal struggles as real as every day life.

The question is openly asked this time, as part of the dialogue: What would you do? At this point, I want to slap the author for putting me through the emotional wringer, but also hug him for doing it so very very well! This second book, Dark Horizons, left me with a feeling of delicious impatience, as I want to know how it will all play out

I am still rooting for Nathan [who for some reason brings out the mother-hen in me this time around] and I want to shake Lexi by the shoulders a little to pay closer attention. As always Stacy – teasingly perverse Stacy – made for another few highlights as the best written support character I’ve read in a while. While there is no cliffhanger to speak of… I felt like I was dropped down the edge of the world when I turned the page to be facing the credits.

The book was written – again – in the same clear, crisp and vivid style I will now forever associate with Mr. S.J Hermann. The character integrity remains and the story? Best the third book is ready soon or I am going to have a fit!

Thank you for this reading experience – but please hurry up and get the third book done.
xxx Adri.
[I had the privilege to get a sneak read [ARC COPY] of this book in the trilogy. With permission from the Author, S.J Hermann, I present you with my thoughts]
Profile Image for Stephanie Collins.
Author 1 book545 followers
March 24, 2015
I'm so ticked off right now! If there's an award out there for ridiculously intense cliffhanger endings, this author has won, hands down. There should be a law against any longer than a 24-hour wait for the next in the series for books like this! I was a bit fearful as I dove into Dark Horizons. I so often hear horror stories about subsequent serial books not living up to the quality of the first. I had no reason to fear. The tale continued, just as compelling, just as exciting, and just as well-written. I love the way it feels like the author didn't so much develop a story, but instead, developed fascinating characters. Then he just let them run free on the page, reacting to life as they saw fit to. It makes for a story that has no predictable conclusions, no cliché scenes. What's even more fascinating is that I found myself pulling for ALL of the characters. This is problematic, as the success of some relies on the failure of others. Life goes on in the story, though, good and bad, like it or not - so realistic. I loved that 3-dimentional, conflicted feel. It made me question my continued support for Nathan, despite behaviors that clearly would have turned me away from him in other books. I am in awe of this author's ability to "maintain my loyalty" in such a way. As a side note, I feel compelled to mention one of my favorite scenes - the rooftop prom scene. Beautiful. Touching. Achingly romantic in it's innocence and simplicity. I loved it. And I don't want to give anything away, but I think I'm just not prepared to fully accept the finality of certain events that took place late in the book. I'll wait until I'm forced to face them in the next installment of the series. Which will come very soon, right? Right?!
Profile Image for Eeva Lancaster.
Author 35 books94 followers
May 27, 2016
Being a voracious reader, I have high expectations when it comes to books. They should be easy to read and absorb, the story line should flow smoothly (with no WTF moments) and the characters realistic. The first time I read Book 1 of this trilogy, Morium, I was immediately hooked by the powerful writing. It's Raw and Real, even with the supernatural aspects of the book.

The topic of this trilogy is Bullying, and in Book 2, Dark Horizons, the struggles of the 3 teenage characters continue. A 2nd book usually falls short of the first one, but DARK HORIZONS delivers and completes. It is a necessary sequel to Morium. It takes us deeper into the dilemma raised by the author - If you can avenge all the wrongs done to you, would you? What is right if you've lived in torment, powerless to fight back? What if you weren't so powerless? It strikes a deep chord within, these questions. That is, if you can be true to yourself. The story is deep, dark and all too human.

But as with all good fantasy books, it is a fight between the good in all of us.. friendship, love... and our deepest and darkest urges.. the need for control and power, getting revenge. It's all here.

I recommend this book to everyone who loves to read novels that have the power to affect your point of view. We all need to see the real effects of bullying on our younger generation. The author accurately describes these effects all throughout the trilogy.

It's a powerful, relevant and thrilling read. Looking forward to Book 3.
Profile Image for Sandra Kerns.
Author 43 books107 followers
March 23, 2015
Dark Horizons picks up right where the first book finished with Lexi recovering from her faceoff with Nathan. In this book we'll see the three teens finishing up their difficult high school senior year. There is no end to the issues in this thrill ride. As another reviewer said it is aptly titled because the three are looking forward, but the horizon isn't much brighter from where they stand now than before.

That said, the twists and turns Hermann put in this book keep you turning pages. The bully issue is still prevalent, but there are other issues the young people have to deal with. Sometimes they deal with them together and other times as individuals. It gives a realistic look at how lonely teens can feel when they are on the cusp of adulthood. The question of the day is will they move into adulthood stronger for what they've faced, or will the horizon be forever dark?
Profile Image for Patty Seitz.
Author 6 books21 followers
March 23, 2015
In the second book of the Morium trilogy, the journey continues with the two teens who have obtained mysterious, not to mention dangerous, powers through an unknown source that fell from outer space and literally into their hands. We see their relationship change, perhaps for the better, perhaps not. New friendships develop as well, and we find out if they can keep their powers a secret from these friends and their loved ones. The story is building as high school comes to an end. This is absolutely a fun trilogy with a lot of anticipation in how all of this is going to play out. Part 3 can’t come soon enough for me. A highly recommended read for sci-fi enthusiasts, and if you’re not, this series just might make you a convert!
Profile Image for Suzie Jay.
Author 14 books62 followers
April 21, 2015
Before I begin I need to confess I am not a science fiction lover. I read the first book being somewhat unaware of the content. I was glad I did. It was well written, the characters were relate-able and grew and changed within the story, the writing was intense and hooked me immediately. What I'm saying is that Mr. Hermann converted me.

The only tiny downfall of the first book is that the tale seemed a bit familiar although never done as well as SJ Hermann did it. Morium: Dark Horizons (#2 in the trilogy) gave me everything I loved in the first book plus more and was totally original and different. It takes Morium to new heights and it just gets better.

The second in the series is darker, grittier, more real. The emotions are building and exploding and I was caught up in a whirlwind of tears, cheers and wonder. Nathan is trying hard to control himself to maintain his friendship with Lexie as it's all he's really ever had. Lexie is developing a new calm as she sees there could be a light at the end of the very dark tunnel.

I know I shouldn't be cheering for Nathan and his attraction to the darkness but I am. I love that kid. I want him to prevail. I don't blame him for wanting to seek revenge on those that tormented him and made his life hell.

When S.J Hermann writes, he sucks a rainbow of emotions from the reader that you just don't expect, especially with a sci-fi book. I experienced them all, happiness, elation, tears, heartbreak, anger and hope.

Hats off to you Mr Hermann you've done it again.



Profile Image for G.S. Bailey.
Author 24 books22 followers
March 24, 2015
The battle within rages in this second volume of what is shaping as an excellent trilogy. This is where the plot thickens (pardon the cliché). Tension builds like the winding down of a spring… Is the hero completely lost? Can the heroine save him somehow or must she try to take him down. CAN she take him down? The complexity in the hero turned bad guy is impressive. This is a fascinating character – the young boy bullied who has developed supernatural powers. The reasoning behind the taking of souls, the way they are imprisoned and the influence they have over the host is terrific sci fi storytelling. The first installment of this tale set an intriguing scene. This second installment ratchets up the tension and leaves us salivating.
Profile Image for Martha Perez.
Author 145 books165 followers
May 18, 2017
I have to say DARK HORIZONS BOOK 2 of the MORIUM TRILOGY was so Amazing. Lexi, Nathan and friend Stacy has been struggling in school being bullied from the kids. I know all too well how that feels when kids at school could be so cruel being bullied myself, I could relate with this story. What made this story so fantastic was the characters Lexi and Nathan were Awesome!! They received a special “Gift” this story has a supernatural theme it gave a wonderful intriguing view of phenomenal characters it all came to life with a dark side and so intense you want to change the page to read what happens next. I truly enjoyed this book I highly encourage for everyone to read. S.j Hermann has written an extraordinary story.
Profile Image for Sarah Stein.
Author 55 books518 followers
July 4, 2018
Once again, I’ll leave the full review for the trilogy box set later. On here, will be separate reviews. So, this is the second part of the trilogy and definitely pulls you in. Lexi is content with not wanting to use The Gift, hoping to move on with Kyle. Renee helps Stacey figure things out about herself that was buried deep inside, and Nathan goes through withdrawals by not using The Gift, but doesn’t last long. I was more than surprised at the end and felt at a loss for both Lexi and Nathan when their lives take another turn for the worse. I’m looking forward to the third book to see if Tiffany reveals anything she witnessed at the school.
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews23 followers
February 6, 2017
Book one of this series was magnificently crafted and the second instalment of this trilogy is just as spectacular.

Lexi is coming to terms with her acquired "gift" and if anything, she is trying hard to disregard it in order to have a normal life. Not that being constantly bullied can be considered as normal.

Nathan on the other hand has been tempted to allow his resentment and need for revenge consume him. He doesn't want to lose his long term friendship with Lexi and is now trying hard to keep himself in control.

There is tension between Lexi and Nathan after what happened at the end of the first book. They are both fighting to keep their friendship and Lexi is finding it hard to come to terms with Nathan's extreme behaviour. She finds that she is constantly having to forgive him. She is not prepared to give up just yet, though. Stacy's loyalty is divided. She loves both her friends but circumstances are preventing her from keeping secrets from one of them. Being under the influence of another entity doesn't help either. Lexi is put in a dangerous situation where she has to use her gifts and unbeknown to her, this has been orchestrated for her own good. Allegedly!

The bullies continue with their quests of hurting others and have now found another victim. Their taunts are becoming more and more cruel. In the meantime, Lexi is beginning to find the meaning of true happiness but can this last in view of everything that's going on around her? How long can she keep her secret? Kyle is a sweetheart and it will be a shame if he gets hurt in the process.

This instalment is nerve wracking. The numerous twists are more than enticing. Whenever there is a turn for the better, something worse crops up. I was screaming in one minute and cringing in the next. I fully sympathise with Nathan but if only he hadn't been tempted in the first instance. In all fairness, he wasn't expecting the full implications of these impulses. This is where his devotion for his friends shine! Revenge comes at a price!

What happens at the end is baffling! Where is this going next? Will revenge or will love prevail?

I totally enjoyed this fast pace, dark, intriguing and fascinating part of this trilogy. It's very nicely illustrated and I now look forward to see where it all ends.
Profile Image for Eeva Lancaster.
Author 35 books94 followers
January 4, 2017
Editor's Review:

Being a voracious reader, I have high expectations when it comes to books. They should be easy to read and absorb, the story line should flow smoothly and the characters realistic. The first time I read Book 1 of this trilogy, MORIUM, I was immediately hooked by the author's powerful writing. The story is raw and real, even with the supernatural aspects of the book.

The topic of this trilogy is Bullying, and in Book 2, Dark Horizons, the struggles of the 3 teenage characters continue. A 2nd book usually falls short of the first one, but DARK HORIZONS delivers and completes. It is a necessary sequel to Morium. It takes us deeper into the dilemma raised by the author -

If you can avenge all the wrongs done to you, would you?
What is right, if you've lived in torment, powerless to fight back?
What if you weren't so powerless?

It strikes a deep chord within, these questions. That is, if you can be true to yourself. The story is deep, dark and all too human.

But as with all good fantasy books, it is a fight between the good in all of us... friendship, love... and our deepest and darkest urges... the need for control and power, getting revenge. It's all here.

I recommend this book to everyone who loves to read novels that have the power to affect your point of view, while offering an unforgettable reading experience. This book stays with you. The characters are not that easy to forget.

It's a powerful, relevant and thrilling read. The Finale is much anticipated.
Profile Image for Alex Apostol.
Author 36 books179 followers
April 20, 2015
This book was even better than the first in the series! The ending gave me chills. I was reading in the dark on my tablet and it made me nervous and a little scared. That's good writing! The continuation of the first book was seamless. The author reminded his readers of what happened without being overly repetitive. I was immediately invested in the story again. I connected with the characters and I never stopped rooting for Nathan to do the right thing, no matter how evil he became. Though now I'm thinking with the ending of the book that there is no hope for Nathan. I was really sad for Stacey and the fact that she didn't get to tell Lexi her true feelings.
I think the Morium books are great young adult stories. They're sci-fi, but the things these kids dealt with before their powers and sometimes even after were very real. It paints a sad picture for kids who get bullied at school, but sends a great message all the same.
My only complaint would be the few times that the tenses changed in the writing from present to past. distracted me from the story a few times, but other readers might not even notice it. There were few grammatical and spelling mistakes beyond that.
I like it and I can't wait to read the next one to see how it ends!
Profile Image for Glenda Findley.
115 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2015
Morium: Dark Horizons, a novella at 175 pages, is book 2 of a trilogy. I enjoyed book 1, but S.J. Hermann hit the ball out of the ballpark with this tale.

I won't repeat a synopsis or give away ending details, but as a character driven reader, the growth of the amazing cast I loved/hated from book 1 surprised me. The action and suspense never ebbed, and a few scene surprises kept my eyes glued to my Kindle.

I highly recommend reading book 1 before reading Morium: Dark Horizons, even with each book having a solid open-ending to get the maximum readers enjoyment. I am excited for the final publication.
Profile Image for Carly Compass.
Author 12 books98 followers
January 22, 2017
The Breakfast Club meets Stephen King!

As if teenagers didn't have to deal with enough, these kids are dealing with a lot more than your average teen. Along with an in-depth analysis on normal teenage angst, SJ Hermann adds a paranormal twist that is sure to please. Can't wait for book 3....coming soon!
Profile Image for Mya.
25 reviews
Want to read
September 7, 2016
Want to read.... not sure if can:r
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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