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Immortal #4
Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things
New, from the bestselling author of The Spaceship Next Door! “I thought I’d miss the world.” --Adam the immortal Adam is on vacation in an island paradise, with nothing to do and plenty of time to do nothing. It’s exactly what he beautiful weather, beautiful girlfriend, plenty of books to read, and alcohol to drink. Most importantly, either nobody on the island knows who he is, or, nobody cares. “This probably sounds boring, and maybe it is. It’s possible I have no compass to help determine boring, or maybe I have a different threshold than most people. From my perspective, though, the vast majority of human history has been boring, by which I mean nothing happened, and sure, that can be dull. On the other hand, nothing happening includes nobody trying to kill anybody, and specifically, nobody trying to kill me. That’s the kind of boring a guy can get behind.” --Adam the immortal Nothing last forever, though, and that includes the opportunity to do nothing. One day, unwelcome visitors arrive in secret, with impossible knowledge of impossible events, and then the impossible things a new species. It’s all impossible, especially to the immortal man who thought he’d seen all there was to see in the world. Now, Adam is going to have to figure out what’s happening and make things right before he and everyone he loves ends up dead in the hot sun of this island paradise. Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things is the fourth book in Gene Doucette’s acclaimed Immortal novel series, and the start of a new adventure for Adam the immortal man! Catch up on all that’s come before, with Immortal, Hellenic Immortal, Immortal at the Edge of the World, and the novellas in The Immortal Chronicles and Immortal Eve. Other books by Gene Doucette include the sci-fi thriller Fixer, and the bestseller The Spaceship Next Door.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2016
68 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Gene Doucette
44 books435 followersGene Doucette is a hybrid author, albeit in a somewhat roundabout way. From 2010 through 2014, Gene published four full-length novels (Immortal, Hellenic Immortal, Fixer, and Immortal at the Edge of the World) with a small indie publisher. Then, in 2014, Gene started self-publishing novellas that were set in the same universe as the Immortal series, at which point he was a hybrid.
When the novellas proved more lucrative than the novels, Gene tried self-publishing a full novel, The Spaceship Next Door, in 2015. This went well. So well, that in 2016, Gene reacquired the rights to the earlier four novels from the publisher, and re-released them, at which point he wasn’t a hybrid any longer.
Additional self-published novels followed: Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things (2016); Unfiction (2017); and The Frequency of Aliens (2017).
In 2018, John Joseph Adams Books (an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) acquired the rights to The Spaceship Next Door. The reprint was published in September of that year, at which point Gene was once again a hybrid author.
Since then, a number of things have happened. Gene published two more novels—Immortal From Hell at the end of 2018, and Fixer Redux in 2019—and wrote a new novel called The Apocalypse Seven that he did not self-publish; it was acquired by JJA/HMH in September of 2019. Publication date is May 25, 2021.
Gene plans to continue writing novels for both markets (traditional and self-published) as long as that continues to make sense. His most recent self-published novel is Immortal: Last Call (2020). He is currently at work on a large science fiction world-building project taking place on his Patreon site, the result of which will be a multi-novel series.
When the novellas proved more lucrative than the novels, Gene tried self-publishing a full novel, The Spaceship Next Door, in 2015. This went well. So well, that in 2016, Gene reacquired the rights to the earlier four novels from the publisher, and re-released them, at which point he wasn’t a hybrid any longer.
Additional self-published novels followed: Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things (2016); Unfiction (2017); and The Frequency of Aliens (2017).
In 2018, John Joseph Adams Books (an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) acquired the rights to The Spaceship Next Door. The reprint was published in September of that year, at which point Gene was once again a hybrid author.
Since then, a number of things have happened. Gene published two more novels—Immortal From Hell at the end of 2018, and Fixer Redux in 2019—and wrote a new novel called The Apocalypse Seven that he did not self-publish; it was acquired by JJA/HMH in September of 2019. Publication date is May 25, 2021.
Gene plans to continue writing novels for both markets (traditional and self-published) as long as that continues to make sense. His most recent self-published novel is Immortal: Last Call (2020). He is currently at work on a large science fiction world-building project taking place on his Patreon site, the result of which will be a multi-novel series.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 6, 2017
4.5 Stars
May 11, 2018
Oh boy!
Okay, I must admit the first 10 to 20% we're kinda boring, then it picked up nicely from there but nothing too special... Except the last 1%. Dang, what a cliffhanger!!
Okay, I must admit the first 10 to 20% we're kinda boring, then it picked up nicely from there but nothing too special... Except the last 1%. Dang, what a cliffhanger!!
August 3, 2017
Another great book
The immortal series Is probably my favorite set of books currently coming out. Once again a great story centered around our immortal hero Adam. Nice set up, bit of a mystery and then wham, disaster strikes. Literally. Things finally come together and Adam saves the day, only to have Doucette hit with a huge cliffhanger.
Now I don't object to cliffhangers, but I'm a bit concerned when and where this will be resolved. In truth this started two years ago in what felt like only half that story (at the time).
I really liked the reference to "Fixer" by way of "Immortal and the Madman", and I do like having these two characters in the same world, and want to see Adam and Corrigan get together (and of course it has been fun to see Adam go after Eve - of course it can't just end the way it did after the last book). Maybe the next book will be Immortal and the Fixer?
It dies leave me looking forward to the next book now, more than ever.
The immortal series Is probably my favorite set of books currently coming out. Once again a great story centered around our immortal hero Adam. Nice set up, bit of a mystery and then wham, disaster strikes. Literally. Things finally come together and Adam saves the day, only to have Doucette hit with a huge cliffhanger.
Now I don't object to cliffhangers, but I'm a bit concerned when and where this will be resolved. In truth this started two years ago in what felt like only half that story (at the time).
I really liked the reference to "Fixer" by way of "Immortal and the Madman", and I do like having these two characters in the same world, and want to see Adam and Corrigan get together (and of course it has been fun to see Adam go after Eve - of course it can't just end the way it did after the last book). Maybe the next book will be Immortal and the Fixer?
It dies leave me looking forward to the next book now, more than ever.
May 22, 2025
This installment in the immortal series was a 3.5
The first half was hard to get into. It took me hot minute to enjoy the full aspect of the story "slowing down"
It was on a island but felt more technical to explain how they survived on it then actually enjoying the reason to go to an island- so i was semi bored. (this is a totally me problem.)
Reading Eves novella before this had me really interested in how that ended- Going into this book it felt it finally wrapped together 2/3r'ds of the way through- some sprinkling was here and there- but it felt like a double cliffhanger for the interesting part of the story. The second half of the book escalated quickly, and did have me more engaged to continue.
Buster the dragon- I wish i got to see him more! my fav character lol!
I really enjoy the pixies, and learning about them. they are the most interesting creature for me. the second is the faerys!
One interesting aspect i got from this volume was even for an immortal- and however long you live and how much you think you know- there are going to be aspects that you still will never know, or have no answer to. I thought that was kind of interesting.
I would recommend this series if you like the characters, and the plot is interesting- just be forewarned sometimes this authors books start so slow i have to really sit down and force myself to read until halfway then i am finally interested to continue.
The first half was hard to get into. It took me hot minute to enjoy the full aspect of the story "slowing down"
It was on a island but felt more technical to explain how they survived on it then actually enjoying the reason to go to an island- so i was semi bored. (this is a totally me problem.)
Reading Eves novella before this had me really interested in how that ended- Going into this book it felt it finally wrapped together 2/3r'ds of the way through- some sprinkling was here and there- but it felt like a double cliffhanger for the interesting part of the story. The second half of the book escalated quickly, and did have me more engaged to continue.
Buster the dragon- I wish i got to see him more! my fav character lol!
I really enjoy the pixies, and learning about them. they are the most interesting creature for me. the second is the faerys!
One interesting aspect i got from this volume was even for an immortal- and however long you live and how much you think you know- there are going to be aspects that you still will never know, or have no answer to. I thought that was kind of interesting.
I would recommend this series if you like the characters, and the plot is interesting- just be forewarned sometimes this authors books start so slow i have to really sit down and force myself to read until halfway then i am finally interested to continue.
February 17, 2020
Please give my Amazon review a helpful vote:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
This is book four in Gene Doucette's "The Immortal" series. The immortal in question is "Adam," who is something like 60,000 years old, although he only remembers the last four or five thousand years. This book picks up about a year after the last one ended with Adam and he and his new girlfriend, the Goblin bodyguard/assassin, Mirella, who he met in book 3, are on an island that caters to the unusual creatures that make up Adam's world in this urban fantasy, such as vampires, elves, goblins, trolls, imps, ifrits and demons.
Adam is enjoying this tropical paradise where no one is trying to kill him and no beast is trying to eat him. We get an introduction to the society of this island filled with impossible beings and a lot of Adam's snarky observations about people, places and memories. Then, he hears a hooting noise, which launches Adam on a recollection of that time in the 6th century when he started the Beowulf story.
Things ramp up after that and Adam runs afoul of mermaids, a friendly dragon and an internet troll.
This is a fun, light, charming series. I am enjoying it as much as any urban fantasy I've read.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
This is book four in Gene Doucette's "The Immortal" series. The immortal in question is "Adam," who is something like 60,000 years old, although he only remembers the last four or five thousand years. This book picks up about a year after the last one ended with Adam and he and his new girlfriend, the Goblin bodyguard/assassin, Mirella, who he met in book 3, are on an island that caters to the unusual creatures that make up Adam's world in this urban fantasy, such as vampires, elves, goblins, trolls, imps, ifrits and demons.
Adam is enjoying this tropical paradise where no one is trying to kill him and no beast is trying to eat him. We get an introduction to the society of this island filled with impossible beings and a lot of Adam's snarky observations about people, places and memories. Then, he hears a hooting noise, which launches Adam on a recollection of that time in the 6th century when he started the Beowulf story.
Things ramp up after that and Adam runs afoul of mermaids, a friendly dragon and an internet troll.
This is a fun, light, charming series. I am enjoying it as much as any urban fantasy I've read.
September 5, 2022
So. Much. Fun!
This book is about an immortal man, in a world without magic (as far as he knows). He's seen too much, remembers too much, and drinks too much. A man who is trying to disappear from the modern world, "hiding out" on an island that no one knows about filled with exotic creatures, like a dragon, a demon, several goblins, and more. Then a title wave slams into the island, bringing with it a horror from the deep. And only he may have the answers that might save the remaining people on the island, if only he can get to the hospital in time.
I continue to love the nuggets of "history" throughout the book (and series). I love how, while they're not quite what I was taught in school, they still largely have the feel of what I was taught. It's just that some of the details we thought we had right, we got wrong (from his point of view).
And excellent read!
This book is about an immortal man, in a world without magic (as far as he knows). He's seen too much, remembers too much, and drinks too much. A man who is trying to disappear from the modern world, "hiding out" on an island that no one knows about filled with exotic creatures, like a dragon, a demon, several goblins, and more. Then a title wave slams into the island, bringing with it a horror from the deep. And only he may have the answers that might save the remaining people on the island, if only he can get to the hospital in time.
I continue to love the nuggets of "history" throughout the book (and series). I love how, while they're not quite what I was taught in school, they still largely have the feel of what I was taught. It's just that some of the details we thought we had right, we got wrong (from his point of view).
And excellent read!
November 5, 2017
So. Much. Fun!
This book is about an immortal man, in a world without magic (as far as he knows). He's seen too much, remembers too much, and drinks too much. A man who is trying to disappear from the modern world, "hiding out" on an island that no one knows about filled with exotic creatures, like a dragon, a demon, several goblins, and more. Then a title wave slams into the island, bringing with it a horror from the deep. And only he may have the answers that might save the remaining people on the island, if only he can get to the hospital in time.
I continue to love the nuggets of "history" throughout the book (and series). I love how, while they're not quite what I was taught in school, they still largely have the feel of what I was taught. It's just that some of the details we thought we had right, we got wrong (from his point of view).
And excellent read!
This book is about an immortal man, in a world without magic (as far as he knows). He's seen too much, remembers too much, and drinks too much. A man who is trying to disappear from the modern world, "hiding out" on an island that no one knows about filled with exotic creatures, like a dragon, a demon, several goblins, and more. Then a title wave slams into the island, bringing with it a horror from the deep. And only he may have the answers that might save the remaining people on the island, if only he can get to the hospital in time.
I continue to love the nuggets of "history" throughout the book (and series). I love how, while they're not quite what I was taught in school, they still largely have the feel of what I was taught. It's just that some of the details we thought we had right, we got wrong (from his point of view).
And excellent read!
March 15, 2019
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
Buddha talked about living in the present, but honestly, Adam's past is a big part of why I enjoy this series. And unfortunately, this book lacked those stories from his past. There were two, and they were good, but this book mostly focused on the present.
This was a different type of story too, because there were virtually no humans in this book. He is vacationing on an island that is used as a resort for all the weird creatures in this world, but since Adam is there, some sort of crisis and chaos ensue.
Yes, there is a new species discovered in this book, but they are not actually what changes the course of Adam's trajectory. The end has a huge cliffhanger (not really directly related to the story in this book) and I expect the next book will be awesome.
This the weakest book in the series so far, but it is still an enjoyable read, so...
Read it!
Buddha talked about living in the present, but honestly, Adam's past is a big part of why I enjoy this series. And unfortunately, this book lacked those stories from his past. There were two, and they were good, but this book mostly focused on the present.
This was a different type of story too, because there were virtually no humans in this book. He is vacationing on an island that is used as a resort for all the weird creatures in this world, but since Adam is there, some sort of crisis and chaos ensue.
Yes, there is a new species discovered in this book, but they are not actually what changes the course of Adam's trajectory. The end has a huge cliffhanger (not really directly related to the story in this book) and I expect the next book will be awesome.
This the weakest book in the series so far, but it is still an enjoyable read, so...
Read it!
August 13, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good, But One Central Issue
August 13, 2021
Gene Doucette's 2016 novel [[ISBN:9781370621828 "Immortal, Book 4: Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things"]] is a really good continuation of his "Immortal" series. Assuming you've read the previous novels (and you have, right?), you'll know what to expect here. The book picks up about 2 years after the previous one ends and is just as well written as the earlier works. My only significant issue is that there's a central event that drives the plot and I just don't see how it's possible. But, if I just assume it as a given, everything's fine. So, I'm happy to rate the book at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5.
Very Good, But One Central Issue
August 13, 2021
Gene Doucette's 2016 novel [[ISBN:9781370621828 "Immortal, Book 4: Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things"]] is a really good continuation of his "Immortal" series. Assuming you've read the previous novels (and you have, right?), you'll know what to expect here. The book picks up about 2 years after the previous one ends and is just as well written as the earlier works. My only significant issue is that there's a central event that drives the plot and I just don't see how it's possible. But, if I just assume it as a given, everything's fine. So, I'm happy to rate the book at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5.
January 30, 2017
Entertaining
Gene Douchette's Immortal series gives entertaining escapism. Every book is filled with adventure and humor. One would not expect an imortal to be so layed back but maybe that is the only way to handle immortality.
Gene Douchette's Immortal series gives entertaining escapism. Every book is filled with adventure and humor. One would not expect an imortal to be so layed back but maybe that is the only way to handle immortality.
December 28, 2017
I had a different vibe from this book when compared to the others....it was still good and enjoyable, but this time, I hadn't fallen into the stories quite so fully, and I somewhat dislike the cliffhanger ending. Still...I can't say that I'm not curious to read the next one :)
November 3, 2020
I struggled to read this book. I found the beginning of the series great but it just hasn't lived up to the hype. Story was imaginative and I liked the insights to being an immortal man but that was it. The storyline to me was weak and lacked something.
May 24, 2023
Great series
I’ve read the previous books on this series and enjoy every new addition. This book is no exception. If you like witty and entertaining writing, you might like this book. In fact you should read all of Gene Doucette’s books.
I’ve read the previous books on this series and enjoy every new addition. This book is no exception. If you like witty and entertaining writing, you might like this book. In fact you should read all of Gene Doucette’s books.
October 11, 2017
This series has been funny, thrilling, and entertaining, and I sure hope Doucette isn't finished with Adam, because he left us with a cliffhanger.
January 10, 2019
Best so far
I've really enjoyed this series but this is definitely my favourite so far - finished it off within a day!
I've really enjoyed this series but this is definitely my favourite so far - finished it off within a day!
January 13, 2019
It would seem that this is not the last book in the series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 26, 2019
I'm sorry to say that I didn't like this one. It was kind of boring. And that's a shame because I just loved the previous books in this amazing series. Hope the next book is better.
Read
December 10, 2020Another fantastic entry in this series. I can highly recommend this author! I will definitely finish this series, and the side stories, and then move on to his other novels!
November 17, 2021
It's another satisfying read in a playful and entertaining series. It doesn't cover a lot of new ground, but you get more time with your favorite characters.
December 16, 2022
Adam just wanted to rest and stay under the radar
A prophet had a different idea. Mermaids (and mermen) are real, and only Adam and his forever experience can solve the problem.
A prophet had a different idea. Mermaids (and mermen) are real, and only Adam and his forever experience can solve the problem.
January 14, 2017
I loved this book from beginning to end. It is the latest book in a series built around a character named Adam who has lived thousands of years, meeting every kind of fabled "monster" our human ancestors have ever imagined... but in his world, i.e., our world, they are real. For example, Adam has a wonderfully tough girlfriend who is a goblin and he has a friend named Lenny who happens to be an unusually sweet demon, because everyone knows how violent demons can be, right? As Adam says, "I think it may have been Genghis Khan that worked out the magic number of seven demons per battle, max."
As you might expect from a character who is older than civilization itself, Adam can often treat the readers to these interesting historical asides. I don't want to spoil any surprises for you but I can tell you that the little glimpses the author gives us into Adam's past lives are lots of fun.
That, in itself, is just a great idea for a book series. But, you have to believe me when I say it's probably not like any other fantasy sci fi book you've read before. You can't easily categorize Gene Doucette's stories. They are truly unique and surprising and delightful. Adam is just very fun to read about. He is realistic, interesting, funny and flawed. Ok, I realize that's too many adjectives... Go ahead, just read these stories and you'll see what I mean.
PS I have found that each story in this series can stand alone. You can read them out of order but I warn you that once you do, you're going to want to read them all!
As you might expect from a character who is older than civilization itself, Adam can often treat the readers to these interesting historical asides. I don't want to spoil any surprises for you but I can tell you that the little glimpses the author gives us into Adam's past lives are lots of fun.
That, in itself, is just a great idea for a book series. But, you have to believe me when I say it's probably not like any other fantasy sci fi book you've read before. You can't easily categorize Gene Doucette's stories. They are truly unique and surprising and delightful. Adam is just very fun to read about. He is realistic, interesting, funny and flawed. Ok, I realize that's too many adjectives... Go ahead, just read these stories and you'll see what I mean.
PS I have found that each story in this series can stand alone. You can read them out of order but I warn you that once you do, you're going to want to read them all!
February 1, 2017
Fun read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews