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Revelation
When Harden Campbell wakes cold and beaten in a dirt-floor cell, he finds only three other things in the room with him: the mutilated body of his good friend, an ancient typewriter, and a stack of blank paper, the top sheet of which has a single, typed sentence.
"Tell me a story."
He knows the message is from Coyote, his brilliant, megalomaniacal roommate whose lust for power and reverence has recently revealed him for the true sociopath he is. Now, as the founder of a new religion with disturbing roots Revelation Coyote s most evil side has emerged. From the moment Harden sees that stack of paper, he knows his one chance of escape is through his own words, and only his ability to successfully recount the dark story of what happened over the past year at Wyland University will determine whether he lives to see the woman he loves once again or is silenced forever.
This will be the most difficult story Harden has ever written, and each word must be chosen with the utmost care. Because Coyote will be reading each and every one of them."
WINNER - 2017 International Book Awards (Mystery/Suspense)
WINNER - 2016 Foreword Reviews Book of the Year (Thriller & Suspense)
WINNER - 2017 RONE Award (Suspense/Thriller: Long) *tied for first place
"Tell me a story."
He knows the message is from Coyote, his brilliant, megalomaniacal roommate whose lust for power and reverence has recently revealed him for the true sociopath he is. Now, as the founder of a new religion with disturbing roots Revelation Coyote s most evil side has emerged. From the moment Harden sees that stack of paper, he knows his one chance of escape is through his own words, and only his ability to successfully recount the dark story of what happened over the past year at Wyland University will determine whether he lives to see the woman he loves once again or is silenced forever.
This will be the most difficult story Harden has ever written, and each word must be chosen with the utmost care. Because Coyote will be reading each and every one of them."
WINNER - 2017 International Book Awards (Mystery/Suspense)
WINNER - 2016 Foreword Reviews Book of the Year (Thriller & Suspense)
WINNER - 2017 RONE Award (Suspense/Thriller: Long) *tied for first place
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 13, 2016
58 people are currently reading
1272 people want to read
About the author
Carter Wilson
13 books1,468 followersCarter Wilson is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of ten psychological thrillers, known for their intense emotion, tight pacing, and haunting twists. His books have received starred reviews from every major trade publication, have been optioned for film and television, and his 2025 novel Tell Me What You Did was selected as a national monthly pick by Barnes & Noble.
In addition to his fiction, Carter is the creator and host of Making It Up, a podcast featuring unscripted, revealing conversations with fellow writers about the creative process. He is also the founder of Unbound Writer, a company devoted to helping writers find their voice through coaching, immersive retreats, and online classes.
A seasoned public speaker and natural interviewer, Carter is known for his dynamic onstage presence and his deep curiosity about the craft of writing. He lives in Erie, Colorado, and travels frequently to speak at conferences, moderate author panels, and lead writing workshops.
Visit him at www.carterwilson.com and www.unboundwriter.com.
In addition to his fiction, Carter is the creator and host of Making It Up, a podcast featuring unscripted, revealing conversations with fellow writers about the creative process. He is also the founder of Unbound Writer, a company devoted to helping writers find their voice through coaching, immersive retreats, and online classes.
A seasoned public speaker and natural interviewer, Carter is known for his dynamic onstage presence and his deep curiosity about the craft of writing. He lives in Erie, Colorado, and travels frequently to speak at conferences, moderate author panels, and lead writing workshops.
Visit him at www.carterwilson.com and www.unboundwriter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
June 14, 2018
What a flashback! I felt as though I was reading the origins of Charles Manson throughout the entire book!
In Revelation, Carter Wilson brilliantly captures the mind and actions of a socio-psychopath on his rise to greatness and power and ultimately illustrates the carnage of broken human lives that are left in their wake.
When three college students invite a fourth to share their apartment, they had no idea of the darkness that was lurking in his soul. This is not a religious book; it is a book about mind-control, leaders and followers and of those who dare to question the leaders’ power and validity.
Wilson giftedly crafts a tale of a man, Coyote, who is a charmer, a charlatan, a mystic who easily get others to follow him. But this isn’t just the story of Coyote but also of Harden, a man who wants to like Coyote but who sees through his act into the evil that is always there. What happens when these two men cross each other is a story of horror, suspense and even surprise.
I want to tell you that this is a “can’t put down” read but, for me, it was more of a rush read. I had to know what happened to these four men, I had to know how the story would end. I wanted to read all of the minutia that comprised Coyote’s demented but brilliant mind but there simply was too much filler. There were times when I felt as though I was reading the same paragraph over and over when, in fact, I was not. Had there been better editing, some of the repetitiveness cut from the book, it would have been a 5 star read. Instead it is a stellar 3.5, rounded up to 4 star, with high points for originality and character development.
In Revelation, Carter Wilson brilliantly captures the mind and actions of a socio-psychopath on his rise to greatness and power and ultimately illustrates the carnage of broken human lives that are left in their wake.
When three college students invite a fourth to share their apartment, they had no idea of the darkness that was lurking in his soul. This is not a religious book; it is a book about mind-control, leaders and followers and of those who dare to question the leaders’ power and validity.
Wilson giftedly crafts a tale of a man, Coyote, who is a charmer, a charlatan, a mystic who easily get others to follow him. But this isn’t just the story of Coyote but also of Harden, a man who wants to like Coyote but who sees through his act into the evil that is always there. What happens when these two men cross each other is a story of horror, suspense and even surprise.
I want to tell you that this is a “can’t put down” read but, for me, it was more of a rush read. I had to know what happened to these four men, I had to know how the story would end. I wanted to read all of the minutia that comprised Coyote’s demented but brilliant mind but there simply was too much filler. There were times when I felt as though I was reading the same paragraph over and over when, in fact, I was not. Had there been better editing, some of the repetitiveness cut from the book, it would have been a 5 star read. Instead it is a stellar 3.5, rounded up to 4 star, with high points for originality and character development.
March 10, 2018
I have an absurd obsession with anything to do with cults. I'm always fascinated with how easily it seems people will follow something that serves a purpose in their life and how someone who is sociopathic can give off this magnetic personality and prey on those who need something like this in their life. And really, how far off is religion from cult? Ok, Ok, let's not get into a big debate here. But fascinating, isn't it?
In this book, Wilson introduces us to Harden. A good guy who typically sits in the background.. not quite a leader but not quite a follower either. Someone who completely fascinates Coyote, this narcissist maniac who lives to consume people. They get into a discussion about religion and Harden writes an essay about this.. what would it take to get someone to follow someone else. We see new "religions" popping up quite frequently these days... Kabbalah, Scientology, etc... why not bring another one to the surface and see what happens. I'M SO INTRIGUED. And so Coyote now has a mission.
The book starts out with Harden waking up in a dirty cell with one direction: "Tell me a story". So he begins to write. He starts with how him and Coyote met and his version of what happened from that point to the point he wakes up in his cell. I absolutely loved the back and forth - from Harden's story to his time in this dungeon of a cell he's been sequestered to.
I had started this on the train yesterday as it was too crowded on the train to pull out my paperback. I could NOT stop reading this book. If there's one thing I'm finding about Wilson is that his writing is ADDICTING. Honestly you guys, if you haven't read him yet, get right on that. And if that's not enough to sway you, then get this one strictly for his recipe for the perfect margarita! 😉
Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss for this addictive copy.
In this book, Wilson introduces us to Harden. A good guy who typically sits in the background.. not quite a leader but not quite a follower either. Someone who completely fascinates Coyote, this narcissist maniac who lives to consume people. They get into a discussion about religion and Harden writes an essay about this.. what would it take to get someone to follow someone else. We see new "religions" popping up quite frequently these days... Kabbalah, Scientology, etc... why not bring another one to the surface and see what happens. I'M SO INTRIGUED. And so Coyote now has a mission.
The book starts out with Harden waking up in a dirty cell with one direction: "Tell me a story". So he begins to write. He starts with how him and Coyote met and his version of what happened from that point to the point he wakes up in his cell. I absolutely loved the back and forth - from Harden's story to his time in this dungeon of a cell he's been sequestered to.
I had started this on the train yesterday as it was too crowded on the train to pull out my paperback. I could NOT stop reading this book. If there's one thing I'm finding about Wilson is that his writing is ADDICTING. Honestly you guys, if you haven't read him yet, get right on that. And if that's not enough to sway you, then get this one strictly for his recipe for the perfect margarita! 😉
Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss for this addictive copy.
November 29, 2016
When Harden Campbell wakes up on a dirt floor in a cell he is cold and has been beaten. The only things in the cell with him is the body of his friend, an old typewriter and a stack of blank paper. The top sheet has the words Tell Me A Story. He knows the message is from his megalomaniacal roommate who has a lust for power and reverence. Harden also knows that this is his only chance to escape so he has to recount the dark story of the past year at Wyland University.
I was drawn into this book from the first page. It's well written and fast paced. It also has quite graphic details so might not be suitable for the squeamish reader.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author Carter Wilson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn into this book from the first page. It's well written and fast paced. It also has quite graphic details so might not be suitable for the squeamish reader.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author Carter Wilson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2016
Harden Campbell wakes cold and beaten in a cell with something crawling around in his mouth.There is only three other things in the room with him,the mutilated body of his good friend,an ancient typewriter and a stack of blank paper with a single typed sentence on the top sheet.
TELL ME A STORY
So Harden starts writing the most difficult story he has ever written because he knows that the person who is behind his imprisonment will be reading each and every word and both the lives of Harden and the woman that he loves depend on him getting the story right.
The chapters alternate between 1989 and 1990 until the two time frames merge together in the lead up to the shocking final confrontation between Harden and the cunning,manipulative villain.The chapters set in 1989 recount the dark story of what happened over the past year at Wyland University and these are the events that Harden is writing about during his imprisonment in the chapters set in 1990 so basically it's a book within a book which I think is a clever way to tell a story.The whole book is voiced by Harden who although he was supposed to be the hero of the story I felt no connection too and felt he came across as a bit of a wimp.
Although you know throughout the book who the cunning,manipulative villain is,the story is intriguing and has a number of interesting twists.Although I admit I enjoyed some parts of the book more than others I did enjoy reading it and will be reading more books by this author.
Many thanks to Oceanview publishing for an arc of this book via netgalley in exchange for a honest review
November 29, 2016
This is actually the third book I've read by the author. He writes the sort of books I tend to enjoy, although this one was definitely more of a thriller and less of a mystery. Still, it had a really interesting concept (ersatz religion created for all the wrong purposes by an overprivileged psychopathic college kid) and solid execution, whatever might have lacked in the narrative made up for abundantly with dynamic pacing. Very entertaining read. Thanks Netgalley.
November 29, 2024
Wow! This book captivated me from beginning to end! If you love cult stories then pick this one up. Harden meets his new friend, Coyote, under unfortunate circumstances at Wyland University in upstate New York. They end up being roommates with two other seniors, Derek and Jacob. Derek has a bad feeling about Coyote. And his instincts are right because Coyote isn’t a good person and he does not have good intentions.
I was on the edge of my seat for most of this story, holding my breath and reading faster than my brain could process to find out how it was all going to end. I thought it might be too much to read two books by this author so close together after reading “Tell Me What You Did” last week. But his stories are so different and written with the same addictive style, plot lines and realistic characters. Suffice it to say, I will be reading EVERYTHING Carter Wilson writes!
I was on the edge of my seat for most of this story, holding my breath and reading faster than my brain could process to find out how it was all going to end. I thought it might be too much to read two books by this author so close together after reading “Tell Me What You Did” last week. But his stories are so different and written with the same addictive style, plot lines and realistic characters. Suffice it to say, I will be reading EVERYTHING Carter Wilson writes!
July 30, 2017
Is Revelation a character-driven novel or a plot-driven suspense thriller?
I would tend to the first one. But it is also a gripping psycho-drama in the fast-paced thrills and exciting action, with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Some violent scenes are very graphical, see it as a warning.
It was without doubts a 5 stars read through and through up to the end, but the VERY ending was slightly overloaded for my taste.
Still an excellent book that I would highly recommend to all fans of the genre.
***Copy provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
I would tend to the first one. But it is also a gripping psycho-drama in the fast-paced thrills and exciting action, with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Some violent scenes are very graphical, see it as a warning.
It was without doubts a 5 stars read through and through up to the end, but the VERY ending was slightly overloaded for my taste.
Still an excellent book that I would highly recommend to all fans of the genre.
***Copy provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
March 12, 2021
Likable if unspectacular tale from Wilson about a group of college friends who encounter a charismatic fellow student, Coyote, and the effect he has on them once he decides to start a religion on campus to see how many people he can get to follow him. Supposedly. One friend, Harden, ends up imprisoned in a basement and forced to write a story to impress Coyote in the hopes of being released. While it's entertaining enough, there isn't a whole lot that allows this one to rise above similar books in the genre and really stand out. The writing is solid and the ending satisfies so it earns its 3 stars but it felt like it should have been better.
October 26, 2016
All religions have, at their core, a charismatic figure; a leader in whom the masses are willing to put their trust and faith. Perhaps most important, this leader becomes someone whom others often blindly obey. This is the core concept of Revelation. The story is uncomfortably dark in its realism. We see how our human need to find purpose and meaning can so easily be manipulated and twisted by a psychopath with a magnetic personality.
This story is told through two closely linked alternating timelines. The present timeline has Harden locked away with a typewriter and a stack of paper. This part is written in third person, from Harden's perspective. The story he writes becomes the second timeline, beginning when Harden met Coyote at college. This part is written in first person. The switch makes it easy to keep track of where we are in the timeline.
I didn't actually like Harden all that much. He's a bit wimpy, gullible, and definitely a follower. I wanted to shake him out of his stupor. My dislike is not a fault of the author's. Harden's character is well developed and fits with the type of person who might fall prey to manipulation. But because Harden is the narrating character, and the other main characters are even less likable, I did miss the connection that comes when I enjoy spending time with a character I like.
The book is marketed as a thriller, but it reads more like slow-burning psychological suspense. Pacing, particularly through the first half, tends to lag. We spend a lot of time watching the small group of young men interacting at college, going to parties, looking for girls, getting drunk, etc. While some of this was certainly necessary in order for us to get a feel for their personalities and the developing relationships, I thought the repetition of mundane activity weighed down the story.
Overall, this story offers fascinating insight into leader-follower dynamics, showing us how easily faith and trust can be misplaced by us and abused by those we allow to be in charge.
*I was provided with an advance copy by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
This story is told through two closely linked alternating timelines. The present timeline has Harden locked away with a typewriter and a stack of paper. This part is written in third person, from Harden's perspective. The story he writes becomes the second timeline, beginning when Harden met Coyote at college. This part is written in first person. The switch makes it easy to keep track of where we are in the timeline.
I didn't actually like Harden all that much. He's a bit wimpy, gullible, and definitely a follower. I wanted to shake him out of his stupor. My dislike is not a fault of the author's. Harden's character is well developed and fits with the type of person who might fall prey to manipulation. But because Harden is the narrating character, and the other main characters are even less likable, I did miss the connection that comes when I enjoy spending time with a character I like.
The book is marketed as a thriller, but it reads more like slow-burning psychological suspense. Pacing, particularly through the first half, tends to lag. We spend a lot of time watching the small group of young men interacting at college, going to parties, looking for girls, getting drunk, etc. While some of this was certainly necessary in order for us to get a feel for their personalities and the developing relationships, I thought the repetition of mundane activity weighed down the story.
Overall, this story offers fascinating insight into leader-follower dynamics, showing us how easily faith and trust can be misplaced by us and abused by those we allow to be in charge.
*I was provided with an advance copy by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
February 5, 2017
4.5 stars for this one. I've enjoyed a few other books by Carter Wilson but he really amped it up this time. This is a story about a charismatic psychopath who lets nothing get in the way of his plans.
It was a thrilling thriller but also very dark. It charts the story of the last year at college of a group of friends and the monster they have as their roommate. Harden, Jason and Derek have known each other for 3 years. They are sharing a 4 bedroom house near the college. Harden dramatically meets Wiley Martin (aka Coyote) at the start of their final year and they invite him to take the last room.
But Coyote is a strange and creepy kind of guy who seems to be able to bend people to his will. He admits to Harden that he needs to 'consume people'. Harden writes a short story about what it take to start a new religion in the modern world. How would you get people to believe? Coyote reads the story two weeks before the start of their final term and straight away picks Harden up to help him set up this new religion. Harden says it was just a story, something he wrote for a class, buy Coyote wants to experiment to see if he could actually get adherents.
It gets quite dark from there. We first met Harden when he was imprisoned by the new 'church'. All that was in his cell was a chair and a table on which rested an old typewriter and a ream of paper. On the top page was the instruction "tell me a story." Oh, and the dead body of his friend. The book alternates between Harden's struggle to stay alive as a captive of the church, or even escape and the events leading up to this. There are some brutal moments. The characters are well drawn but its hard to like them, particularly Harden as he comes across as weak. I liked him more when he started to fight back. Coyote of course is suitably scary! A well crafted book.
It was a thrilling thriller but also very dark. It charts the story of the last year at college of a group of friends and the monster they have as their roommate. Harden, Jason and Derek have known each other for 3 years. They are sharing a 4 bedroom house near the college. Harden dramatically meets Wiley Martin (aka Coyote) at the start of their final year and they invite him to take the last room.
But Coyote is a strange and creepy kind of guy who seems to be able to bend people to his will. He admits to Harden that he needs to 'consume people'. Harden writes a short story about what it take to start a new religion in the modern world. How would you get people to believe? Coyote reads the story two weeks before the start of their final term and straight away picks Harden up to help him set up this new religion. Harden says it was just a story, something he wrote for a class, buy Coyote wants to experiment to see if he could actually get adherents.
It gets quite dark from there. We first met Harden when he was imprisoned by the new 'church'. All that was in his cell was a chair and a table on which rested an old typewriter and a ream of paper. On the top page was the instruction "tell me a story." Oh, and the dead body of his friend. The book alternates between Harden's struggle to stay alive as a captive of the church, or even escape and the events leading up to this. There are some brutal moments. The characters are well drawn but its hard to like them, particularly Harden as he comes across as weak. I liked him more when he started to fight back. Coyote of course is suitably scary! A well crafted book.
April 16, 2017
Great read
Deep and disturbing. I really enjoyed this book....a page-turner that jumps back and forth in time to tell a story about malevolence and one man's need to "consume" people. It makes you question what the human spirit can overcome. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Deep and disturbing. I really enjoyed this book....a page-turner that jumps back and forth in time to tell a story about malevolence and one man's need to "consume" people. It makes you question what the human spirit can overcome. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 21, 2017
A real page turner. One of the best thrillers I've read in years. Coyote is easily a Top 5 all-time favorite character.
December 4, 2019
holy shitness
June 18, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
""A dark stain that goes with them ...""
I almost certainly will relisten to this book again some time in the future: it will be good to revisit it with the better knowledge of what was happening following the unexpected conclusion.
Three student friends Derek, Jacob and Harden, rent a four bedroom apartment to share during their final college year. Although two of the young men are quite financially sound, one is not, so it makes sense to add a fourth room mate to their group. Wiley, always known as Coyote is wealthy and charasmatic and joins them, sharing the expenses though not often actually living at the house. The story begins when Harden wakes up to find himself locked in an unknown room, initially in the dark, with nothing to decorate the concrete walls or dirt floor, no furniture other than a chair, table and typewriter, and a message requesting that he tells a story. He is alone, apart from a spider - and the dead body of Derek, his friend.
Where is he? Why is he there? What happened to Derek? How can he escape?
This is the first book by Carter Wilson that I have read and I was very pleasantly surprised. Well written, the construction was also good with the present happenings being given from the point of view of the main protagonist, Harden, but in the third person, and this is alternated by his story, written in first person, of what went before in the year preceding the current events. As each chapter is headed by a date, these two aspects mean that the reader is, at no time, unsure which is now and which then, as can sometimes occur in this type of presentation. As the story progresses, we learn more about the group of four and, in particular, the egotistical Coyote and the games he likes to play and, of course, about the prisoner and story writer, Harden..
Apparently straightforward, there are some unexpected perspective altering twists. More of a thriller than a mystery, there is a growing dark tension throughout. There is some physical action along the way but most of the violence is contained inside the minds of the characters themselves. Timothy McKean interpreted this very well. It would have been easy or him to overdramatize; instead he maintained a calm, clear reading throughout. He was very pleasant to hear. Unfortunately there were a few editting glitches where a sentence, already given, is repeated, such as at the start of chapter 3 and end of chapters 11 and 28, but these were only momentary distractions.
I was freely gifted my copy of Revelation by the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning, not wanting to stop listening at any point, so intrigued was I with what had happened and what would come next. A certain amount of suspension of disbelief was required at times, at least, I hope so. I wouldn't want too many Coyotes about in everyday life!
Intriguing and original story, well written and performed: definitely recommended.
""A dark stain that goes with them ...""
I almost certainly will relisten to this book again some time in the future: it will be good to revisit it with the better knowledge of what was happening following the unexpected conclusion.
Three student friends Derek, Jacob and Harden, rent a four bedroom apartment to share during their final college year. Although two of the young men are quite financially sound, one is not, so it makes sense to add a fourth room mate to their group. Wiley, always known as Coyote is wealthy and charasmatic and joins them, sharing the expenses though not often actually living at the house. The story begins when Harden wakes up to find himself locked in an unknown room, initially in the dark, with nothing to decorate the concrete walls or dirt floor, no furniture other than a chair, table and typewriter, and a message requesting that he tells a story. He is alone, apart from a spider - and the dead body of Derek, his friend.
Where is he? Why is he there? What happened to Derek? How can he escape?
This is the first book by Carter Wilson that I have read and I was very pleasantly surprised. Well written, the construction was also good with the present happenings being given from the point of view of the main protagonist, Harden, but in the third person, and this is alternated by his story, written in first person, of what went before in the year preceding the current events. As each chapter is headed by a date, these two aspects mean that the reader is, at no time, unsure which is now and which then, as can sometimes occur in this type of presentation. As the story progresses, we learn more about the group of four and, in particular, the egotistical Coyote and the games he likes to play and, of course, about the prisoner and story writer, Harden..
Apparently straightforward, there are some unexpected perspective altering twists. More of a thriller than a mystery, there is a growing dark tension throughout. There is some physical action along the way but most of the violence is contained inside the minds of the characters themselves. Timothy McKean interpreted this very well. It would have been easy or him to overdramatize; instead he maintained a calm, clear reading throughout. He was very pleasant to hear. Unfortunately there were a few editting glitches where a sentence, already given, is repeated, such as at the start of chapter 3 and end of chapters 11 and 28, but these were only momentary distractions.
I was freely gifted my copy of Revelation by the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning, not wanting to stop listening at any point, so intrigued was I with what had happened and what would come next. A certain amount of suspension of disbelief was required at times, at least, I hope so. I wouldn't want too many Coyotes about in everyday life!
Intriguing and original story, well written and performed: definitely recommended.
September 21, 2017
*I requested and was granted an Audible code for this audio book*
This was a fantastic, cinematic, gripping thriller of a ride! I was on the edge of my seat throughout, and only stopped for sleep because I just had to. Amazing characters and plotting, I thought I knew what was coming next only to be delightfully blindsided!
The descriptions of the cell made me feel like I was really there, able to see and feel the dirt beneath me, hearing the ticking of the typewriter. So wonderfully written, it was just amazing! When the narrator talked about certain things in his past, how it affected him then and now, it really hit home and was very spot on. I know it wasn’t a focal point of the story, but I was very taken in by this, the embarrassment and fear of telling someone, and the way it affects a person later in life. The author managed to do this without seeming like it was simply for shock value; it truly helped make up Harden’s character and personality.
I was thoroughly engrossed throughout, this is such a well-done book. 5 massive Platypires.
Now, the narrator. I mean, what can I say, really? He was great! He made the slightest of voice changes for characters, yet I always knew who was speaking by those minutes differences. His tone and pace were spot on, and he really brought this book to life, in my opinion.
Very well done, a good match! 5 Platypires for this part, too.
So, all in all, I rate this 5 Platypires and it is going on my favorites list!
This was a fantastic, cinematic, gripping thriller of a ride! I was on the edge of my seat throughout, and only stopped for sleep because I just had to. Amazing characters and plotting, I thought I knew what was coming next only to be delightfully blindsided!
The descriptions of the cell made me feel like I was really there, able to see and feel the dirt beneath me, hearing the ticking of the typewriter. So wonderfully written, it was just amazing! When the narrator talked about certain things in his past, how it affected him then and now, it really hit home and was very spot on. I know it wasn’t a focal point of the story, but I was very taken in by this, the embarrassment and fear of telling someone, and the way it affects a person later in life. The author managed to do this without seeming like it was simply for shock value; it truly helped make up Harden’s character and personality.
I was thoroughly engrossed throughout, this is such a well-done book. 5 massive Platypires.
Now, the narrator. I mean, what can I say, really? He was great! He made the slightest of voice changes for characters, yet I always knew who was speaking by those minutes differences. His tone and pace were spot on, and he really brought this book to life, in my opinion.
Very well done, a good match! 5 Platypires for this part, too.
So, all in all, I rate this 5 Platypires and it is going on my favorites list!
August 16, 2017
Brilliant Psychological Examination
A thriller, yes. A procedural, yes. But, not the kind one might assume. A dark study of a charismatic psychopath. Coyote. His choices, perceptions, manipulations, self-delusions. The story is shared with Harden and Emma. Surprisingly so. One a wary friend. One a lover-soon-not-to-be. But, what is friendship? Who we are when we are with someone? A conquering? A submission? History? Admiration? Respect? Fascination? Don't be frightened off, but this is literature. Entertaining, balls out, batts swinging, home runs. Fakes to the catcher. But, all along; pretty much every page; home runs. I have met, in Carter Wilson, a singular author. A genius of words. Of concept. A brave, craftsman. A born writer. An observer. A manipulator of the observed, as all great artists must be. But, a born writer. One who - now that I'm stuck with baseball metaphors - covers all the bases. Thrills, fear, entertainment, psychopathy, love, death, the promise of a future. A future. Which can be enough.
A thriller, yes. A procedural, yes. But, not the kind one might assume. A dark study of a charismatic psychopath. Coyote. His choices, perceptions, manipulations, self-delusions. The story is shared with Harden and Emma. Surprisingly so. One a wary friend. One a lover-soon-not-to-be. But, what is friendship? Who we are when we are with someone? A conquering? A submission? History? Admiration? Respect? Fascination? Don't be frightened off, but this is literature. Entertaining, balls out, batts swinging, home runs. Fakes to the catcher. But, all along; pretty much every page; home runs. I have met, in Carter Wilson, a singular author. A genius of words. Of concept. A brave, craftsman. A born writer. An observer. A manipulator of the observed, as all great artists must be. But, a born writer. One who - now that I'm stuck with baseball metaphors - covers all the bases. Thrills, fear, entertainment, psychopathy, love, death, the promise of a future. A future. Which can be enough.
August 17, 2017
"Tell me a story" - Carter Wilson does this superbly.
After waking up beaten almost to the point of death in a dark cold room, Harden Campbell is set with the task of recounting the last year of his life in story format. Reliving events with his college friends Jacob and Derek as well as the introduction of his newest acquaintance, Coyote, leads to the meat of this thriller. A simple creative writing assignment of Harden's turns into a "project" for Coyote to create a new religion on campus. His goal: to gather as many as possible and see what it takes to make others drop everything to follow his word.
Harden discovers that the depiction he constructs will determine not only his future but the future of the girl he loves.
So much to enjoy including an ending I didn't see coming. I will seek out other books by this author.
After waking up beaten almost to the point of death in a dark cold room, Harden Campbell is set with the task of recounting the last year of his life in story format. Reliving events with his college friends Jacob and Derek as well as the introduction of his newest acquaintance, Coyote, leads to the meat of this thriller. A simple creative writing assignment of Harden's turns into a "project" for Coyote to create a new religion on campus. His goal: to gather as many as possible and see what it takes to make others drop everything to follow his word.
Harden discovers that the depiction he constructs will determine not only his future but the future of the girl he loves.
So much to enjoy including an ending I didn't see coming. I will seek out other books by this author.
December 14, 2017
Harden Campbell wishes he could wake up from this nightmare. Cold, alone and locked in a dark room, the first thing he notices is the dead body of his closest friend. That is not the only thing he notices. Harden sees an old typewriter, a stack of white paper and on the top sheet the words “Tell Me A Story.” He knows who it is from and he also knows that his life depends on the story he is about to tell.
“The words of a book mean nothing when they’re just ink on paper. It’s the author you have to believe in, not the message. If the author of the message is believable, the message becomes irrelevant.”
Harden is in his last year of college when he has the misfortune of walking into the path of Wylie, also known as Coyote to most. Coyote has a way a drawing people in. He is charming, friendly, and has an air of confidence about him that Harden lacks. It does not come as a shock that Harden follows Coyote’s lead, even though he knows he shouldn’t. What follows is a cat and mouse game orchestrated by Coyote in his quest for true power.
Coyote is very much a psychopath. We know he is the villain and the author does not make it a secret. I know it may sound a bit weird, but I have always been fascinated with psychopathic behavior. This is probably the reason why I loved the character of Coyote so much. I always wanted to know what makes a psychopath/sociopath tick. How did Coyote become the man he is today. Coyote is cunning. He knows what it takes to get people to believe in him and follow him. He uses his skills to his advantage and knows just who to target.
“Because Harden, in my experience, those who are haunted are the most vulnerable.”
“Vulnerable to what?”
“To everything.”
I especially loved this quote because I have often wondered why people can so easily follow a leader whether its a cult leader, or a religious fanatic. Can anyone be manipulated or is it only the vulnerable? I know this story is fiction, but yet we know this can happen and has happened. Look at Charles Manson and how he got people to do what he wanted of them. I don’t know about you, but I find it fascinating and in a way heartbreaking how someone could easily be led astray in order to believe in something that might not always be in their best interest.
REVELATION is a simple yet brilliantly written story. Carter Wilson takes you on a journey through the past and the present where not everything is as it seems. What you think you know. You don’t. There are so many twists and you will be wondering what is real and what isn’t. The story is just one complete mindf*ck.
“The words of a book mean nothing when they’re just ink on paper. It’s the author you have to believe in, not the message. If the author of the message is believable, the message becomes irrelevant.”
Harden is in his last year of college when he has the misfortune of walking into the path of Wylie, also known as Coyote to most. Coyote has a way a drawing people in. He is charming, friendly, and has an air of confidence about him that Harden lacks. It does not come as a shock that Harden follows Coyote’s lead, even though he knows he shouldn’t. What follows is a cat and mouse game orchestrated by Coyote in his quest for true power.
Coyote is very much a psychopath. We know he is the villain and the author does not make it a secret. I know it may sound a bit weird, but I have always been fascinated with psychopathic behavior. This is probably the reason why I loved the character of Coyote so much. I always wanted to know what makes a psychopath/sociopath tick. How did Coyote become the man he is today. Coyote is cunning. He knows what it takes to get people to believe in him and follow him. He uses his skills to his advantage and knows just who to target.
“Because Harden, in my experience, those who are haunted are the most vulnerable.”
“Vulnerable to what?”
“To everything.”
I especially loved this quote because I have often wondered why people can so easily follow a leader whether its a cult leader, or a religious fanatic. Can anyone be manipulated or is it only the vulnerable? I know this story is fiction, but yet we know this can happen and has happened. Look at Charles Manson and how he got people to do what he wanted of them. I don’t know about you, but I find it fascinating and in a way heartbreaking how someone could easily be led astray in order to believe in something that might not always be in their best interest.
REVELATION is a simple yet brilliantly written story. Carter Wilson takes you on a journey through the past and the present where not everything is as it seems. What you think you know. You don’t. There are so many twists and you will be wondering what is real and what isn’t. The story is just one complete mindf*ck.
April 25, 2025
I thought I would like this but, sadly. Not for me. I love the cover but this just had to ruin me. I love Carter’s work but this isn’t for me.
February 13, 2017
Great page turner! Just what one needs on a cold February afternoon. Realistic characters and plot. This would make a great movie.
February 6, 2017
I confess that I hated the novel's beginning. Full of violent imagery and over-the-top darkness, I figured that this wouldn't be worth the time. Happy to say I was wrong. Couldn't put it down. Fascinating plot, and just a hint of Scientology? This definitely qualifies as a page burner.
January 24, 2017
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I really liked it. There are some questions I have about the character Coyote, but if you suspend belief just a tad, this could happen. Just look at the Trump election. At any rate, it was a book I was anxious to read and ran to every free moment I had. I liked all the characters, and the author was successful with the mini surprise at the end. Cool book. I would read more by Carter Wilson!
January 13, 2021
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I will definitely read more. Well written and decent character development.
July 7, 2017
At a small New York college, two roommates set out to create a religious cult as a social experiment. Soon, however, things take a malevolent turn when the burgeoning Church’s chosen messiah turns out to be a socio-pathological lunatic. Waking to find himself trapped in a sort of dungeon cell like that of John of Patmos, with only a typewriter, a spider, and the rotting corpse of his former roommate for companionship, Harden Campbell sets to work writing his book of Revelation.
Set over a quarter century ago, Carter Wilson’s novel, Revelation, was only published last year, but it could easily have been set in contemporary times. The story toggles between third-person point of view and first as some of the examination of the action puts us in the position of observer, while other chapters are from the perspective of a manuscript being written by the captive, Harden.
There are three main characters, our part-time narrator, Harden; his roommate turned tormenter, Coyote; and Coyote’s girlfriend, Emma. The story takes us from Harden’s first meeting with Coyote all the way to a contrived conclusion in which the triangle of Harden, Coyote, and Emma come together to realize Coyote’s penultimate coup de grace, unless a miracle or Deus ex Machina intervenes.
My review is based on the audio version, which I received in exchange for my honest review, and to be honest, I’m not sure how I felt about the choice of narrator, Timothy McKean. It’s not that he did a bad job. On the contrary, he helped give life to the characters and added a sense of reality to the tension, and in the end that’s really all one can ask of a voice actor. But there is a slight Keanu Reeves-like immaturity to the quality of his tone. Another coming-of-age/college-experience story that wasn’t also about a murderous messianic sadist would probably be right in his wheelhouse.
As for the story, I have to confess, I have a particular fondness for thrillers which twist the conventions of religion into something distorted and horrifying. The best parts of this story for me were, in fact, the aspects showing how a charismatic sociopath could easily convince enough vulnerable and weak-willed neophytes to follow his promises of lasting happiness and self-improvement. From my perspective, Jim Jones, L. Ron Hubbard, Joseph Smith, and Paul of Tarsus are all just variations of a theme representing a template from which Wylie “Coyote” Martin was drawn.
Revelation is a successful thriller the same way that the first season of The Following was a success. We believe that a sociopath with access to vulnerable minds and a fortune in expendable cash could create the illusion that he has a message about the purpose of life. But why wouldn’t we believe that? After all, Joel Osteen and Tony Robbins are real people, and we’ve seen what they have done with the starter recipe. All we have to then do is toss in a little Charles Manson and some Kellyanne Conway. Voila!
Set over a quarter century ago, Carter Wilson’s novel, Revelation, was only published last year, but it could easily have been set in contemporary times. The story toggles between third-person point of view and first as some of the examination of the action puts us in the position of observer, while other chapters are from the perspective of a manuscript being written by the captive, Harden.
There are three main characters, our part-time narrator, Harden; his roommate turned tormenter, Coyote; and Coyote’s girlfriend, Emma. The story takes us from Harden’s first meeting with Coyote all the way to a contrived conclusion in which the triangle of Harden, Coyote, and Emma come together to realize Coyote’s penultimate coup de grace, unless a miracle or Deus ex Machina intervenes.
My review is based on the audio version, which I received in exchange for my honest review, and to be honest, I’m not sure how I felt about the choice of narrator, Timothy McKean. It’s not that he did a bad job. On the contrary, he helped give life to the characters and added a sense of reality to the tension, and in the end that’s really all one can ask of a voice actor. But there is a slight Keanu Reeves-like immaturity to the quality of his tone. Another coming-of-age/college-experience story that wasn’t also about a murderous messianic sadist would probably be right in his wheelhouse.
As for the story, I have to confess, I have a particular fondness for thrillers which twist the conventions of religion into something distorted and horrifying. The best parts of this story for me were, in fact, the aspects showing how a charismatic sociopath could easily convince enough vulnerable and weak-willed neophytes to follow his promises of lasting happiness and self-improvement. From my perspective, Jim Jones, L. Ron Hubbard, Joseph Smith, and Paul of Tarsus are all just variations of a theme representing a template from which Wylie “Coyote” Martin was drawn.
Revelation is a successful thriller the same way that the first season of The Following was a success. We believe that a sociopath with access to vulnerable minds and a fortune in expendable cash could create the illusion that he has a message about the purpose of life. But why wouldn’t we believe that? After all, Joel Osteen and Tony Robbins are real people, and we’ve seen what they have done with the starter recipe. All we have to then do is toss in a little Charles Manson and some Kellyanne Conway. Voila!
July 27, 2017
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started this book. I was pleasantly surprised. This was a great listen. It was one of those books I couldn't wait to get back to. It is definitely worth your time and credit.
It's well written, creative, entertaining and very enjoyable. While the story is somewhat predictable in many ways and you know what is going to happen, the way in which the story was unfolded between the past and present was perfect. It pulls you in and never lets go, is full of on the edge of your seat suspense and keeps your heart racing throughout the story waiting for the next twist. You think you know what is going to happen, sometimes your right then boom….another twist comes out of nowhere.
There were a few times I wished they would just leave the past altogether and stay in the present. The past was a little dull at times, the present was much more heart pounding and thrilling.
If you've ever wondered how people can be brainwashed, this story gives you a glimpse into how some people can be convinced/manipulated into just about anything. It's also a very scary thought.
Timothy McKean did a great job with the narration. Nice voice that was easy to listen to for long periods of times. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Good character voices. Even though there is only a slight difference between male and female character voices, it works. I'm so glad he didn't try to do a high pitched female voice. He was able to bring the characters, their emotions and the story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily provided this review.
It's well written, creative, entertaining and very enjoyable. While the story is somewhat predictable in many ways and you know what is going to happen, the way in which the story was unfolded between the past and present was perfect. It pulls you in and never lets go, is full of on the edge of your seat suspense and keeps your heart racing throughout the story waiting for the next twist. You think you know what is going to happen, sometimes your right then boom….another twist comes out of nowhere.
There were a few times I wished they would just leave the past altogether and stay in the present. The past was a little dull at times, the present was much more heart pounding and thrilling.
If you've ever wondered how people can be brainwashed, this story gives you a glimpse into how some people can be convinced/manipulated into just about anything. It's also a very scary thought.
Timothy McKean did a great job with the narration. Nice voice that was easy to listen to for long periods of times. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Good character voices. Even though there is only a slight difference between male and female character voices, it works. I'm so glad he didn't try to do a high pitched female voice. He was able to bring the characters, their emotions and the story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily provided this review.
June 23, 2018
Inhalt:
Harden erwacht in einem dunklen Keller. Er ist so gut wie allein. Die Leiche seines Mitbewohners sowie eine Schreibmaschine und Papier befinden sich ebenfalls im Raum. Bei der Maschine befindet sich ein Zettel mit dem Aufdruck: „Erzähl mir eine Geschichte“ und so schreibt Harden …
Schreibstil:
Der Klappentext las sich noch spannend, aber die eigentliche Geschichte passte wohl nicht recht zu mir. Der Schreibstil wirkt einfach, der Ausdruck ist teils unpassend und die Handlung leider vorhersehbar. Im allgemeinen fehlt das Herz der Geschichte. sie wirkt unfertig und ohne Leben.
Charaktere:
Harden ist ein naiver Student von 21 Jahren und erkennt eigentlich recht früh, dass sein Freund Coyote ein manipulativer Mensch ist. Dennoch bleibt er mit ihm verbunden und das habe ich einfach nicht verstanden.
Coyote manipuliert und spielt mit Menschen wie es ihm passt. Das diese Person ein Problem hat ist recht schnell klar.
Cover:
Das Cover wirkt düster und geheimnisvoll. Schade, dass es gruseliger / spannender anmutet als die eigentliche Geschichte.
Fazit:
Ein Buch, was recht schnell aus meinem Gedächtnis verschwindet. Schlechte Charaktere und eine vorhersehbare Handlung. eine Leseempfehlung spreche ich daher nicht aus und ich vergebe aufgrund der Kritikpunkte nur 2 Sterne.
Harden erwacht in einem dunklen Keller. Er ist so gut wie allein. Die Leiche seines Mitbewohners sowie eine Schreibmaschine und Papier befinden sich ebenfalls im Raum. Bei der Maschine befindet sich ein Zettel mit dem Aufdruck: „Erzähl mir eine Geschichte“ und so schreibt Harden …
Schreibstil:
Der Klappentext las sich noch spannend, aber die eigentliche Geschichte passte wohl nicht recht zu mir. Der Schreibstil wirkt einfach, der Ausdruck ist teils unpassend und die Handlung leider vorhersehbar. Im allgemeinen fehlt das Herz der Geschichte. sie wirkt unfertig und ohne Leben.
Charaktere:
Harden ist ein naiver Student von 21 Jahren und erkennt eigentlich recht früh, dass sein Freund Coyote ein manipulativer Mensch ist. Dennoch bleibt er mit ihm verbunden und das habe ich einfach nicht verstanden.
Coyote manipuliert und spielt mit Menschen wie es ihm passt. Das diese Person ein Problem hat ist recht schnell klar.
Cover:
Das Cover wirkt düster und geheimnisvoll. Schade, dass es gruseliger / spannender anmutet als die eigentliche Geschichte.
Fazit:
Ein Buch, was recht schnell aus meinem Gedächtnis verschwindet. Schlechte Charaktere und eine vorhersehbare Handlung. eine Leseempfehlung spreche ich daher nicht aus und ich vergebe aufgrund der Kritikpunkte nur 2 Sterne.
July 26, 2018
"The words of a book mean nothing when they're just ink on paper. It's the author you have to believe in, not the message. If the author of a message is believable, the message becomes irrelevant."
Revelation was a book that begged to be finished. I devoured all 300 some pages of it in one sitting, in less than five hours even. I was sad and angry, I was heartwarmed and I was frustrated - the mere amount of emotion and feeling in this book alone qualifies it for five stars.
The characters were uniform - the protagonist, his happy friend, his serious friend, his wildcard 'friend,' and the wild card's stunning girlfriend, but it works in Wilson's novel. In the time that an author usually spends fleshing out his characters, Wilson instead focused in on the plot and Coyote's new religion.
Revelation is also interesting in its choice of narration, continuously jumping back and forth between present day and the chapters Harden is forced to write. While it doesn't make the story appear jumpy at all, and flows nicely, it did lead to some confusion as the present and Harden's manuscript become closely aligned.
All in all, I thought Wilson created a spectacular novel here. Revelation is something that I can revisit time and time again and feel the same amount of suspense, anticipation, and urgency that I do reading it now.
Revelation was a book that begged to be finished. I devoured all 300 some pages of it in one sitting, in less than five hours even. I was sad and angry, I was heartwarmed and I was frustrated - the mere amount of emotion and feeling in this book alone qualifies it for five stars.
The characters were uniform - the protagonist, his happy friend, his serious friend, his wildcard 'friend,' and the wild card's stunning girlfriend, but it works in Wilson's novel. In the time that an author usually spends fleshing out his characters, Wilson instead focused in on the plot and Coyote's new religion.
Revelation is also interesting in its choice of narration, continuously jumping back and forth between present day and the chapters Harden is forced to write. While it doesn't make the story appear jumpy at all, and flows nicely, it did lead to some confusion as the present and Harden's manuscript become closely aligned.
All in all, I thought Wilson created a spectacular novel here. Revelation is something that I can revisit time and time again and feel the same amount of suspense, anticipation, and urgency that I do reading it now.
July 29, 2017
A frightening tale"
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 4 stars
Would you consider the audio edition of Revelation to be better than the print version?
I would think so because of the narrator. I can picture the characters better with the voice changes. This narrator did an amazing job.
Have you listened to any of Timothy McKean’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Always does a good job. I gave 5 stars.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Yes, I was terribly sad when Derek died. He was so young and had such potential. It brought tears to my eyes. There were several places in the story that had me shaking my head with wonder.
Any additional comments?
This is a terrible book, but in a good way. It's hard to imagine such horrible people out in the world. What is even more frightening is that I KNOW that there are. I highly recommend with the warning of kidnapping and torture. I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook after receiving an advanced copy.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 4 stars
Would you consider the audio edition of Revelation to be better than the print version?
I would think so because of the narrator. I can picture the characters better with the voice changes. This narrator did an amazing job.
Have you listened to any of Timothy McKean’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Always does a good job. I gave 5 stars.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Yes, I was terribly sad when Derek died. He was so young and had such potential. It brought tears to my eyes. There were several places in the story that had me shaking my head with wonder.
Any additional comments?
This is a terrible book, but in a good way. It's hard to imagine such horrible people out in the world. What is even more frightening is that I KNOW that there are. I highly recommend with the warning of kidnapping and torture. I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook after receiving an advanced copy.
January 3, 2018
A fast, fun read. An impressionable and naive young college student named Arden is drawn to an extraordinary fellow student who calls himself Coyote. Coyote seems to have a plan that includes Arden but at first it’s not clear what that is. Gradually his fascination with Coyote begins to become fear as he realizes what Coyote has done and is capable of doing. Coyote’s plan for him turns out to be terrifying and bewildering. As this plan unfolds, Arden’s life is imperiled and forever changed.
The plot was clever and well written, with lots of exciting, if horrific scenes. I found it plausible that a young inexperienced man might indeed become unwittingly involved with a psychopath, with terrible consequences. I also thought Coyote’s motive for his plan seemed believable, but I can’t say much more without spoiling it for you.
I enjoyed reading it and think you would too.
The plot was clever and well written, with lots of exciting, if horrific scenes. I found it plausible that a young inexperienced man might indeed become unwittingly involved with a psychopath, with terrible consequences. I also thought Coyote’s motive for his plan seemed believable, but I can’t say much more without spoiling it for you.
I enjoyed reading it and think you would too.
November 26, 2018
An excellent psychological thriller.
Short chapters, great characters, and sharp writing made for an engaging read. Revelation gripped me from the first chapter.
Coyote is a controlling and charismatic young man who decides to create a new religion - Revelation - just to see if he can! The novel begins after this has already happened. Harden, our protagonist, wakes up imprisoned in a cell, Coyote demanding he write the story of Revelation. Every word counts. His life depends on it.
Thus begins the origins of a psychopath. How much of what we really have is free will?
I enjoyed Harden's internal dialogue and the switch between first and third person. I was even surprised by the final twist, which was a real thrill.
Carter Wilson is a talented writer and I will definitely read more of his works.
"Tell me a story."
Short chapters, great characters, and sharp writing made for an engaging read. Revelation gripped me from the first chapter.
Coyote is a controlling and charismatic young man who decides to create a new religion - Revelation - just to see if he can! The novel begins after this has already happened. Harden, our protagonist, wakes up imprisoned in a cell, Coyote demanding he write the story of Revelation. Every word counts. His life depends on it.
Thus begins the origins of a psychopath. How much of what we really have is free will?
I enjoyed Harden's internal dialogue and the switch between first and third person. I was even surprised by the final twist, which was a real thrill.
Carter Wilson is a talented writer and I will definitely read more of his works.
"Tell me a story."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews