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The Eighth Day
Death is not the end…
A warning from a stranger. "Nothing you know is real. Your name isn't Shawn Jaffe, you're not an investment broker, and you're not from Ohio." But the stranger is murdered before he can explain.
Now Shawn isn't sure who he can trust. Even his own memories are suspect.
Someone is watching him, controlling him, using him. To survive, he'll need to find out who and why.
But the stakes are much higher than one man. Our humanity is on the line, and on the eighth day, it could be the beginning of the end…
A warning from a stranger. "Nothing you know is real. Your name isn't Shawn Jaffe, you're not an investment broker, and you're not from Ohio." But the stranger is murdered before he can explain.
Now Shawn isn't sure who he can trust. Even his own memories are suspect.
Someone is watching him, controlling him, using him. To survive, he'll need to find out who and why.
But the stakes are much higher than one man. Our humanity is on the line, and on the eighth day, it could be the beginning of the end…
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2016
123 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Joseph John
4 books301 followersGet your copy of my award-winning sci-fi novel, The Eighth Day, totally free at: www.josephjohnfiction.com.
Follow me on BookBub.
I took on this mortal coil in 1976 in Omaha, NE. As an only child, my parents were able to devote their existences to catering to my every whim. My Mom started by reading the newspaper to me, ensuring I was up to speed on current events. Once I outgrew the newspaper, she moved on to Golden Books. I read my first novel, Cujo, in the third grade. It hooked me, and I took to main-lining novels and working the libraries like an eight-year-old junky looking to score his next fix. I’ve been an avid reader ever since, throwing my lot with Frank and Joe Hardy, the three investigators, and much later, Roland Deschain and his ka-tet.
I somehow fooled Uncle Sam into believing I’d one day make a great leader of men, and he promptly shipped me off to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, where I languished in a turmoil of emotions ranging from apathy to not giving a damn. This lent me to writing angst-filled poetry and short stories when I should have been paying attention in class or studying in the barracks, thereby resulting in the refinement of my craft and lending credence to that familiar idiom — you know, silver linings and all that.
In 1998, I graduated from West Point and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Army Aviation. I attended flight school in Alabama, where I learned to wear cool shades and a leather jacket, and something about helicopters. Forgive me. It was some years ago, and my memory is fading faster than a cheap tattoo.
In 2013, I hung up my cool shades and leather jacket and donned a pocket protector and masking-tape-repaired glasses, transitioning from Army Aviation to Operations Research and Systems Analysis. I’d spent the last fifteen years refining my skills and building a solid foundation of knowledge, so I figured what better time than the twilight of my career to throw all that out the window and start from scratch in an entirely new field.
So how does the rest of my story go? I’ll tell you when I get there; it’s still a work in progress.
Follow me on BookBub.
I took on this mortal coil in 1976 in Omaha, NE. As an only child, my parents were able to devote their existences to catering to my every whim. My Mom started by reading the newspaper to me, ensuring I was up to speed on current events. Once I outgrew the newspaper, she moved on to Golden Books. I read my first novel, Cujo, in the third grade. It hooked me, and I took to main-lining novels and working the libraries like an eight-year-old junky looking to score his next fix. I’ve been an avid reader ever since, throwing my lot with Frank and Joe Hardy, the three investigators, and much later, Roland Deschain and his ka-tet.
I somehow fooled Uncle Sam into believing I’d one day make a great leader of men, and he promptly shipped me off to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, where I languished in a turmoil of emotions ranging from apathy to not giving a damn. This lent me to writing angst-filled poetry and short stories when I should have been paying attention in class or studying in the barracks, thereby resulting in the refinement of my craft and lending credence to that familiar idiom — you know, silver linings and all that.
In 1998, I graduated from West Point and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Army Aviation. I attended flight school in Alabama, where I learned to wear cool shades and a leather jacket, and something about helicopters. Forgive me. It was some years ago, and my memory is fading faster than a cheap tattoo.
In 2013, I hung up my cool shades and leather jacket and donned a pocket protector and masking-tape-repaired glasses, transitioning from Army Aviation to Operations Research and Systems Analysis. I’d spent the last fifteen years refining my skills and building a solid foundation of knowledge, so I figured what better time than the twilight of my career to throw all that out the window and start from scratch in an entirely new field.
So how does the rest of my story go? I’ll tell you when I get there; it’s still a work in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 22, 2016
Note: I received a paperback copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
"He was darkness in a world of darkness, and soon he’d dance again."
The Eighth Day is an outstanding book and I truly enjoyed reading it. The book is written in multiple POVs and captures each and everyone's viewpoint beautifully. The author has skillfully woven a tale that feels nothing short of magical, but in a speculative way. One thing that I'd like to mention here is that the timing of the POVs (the order in which the information or story line was revealed) was perfect and it was due to this that the book hit the bull’s eye for me.
The concept itself is out-of-the-world-brilliant and the blurb made it all the more exciting by conspicuously revealing only a few details at a time, only enough to make the reader go "hmm... that sounds interesting."
The writing is sharp and the sentence formation is really clean and crisp. I enjoyed reading the way the author has this unique style of describing stuff using parallels without, but being blatant. And that's one thing I'm looking forward to learning from this book. I admire the author's ability to keep me engaged and speculating throughout the book.
Right from the imaginative plot to the characterization, the author came out as a winner on all fronts. I felt a strong connection with the lead as well as the supporting characters, and even the bad guys. They were so well crafter and thought out that I even sympathized when one of the bad guys lands in trouble. This book had the give-enough-details-and-you-start-understanding-the-bad-guy's-purpose sort of thing.
"He was a shadow. He was the night. And nothing would stop him now."
The fast pace of the book keeps things interesting right until the end where the book ends with an explosive climax. The ending is perfect and I really hope that the author writes a sequel to this book(?) and that too soon!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a good speculative or even a sic-fi read. Mystery lovers will also enjoy this book equally.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
"He was darkness in a world of darkness, and soon he’d dance again."
The Eighth Day is an outstanding book and I truly enjoyed reading it. The book is written in multiple POVs and captures each and everyone's viewpoint beautifully. The author has skillfully woven a tale that feels nothing short of magical, but in a speculative way. One thing that I'd like to mention here is that the timing of the POVs (the order in which the information or story line was revealed) was perfect and it was due to this that the book hit the bull’s eye for me.
The concept itself is out-of-the-world-brilliant and the blurb made it all the more exciting by conspicuously revealing only a few details at a time, only enough to make the reader go "hmm... that sounds interesting."
The writing is sharp and the sentence formation is really clean and crisp. I enjoyed reading the way the author has this unique style of describing stuff using parallels without, but being blatant. And that's one thing I'm looking forward to learning from this book. I admire the author's ability to keep me engaged and speculating throughout the book.
Right from the imaginative plot to the characterization, the author came out as a winner on all fronts. I felt a strong connection with the lead as well as the supporting characters, and even the bad guys. They were so well crafter and thought out that I even sympathized when one of the bad guys lands in trouble. This book had the give-enough-details-and-you-start-understanding-the-bad-guy's-purpose sort of thing.
"He was a shadow. He was the night. And nothing would stop him now."
The fast pace of the book keeps things interesting right until the end where the book ends with an explosive climax. The ending is perfect and I really hope that the author writes a sequel to this book(?) and that too soon!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a good speculative or even a sic-fi read. Mystery lovers will also enjoy this book equally.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
April 8, 2017
Jesus, this book was interminable. There were so many similes in this book that it was like an avalanche. The author attempted to drown me in them like a farmer drowning a sack of kittens. The book really wanted to be classy noir and fell flat like someone with their ankles tied together. The female characters are as flat as paper and as predictable as the tides. I spent my time rolling my eyes as hard as bowling balls on League Night. This was torture comparable to Guantanamo.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion. Obviously, all of the opinions above are my own
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion. Obviously, all of the opinions above are my own
October 11, 2019
Competent thriller developed around an interesting idea, but one that never really held me for long enough. Fast paced, but a fast pace that really didn't get anywhere quickly. It was, however, very readable. I read a few comments in reviews about the excessive number of similes in the book, but never felt that was a problem. I did laugh occasionally at some of the similes as they added little to the description. Here's a sobering thought, though- i am laughing at a guy who has ten times the artistic ability that I have. A good read, and one I would have been happy having written.
July 17, 2016
"Sam Harrington wove through the streets of Manhattan like he was pulling a needle through thread while on a caffeine bender".
If you enjoy similes like this at least once on every page, then this book is for you. I quit less than a third of the way through - I got to the point where if I came across the word "like" I skipped to the next paragraph, because it just interrupted the flow. I already know this guy is an author because I bought his book, stop trying to impress with your "writing" and just tell the story already.
If you enjoy similes like this at least once on every page, then this book is for you. I quit less than a third of the way through - I got to the point where if I came across the word "like" I skipped to the next paragraph, because it just interrupted the flow. I already know this guy is an author because I bought his book, stop trying to impress with your "writing" and just tell the story already.
Read
January 29, 2016What a great find!! I can only hope that the main characters, Harrington and Shawn have many more adventures. The first sentence until the last keeps you guessing. I would recommend this to anyone that wants a fast paced, exciting read. Look forward to the next book.
March 27, 2016
Descrptive narrative draws the reader in from the beginning. I was so pulled into the story that I read the book straight through in one afternoon. Many unexpected turns and twists as Shawn Jaffe's life is turned inside out. I highly recommend this book!
September 21, 2016
My original The Eighth Day audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Shawn Jaffe is your easy go lucky guy with a degree from Ohio University, a rising star in the investment world who just relocated to New York. Heading to work one day, Jaffe encounters a man who tells him, “Nothing you know is real. Your name isn't Shawn Jaffe, you're not an investment broker, and you're not from Ohio."
Before Jaffe can ask the man what he means, he is brutally murdered in front of Jaffe. Detective Harrison is called in to solve the murder. Before he can figure anything out, Jaffe reads the classified and heads over to Madison Square Garden where the presidential candidates are speaking. Now Sam has three murders to figure out – the mysterious man, the presidential candidate and Shawn Jaffe.
The next part of the book is filled with major twists and turns, murder, conspiracies and more! The author, Joseph John leaves his readers gasping in shock as the true story unfolds. This is one of those books that will leave you looking over you shoulder and questioning coincidences and feelings of Déjà vu!
John understands conspiracy theorists and theories clearly taking advantage of this skill and creating a story around an all-to-realistic world. Makes one wonder what they would do if someone came up and told you – nothing you know is real! Eighth Day brings to light all the moral dilemmas of playing God, greed and lusting for power.
James Romick, narrator, is extremely talented. He never lets the excitement get away – he builds it with his voice and controls the suspense masterfully. His words are clear and express the perfect amount of emotion. I enjoyed hearing him read this book. He owned this book!
This is an interesting book and is one that will have you thinking about everything long after the last word is read. The only downside to this book is the fact that it ends. I look forward to hearing more by Joseph John and James Romick!
There were no issues with the production or the quality of this audio book.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
Shawn Jaffe is your easy go lucky guy with a degree from Ohio University, a rising star in the investment world who just relocated to New York. Heading to work one day, Jaffe encounters a man who tells him, “Nothing you know is real. Your name isn't Shawn Jaffe, you're not an investment broker, and you're not from Ohio."
Before Jaffe can ask the man what he means, he is brutally murdered in front of Jaffe. Detective Harrison is called in to solve the murder. Before he can figure anything out, Jaffe reads the classified and heads over to Madison Square Garden where the presidential candidates are speaking. Now Sam has three murders to figure out – the mysterious man, the presidential candidate and Shawn Jaffe.
The next part of the book is filled with major twists and turns, murder, conspiracies and more! The author, Joseph John leaves his readers gasping in shock as the true story unfolds. This is one of those books that will leave you looking over you shoulder and questioning coincidences and feelings of Déjà vu!
John understands conspiracy theorists and theories clearly taking advantage of this skill and creating a story around an all-to-realistic world. Makes one wonder what they would do if someone came up and told you – nothing you know is real! Eighth Day brings to light all the moral dilemmas of playing God, greed and lusting for power.
James Romick, narrator, is extremely talented. He never lets the excitement get away – he builds it with his voice and controls the suspense masterfully. His words are clear and express the perfect amount of emotion. I enjoyed hearing him read this book. He owned this book!
This is an interesting book and is one that will have you thinking about everything long after the last word is read. The only downside to this book is the fact that it ends. I look forward to hearing more by Joseph John and James Romick!
There were no issues with the production or the quality of this audio book.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
March 28, 2016
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
Shawn Jaffe is an investment broker, or at least that is what he thinks until a man shows up in a café and tells him otherwise. The man is shot dead as Shawn rushes to question him, but it raises anomalies as Shawn’s memory begins to fracture.
This story sits in the middle of a technological and biological warfare, with Shawn Jaffe at the centre. When an ordinary detective from New York starts to delve into the mystery he pays for his trouble, watching the life he’d carved for himself disappear almost overnight.
This book is intense and fast-paced, and even though Shawn Jaffe’s mind slips between variations in memory, we follow him on the edge of our seat because his character is compelling. The book is well written and flows smoothly. This is a brilliant, action-packed addition to the science fiction genre and I can’t wait to read more from the author.
Shawn Jaffe is an investment broker, or at least that is what he thinks until a man shows up in a café and tells him otherwise. The man is shot dead as Shawn rushes to question him, but it raises anomalies as Shawn’s memory begins to fracture.
This story sits in the middle of a technological and biological warfare, with Shawn Jaffe at the centre. When an ordinary detective from New York starts to delve into the mystery he pays for his trouble, watching the life he’d carved for himself disappear almost overnight.
This book is intense and fast-paced, and even though Shawn Jaffe’s mind slips between variations in memory, we follow him on the edge of our seat because his character is compelling. The book is well written and flows smoothly. This is a brilliant, action-packed addition to the science fiction genre and I can’t wait to read more from the author.
March 24, 2016
Great read!
The Eighth Day is a fast-paced book with descriptive writing and lots of action. It takes place in the near future, but has enough subtle changes that makes it a believable world to live in. There is a bit of mystery to the story as the main character tries to discover who he really is and why a secret agency is out to kill him. The ending was a surprise, and concluded the story nicely while still leaving room for a possible sequel. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good action movie.
The Eighth Day is a fast-paced book with descriptive writing and lots of action. It takes place in the near future, but has enough subtle changes that makes it a believable world to live in. There is a bit of mystery to the story as the main character tries to discover who he really is and why a secret agency is out to kill him. The ending was a surprise, and concluded the story nicely while still leaving room for a possible sequel. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good action movie.
January 28, 2016
Heart-stopping, action packed, thriller. This book is all that and so much more.
While in a NYC diner, a stranger tells Shawn Jaffe that nothing he knows is real. He is not who he thinks he is. He's not an investment broker, he's not from Ohio.
Murder, mayhem and bad guys everywhere.
Death is not the end.
A MUST read debut book by new author Joseph John!!!!
While in a NYC diner, a stranger tells Shawn Jaffe that nothing he knows is real. He is not who he thinks he is. He's not an investment broker, he's not from Ohio.
Murder, mayhem and bad guys everywhere.
Death is not the end.
A MUST read debut book by new author Joseph John!!!!
February 17, 2017
I received a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. The way the multiple POVs are woven together is truly sublime and so well written. It's fast paced and flows easily and seeing Shawn's memories as they fragment was such a great way of introducing confusion and it was just great.
I really liked this book. The way the multiple POVs are woven together is truly sublime and so well written. It's fast paced and flows easily and seeing Shawn's memories as they fragment was such a great way of introducing confusion and it was just great.
February 2, 2016
‘The Eighth Day’, a debut novel written by Joseph John is well-made combination of sci-fi, thriller and mystery genres full of suspense, delivered in nice style that will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Though I usually don’t comment the book cover, especially when it comes to self-published titles, ‘The Eighth Day’ managed to arouse my interest even before I open the first page. But when I read novel’s opening sentence it definitely showed me this guy knows how to intrigue his readers…
Therefore all those who seek novels full of mystery and suspense elements, thrown into not so distant future, combined with some thrilling twists and turns would find John’s novel an engaging and exciting read.
Though I don’t want to reveal any detail about the plot in order not to spoil the fun of own discovery, I especially loved the way author uses to lead reader to more or less unexpected ending.
Hopefully, ‘The Eighth Day’ would not be the last time we heard about Detective Sam Harrington and Shawn Jaffe, because they are great protagonists who can keep reader interest in many novels to come. And most certainly, beside intriguing story, they two are the biggest strength of this novel.
Overall, if you found yourself described in the first sentence of my review, you can be sure time spent with ‘The Eighth Day’ would be fully justified.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
Though I usually don’t comment the book cover, especially when it comes to self-published titles, ‘The Eighth Day’ managed to arouse my interest even before I open the first page. But when I read novel’s opening sentence it definitely showed me this guy knows how to intrigue his readers…
Therefore all those who seek novels full of mystery and suspense elements, thrown into not so distant future, combined with some thrilling twists and turns would find John’s novel an engaging and exciting read.
Though I don’t want to reveal any detail about the plot in order not to spoil the fun of own discovery, I especially loved the way author uses to lead reader to more or less unexpected ending.
Hopefully, ‘The Eighth Day’ would not be the last time we heard about Detective Sam Harrington and Shawn Jaffe, because they are great protagonists who can keep reader interest in many novels to come. And most certainly, beside intriguing story, they two are the biggest strength of this novel.
Overall, if you found yourself described in the first sentence of my review, you can be sure time spent with ‘The Eighth Day’ would be fully justified.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
May 8, 2016
Joseph John’s recipe for success: Take one part Bourne Identity (Ludlum), mix in a healthy dash of Total Recall (Phillip K Dick) and throw in a dash of The Sixth Day (an underrated but fun scifi flick). The Eighth Day is an explosive scifi thriller that captivates readers from beginning to end. It has everything scifi lovers could want - fast paced action, a lead who isn’t who he believes he is, cloning, and political conspiracy. While not wholly unique in origin, Joseph John’s novel is fresh and enjoyable, a remix every bit as delightful as the works it pays tribute to.
Shawn Jaffe is an ordinary man. At least he believes himself to be until a stranger approaches him with a cryptic warning. New York is full of flakes, but Shawn is inclined to believe when the man is gunned down by men in suits. Confused and uncertain who to trust, Shawn attempts to question, but the powers in charge have other plans.
If you like your science fiction fast paced and filled with action, The Eighth Day is a great choice.
4/5
I received a copy of The Eighth Day from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
Shawn Jaffe is an ordinary man. At least he believes himself to be until a stranger approaches him with a cryptic warning. New York is full of flakes, but Shawn is inclined to believe when the man is gunned down by men in suits. Confused and uncertain who to trust, Shawn attempts to question, but the powers in charge have other plans.
If you like your science fiction fast paced and filled with action, The Eighth Day is a great choice.
4/5
I received a copy of The Eighth Day from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
January 14, 2017
Originally, the author planned to write the novel in episodes, published on Amazon. I read the first one and HAD TO HAVE MORE. When I could not see more on Amazon, I found the author's twitter page and sent him a message. He said he was going to publish it as one novel and said he would email me when it was available. Which he did. What a page turner!
Very unique and fascinating story Just this blurb should hook you to grab it:
A warning from a stranger.
"Nothing you know is real. Your name isn't Shawn Jaffe, you're not an investment broker, and you're not from Ohio."
But the stranger is murdered before he can explain.
Very unique and fascinating story Just this blurb should hook you to grab it:
A warning from a stranger.
"Nothing you know is real. Your name isn't Shawn Jaffe, you're not an investment broker, and you're not from Ohio."
But the stranger is murdered before he can explain.
December 14, 2018
The blurb that it's Philip K. Dick meets Robert Ludlum pretty much nails it. It starts out firmly in Dick territory, with a man whose reality is falling apart; wanders into some police procedural in the middle; then goes Bourne movie at the end. It's well paced and well edited. The eventually-revealed premise has been done before, but the book's well crafted enough that I'm OK with seeing it done again. Binge read it when you need a break from more weighty fare.
March 10, 2016
Loved this book! It's fast-paced and suspenseful the whole way through. John is very imaginative with his descriptive words and metaphors. It really kept my interest the whole way through. I liked how I couldn't figure out "who dun it" until it was revealed. I strongly recommend this book -- you won't be disappointed and won't want to put it down! Could easily see this as a movie script.
March 15, 2016
This was a great book. A well written thriller that does have you wondering what will come next.
September 16, 2016
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
The basic premise of this book is interesting, BUT way too many similes, that detracted from the story!!!
The basic premise of this book is interesting, BUT way too many similes, that detracted from the story!!!
May 23, 2017
Riveting!!
Joseph John has written an action packed book. Not too long,just perfect for rainy afternoon! This should be a
movie.
Joseph John has written an action packed book. Not too long,just perfect for rainy afternoon! This should be a
movie.
November 30, 2017
‘The Eighth Day’ is a fast-paced thriller that embraces the possibility of human replication as its central theme. It then expands on that theory by exploring the consequences of using genetic manipulation to play God.
Although a work of fiction, the story comes across as a terrifying portent of a potential reality. After all, the unrelenting march of science makes the cloning of a complete human being seem all too credible a possibility. The only question would be, is it ethically right to do so?
Joseph John sets the scene for his futuristic novel by presenting the protagonist with a mystery. He then immediately follows it with a murder, which in turn makes him a witness at the scene. From that point on, the reader is drawn along on a rollercoaster of intrigue as Shawn Jaffe tries to discover the truth behind these events, especially as it soon becomes clear that things are far more sinister than he first imagined.
Split into two parts, the first half of the novel deals with Shawn’s attempts to discover what the stranger meant by his warning and why he was ultimately shot for disclosing it. He would also like to know why he is unable to pass a news stand without feeling compelled to buy a newspaper and read the classified pages.
Keen to discover any information he can, Shawn starts to get involved in the investigation, constantly turning up at the police station and asking questions about the case. Although he maintains he did not witness the actual killing, Shawn’s strange and intrusive behaviour only serves to convince the investigating officer – Detective Sam Harrington – that Shawn may be involved in some way. His suspicion is ultimately confirmed when a Senator is subsequently killed.
Following this event, Harrington’s superiors step in and instruct him to drop the first murder case but Sam is suspicious about the reasons for these orders and continues his investigation regardless. However, his dogged determination and compulsion to pursue the truth trigger disastrous repercussions, particularly with regards to his career and family life.
In the second half of the novel, three years have elapsed and Shawn awakes to discover he is no longer Shawn Jaffe but is now Ryan Marshall. This alone would be enough to cause mental disintegration in most people. For Shawn though, this potentially catastrophic trauma is further compounded by the fact he not only remembers his previous life but also has new memories of a different one – which apparently now include a wife. I must admit, at this point I too had to pause to catch up with what was happening.
As if this was not bad enough, when Shawn tries to get answers to his predicament, his supposed wife grabs a gun and attempts to kill him. When two other gunmen appear from nowhere to back her up, Shawn decides the only thing he can do is jump out of the window, get into his pickup truck and head for the hills.
The story then segues from a murder investigation into a manhunt, as the orchestrators of an obviously secret experiment – sanctioned by the powers that be – realise things are spiralling out of control. They are then forced to resort to drastic measures to prevent their unorthodox practices and experiments being revealed to the general public. However, the solution they employ to solve the problem ultimately serves to bring about their own downfall.
The plot of ‘The Eighth Day’ is cleverly constructed so that the reader shares Shawn’s desperate journey towards the truth … although being privy to a few extra clues along the way enables the reader to be one step ahead of him.
The details of Shawn’s final battle to discover his true identity are difficult to discuss without giving too much away but suffice it to say he receives help from the only person he has ever been able to trust, making the ending both unexpected and exciting.
A departure from my usual choice of reading, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Eighth Day’. It intrigued me right from the start and kept me totally engaged throughout. The story is clever, different and well-paced, and the many questions posed are satisfyingly answered at the end.
The story itself deals with themes of identity as well as what it means to be human. It also raises the issue of how society tempers scientific and technological progress with proper consideration of the ethical and moral implications raised by such developments – developments that may have the potential to create new and unthinkable tyrannies if allowed to fall into the wrong hands.
Either way, it will definitely make you wonder whether Dolly the sheep was just the beginning of something more worrying.
Although a work of fiction, the story comes across as a terrifying portent of a potential reality. After all, the unrelenting march of science makes the cloning of a complete human being seem all too credible a possibility. The only question would be, is it ethically right to do so?
Joseph John sets the scene for his futuristic novel by presenting the protagonist with a mystery. He then immediately follows it with a murder, which in turn makes him a witness at the scene. From that point on, the reader is drawn along on a rollercoaster of intrigue as Shawn Jaffe tries to discover the truth behind these events, especially as it soon becomes clear that things are far more sinister than he first imagined.
Split into two parts, the first half of the novel deals with Shawn’s attempts to discover what the stranger meant by his warning and why he was ultimately shot for disclosing it. He would also like to know why he is unable to pass a news stand without feeling compelled to buy a newspaper and read the classified pages.
Keen to discover any information he can, Shawn starts to get involved in the investigation, constantly turning up at the police station and asking questions about the case. Although he maintains he did not witness the actual killing, Shawn’s strange and intrusive behaviour only serves to convince the investigating officer – Detective Sam Harrington – that Shawn may be involved in some way. His suspicion is ultimately confirmed when a Senator is subsequently killed.
Following this event, Harrington’s superiors step in and instruct him to drop the first murder case but Sam is suspicious about the reasons for these orders and continues his investigation regardless. However, his dogged determination and compulsion to pursue the truth trigger disastrous repercussions, particularly with regards to his career and family life.
In the second half of the novel, three years have elapsed and Shawn awakes to discover he is no longer Shawn Jaffe but is now Ryan Marshall. This alone would be enough to cause mental disintegration in most people. For Shawn though, this potentially catastrophic trauma is further compounded by the fact he not only remembers his previous life but also has new memories of a different one – which apparently now include a wife. I must admit, at this point I too had to pause to catch up with what was happening.
As if this was not bad enough, when Shawn tries to get answers to his predicament, his supposed wife grabs a gun and attempts to kill him. When two other gunmen appear from nowhere to back her up, Shawn decides the only thing he can do is jump out of the window, get into his pickup truck and head for the hills.
The story then segues from a murder investigation into a manhunt, as the orchestrators of an obviously secret experiment – sanctioned by the powers that be – realise things are spiralling out of control. They are then forced to resort to drastic measures to prevent their unorthodox practices and experiments being revealed to the general public. However, the solution they employ to solve the problem ultimately serves to bring about their own downfall.
The plot of ‘The Eighth Day’ is cleverly constructed so that the reader shares Shawn’s desperate journey towards the truth … although being privy to a few extra clues along the way enables the reader to be one step ahead of him.
The details of Shawn’s final battle to discover his true identity are difficult to discuss without giving too much away but suffice it to say he receives help from the only person he has ever been able to trust, making the ending both unexpected and exciting.
A departure from my usual choice of reading, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Eighth Day’. It intrigued me right from the start and kept me totally engaged throughout. The story is clever, different and well-paced, and the many questions posed are satisfyingly answered at the end.
The story itself deals with themes of identity as well as what it means to be human. It also raises the issue of how society tempers scientific and technological progress with proper consideration of the ethical and moral implications raised by such developments – developments that may have the potential to create new and unthinkable tyrannies if allowed to fall into the wrong hands.
Either way, it will definitely make you wonder whether Dolly the sheep was just the beginning of something more worrying.
September 21, 2017
The Eighth Day is an engaging thriller that gets you wondering different “what if” scenarios if you were the main character. The author does a great job of getting you in the middle of the action and when the scenes pick up you will find yourself reading just a bit faster as you want to find out what happens next. The author did a good job with the ending: this could be the end, or maybe it could be continued. Either way, I’m glad I read this one and enjoyed it.
I picked this up for 99 cents during a Kindle promotion vs. its regular price of $2.99: I certainly received more than $2.99 worth of entertainment value. If you enjoy a good thriller I would recommend this one.
I picked this up for 99 cents during a Kindle promotion vs. its regular price of $2.99: I certainly received more than $2.99 worth of entertainment value. If you enjoy a good thriller I would recommend this one.
August 21, 2017
Future time, and a man isn’t what he believes he is. What happened on the Eight Day of creation?
Excellent read, a fast paced thriller with sci-fi undertones (or not so sci-fi, given where we’re headed). Enjoyable! This would make a good movie!
Excellent read, a fast paced thriller with sci-fi undertones (or not so sci-fi, given where we’re headed). Enjoyable! This would make a good movie!
November 25, 2017
Well worth the read
I didn’t have high expectations but this both far exceeded them. The start was quirky and reminded me of Twin Peaks. Both halves are well paced. My interest never waned. The science was just believable enough but not too deep. The editing was tight. Overall, a great sci-fi thriller.
I didn’t have high expectations but this both far exceeded them. The start was quirky and reminded me of Twin Peaks. Both halves are well paced. My interest never waned. The science was just believable enough but not too deep. The editing was tight. Overall, a great sci-fi thriller.
August 13, 2017
Great book ! What a page turner. It's a great mystery with lots of new and unique analogies. It would make a great movie! I want to read more books by this author
August 26, 2019
Great fun! Even the fight scenes!
The Deep State's Phoenix Project is creatively rendered by an author with a firm grasp on the Art of Language (and a proofreader with a Type A personality). My next read... Democracy Inc, of course!
The Deep State's Phoenix Project is creatively rendered by an author with a firm grasp on the Art of Language (and a proofreader with a Type A personality). My next read... Democracy Inc, of course!
November 5, 2017
“Nothing you know is real.”
New York in the near future. Black SUVs. Men in dark suits, with guns. A stranger tells Shawn Jaffe, “They’re watching you. Your name isn’t Shawn Jaffe. You aren’t from Ohio, and you’re not an investment banker.” Made me think of Total Recall.
The novel could have turned out to be a shallow cliché, but Joseph John started the story with a solid hook, and never let go. You won’t put this one down and turn on the TV. Joseph John is a name to watch and an author well worth following.
New York in the near future. Black SUVs. Men in dark suits, with guns. A stranger tells Shawn Jaffe, “They’re watching you. Your name isn’t Shawn Jaffe. You aren’t from Ohio, and you’re not an investment banker.” Made me think of Total Recall.
The novel could have turned out to be a shallow cliché, but Joseph John started the story with a solid hook, and never let go. You won’t put this one down and turn on the TV. Joseph John is a name to watch and an author well worth following.
February 15, 2019
I bought this and promptly could not put it down until I finished it less than a day later. An excellent page turner with mystery aplenty and intense action that pleased my imagination immensely. It has me wanting to dive deeper into the characters and what's in store for them down the line.
A mix of Jason Bourne, Universal Soldier and a hint of Gattaca, I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller/sci-fi.
A mix of Jason Bourne, Universal Soldier and a hint of Gattaca, I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller/sci-fi.
February 26, 2017
Well done
The story pulled you along on a surreal ride that very well could be in our future. Well done plot, characters, and scenes.
The story pulled you along on a surreal ride that very well could be in our future. Well done plot, characters, and scenes.
November 7, 2017
A very different and enjoyable book.
As the days and years pass,Science Fiction becomes reality
hopefully that this book is not one of them. Hey, very good suspense sci-fi. Just hope it is not reality in the future. I hope there are other books that continue the storyline.
As the days and years pass,Science Fiction becomes reality
hopefully that this book is not one of them. Hey, very good suspense sci-fi. Just hope it is not reality in the future. I hope there are other books that continue the storyline.
February 20, 2020
I can only say Wow, this book was great. Human enhancements, a little love, lots and lots of action made me hate to finish this book. The ending was also great up to the last sentence.
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