Seven-X

by Mike Wech

     SEVEN-X is a spine-tingling pendulum of extremes where the purest love and deepest evil cut into your soul and take you on a journey deep into the heart of the human condition.      Los Angeles Times Investigative Reporter Eddie Hansen gets a tip on a missing death row prisoner being held in at a Behavioral Health Center in a remote location outside the small town of Dell City, Texas. With an opportunity to break the story, he ventures into a world he was never prepared for. Eddie voluntarily commits himself into the asylum in hopes of finding Annette Dobson, "The SIDS Killer." She is rumored to have had her execution faked so she could be shipped to the asylum, have an exorcism and give birth to the child the world thinks is dead.      Eddie's journals, video diary and recordings leave a trail of breadcrumbs into experimental procedures conducted on patients without their consent. As he dives deeper into his investigation, Eddie is forced to confront his own demons, as an unwilling participant in the asylum's rehabilitation procedures.      NOTE: This version of "SEVEN-X" is a "Collector's LIMITED EDITION. The premiere version adapted for the feature film will be available soon and this version will no longer be sold to the public.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Paranormal, Fiction, Suspense, Ebooks

270 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2012

About the author

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Mike grew up with the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres heartbreaking losses, which may have led him to write horror for his debut novel.

Surviving a near death experience, a debilitating car accident and a career in Hollywood, Mike has maintained his persistence to overcome obstacles and pursue his passion for telling stories that transcend time.

Mike strives to bring a unique edge to his writing to tell stories in creative new ways. He loves thinking outside the box to bring readers something new which captures the imagination and engulfs the reader in the experience.

As a professional Filmmaker and Film/TV Editor, Mike has worked with some of Hollywood's Top Talent. He has been developing new technology to create a more immersive theatrical experience for the SEVEN-X Film Franchise, teaming up with Award Winning Engineers, Technicians and Producers to bring Next Generation 3D Film to the big screen.

Learn more about the SEVEN-X Franchise at www.seven-x.com
Follow SEVEN-X on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sevenx.volume1
Follow Mike on twitter: www.twitter.com/mikewech @mikewech

Learn more about the SEVEN-X Franchise at www.seven-x.com
Follow SEVEN-X on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sevenx.volume1
Follow Mike on twitter: www.twitter.com/mikewech @mikewech

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven-X is one of those books that stays with you long after you read it. There are so many layers to the story and such depth of thought that I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading and kept wanting to go back and read more. I'm anxious to see if there is a sequel or additional volumes coming because the ending left me wanting to know so much more about Eddie, Annette and the baby Kevin.

I found these characters fascinating and haunting, as well as the demons. I ended up googling their names and found the information very accurate and well researched. Which is why I got chills as I read. Some portions of this book literally had the hairs on my arm standing up and I was so immersed in the action that I was afraid to move or put down the book.

Eddie Hansen is a tragic hero and I felt myself screaming at the pages for him to stop his journey into madness because it was becoming my own. This book drags you into his adventure and with every breath taking step you find yourself trapped in that asylum with no way out!

Seven-X is a chilling tale that makes you question the unseen world around you and take into account your actions that may alter this spiritual dimension. It is truly a fascinating and powerful story.

[Melisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I didn't want to put it down! It was very intense, creepy to the core, sent chills down my spine anticipating what was going to happen next! The wording was sensational! The way it was written made me feel as if I was right there with the main character Eddie Hanson in that mental hospital and experiencing the things he did while there! I highly recommend reading this book. You will be glad you did! I really hope this book gets made into a movie cause I will deffinetly be going to see this one! I hope there is going to be a sequel though because I want to know more about Annette and her baby Kevin! And how Eddie is dealing with his own demons! And I wander will there be more people there who have supposedly died or disappeared that are being "healed"? Will the demons ever be destroyed for good? Guess I will just have to wait and see! I am glad I won this through Goodreads First Reads.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about one wild ride!!! Let me tell you, I love watching scary movies and reading scary books. To the point that if I have to watch a movie alone, I will. Also, not much scares me. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I was constantly asking my self, “Is it this,,, is it that,,,, no really!!!” I really enjoyed reading this story. Some mentioned it reminded them of Shutter Island it was much better then that movie. The only resemblance is the setting.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense is one good word to use. I would also use Vivid. The battle between the forces of good and evil are a long standing, tried and true story premise. I knew a little about SEVEN X before I picked it up, but I wasn't at all prepared for the trip I took in the reading. I knew for instance the story had something to do with an asylum. I did not expect to actually find myself there just because the main character, Eddie Hanson was there. I was surprisingly denied the privilege of sitting in detached judgement of Eddie's endeavors to break the story of this serial killing mom's continued life after enduring the death penalty. Too many times I saw reflected in the battles he faced, similar difficult struggles my family,friends and I have faced. The warfare is intense and severe and personal. This is one extremely scary ride I'm glad I didn't miss. Toni

[Andrew Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven-X is the classic definition of horror. (Dictionary) An overwhelming and painful feeling caused by something frightfully shocking, terrifying, or revolting; a shuddering fear. YES. This book delivered all of these feelings with such precision and unique story telling; yet there was also beauty, redemption and humanity. This contradiction is what made it so compelling to me. I haven't read a book where the protagonist becomes the antagonist and vice-versa. The narrative bounces from first to third person with each side delivering a version and thought about the action. And the action is intense, following an investigative reporter into what one character described as the "Heartbeat of Hell"

[Brenda Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTENSE!!! This is the best way to describe Seven-X. I got sucked into the story immediately and stayed up all night reading. I got chills, looked around the room and was acutely aware of every sound, sight and feeling inside me as I read. The writing takes you in and locks you into the asylum and you live and breathe through Eddie (the main character) as he investigates a mystery surrounding a missing death row prisoner who is shipped to an asylum for an exorcism. The demons seem so real and the concept behind this story is well thought out and executed that it blurs the lines of reality and fiction. You have to see for yourself and read this book.

[Erin Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I won my copy of this book through the goodreads giveaway.

I LOVED it! For me, I got the feel of Shutter Island + The Exorcist + Paranormal Activity. Seven-X was so chilling, intense, well written, fast paced and kept me wanting more the whole time. I couldn't put the book down! I loved the character of Eddie and trying to figure out if he was going crazy, being possessed by a demon, or if they were in fact drugging him. This is one that is going to stick with me and I will think about for a long time after I'm done reading it. I really hope there will be a movie done at some point, or a sequel to the book or something! Seven-X does not disappoint!!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got hooked from the first chapter and couldn't put this book down. I had to stop a couple of times just to calm down. Seven-X gets in your head and keeps you wanting more, while freaking out. It's deep, mystical, unsettling, haunting, tragic, funny at times and incredibly well written. I feel like I am in Eddie's shoes, committing myself into this asylum and living through his experience. And all the while I ask myself, could these demons be haunting me too.

[Angelofpromise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Ass! Creepy to the core. F*@ks with your head. I loved it. Hadn't read a book that had me so engrossed, freaked and hooked at once. Good stuff!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gift from Mike Wech on Goodreads.com. I am digging in on 9/22/12. And away we go!

I read this with only a break to sleep. I had read It by Stephen King when I was in high school...no book has scared me before or since until Seven-X by Mike Wech. This novel devoured me! I didn't want to put it down. At the same time, I felt my heart racing from fear and the unbelievable twist and turns. It was as if I was with Eddie while he made his journey through his investigation at the behavioral hospital. I loved the style of writing, telling the story through Eddie's eyes and ears. It is like reading anyone's diary or journal...but so much more. You have to read this! It will have you on page one and hold onto you until you finish Eddie's journey. Words that come to my mind as description : horror, suspense, terrifying, nightmare, disturbing. I will read it again definitely !

Thank you for the ebook, Mike Wech! You rock!

As usual, sorry for any typos :)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just devoured Seven X in one sitting. Yes, it was that good. Mike Welch has crafted a very entertaining and original story that will keep you turning pages until the end. Lots of meat, not filler in this story. A lot of books in this genre will skimp on details and use violence as a filler, the author has obviously done a lot research.

Eddie Hansen is an investigative reporter who has knowledge of death row prisoners being send to an asylum after presumably being executed. Thinking that this is a big story with big money involved for him, Eddie arranges to interview the doctors at the asylum. What follows is a trip to hell for Eddie with an ending that begs for more...I am so glad that this is a trilogy so I can find out what happens next. Write faster Mike and thanks for an exciting read.

[William Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the best books I've read in awhile. A smart, intense, thinking man's thriller with a horror edge that immediately brings you into the action and keeps you there through every twist and turn. The writing is so vivid and the style is so unique, weaving first and third person narrative so seamlessly that it feels like you are a part of the story as you read it. You become locked involuntarily into the asylum with Eddie and live and breathe his nightmare as he tries to break the story that becomes his own. An ingenious piece of literature and a wild, creepy ride that is worth taking.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book has got me looking over my shoulder. It scared the hell out of me. It was one of those books you're afraid to read but don't want to put down. The author throws you right into the madness and keeps you hooked as you adventure deeper into these experimental proceeders the main character is a victim of. This is a must read for any fan of psychological, spin your head around horror.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. That was one of the creepiest books I have ever read. The end sent chills through me like no other. I read the reviews before I read the book and a good thing I did. Make sure to read this book during daylight hours only. I received this book from GoodReads First Reads.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. From the moment I opened it till the moment I finished I was captivated. The ending left me starving for more, can't wait to read more from Mike Wech!

[Maxien Gorry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! I want more! I see this author becoming one of my favourites amongst, James Herbert, Tess Gerritsen, and Stephen King.

For a debut this was excellent. Edge of my seat, didn't want to put it down and even though I don't spook easily, this managed to get me looking over my shoulder. Loved it!

I would like to say that I don't understand how the very few who have reviewed this and given negatives about it. They claim to be athiest so couldn't get their heads around the Bible and demons part of it. But they fail to realise the main character was not a believer either. You don't have to believe to understand a fictional story. Do these people believe in Aliens and Predators? Yet I'm guessing they loved the movies. I think SOME atheists should get over their lack of belief and just try to go with the FICTIONAL story instead of fighting against it.

[Charles Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will make an incredible film. As opposed to the Exorcist, which depicted the outward effects of demon possession, the main character, Eddie Hanson, a reporter, risks his life and soul to expose the experiments of an asylum on victims without their consent, including Annette Dobson, a SIDS killer, who's execution is faked, so that she may undergo an exorcism and give birth to the child the world thinks she killed. He is voluntarily admitted to this end. Through Eddie, the author traps you into this asylum with him to experience despair, spiritual warfare, insanity, and terror of the powers of darkness in stark Biblical reality. This novel will grip and hold the reader to its chilling end.

[Taylor Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading reviews, I decided to give Seven-X a try. What a pleasant surprise! I couldn't put this book down. The story devoured me like Eddie in the asylum. I literally had chills reading at night. It was so intense and real that this book put me in another dimension. I can see why people want to read during the day. This is one of those stories that pulls your heart into your throat and chokes you with it because you feel like you are the main character diving deeper into the madness. I loved the journal format, it added a dimension of reality and emotion that could not leave me detached from the story! I see the comparisons to Shutter Island and The Exorcist, but in my opinion, this was deeper and better. I RECOMMEND SEVEN-X FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES A GOOD SCARE AND A CHILLING STORY!

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely intense! Wonderfully written! Scared the crap out of me!

I loved this book. Mike Welch has an amazing gift and talent for writing.
I could actually feel the hair on the back of my neck stand on end and feel the
demons breath. It had me watching for shadows and listening for strange occurrences;
not to mention turning on all of the lights in house as I walked into dark rooms.

I will be reminded of this book everytime I hear the words
psychiatrist, lethal injection, or possession!!

Amazing job Mike!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven-X is one of the most intriguing books I've read in a very long time. From page one, I was hooked on the protagonist's story; for me, it is not normally easy to invest in a genre I am not familiar with, but this held my attention. I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series and I gladly anticipate its transfer to the big screen. Well done!

[Kirsty ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a fondness for some horrors from way back when, as a little girl, my gran used to let me stay up late at her house to watch Hammer House of Horror films. This book reminded me of that a little but with a bit of American Horror Story (the mental asylum one)/Shutter Island thrown in. It’s a little bit bonkers but all the best stories are. I’ve reviewed books before where I’ve said I enjoy them most when the author throws everything in there. As long as all the loose threads are sewn up a book can be as full of twists and turns as the author can think of. This had a vague ending but not with the plot twists. Probably not worded that very well but trying to avoid the spoiler. It’s a great example of the unreliable narrator style.

And this kind of did that for me. The premise is simple, Eddie is a journalist that is trying to find out the whereabouts of a pregnant serial killer who should have been executed. He enters an asylum voluntarily but that’s where it starts all going wrong and not everything is as it seems. Eddie then has to confront his own demons (both real and possibly otherworldly – I have a feeling that bit is for the reader to decide) with terrifying results. I’m still not sure exactly who I trust out of all the characters.

The book hooks you in from the start and doesn’t let up until the very end. It also uses diary/transcripts which are some of my favourite types of prose. It’s just breakneck speed from beginning to end. And there is no real end. It ends with just as much mystery as it begins.

I read it in a day, I found it really hard to put down and I can’t wait to see what the proposed visual (TV/film) looks like

[David Donaghe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the account of the main caricature's meal in a diner in Dell City Texas, I knew I was going to like Seven-X. The author described the experience as going back to the fifties as in Back to the future. I too had the experience of eating at the diner in Dell City Texas, a small town with a population of less than 500. My experience was more like stepping into the Twilight Zone. I pulled up in a 1987 GMC Suburban with tinted window in the middle of a rain storm, walked into the diner and had a seat. I could feel eyes on me from the moment I walked in the door. The waitress, who seemed to be somewhere between 60 and 90 years old. It seemed like it took almost twenty minutes for her to come take my order, even though only a few people in the diner. When she did, see seemed flustered and nervous.
"What do you want?" she asked.
"Do you have a menu?" I responded.
"Oh," she said and the hurried off. Again I had to wait for what seemed like a long time. When she came back I ordered the three toco special.
"I'll have coffee to drink," I said.
"The coffee's over there. You have to get it yourself," she said and hurried off. I got up and went after my coffee and again I had to wait. When the food came, it was delicious. Finished with my meal, I went to the cash register and pay. Now that I was leaving, the waitress was all smiles and friendly. I told her that I was on vacation and heading back to California. A ranch wife sitting near, said, "You be careful, you hear." I said I would headed out to my Suburban and headed back to California.

Seven-X is a story of a reporters investigation into a mental hospital ripe with demon possession and oppression. Seven-X keeps you turning the page and occasionally sends chills down your back. I highly recommend it.

[Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say "this book is very intense." I stopped reading because it was too much for me. I had some bad dreams and needed to put it down. I may try it again, but not now. If you are the kind of person like me who is sensitive to spirits, then I suggest caution, liking reading during the day (as others have suggested) or with people nearby, NOT alone at night. If you can handle true horror, you will enjoy this book as the story is very entertaining and different. The writing is vivid and passionate. You feel every word deep in your soul. The narrative structure demands your attention and ultimately makes you feel as if you are in the story with the author.

[Kristin Scearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book copy by the author, with whom I have personal affiliation.

This book was amazing! Scary, thrilling, suspenseful, had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen to Eddie next. The plot reminded me of "Shutter Island," while the use of Audio/Video/Journal Logs seemed like all those "shaky cam" movies that we all hate to love, except this was actually good. I could actually put myself in Eddie's shoes, which was completely terrifying. I had already recommended it to everyone I knew before I'd reached the halfway mark.

And, according to "About the Author" at the end, there's going to be a "Seven-X" series. Thank you, Mike Wech!!!!

[Nicollette · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best mind blowing books I have read in years. Mike Wech keeps you in the edge of your seat dying to know what is happening next and where would Eddie end up, and most of all what he would find out or if he would even leave this Institution. There's not a dull moment to be found in this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy and intelligent!Read straight through because I just had to know how it would play out! Loved the ending!

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This novel was fantastic! Other than another Horror novel, I had no idea what I was getting into. It was so well written that I was drawn in from the very first page. It was so accurate and seemed so real, I began to wonder if Eddie Hansen really existed. I loved the way it drew me in, put me on an emotional rollercoaster and wondering if Timothy’s accusations are true. I must admit, this book gave me chills! I was hoping Eddie would go home and save himself, instead his quest for truth put his life and soul in danger. I can’t wait to see what else Mike Wech has in store for us.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won a copy courtesy of the author via First-Reads. He is from my home town of Buffalo, NY!

This is one psychological/spritual roller-coaster you won't want to miss. With a touch of something just about everyone can relate to, Seven-X makes you think, and think twice. Kudo's to Mike for an excellent read, the hind-sight viewpoint of the journal writing style fits perfectly, making the reader contemplate exactly what they are reading, and go back more than a few times to fact-check/compare. Definitely recommended.

[Doria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Mike Welch for my Kindle!! Thanks so much. When I finished this book I was going to give a 4, but as I continued my 3hour car ride I could not get it out of my mind. I had a knot in my stomach through the whole book and by the end reading it by flashlight I was pretty freaked out. I cannot wait to see what the next book brings. I am not sure if I should be worried that Eddie and I have the same birthday!! Great first book! Thanks again for the free copy!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a good reads giveaway. I very much enjoyed reading this book and loved how it was written in journal format. Very compelling story that really got you thinking. It was kind of creepy so i did'nt even try to read it at night for fear of having nightmares. The only thing i did'nt like was the ending really left you hanging. I'm pretty sure that was the intention though seeing as how through the entire book things are hidden and the full truth never comes to light, but now i will wonder for quite some time what really happened andi feel there are many conclusions that could possibly be correct. Hope to read more from mike wech in the future.