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Out of the Dark
We are temporary. Finite.
The choices we’ve made, the people we have loved. Who we used to be no longer matters.
Because now it is all about the ending. And the ending always comes too soon.
There’s fear in the dark. And behind every drop of light, the shadows creep and the darkness comes in the form of clawing, red-eyed monsters. They hunt us—stalk us…they are desperate to destroy us.
But I have a reason to fight the darkness and everything in it. A small glimpse of light that lives within my golden-haired daughter, Lilly. She is my strength. She is my everything.
Every life is an untold story, each scene unfolding until the final act. But our ending has yet to be written, and I will continue to protect us, until I cannot.
AUTHOR NOTE: This book was previously titled Into the Light.
The choices we’ve made, the people we have loved. Who we used to be no longer matters.
Because now it is all about the ending. And the ending always comes too soon.
There’s fear in the dark. And behind every drop of light, the shadows creep and the darkness comes in the form of clawing, red-eyed monsters. They hunt us—stalk us…they are desperate to destroy us.
But I have a reason to fight the darkness and everything in it. A small glimpse of light that lives within my golden-haired daughter, Lilly. She is my strength. She is my everything.
Every life is an untold story, each scene unfolding until the final act. But our ending has yet to be written, and I will continue to protect us, until I cannot.
AUTHOR NOTE: This book was previously titled Into the Light.
Unknown Binding
First published May 26, 2016
18 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Claire C. Riley
92 books1,198 followersClaire C. Riley is a USA Today and International bestselling author.
She lives in the United Kingdom with her husband, three daughters, and ridiculously naughty rescue beagle.
* Gryffindor * Targaryen * Zombie slayer *
MC ROMANCE:
Devil's Highwaymen Ride or Die Series (3 books)
The Devil's Highwaymen Nomad Series (4 books)
Tame his Beast duet (2 books)
MAFIA ROMANCE:
Deviant Prince #1
Twisted Princess #2
Royal Blood: The Brotherhood
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Beautiful Victim (standalone)
Fragments of Delores (standalone)
NA ROMANCE
WRATH #3 in the Elite Seven Series
POST-APOCALYPTIC
Odium The Dead Saga Series 8 books
Odium Origins Series 3 books
Out of the Dark (standalone)
Red Eye The Armageddon Series - co-authored with Eli Constant (3 books)
Thicker than Blood series - co-authored with Madeline Sheehan (3 books)
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Limerence (The Obsession Series)
Twisted Magic (standalone)
ROMANCE
Shut Up & Kiss Me - Co-authored with Madeline Sheehan
HORROR
Blood Claim (standalone)
FIND ME
She can be stalked at any of the following and always welcomes any questions readers may have.
www.clairecriley.com
https://www.facebook.com/ClaireCRiley...
http://bit.ly/clairecrileyamazon/
https://twitter.com/ClaireCRiley
https://www.google.com/+ClaireCRiley
and redheadapocalypse on Instagram
She lives in the United Kingdom with her husband, three daughters, and ridiculously naughty rescue beagle.
* Gryffindor * Targaryen * Zombie slayer *
MC ROMANCE:
Devil's Highwaymen Ride or Die Series (3 books)
The Devil's Highwaymen Nomad Series (4 books)
Tame his Beast duet (2 books)
MAFIA ROMANCE:
Deviant Prince #1
Twisted Princess #2
Royal Blood: The Brotherhood
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/THRILLER
Beautiful Victim (standalone)
Fragments of Delores (standalone)
NA ROMANCE
WRATH #3 in the Elite Seven Series
POST-APOCALYPTIC
Odium The Dead Saga Series 8 books
Odium Origins Series 3 books
Out of the Dark (standalone)
Red Eye The Armageddon Series - co-authored with Eli Constant (3 books)
Thicker than Blood series - co-authored with Madeline Sheehan (3 books)
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Limerence (The Obsession Series)
Twisted Magic (standalone)
ROMANCE
Shut Up & Kiss Me - Co-authored with Madeline Sheehan
HORROR
Blood Claim (standalone)
FIND ME
She can be stalked at any of the following and always welcomes any questions readers may have.
www.clairecriley.com
https://www.facebook.com/ClaireCRiley...
http://bit.ly/clairecrileyamazon/
https://twitter.com/ClaireCRiley
https://www.google.com/+ClaireCRiley
and redheadapocalypse on Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 10, 2017
WATCH BLOG VIDEO TRAILER OF THIS BOOK ON OUR TOP READS
MAY'S TOP READS TRAILER
5★★★★★Powerful & Emotional Ride Stars
Genre: Post-Apocalypse/Paranormal
Type: Book 1 of Out Of The Dark/Into The Light Series
POV: First Person – Female
Once upon a time a woman finds herself happy with a husband and a lovely child but in a blink of an eye her life changes. Her loving husband becomes a monster; he gets the virus that is spreading and killing the entire world. The husband is now dangerous and kills their only child the woman has no choice but to save herself by killing the one she loved. There was a disease that evolved and infected more and more people until they infected the world, until no one was safe.
Out Of The Dark is an emotional, heart whelming, powerful story about a woman; a mother; fighting for survival when there is no hope. When she was finally given up and decided there was no one and nothing to live for anymore she finds a little angel. This woman finds her reason for living; her reason for being. A blonde child, with beautiful curls is hiding in a field of yellows, oranges, greens of sunflowers. This girl was LILLY; she was hiding from the monsters and this woman finds her and decides that she will LIVE for this child; she will do anything in her power to keep this child alive even if deep inside she knew it was most likely impossible that they will survive this horror.
The days are not long enough when they need the light; the monsters only come out at night. They are loud, have red eyes, claws and are animals but in a human figure. In this dangerous life the only hope they have is to live one day at a time hoping that one day they'll find a safe place. Traveling on foot, finding whatever they can eat to survive and sometimes not even eating for days was a nightmare in itself but if they still could breathe there was still hope. They will find happiness on the simple things like water and vegetables and anything worth it.
This book gutted me; broke me; it left me breathless. It was such an emotional, heart breaking roller caster ride. The writing was incredible and phenomenal! I felt like I was this mother from the beginning to the end. The deep writing on this book was just an amazing ride and was just WOW. You will not find a love romance in this book but instead a love between a mother and a daughter during post-Apocalypse times. I promise once you read this book you will never forget it. It's taking everything I have to finish this review as for I have cried on every paragraph and quote I have written; the pain in my chest is so much and strong I don't think it will ever go away. I finished this book with lots of tears and knots in my throat and a stabbing pain in my chest. But I regret nothing, this book was amazing and now I am looking forward to reading book two as soon as it comes out.
F(BR) with Riley's Reads here on GR
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book Series Order:
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
MAY'S TOP READS TRAILER
5★★★★★Powerful & Emotional Ride Stars
Genre: Post-Apocalypse/Paranormal
Type: Book 1 of Out Of The Dark/Into The Light Series
POV: First Person – Female
"Death is chasing us down, and I can't let it win...The sun sleeps and the monsters come alive, stalking and chasing us through the night..I don't want to die."
Once upon a time a woman finds herself happy with a husband and a lovely child but in a blink of an eye her life changes. Her loving husband becomes a monster; he gets the virus that is spreading and killing the entire world. The husband is now dangerous and kills their only child the woman has no choice but to save herself by killing the one she loved. There was a disease that evolved and infected more and more people until they infected the world, until no one was safe.
"The end is inevitable. It is death, and one way or another, it will come for us."
Out Of The Dark is an emotional, heart whelming, powerful story about a woman; a mother; fighting for survival when there is no hope. When she was finally given up and decided there was no one and nothing to live for anymore she finds a little angel. This woman finds her reason for living; her reason for being. A blonde child, with beautiful curls is hiding in a field of yellows, oranges, greens of sunflowers. This girl was LILLY; she was hiding from the monsters and this woman finds her and decides that she will LIVE for this child; she will do anything in her power to keep this child alive even if deep inside she knew it was most likely impossible that they will survive this horror.
The days are not long enough when they need the light; the monsters only come out at night. They are loud, have red eyes, claws and are animals but in a human figure. In this dangerous life the only hope they have is to live one day at a time hoping that one day they'll find a safe place. Traveling on foot, finding whatever they can eat to survive and sometimes not even eating for days was a nightmare in itself but if they still could breathe there was still hope. They will find happiness on the simple things like water and vegetables and anything worth it.
"I want to see this smile on her face every day for as long as I can. Because all we are left with at the end is a handful of memories to brighten the darkness."
This book gutted me; broke me; it left me breathless. It was such an emotional, heart breaking roller caster ride. The writing was incredible and phenomenal! I felt like I was this mother from the beginning to the end. The deep writing on this book was just an amazing ride and was just WOW. You will not find a love romance in this book but instead a love between a mother and a daughter during post-Apocalypse times. I promise once you read this book you will never forget it. It's taking everything I have to finish this review as for I have cried on every paragraph and quote I have written; the pain in my chest is so much and strong I don't think it will ever go away. I finished this book with lots of tears and knots in my throat and a stabbing pain in my chest. But I regret nothing, this book was amazing and now I am looking forward to reading book two as soon as it comes out.
F(BR) with Riley's Reads here on GR
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book Series Order:
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 5, 2016
**Received ARC in exchange for an honest review**
"When the world went to hell, the planet rocked, reeling from the realization that such evil could live among us in plain sight."
Out of the Dark is about a woman and a child that are trying to survive in a world filled with monsters. There is no food, no water and no protection. They only have each other and try to live to see another day. They survived because they had each other. They were each other's light! Out of the Dark is not your typical/traditional zombie/post-apocalyptic story, it is so much more and Claire has come up with a very original story. The monsters in this book are very refreshing to read about.
"Every breath feels like it is poison, the stench of the monsters hanging thick in the air, so much so that I can taste them in my mouth, on my tongue, bitter and vile and evil."
I finished this book at 4:30AM, because I just couldn't put it down. This book wrecked me and turned me into a zombie because only one thing was on my mind and that was finishing this book. I was hooked and I couldn't do anything else. This book is everything! I was on one crazy emotional rollercoaster that I couldn't get enough of. It was like I was teleported into the book and I was one of the main characters. All the emotions the characters were feeling were REAL to me. I was on the edge of my chair from beginning to end. It was like I was dangling over a cliff and could fall any time.
"Waiting, always waiting for them to fins us, to catch us, to kill us. Waiting. It's a cruel torture."
This book was heartbreaking, full of action, emotional and scary. This book was PERFECT. I needed so many tissues because I was crying my eyes out. Claire is a writing genius and knows perfectly how to touch the reader. I loved every word in this book and it has become one of my favorites this year. The ending was fitting and I am dying to know what will happen next. I NEED book #2 ASAP.
"When the world went to hell, the planet rocked, reeling from the realization that such evil could live among us in plain sight."
Out of the Dark is about a woman and a child that are trying to survive in a world filled with monsters. There is no food, no water and no protection. They only have each other and try to live to see another day. They survived because they had each other. They were each other's light! Out of the Dark is not your typical/traditional zombie/post-apocalyptic story, it is so much more and Claire has come up with a very original story. The monsters in this book are very refreshing to read about.
"Every breath feels like it is poison, the stench of the monsters hanging thick in the air, so much so that I can taste them in my mouth, on my tongue, bitter and vile and evil."
I finished this book at 4:30AM, because I just couldn't put it down. This book wrecked me and turned me into a zombie because only one thing was on my mind and that was finishing this book. I was hooked and I couldn't do anything else. This book is everything! I was on one crazy emotional rollercoaster that I couldn't get enough of. It was like I was teleported into the book and I was one of the main characters. All the emotions the characters were feeling were REAL to me. I was on the edge of my chair from beginning to end. It was like I was dangling over a cliff and could fall any time.
"Waiting, always waiting for them to fins us, to catch us, to kill us. Waiting. It's a cruel torture."
This book was heartbreaking, full of action, emotional and scary. This book was PERFECT. I needed so many tissues because I was crying my eyes out. Claire is a writing genius and knows perfectly how to touch the reader. I loved every word in this book and it has become one of my favorites this year. The ending was fitting and I am dying to know what will happen next. I NEED book #2 ASAP.
May 24, 2016
Inevitable 10 million stars for Mama and Lilly
Imagine a world without any humans, well almost, a world full of monsters. Monsters with black skin, red glowy eyes and razor sharp talons and teeth. Imagine them screeching and screaming in the dark, hunting for you the very human that is going extinct.
Now imagine that from the perspective of a tiny five or six year old girl. Imagine the terror, the fear, the cold sweat breaking out on her tiny little body. What would you do to protect this tiny human? Would you scavenge every town that you pass or walk through? Would you put yourself in front of danger just to save a tiny life? Imagine all that and more and that is what you discover when you read Out of the Dark by Claire C. Riley.
Words cannot express my emotions right now. I am yet again blown away by Claire C. Riley’s mind. Out of the Dark was not what I expected and yet it was so much more. Yes, it is another story about a post-apocalyptic world where monsters take over everything but the one thing that makes it different from the rest, even one of Ms. Riley’s books, was the tiny little bundle called Lilly and her brave and fierce, Mama.
Lilly and her Mama battle the evil that surrounds them with little to no help, because help means people and people means harm. No one can be trusted. Nowhere was safe. The dark is to be feared. And daylight was your only friend. They forge onwards without any food, water or protection, all they had was each other and Lilly’s Mama loved her fiercely, she would turn the world upside down to keep her safe. As the story unfolds we find out more about the world that has become and why it became like that and then the truth about people and the infection spreading and the inevitable truth completely wrecked me. My heart hurts and my soul was crying, I wanted to climb inside the book and give them the light.
This story was different but I loved the heartbreaking isolation. I love her mother's fierce devotion, a love only someone who loves you unconditionally can give you. Lilly’s mother’s fear that she is failing her little girl. This story literally screamed every emotion known to man out of it.
I took my time reading it because I was incredibly fearful of the ending, I resisted going to the very end of the book and finding out what transpires in the end. I was dying to know yet I was scared about the truth. This book was the feels as I call it. Out of the Dark was not your typical Riley post-apoc story, it will have your emotions running amok, fear will grip your hear and make you breath catch and the ending will leave you lifeless and unable to comprehend the world that we live in. To say I loved this story would be an understatement.
Imagine a world without any humans, well almost, a world full of monsters. Monsters with black skin, red glowy eyes and razor sharp talons and teeth. Imagine them screeching and screaming in the dark, hunting for you the very human that is going extinct.
Now imagine that from the perspective of a tiny five or six year old girl. Imagine the terror, the fear, the cold sweat breaking out on her tiny little body. What would you do to protect this tiny human? Would you scavenge every town that you pass or walk through? Would you put yourself in front of danger just to save a tiny life? Imagine all that and more and that is what you discover when you read Out of the Dark by Claire C. Riley.
Words cannot express my emotions right now. I am yet again blown away by Claire C. Riley’s mind. Out of the Dark was not what I expected and yet it was so much more. Yes, it is another story about a post-apocalyptic world where monsters take over everything but the one thing that makes it different from the rest, even one of Ms. Riley’s books, was the tiny little bundle called Lilly and her brave and fierce, Mama.
Lilly and her Mama battle the evil that surrounds them with little to no help, because help means people and people means harm. No one can be trusted. Nowhere was safe. The dark is to be feared. And daylight was your only friend. They forge onwards without any food, water or protection, all they had was each other and Lilly’s Mama loved her fiercely, she would turn the world upside down to keep her safe. As the story unfolds we find out more about the world that has become and why it became like that and then the truth about people and the infection spreading and the inevitable truth completely wrecked me. My heart hurts and my soul was crying, I wanted to climb inside the book and give them the light.
This story was different but I loved the heartbreaking isolation. I love her mother's fierce devotion, a love only someone who loves you unconditionally can give you. Lilly’s mother’s fear that she is failing her little girl. This story literally screamed every emotion known to man out of it.
I took my time reading it because I was incredibly fearful of the ending, I resisted going to the very end of the book and finding out what transpires in the end. I was dying to know yet I was scared about the truth. This book was the feels as I call it. Out of the Dark was not your typical Riley post-apoc story, it will have your emotions running amok, fear will grip your hear and make you breath catch and the ending will leave you lifeless and unable to comprehend the world that we live in. To say I loved this story would be an understatement.
May 26, 2017
OK...so I have been waiting forever for Into The Light to be released...not knowing that Out Of The Dark was released last year as the first story to this series. What a doofus I am for not realizing this sooner and experiencing the emotional meltdown I just had in the past few hours.
Ms Riley is one of my favorite "one-click" authors and her stories all end up part of my "all time favorite" reads.
Well, Out Of The Dark definitely didn't let me down even though it fell a bit outside of Ms Riley's normal writings.
Oh, we still have the monsters and the horrors but add to that the unconditional love of a mother and a child trying to survive not only from the monsters but from themselves...I can't go deeper than that without giving away too much of the story...just trust me when I share that you will NOT be able to finish this book with dry eyes.
Absolutely captivating and "breath holding" delight.
Now...when is Into The Light being released?
Ms Riley is one of my favorite "one-click" authors and her stories all end up part of my "all time favorite" reads.
Well, Out Of The Dark definitely didn't let me down even though it fell a bit outside of Ms Riley's normal writings.
Oh, we still have the monsters and the horrors but add to that the unconditional love of a mother and a child trying to survive not only from the monsters but from themselves...I can't go deeper than that without giving away too much of the story...just trust me when I share that you will NOT be able to finish this book with dry eyes.
Absolutely captivating and "breath holding" delight.
Now...when is Into The Light being released?
April 21, 2016
This book needs to be a movie! One of the most exquisite stories of unconditional love, desperation, and survival I have ever read. Don't be scared to branch out and try a different kind of book with this one. You will be glad you did!!!!
June 9, 2017
Omg ClaireBear! You did it again (duh lol) I couldn't stop reading. Such a beautiful & tragic story!! This needs to be a movie! I would be on the edge of my seat. Can't wait to read the next story in this series!!!
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June 3, 2020I think I may have actually squealed when this book showed up on my kindle. I honestly had no idea what it was about, but it didn’t matter, it was from Claire. She is one of the best horror writers out there right now. This book, however, is also a love story.
A love so deep, so unconditional, so unselfish, that it made my heart hurt. It is the story of a mother’s love for her child. Her sole reason for living is because of her daughter. Their world is completely horrifying, and there really is no reason for her to continue on other than to protect her. She is her reason for even breathing. The sacrifices that she makes for her are amazing.
Make no mistake; this is also a very scary book, actually one of the most intense books I’ve read in a long time. I was really terrified in some moments and had a tough time letting go of the story when I had to put it down. This book will suck you in from the first page and never let up until the last word. It is an intense ride, any time I thought I could breathe for one moment I was sadly mistaken. I actually felt like I was having chest pains at some points.
Claire’s writing is unparalleled. Only she can deliver the most beautiful love story and one of the most terrifying at exactly the same time. I really can’t do this book any justice. It needs to be read immediately. In a brightly lit room.
A love so deep, so unconditional, so unselfish, that it made my heart hurt. It is the story of a mother’s love for her child. Her sole reason for living is because of her daughter. Their world is completely horrifying, and there really is no reason for her to continue on other than to protect her. She is her reason for even breathing. The sacrifices that she makes for her are amazing.
Make no mistake; this is also a very scary book, actually one of the most intense books I’ve read in a long time. I was really terrified in some moments and had a tough time letting go of the story when I had to put it down. This book will suck you in from the first page and never let up until the last word. It is an intense ride, any time I thought I could breathe for one moment I was sadly mistaken. I actually felt like I was having chest pains at some points.
"Waiting, always waiting for them to fins us, to catch us, to kill us. Waiting. It's a cruel torture."
Claire’s writing is unparalleled. Only she can deliver the most beautiful love story and one of the most terrifying at exactly the same time. I really can’t do this book any justice. It needs to be read immediately. In a brightly lit room.
5 stars and a bottle of whatever you have lying around ( you’ll need it!)! Enjoy!
Buy the Book!
Out of the Dark - http://amzn.to/1sAGfBA
Other Books by Claire C. Riley
Odium (Dead Saga Book 1) - http://amzn.to/1TGqxhb
Odium II: The Dead Saga - http://amzn.to/1TLvgj7
Odium III: The Dead Saga - http://amzn.to/1U9dl1C
Limerence (The Obsession Series Book 1) - http://amzn.to/1TGqG4f
Limerence 2 (The Obsession Series) - http://amzn.to/1TLvzdy
Twisted Magic: The Witching Hour Collection (Raven's Cove Series Book 1) - http://amzn.to/1sAH11a
Books by Claire C. Riley & Madeline Sheehan
Thicker Than Blood - http://amzn.to/1sAH39p
Beneath Blood and Bone (Thicker Than Blood 2) - http://amzn.to/20GfS8c
Shut Up & Kiss Me - http://amzn.to/1sAH2SV
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June 10, 2016OUT NOW!
May 27, 2016
Out of the Dark, while a post-apocalyptic horror, is a very intimate love story. Not a typical love story though. This is the love story of a childless mother and a motherless child, one who is still willing to give unconditional love and protection, the other desperate to receive love and protection.
This duo, the main characters in the book--and nearly the only two characters in the book--journey toward living another day in the sun. They rely on each other so much so that it is inconceivable that they are not related by blood. It is immense love that keeps them together. As a parent, I understood that feeling of love, and the urge to protect. I felt it deep in my soul, and I only hope that I would sacrifice my own needs for my child--or any child--in the same situation.
With limited dialogue, we are in the main character's head almost constantly. And I didn't realize it until the end that I didn't even know her name. How could I get to know someone so well and not know her name?
We journey with "Mama" and Lilly as they desperately search for food and water and try to stay alive during the long nights when the monsters hunt them. While reading, I felt that these creatures made me think of those in I Am Legend, the Will Smith movie. I loved them in that movie, and here as well! And by love, I mean I am in awe of their creepy aggressiveness and frightening appearance. It's a love/hate relationship, really.
The main character tells another woman that "hope is what gets you killed," yet she finds herself hoping to find food. Hoping to see the light of another day. Hoping, hoping, hoping. Even though it pains her to do it, she realizes that hope seems to be the only thing left. That's sort of how I felt while reading this book. I wanted to hope for the best outcome for her and her Honeybee. Yet, as the creatures close in on them, it was hard to keep feeling that hope. Desperation clawed its way in, and I kept expecting to see her end their hunger and thirst, and their one-day-at-a-time lives.
I truly loved this story. And while I did have a moment where I cried in the cafeteria at work, hunched over my book and hiding my face so that others couldn't see my tears, I completely understand the ending. "Mama" protected Lilly until she couldn't. I can't wait to see what Riley as in store for us in Book 2!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This duo, the main characters in the book--and nearly the only two characters in the book--journey toward living another day in the sun. They rely on each other so much so that it is inconceivable that they are not related by blood. It is immense love that keeps them together. As a parent, I understood that feeling of love, and the urge to protect. I felt it deep in my soul, and I only hope that I would sacrifice my own needs for my child--or any child--in the same situation.
With limited dialogue, we are in the main character's head almost constantly. And I didn't realize it until the end that I didn't even know her name. How could I get to know someone so well and not know her name?
We journey with "Mama" and Lilly as they desperately search for food and water and try to stay alive during the long nights when the monsters hunt them. While reading, I felt that these creatures made me think of those in I Am Legend, the Will Smith movie. I loved them in that movie, and here as well! And by love, I mean I am in awe of their creepy aggressiveness and frightening appearance. It's a love/hate relationship, really.
The main character tells another woman that "hope is what gets you killed," yet she finds herself hoping to find food. Hoping to see the light of another day. Hoping, hoping, hoping. Even though it pains her to do it, she realizes that hope seems to be the only thing left. That's sort of how I felt while reading this book. I wanted to hope for the best outcome for her and her Honeybee. Yet, as the creatures close in on them, it was hard to keep feeling that hope. Desperation clawed its way in, and I kept expecting to see her end their hunger and thirst, and their one-day-at-a-time lives.
I truly loved this story. And while I did have a moment where I cried in the cafeteria at work, hunched over my book and hiding my face so that others couldn't see my tears, I completely understand the ending. "Mama" protected Lilly until she couldn't. I can't wait to see what Riley as in store for us in Book 2!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 26, 2016
This story is very different from many others I've read. Even though it's a post apocalyptic story within a vast world, it's very personal and intimate. Anyone who has a small child or someone they truly love in their lives this story will resonate with you in a very personal way.
The mother daughter dynamic in this is so pure. You feel the love, hope and protectiveness someone has for someone they love, that unconditional love.
It reminded me of my relationship with my four year old niece. I felt every moment of joy, the cuddles of protection, the hugs of hope, the laughing, the pain in your heart when you see they are sad and the worries for their future, all these emotions and more are felt throughout the journey in this story.
The story is so well written. You feel the darkness of the monsters within this very personal journey. A journey of a relationship fighting against the odds and continually surviving.
The ending is heartbreaking but uplifting, it shows the true power of unconditional love and with that love you'll always stay in the light.
This is a must read. It will hit you hard but it'll remind you how powerful fighting for the ones you love really is. Read it, feel it and remember it!
The mother daughter dynamic in this is so pure. You feel the love, hope and protectiveness someone has for someone they love, that unconditional love.
It reminded me of my relationship with my four year old niece. I felt every moment of joy, the cuddles of protection, the hugs of hope, the laughing, the pain in your heart when you see they are sad and the worries for their future, all these emotions and more are felt throughout the journey in this story.
The story is so well written. You feel the darkness of the monsters within this very personal journey. A journey of a relationship fighting against the odds and continually surviving.
The ending is heartbreaking but uplifting, it shows the true power of unconditional love and with that love you'll always stay in the light.
This is a must read. It will hit you hard but it'll remind you how powerful fighting for the ones you love really is. Read it, feel it and remember it!
May 25, 2016
Where do you begin to review a book that has left you so emotionally drained? I felt as if I had been on an amusement park worth of rides after reading this book. I did the reading in two separate nights, all the while I did not know how I could read the next chapter, even though I also did not know how I could not. Every page, every paragraph, all I wanted to know was will they, could they survive this world, could they survive the monsters, could they survive each other. How do you have hope against what is growing inside of yourself every day. How do you love someone you know can be changing in to something that may be the end of you? You live in the light. You live for the light. You love and hope because that is all there is to keep you alive. Love. Maybe even a monster can love.
May 24, 2016
There are times in a reader's life when they know they've read That Book. The book that they will never forget, the book they know were they to read again, it would be just as devastating as the first time. This is one of those books for me. The relationship between the MCs, Mama and Lilly, is a real one, complicated, made of love, guilt, fierceness, and even cowardice. Beautiful and ugly with a string of Riley's feminist strength woven throughout. And the world she's placed them in is well thought out and scary AF.
These 2 characters, this book, (so well written) and Claire Riley personally reached in and took a piece of me and changed it. I cannot for a second imagine having to write and then read this over and over again. She's an amazing person. And this is an amazing story.
These 2 characters, this book, (so well written) and Claire Riley personally reached in and took a piece of me and changed it. I cannot for a second imagine having to write and then read this over and over again. She's an amazing person. And this is an amazing story.
May 21, 2016
Get your flashlight and candles ready. Claire takes you on an emotional roller coaster with this one. Monsters, love, hate, dark, light, and more. Lilly is a small girl that is found by “Mama”, and together they survive the nights, the darkness that the monsters rule over and hunt in. Be prepared to experience every emotion possible while reading this one. Especially if you are a mother, it will hit you in the gut and stay with you for a long time.
November 9, 2016
*I received this kindle book for free in exchange for my honest review.
An interesting story about the power of love and survival. It was a fast read, very descriptive. I loved the ending and will be reading the next book in the series.
An interesting story about the power of love and survival. It was a fast read, very descriptive. I loved the ending and will be reading the next book in the series.
May 29, 2016
I haven't read a book in this genre in a long time & boy why the heck have I not?
This book just totally gave me chills, unconditional love, the mystery of wanting to know what will happen next all in one.
Seriously, I sooo missed reading books that grab me into the world of paranormal unknown.
This story of a mother and daughter love of being there for one another thru a world domination of monsters and disease, I was captivated of how the authors story was soo descriptive and had "us" the readers feeling and seeing everything they went thru in this adventure of finding out whether they will survive or not.
Yes I did cry at points because the bond between mother and daughter was soo overwhelming beautifully written.
Go 1 click! It's a must read & get ready for Book#2!
**ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review***
5 Cherries Popped
May 26, 2016
*phew* Thank you for not entirely breaking me!
I still have so many emotions running through me, and I'm stuck somewhere between love and hate for Claire C. Riley. She has a habit of setting characters (and readers) up for heartbreak. I knew what I was getting into when I first opened the book. Every time Claire provided a glimmer of hope, I tried my best to tamp it down. I just didn't want to get crushed when everyone inevitably died. Apparently this was the perfect frame of mind! When the book wrapped up, I wasn't entirely broken. Tears were shed, but it wasn't an ugly cry. I survived.
Out of the Dark was an extremely brave endeavor for Claire. With only two main characters, and a mostly undead supporting cast, it's a fairly limited view. Plus, with one of the characters being a child, the dialogue is also limited to what a child will understand, and what is safe for her to hear. Lilly is young enough, plus malnourished, so she spends a lot of time sleeping, leaving a lot of time for inner reflection. Which brings me to an important point; it seems strange, but for the amount of time we spent inside her head, we never even learn her name. It's amazing how close you can become to a character without something so basic. She simply becomes "Mama", as both a name and her most important role.
A lot of the plot in the beginning revolves around everyday activities. It's important to catch a glimpse into their desperation, and the way that they blindly cling to the smallest ray of hope. As the story continues, the pace begins to pick up, with increasing contact with the Infected. Sunlight burns their flesh, and they thirst for blood. Does this make them vampires? If so, then they're unlike any vampires I've read before! But they're also mindless in the pursuit of their prey. Vampires merged with zombies? I absolutely LOVE where this series is headed! Better buckle your seat belt. It's going to be a bumpy ride.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I still have so many emotions running through me, and I'm stuck somewhere between love and hate for Claire C. Riley. She has a habit of setting characters (and readers) up for heartbreak. I knew what I was getting into when I first opened the book. Every time Claire provided a glimmer of hope, I tried my best to tamp it down. I just didn't want to get crushed when everyone inevitably died. Apparently this was the perfect frame of mind! When the book wrapped up, I wasn't entirely broken. Tears were shed, but it wasn't an ugly cry. I survived.
Out of the Dark was an extremely brave endeavor for Claire. With only two main characters, and a mostly undead supporting cast, it's a fairly limited view. Plus, with one of the characters being a child, the dialogue is also limited to what a child will understand, and what is safe for her to hear. Lilly is young enough, plus malnourished, so she spends a lot of time sleeping, leaving a lot of time for inner reflection. Which brings me to an important point; it seems strange, but for the amount of time we spent inside her head, we never even learn her name. It's amazing how close you can become to a character without something so basic. She simply becomes "Mama", as both a name and her most important role.
A lot of the plot in the beginning revolves around everyday activities. It's important to catch a glimpse into their desperation, and the way that they blindly cling to the smallest ray of hope. As the story continues, the pace begins to pick up, with increasing contact with the Infected. Sunlight burns their flesh, and they thirst for blood. Does this make them vampires? If so, then they're unlike any vampires I've read before! But they're also mindless in the pursuit of their prey. Vampires merged with zombies? I absolutely LOVE where this series is headed! Better buckle your seat belt. It's going to be a bumpy ride.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2016
Where do I even begin with this review?
I was really excited to read this book, I've read a few of Claire's books and loved them.
Well let's start with the cover, it's beautiful and after reading the book it fits the story perfectly.
Our 2 main characters Mama and Lily are trying to survive a world where monsters rule the night and the sun is your saviour.
A disease started and spread through the human population, wiping out nearly all of the human race. Only a handful remain and some of them are not good people.
Mama and Lily are just trying to survive another day in this world, they know they don't have a lot of time left and soon they will become one of those monsters.
Unconditional love is what keeps them going and fighting to be together.
Claire has written a fantastic book. Not your typical post apocalyptic story, yes there might be monsters. But this story is about love and surviving in this terrible world for another day.
What would you do for your child in this world? You would fight for them, keep them safe and try to feed them.
This is a heart breaking story, which you seriously need tissues for. It will make you appreciate what you have in your own life. It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions that I just wasn't expecting at all.
There are some twists to the story that I just didn't see coming. Claire had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish the whole time.
I wanted to take my time reading it, so that it didn't end too soon but then I also wanted to read it as fast as I could to find out what would happen next.
This is one of the best books of this year for me and it will stay with me always.
Do you know that feeling you get when you wish you could read a book for the first time again, well I wish I could do that with this book.
5 Dark Stars!!
I was really excited to read this book, I've read a few of Claire's books and loved them.
Well let's start with the cover, it's beautiful and after reading the book it fits the story perfectly.
Our 2 main characters Mama and Lily are trying to survive a world where monsters rule the night and the sun is your saviour.
A disease started and spread through the human population, wiping out nearly all of the human race. Only a handful remain and some of them are not good people.
Mama and Lily are just trying to survive another day in this world, they know they don't have a lot of time left and soon they will become one of those monsters.
Unconditional love is what keeps them going and fighting to be together.
Claire has written a fantastic book. Not your typical post apocalyptic story, yes there might be monsters. But this story is about love and surviving in this terrible world for another day.
What would you do for your child in this world? You would fight for them, keep them safe and try to feed them.
This is a heart breaking story, which you seriously need tissues for. It will make you appreciate what you have in your own life. It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions that I just wasn't expecting at all.
There are some twists to the story that I just didn't see coming. Claire had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish the whole time.
I wanted to take my time reading it, so that it didn't end too soon but then I also wanted to read it as fast as I could to find out what would happen next.
This is one of the best books of this year for me and it will stay with me always.
Do you know that feeling you get when you wish you could read a book for the first time again, well I wish I could do that with this book.
5 Dark Stars!!
May 24, 2016
Out of the dark is one of those books that tears your heart apart from the beginning to the end. I’m starting to think she enjoys torturing her readers. She’s a sadist for sure.
From the very beginning of Out of the Dark, you are given this sense of despair that you aren’t entirely sure where it’s coming from, you just know that it’s there. As the story goes on, the horrors of this world are revealed, and let me tell you, they sound disgusting and terrifying.
The story follows a woman and her daughter through the world in their attempts to stay alive. This poor woman has been through Hell. However, that’s probably the standard for that world. Her daughter sounds like the sweetest little thing and you just want to help them somehow. As a mom, I can identify greatly with how this woman feels about her daughter and how much her life revolves around keeping her safe.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster for sure. The way this author writes is amazing to me because she makes me feel emotions that I don’t normally feel while reading. It’s crazy. I seriously wanted to climb into the book and kick certain characters in the throat.
There is plenty of action to go along with everything else, so if you like that, then you’re set. This is a great book for anyone looking for something a little bit different from the usual horror. It’s emotional, it’s exciting, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s amazing.
From the very beginning of Out of the Dark, you are given this sense of despair that you aren’t entirely sure where it’s coming from, you just know that it’s there. As the story goes on, the horrors of this world are revealed, and let me tell you, they sound disgusting and terrifying.
The story follows a woman and her daughter through the world in their attempts to stay alive. This poor woman has been through Hell. However, that’s probably the standard for that world. Her daughter sounds like the sweetest little thing and you just want to help them somehow. As a mom, I can identify greatly with how this woman feels about her daughter and how much her life revolves around keeping her safe.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster for sure. The way this author writes is amazing to me because she makes me feel emotions that I don’t normally feel while reading. It’s crazy. I seriously wanted to climb into the book and kick certain characters in the throat.
There is plenty of action to go along with everything else, so if you like that, then you’re set. This is a great book for anyone looking for something a little bit different from the usual horror. It’s emotional, it’s exciting, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s amazing.
July 6, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is a standalone novel but will have a sequel released soon. I am going to be honest I wasn't sure about this book when I started it but the further I got into the story I was hooked! The writing is great! And the monsters a scary! This is a post apocalyptic world book where a virus has wiped out the world. Few humans remain and no children. They all died at the beginning. However Lilly is still alive and the only kid they know of. Her mother and her have been on the run from the zombies and trying to survive. Mama is what Lilly calls her but they never say her real name The whole book is them losing everything and basically an endless love. The kicker of it is that Lilly isn't even the lead characters daughter. Her real daughter was killed by her husband when he turned. She literally finds Lilly in a field and starts taking care of her. Throughout the whole book she's just trying to keep Lilly safe. Anyway it was a good story and fast read. I definitely recommend if you like scary books!
May 25, 2016
"It has been one year, six months, three weeks, and nineteen days, and Lily and I have only ever stumbled across a handful of living people. They were not good people. They were desperate and afraid, and with that desperation and fear came violence. There is now more to fear in this world than the monsters. Man is now its own enemy."
What an amazing journey this story takes you on. This very refreshing voyage is about a woman and a daughter trying to survive in a world that has fallen apart. This is about a love between a parent and a child. The depths that a mom would go to to protect their child. And the isolation they experience trying to survive is heartbreaking.
This was definitely a page turner. I found myself saying "one more chapter" and then the next thing I knew I was 6 chapters deep and I really needed to go to bed. I was super excited to see that there is going to be a second book.
"I was a mother once. But now she's gone, and so am I."
What an amazing journey this story takes you on. This very refreshing voyage is about a woman and a daughter trying to survive in a world that has fallen apart. This is about a love between a parent and a child. The depths that a mom would go to to protect their child. And the isolation they experience trying to survive is heartbreaking.
This was definitely a page turner. I found myself saying "one more chapter" and then the next thing I knew I was 6 chapters deep and I really needed to go to bed. I was super excited to see that there is going to be a second book.
"I was a mother once. But now she's gone, and so am I."
May 27, 2016
I have had to really think about what to say in this review because this book is one that will stick with me for a long time. It is set in a post apocalyptic world with most the population being monsters. The monsters in this book apparently terrified me as I had nightmares the whole week while reading this. The story between mother and child set in this world is agonizing, heartwrenching, and beautiful. There are statements made in this book that made me stop and apply them in my own real life. Statements of love and life and really cherishing this one day. This day, today the one we are in right now. Not tomorrow or next week. Also to hold my babies close to me and be grateful for every blissful second I have with them. I highly recommend this book to not only the horror fan but to the fan of soulful and insightful writing. I always say you can't go wrong with Claire C Riley and this book is why.
May 26, 2016
Living and moving only safely by day, mother and daughter set out to keep living day in and day out. How did everything start? Who cares because surviving from the red-eye monsters is the only this thing that matters now.
Couldn't put this book down, Claire C. Riley did an amazing job with Out of the Dark. She always brings out the what if's in me and then, I'm going through my how to survive a zombie apocalypse book. It never fails, she gets me that paranoid while reading her books. Lol
The momma bear emotions of wanting to protect Lilly during this ugly world had my heart aching. The feelings of unconditional love this mother has for her daughter is pure and beautiful.
By the end of this book, you realize what unconditional love means in a world where hardly any love exist.
Saucy Book Reviews gives
Out if the Dark by Claire C. Riley
**** 4 Stars ****
What a fantastic read!!!
Couldn't put this book down, Claire C. Riley did an amazing job with Out of the Dark. She always brings out the what if's in me and then, I'm going through my how to survive a zombie apocalypse book. It never fails, she gets me that paranoid while reading her books. Lol
The momma bear emotions of wanting to protect Lilly during this ugly world had my heart aching. The feelings of unconditional love this mother has for her daughter is pure and beautiful.
By the end of this book, you realize what unconditional love means in a world where hardly any love exist.
Saucy Book Reviews gives
Out if the Dark by Claire C. Riley
**** 4 Stars ****
What a fantastic read!!!
June 1, 2016
Five Star
Out of the Dark is different from what I have been reading lately. If the writing is good, I have always read books of different types and genres. That is definitely the case with this book. I love Claire C. Riley's writing style. I felt uncomfortable at times, and horrified with what these characters were going through. It is a story of sacrifice, survival, and a mother's love. I couldn't put it down and am now anxiously awaiting what comes next in this series.
Out of the Dark is different from what I have been reading lately. If the writing is good, I have always read books of different types and genres. That is definitely the case with this book. I love Claire C. Riley's writing style. I felt uncomfortable at times, and horrified with what these characters were going through. It is a story of sacrifice, survival, and a mother's love. I couldn't put it down and am now anxiously awaiting what comes next in this series.
November 15, 2017
I felt sad and hopeless while reading this book. I really felt for the main character; if she didn't have Lilly she definitely would've given up. She was strong - right up until the very end of the book. The ending left me wondering...is Lilly in a good place now, or a bad one? I really want to read book 2 to find out.
May 27, 2016
Another hit start to another series!
Read my full take here: Out of the Dark
Read my full take here: Out of the Dark
May 28, 2016
Brilliant
Wow what can I say claire c.Riley does it again with another brilliant book I couldn't put it down. It had me gripped begging to the end and I can't wait the next book
Wow what can I say claire c.Riley does it again with another brilliant book I couldn't put it down. It had me gripped begging to the end and I can't wait the next book
June 12, 2016
Claire Riley is a master of her craft and really demonstrated her skill with this novel. Though Out of the Dark started off slow, there was always a low-lying threat and tension that was perfect for a hopeless apocalyptic story throughout the entire story. There are some beautifully touching moments between the MC, never named more than Mama, and Lilly. However, as the story continued I came to fear these moments as they always came to an end in terror at the hands of the monsters. The monsters are gruesome and unforgiving. While all post-apocalyptic stories are desperate and depressing to some degree, this one feels more hopeless than all the other stories I've read. Mama has no hope for either herself of Lilly and some parts are painfully difficult to read for this reason. This also made me dread the ending. And I was right to. The ending utterly destroyed me. This book was utterly powerful despite it slow start. I can't wait to read the next one!
June 1, 2016
I love Claire and everything she writes! She knows how to pull on those heart strings and this book is no different!
I felt how desperate the characters were, trying to survive, to protect and love, and THAT is what a good author should accomplish!
I didn't think they were ever going to GET anywhere but when they do, and *that* happens with the monsters it all makes sense! Everything they went through because of her actions to protect her daughter.
Love how the ending was left open, can't wait for book two. Write Claire, write!
I felt how desperate the characters were, trying to survive, to protect and love, and THAT is what a good author should accomplish!
I didn't think they were ever going to GET anywhere but when they do, and *that* happens with the monsters it all makes sense! Everything they went through because of her actions to protect her daughter.
Love how the ending was left open, can't wait for book two. Write Claire, write!
July 14, 2016
Stay in the light! A book of true love, not your average love story about a mushy love between boy and girl, but instead the love between a child and her mother. What would you do if red eyed monsters hungry for blood roamed the streets at night wanting to claim you for their own and tear you to shreds. The only thing that can save you is light. The light of day or the light of a slowly fading street lamp. There is no place safe when the sun starts to set. This book was nonstop action filled with terror , love and angst a page turner at its best. I will always be a fan of Claire C. Riley
June 3, 2016
Out of the Dark by Claire C. Riley is an outstanding post-apocalyptic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Riley weaves a storyline filled with the love of a mother for a child, the need to survive, and the reality of how scary both humans and monsters can be.
A definite thriller that will capture your heart and give you the creepy chills all at once!
"I am lost. I am alone. But I have loved."
4.75 Thrilling Stars
Riley weaves a storyline filled with the love of a mother for a child, the need to survive, and the reality of how scary both humans and monsters can be.
A definite thriller that will capture your heart and give you the creepy chills all at once!
"I am lost. I am alone. But I have loved."
4.75 Thrilling Stars
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