Dark Vanishings

Dark Vanishings #1

by Dan Padavona

Empty streets. Neighborhoods vanished. The world is a tomb.

Tori awakens to find herself alone in her town. Her parents are missing. Perhaps they were kidnapped. Murdered. Or worse.

And now the evils ones are coming for her.

Running from those who would murder her, Tori flees with a strange boy who seems to know her. Together, they drive south along the east coast and search for humankind.

But the road is full of hidden dangers -- death watches them from every shadow.

An evil man appears in Tori's hometown in New York, flanked by wolf-like creatures with glowing eyes. Hours later, he appears in Virginia, still searching for the fleeing girl. The survivors he locates will serve his dark purpose. He won't stop until he finds Tori.

Now a secret power awakens inside Tori, a weapon which might save what little remains of the world. Will she embrace her power?

This pulse-pounding post-apocalyptic thriller will take your breath away and leave you wanting more. Fans of Stephen King and Hugh Howey should check out the Dark Vanishings series.

Start reading now!


2016 Indie Horror Novel of the Year Finalist

Praise for the Dark Vanishings series:

A breathtaking story that excites and fulfills - Andrea B

I have read all 4 in this series and loved them all. Reminds me of my favorite author, Stephen King, and his book The Stand. - Robin S

In my opinion, Padavona ranks at the very pinnacle along with King, Koontz, Gaiman and the rest. You will certainly not regret picking this or any of his other works up. - Len M

I went thru the entire series, loved every book. Found it so exciting, and honestly, I slept with the lights on and the dog goes everywhere with me in the house now. Book messes with your mind! - Boo

Characters that you can care about. Read this in one sitting. Scary as hell. Locked my doors even. - SageOctober

Full of twists and scary turns. I strongly recommend it. - natJo

I have been waiting for a post-apocalyptic story like this for a while. - Zach Bohannon

I've read The Stand 16 times. I may read this book that many times. - Indie

The intensity of the suspense in these books is more than I have experienced in a long time. The character building was beyond compare. - Michelle K

I could honestly see this series becoming the next big movie franchise. - C Rodriguez

Excellently written book! Dan Padavona is my new favorite author as he is so descriptive and sets up his scenes so well. - Melissa R.S.

This series keeps getting better with each book. - D Byron

Read the complete series. Absolutely awesome author. - Mooresl

Genres: Horror, Dystopia

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2015

About the author

Author of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.

Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.

I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.

My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.

More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 star read.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and reviewing nearly everything Mr. Padavona has written thus far, I was excited to get an advanced copy of Dark Vanishings. After seeing first hand all the potential and passion that he brings to the pages, I knew Dark Vanishings was going to be better than anything he'd written so far. I could just tell.

And I was right.

In Dark Vanishings (book 1), Padavona brings us a world where, for reasons unknown, a select handful from around the states are drawn southward with the rest of the world's population nowhere to be found. The world is empty and ripe for legal looting, squatting, loitering, and other such debaucherous mayhem. However, most of the characters want nothing more than to find some answers while on a quest to find others who share their predicament. Of course, what post-apocalyptic world would be complete without those with evil intentions? Padavona's novel gives you that exciting and daring adventurous feel, as you dig deeper into a world inhabited by only a few and with sides divided.

Because I've not read much in the way of post-apocalyptic settings, it’s not fair for me to say whether this covers old ground or breaks new. All I know is, I was entertained as I read it and would very much like book two now, please (which I hear is following along behind this one soon).

Dark Vanishings' setup is dealt much in the way of Padavona's obvious influence, Stephen King—the first handful of chapters deal with separate character developments. We read about a new character just when we become engulfed in the last. For me, the first character's introduction lacked the draw that the rest of them provide, but hang in there and you'll be sure to fall in love.

One thing that stands out for me in Padavona's work is his imagery. I get the impression that Dan may draw from fond memories as a child, in particular his summers. Wherever they were spent, I think they were magical to him, as he portrays that innocence and feel in his books. And while some may deem the book over descriptive in some very small areas, Padavona presents the actions of his characters so thoroughly I can almost picture him either re-enacting it himself as he writes or just doing plain ole’ good research.

When learning about the characters, some of them gave me that feeling I get when I'm engulfed in a good series on TV. I want to know these people. I want to help. I want to be on this adventure with them! And the characters aren't the only thing bringing life to this otherwise dead world. The locations bring endless possibilities to the world Padavona has given us.

I read this book well before its release, which gave me quite a long time to think about what I'd be writing in my review. One sentence I'd be including was certain: “I couldn’t stop thinking about it.” I wanted more of these characters and what each was going through. I wanted my questions answered just as much as they did. And while the copy I read had extra chapters that will only be revealed in book two, I can tell you this. It's going to be just as much fun!

You won't see this series vanishing anytime soon. It'll be leaving its serialized footprint all over the subgenre, making Padavona a well-known name in post-apocalyptic horror.

~Chad Lutzke, Horror Novel Reviews

[Karin Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it pretty much, nice story. However, it reminds me too much of The Stand by Stephen King, so I will not continue reading this series

[Fred Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

If it had been a stand-alone I would have gone with 5 stars.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good end of the world story! If zombies are your thing, this is worth a read!

[Bluecobras09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As individual people awaken to find virtually everyone around gone without a trace, they find themselves drawn to something. Some find themselves drawn to Florida for some reason while others are visited by a stranger who knows things no man should know. As the individuals start finding themselves running in to others heading south to Florida, others are being sent to stop them.

Good story line, characters were laid out well. Looking forward to the next book.

Recommended read.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Vanishings...

Truly a good read. The storyline is great, will be interesting to find out what is really going on.
Good guys & bad guys...each character worthy of recognition. Some better than others.
I read this from beginning to end...it was that good.!
Ready to start the next one...

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rather not read "series" books, instead would like to read a book of 1000 pages all at once. Premise is interesting.

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just great !!!

[Jack Sparrow]

nice story