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Lance Brody #0.5
Dark Beginnings
Lance Brody was conceived in a graveyard, and the dead have never left his side.
From his birth, Lance’s life has been different. With visits from lingering spirits, telepathic whispers, and an uncanny ability to solve the unexplainable, Lance has spent the first twenty-two years of his life in his small hometown, wishing only to be normal. His mother is his most trusted confidant, and together they’ve survived as Lance comes to grips with his gifts, his burdens, and the unsettling knowledge of the darkness that lives among us.
But now, there’s a new evil in town. A darkly powerful duo who’ve arrived and know exactly what Lance is. And they want him for their own.
As Lance’s world is quickly turned upside down and tragedy unfolds, he suddenly learns his purpose may be much larger, and much more dangerous, than he could have ever imagined.
BOOKS IN THE LANCE BRODY SERIES:
0: Dark Beginnings (Prequel Novella)
1: Dark Game
2: Dark Deception
From his birth, Lance’s life has been different. With visits from lingering spirits, telepathic whispers, and an uncanny ability to solve the unexplainable, Lance has spent the first twenty-two years of his life in his small hometown, wishing only to be normal. His mother is his most trusted confidant, and together they’ve survived as Lance comes to grips with his gifts, his burdens, and the unsettling knowledge of the darkness that lives among us.
But now, there’s a new evil in town. A darkly powerful duo who’ve arrived and know exactly what Lance is. And they want him for their own.
As Lance’s world is quickly turned upside down and tragedy unfolds, he suddenly learns his purpose may be much larger, and much more dangerous, than he could have ever imagined.
BOOKS IN THE LANCE BRODY SERIES:
0: Dark Beginnings (Prequel Novella)
1: Dark Game
2: Dark Deception
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2016
About the author
Michael Robertson Jr.
40 books105 followersAside from his Lance Brody paranormal suspense series, Michael is the author of the horror/suspense novels ROUGH DRAFT, CEDAR RIDGE, suspense novel REGRET, as well as a collection of horror and suspense short stories THE TEACHERS' LOUNGE (both written under the pen name Dan Dawkins). His books have been downloaded over 100,000 times in Amazon's Kindle store.
Lives in Virginia where he's currently working on a new horror novel while trying to keep himself from thinking that his next book idea is better.
Favorite Authors: Stephen King, Harlan Coben, Jules Verne, JK Rowling, Chelsea Caine, Sandra Brown, Joe Hill, George R. R. Martin, John Connolly, Michael Chrichton, Ted Dekker, Greg Iles, Jeffery Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Justin Cronin, C.S. Lewis -- This is getting out of hand...
Lives in Virginia where he's currently working on a new horror novel while trying to keep himself from thinking that his next book idea is better.
Favorite Authors: Stephen King, Harlan Coben, Jules Verne, JK Rowling, Chelsea Caine, Sandra Brown, Joe Hill, George R. R. Martin, John Connolly, Michael Chrichton, Ted Dekker, Greg Iles, Jeffery Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Justin Cronin, C.S. Lewis -- This is getting out of hand...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 11, 2022
An interesting introduction to a new series
This was short and interesting. It definitely intrigued me enough to check out the rest of the series. It has a bit of Odd Thomas vibes to it.
My only complaint is that Lance isn't very proactive in this story. Hopefully, he will be less passive in the next book.
This was short and interesting. It definitely intrigued me enough to check out the rest of the series. It has a bit of Odd Thomas vibes to it.
My only complaint is that Lance isn't very proactive in this story. Hopefully, he will be less passive in the next book.
February 20, 2020
Good beginning to an intriguing series. Continuing to the next book.
May 13, 2017
It was okay enough. I finished it without much struggle or forcing myself to. There were some oddball word combinations, like thinking faster than typing kind of issues. There was a slightly annoying level of explicit foreshadowing as "what he was about to see in the next three paragraphs would change his life forever" and such. To me that's a break in the narrative that boots the reader out of the story.
About the story. I think it's meant to lead you gently into the actual series of books, being a Level 0 novella. I glanced at the hint of the next book and won't be getting it. There's no compelling reason for Lance to go on his mission. It's kind of handed to him without his active participation.
That being said, if you want a non-scary "ghost story" to kill an hour or two, it's pretty okay.
About the story. I think it's meant to lead you gently into the actual series of books, being a Level 0 novella. I glanced at the hint of the next book and won't be getting it. There's no compelling reason for Lance to go on his mission. It's kind of handed to him without his active participation.
That being said, if you want a non-scary "ghost story" to kill an hour or two, it's pretty okay.
May 20, 2019
A short story with the beginning about Lance and his mother, Pamela. Just starting this series and it is a great start.
Lance was conceived in the graveyard, where his mother, Pamela had just met a stranger in their small town. She raised Lance on her own, and knew right off he was different. She would think things in her mind, and Lance would know. He went to high school, knowing he had a gift to find lost things and even hear thoughts from the people around him. Even though he got scholarships for college, he knew he couldn’t go, so he made his life in his hometown with his mother. Until the day that the Reverend arrived in town. Lance was leary of him, but when he heard the Reverends thoughts, he knows his life is in danger. Can’t Wait to read the first book of this series.
Lance was conceived in the graveyard, where his mother, Pamela had just met a stranger in their small town. She raised Lance on her own, and knew right off he was different. She would think things in her mind, and Lance would know. He went to high school, knowing he had a gift to find lost things and even hear thoughts from the people around him. Even though he got scholarships for college, he knew he couldn’t go, so he made his life in his hometown with his mother. Until the day that the Reverend arrived in town. Lance was leary of him, but when he heard the Reverends thoughts, he knows his life is in danger. Can’t Wait to read the first book of this series.
February 13, 2018
Can stand alone but best to read in order.
Lance Brody is a young man with the gift to find things and sometimes people.As you read you learn of his early beginnings of seeing the dead His mother doesn't know this yet,but as he gets older she sense something.Then out of nowhere evil finds him to try and take him . His mother comes to his recuse.,and you learn what you kind of thought she has some of what he has.The ending is good and sad.Watch out for the men in the van,I think they want to use and then kill him.
Lance Brody is a young man with the gift to find things and sometimes people.As you read you learn of his early beginnings of seeing the dead His mother doesn't know this yet,but as he gets older she sense something.Then out of nowhere evil finds him to try and take him . His mother comes to his recuse.,and you learn what you kind of thought she has some of what he has.The ending is good and sad.Watch out for the men in the van,I think they want to use and then kill him.
February 8, 2023
This was a great prequel to the series. Read it after book 1 which I loved but thought lacked a greater history of Lance’s past. This novella provides that history. I think it would have been better as a “first part” of the “Dark Game” rather than a prequel but I’m guessing the author listened to his readers who wanted a background on Lance and this is the outcome. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 26, 2023
Dear Diary
Today I discovered yet another book series that I fear will obsess me. The main character is such a stand up guy and so kind and has a little something extra special. My introduction to him was hypnotic and I felt for him in his "adventure" every step of the way. I am reading the next book now and look forward to seeing just how much gumption this guy has. I expect he has a lot.
Yours appreciatively
Terry and dog.
Today I discovered yet another book series that I fear will obsess me. The main character is such a stand up guy and so kind and has a little something extra special. My introduction to him was hypnotic and I felt for him in his "adventure" every step of the way. I am reading the next book now and look forward to seeing just how much gumption this guy has. I expect he has a lot.
Yours appreciatively
Terry and dog.
April 11, 2023
Ensnared into the story
Riveting start. I enjoy Mr. Robertson’s descriptions of Lance’s life, his town, his mother’s mannerisms. I’ve been on a hunt for good books to read, and sometimes, I end up with a book where the descriptions are not enough and leave one hanging. So, I end up jumping out of the book and looking for another. I’m hoping that Mr. Robertson’s other books keep me going. I can’t wait.
Riveting start. I enjoy Mr. Robertson’s descriptions of Lance’s life, his town, his mother’s mannerisms. I’ve been on a hunt for good books to read, and sometimes, I end up with a book where the descriptions are not enough and leave one hanging. So, I end up jumping out of the book and looking for another. I’m hoping that Mr. Robertson’s other books keep me going. I can’t wait.
October 15, 2023
I really loved this precursor to the story - it definitely hooked me! There was a lot of action which I like in a story.
My criticism and why I can’t give it 5 is that I wish there weren’t SO many typos, missing words and incomplete sentences! It’s so distracting- it feels like either it wasn’t properly edited or it was written and self published in a hurry. It really takes away from the reading experience.
My criticism and why I can’t give it 5 is that I wish there weren’t SO many typos, missing words and incomplete sentences! It’s so distracting- it feels like either it wasn’t properly edited or it was written and self published in a hurry. It really takes away from the reading experience.
August 25, 2019
Dark Beginnings - an intriguing read
Dark Beginnings is the prequel to a series of supernatural intrigue novels. This particular short read was difficult to put down. Aside from some distracting mis-edits, or typos, it was an interesting back story to the main character’s unique gifts and circumstances. Looking forward to reading the series!
Dark Beginnings is the prequel to a series of supernatural intrigue novels. This particular short read was difficult to put down. Aside from some distracting mis-edits, or typos, it was an interesting back story to the main character’s unique gifts and circumstances. Looking forward to reading the series!
June 18, 2017
This is my first book of Michael Robertson Jr. It is a novella. Dark Beginnings is a suspense, paranormal, mystery. Lance is a great character with a special beginning and gifts. If you like suspense or have always wanted to read one the Lance Brody series is for you.
June 11, 2018
Excellent! This story hooks you immediately and I found it quite riveting from start to finish. I was just enough of a taste to want to read further. I am expecting really good things from this series.
September 4, 2018
Very interesting
I love stories that start out strange! This one doesn’t let down! It tells you just enough to get you in and then leaves more mystery! Can’t wait to start Dark Game.
I love stories that start out strange! This one doesn’t let down! It tells you just enough to get you in and then leaves more mystery! Can’t wait to start Dark Game.
February 26, 2019
Now I'm ready to start the series!
Fantastic beginning to the series! I can see
I'm definitely going to enjoy these books
immensely! Shades of Stephen King and
Dean Koontz! I was sad because his mother
died ( or did she?? ). Can't wait to see where
his adventures will lead!!
Fantastic beginning to the series! I can see
I'm definitely going to enjoy these books
immensely! Shades of Stephen King and
Dean Koontz! I was sad because his mother
died ( or did she?? ). Can't wait to see where
his adventures will lead!!
October 16, 2019
Loved this series!! The plot was full of suspense and surprise twists. Lance Brody is a unique individual who possesses some amazing qualities, I hope the author will continue the Lance Brody series...
December 15, 2020
I loved the mystery and suspense throughout this book. I also loved the level of respect and love depicted by a young man for his mother. It was refreshing to see this level of respect written in a book that is based on the modern world. I look forward to reading more by this author!
September 4, 2021
This author has potential. Dark Beginnings is the first I've read of his. Some long, unnecessary, bits between actual plot. Robertson seems popular and I hope I can become a fan when I read Dark Game.
December 14, 2021
Wow!
Was looking for something to read after the Sullivan Gray story. Came across this series and thought I would give a read starting with the prequel. I was blown away. On to the next book!
Was looking for something to read after the Sullivan Gray story. Came across this series and thought I would give a read starting with the prequel. I was blown away. On to the next book!
December 18, 2021
This is the prequel to the series. As I read the forward in Dark Game, I decided to read this book first. I’m glad I did bc I know some of the back story, and that has made reading Dark Game even better.
This book hooked me and made me sure I wanted to read the series.
This book hooked me and made me sure I wanted to read the series.
April 10, 2022
Origin Story
This is a well written origin story for the Lance Brody character. There are a few minor editing errors, but not nearly as many as a lot of works published these days. Overall, I highly recommend reading this novella before Dark Game (Lance Brody #1).
This is a well written origin story for the Lance Brody character. There are a few minor editing errors, but not nearly as many as a lot of works published these days. Overall, I highly recommend reading this novella before Dark Game (Lance Brody #1).
April 12, 2022
Having read all the Lance Brody books, I was looking forward to reading the origin stories. This gave a good insight into where Lance came from, his mother, and the "things that go bump in the night" that follow him.
March 21, 2026
wow!
I was on the edge of my seat though the last park of this book! I read the short story a few days ago and wanted to read more. This book explains everything from the beginning. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
I was on the edge of my seat though the last park of this book! I read the short story a few days ago and wanted to read more. This book explains everything from the beginning. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
February 23, 2018
A real page turner
Ki really love me the series , very good fast paced no dead spots keeps you interested very good book looking forward to the next one out
Ki really love me the series , very good fast paced no dead spots keeps you interested very good book looking forward to the next one out
March 15, 2018
Comes across a bit like Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series which isn't a bad comparison.
April 4, 2018
Love it
October 15, 2018
Early morning read
Downloaded the series on Kindle and saw this was available. Can't wait to read the rest. Not what I usually read but enjoyed it
Downloaded the series on Kindle and saw this was available. Can't wait to read the rest. Not what I usually read but enjoyed it
December 4, 2018
Hooked on Lance Brody!!!
July 12, 2019
Dark Beginnings
This is a very different read for me, but I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the first full book in this series
This is a very different read for me, but I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the first full book in this series
September 14, 2019
I thought this was an interesting beginning to the series and it caught my attention from the start but had quite a few typos that threw my concentration off.
April 27, 2020
A mother and son's love
This is a heart pounding thrill ride. This is a must read series if you don't read this series you will be missing a wonderful series.
This is a heart pounding thrill ride. This is a must read series if you don't read this series you will be missing a wonderful series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews