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Dayfall
FEAR THE DAY
In the near future, patches of the northern hemisphere have been shrouded in years of darkness from a nuclear winter, and the water level has risen in the North Atlantic. The island of Manhattan has lost its outer edges to flooding and is now ringed by a large seawall.
The darkness and isolation have allowed crime and sin to thrive in the never-ending shadows of the once great city, and when the sun finally begins to reappear, everything gets worse. A serial killer cuts a bloody swath across the city during the initial periods of daylight, and a violent panic sweeps through crowds on the streets. The Manhattan police, riddled with corruption and apathy, are at a loss.
That's when the Mayor recruits Jon Phillips, a small-town Pennsylvania cop who had just single-handedly stopped a high-profile serial killer in his own area, and flies him into the insanity of this new New York City. The young detective is partnered with a shady older cop and begins to investigate the crimes amidst the vagaries of a twenty-four hour nightlife he has never experienced before. Soon realizing that he was chosen for reasons other than what he was told, Jon is left with no one to trust and forced to go on the run in the dark streets, and below them in the maze of the underground. Against all odds he still hopes that he can save his own life, the woman of his dreams, and maybe even the whole city before the arrival of the mysterious and dreaded event that has come to be known as.... DAYFALL.
In the near future, patches of the northern hemisphere have been shrouded in years of darkness from a nuclear winter, and the water level has risen in the North Atlantic. The island of Manhattan has lost its outer edges to flooding and is now ringed by a large seawall.
The darkness and isolation have allowed crime and sin to thrive in the never-ending shadows of the once great city, and when the sun finally begins to reappear, everything gets worse. A serial killer cuts a bloody swath across the city during the initial periods of daylight, and a violent panic sweeps through crowds on the streets. The Manhattan police, riddled with corruption and apathy, are at a loss.
That's when the Mayor recruits Jon Phillips, a small-town Pennsylvania cop who had just single-handedly stopped a high-profile serial killer in his own area, and flies him into the insanity of this new New York City. The young detective is partnered with a shady older cop and begins to investigate the crimes amidst the vagaries of a twenty-four hour nightlife he has never experienced before. Soon realizing that he was chosen for reasons other than what he was told, Jon is left with no one to trust and forced to go on the run in the dark streets, and below them in the maze of the underground. Against all odds he still hopes that he can save his own life, the woman of his dreams, and maybe even the whole city before the arrival of the mysterious and dreaded event that has come to be known as.... DAYFALL.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 2018
10 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Michael David Ares
1 book1 followerMICHAEL DAVID ARES is an entrepreneur and educator who started four community service businesses while writing and editing books for other people on the side. He is now a full-time author, and lives with his family in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Dave (that’s the name he answers to) has always loved noir fiction, especially the Philip Marlowe books by Raymond Chandler, and has had a lot of experience with the dark side of human nature. Many years of community service, the challenges of raising seven children, and his own miserable failures have left him with a pessimistic view of humanity (apart from Divine intervention, that is). He has also enjoyed science fiction with a psychological bent, like the works of Alfred Bester and Philip K. Dick, so it’s no surprise that a neo-noir novel with sci-fi elements would come out of him (see Dayfall).
Among other projects, Dave is currently plotting the planned sequels to Dayfall, which will be set in London, Paris, Berlin, and Moscow, as the sunlight returns to those cities for the first time.
Dave (that’s the name he answers to) has always loved noir fiction, especially the Philip Marlowe books by Raymond Chandler, and has had a lot of experience with the dark side of human nature. Many years of community service, the challenges of raising seven children, and his own miserable failures have left him with a pessimistic view of humanity (apart from Divine intervention, that is). He has also enjoyed science fiction with a psychological bent, like the works of Alfred Bester and Philip K. Dick, so it’s no surprise that a neo-noir novel with sci-fi elements would come out of him (see Dayfall).
Among other projects, Dave is currently plotting the planned sequels to Dayfall, which will be set in London, Paris, Berlin, and Moscow, as the sunlight returns to those cities for the first time.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 26, 2018
3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/03/26/...
Dayfall is a novel that takes place in the near future where nuclear winter has plunged much of northeast United States into darkness. In New York City, the isolation and perpetual night has caused crime rates to soar, and residents now face a new threat in the form of a brutal serial killer wreaking havoc across the city. Enter Jon Phillips, a small-town cop from Pennsylvania who idolizes Philip Marlowe of Raymond Chandler fame and has always dreamed of becoming a great detective to solve big cases like his fictional hero. Very soon, he catches his big break. After single-handedly stopping a high-profile serial killer in his own town, Jon attracts the attention of the New York City mayor Rialle King, who recruits him to do what the corrupt Manhattan police force have not been able to do—stop a knife-wielding maniac from committing more murders, a mission that has become even more imperative in the final hours counting down to “Dayfall”, an event which would bring dawn to a city that hasn’t seen natural sunlight in years.
The atmosphere that greets Jon’s arrival is one of tension and dread. Everyone is on edge, not knowing what Dayfall will bring. Already, the fearmongering groups are out in force, warning that the sunlight can bring unexpected reactions and behavior, and that people should prepare for the worst. Jon also realizes there’s more to the situation than Mayor King is letting on, especially with the impending election and her rival the millionaire Gareth Render gunning for her job. Jon is paired up with an experienced but vulgar detective named Frank Halliday, and together they must navigate the tricky web of deceit and corruption to catch the serial killer before all hell breaks loose.
On paper, the premise of Dayfall sounds brilliant, but its execution left something to be desired. First, I also had to get over the hurdle of adjusting to the prose, which felt a little clunky and wooden. The author employs a style that involves a lot of telling-not-showing, and his stark, rapid-fire way of stating what’s on the page makes me think writing might work better in a movie. His characters are also caricature-like (again, something that could possibly work better in a popcorn Hollywood blockbuster rather than a science fiction crime novel) starting with his protagonist who strives to model himself after Philip Marlowe. The blatant attempt to call to mind real world politics with the portrayal of Mayor King and her rival Render also felt cheesy and forced. In fact, the only character I found interesting was Frank Halliday, despite—or perhaps because of—the shocking and crude things to come out of his mouth, due to the fact he would at least serve up a surprise every now and then.
Ironically, the world-building was an area that could have used more detail. The idea of New York City detective trying to hunt a serial killer in darkness was what initially drew me to this tale, but many of the concepts behind this premise were patchy and ill-defined. Far-reaching changes should have had an impact on almost all aspects of life, but we only get a few examples (though to be fair, these often involved some really cool ideas). The reader is left to fill in a lot of the missing information about the history of this world, or simply suspend their disbelief and accept the environmental and social realities of what’s happening in the setting.
Speaking from my own experience, if you can do this, the story should become immensely more enjoyable. The novel’s greatest strength is its plot, which is character-driven and fast-paced. The mystery is intriguing, and Jon and Halliday’s investigation takes as many twists and turns as Manhattan’s flooded streets itself. Some of the later, more action-oriented scenes are almost cinematic and highly riveting in the way they are written, which is where Michael David Ares’ no-nonsense style actually works in his favor.
Ultimately though, this one is a first novel, and it shows in many ways. The general idea behind the story is sound, but the actual content presented seems disjointed and the characterization and world-building aspects are lacking in some of their finer details. That said, my criticisms aside, Dayfall is a quick read and might even prove to be an enjoyable one if you can overlook some of its flaws, so my final rating is three stars for this average debut.
Dayfall is a novel that takes place in the near future where nuclear winter has plunged much of northeast United States into darkness. In New York City, the isolation and perpetual night has caused crime rates to soar, and residents now face a new threat in the form of a brutal serial killer wreaking havoc across the city. Enter Jon Phillips, a small-town cop from Pennsylvania who idolizes Philip Marlowe of Raymond Chandler fame and has always dreamed of becoming a great detective to solve big cases like his fictional hero. Very soon, he catches his big break. After single-handedly stopping a high-profile serial killer in his own town, Jon attracts the attention of the New York City mayor Rialle King, who recruits him to do what the corrupt Manhattan police force have not been able to do—stop a knife-wielding maniac from committing more murders, a mission that has become even more imperative in the final hours counting down to “Dayfall”, an event which would bring dawn to a city that hasn’t seen natural sunlight in years.
The atmosphere that greets Jon’s arrival is one of tension and dread. Everyone is on edge, not knowing what Dayfall will bring. Already, the fearmongering groups are out in force, warning that the sunlight can bring unexpected reactions and behavior, and that people should prepare for the worst. Jon also realizes there’s more to the situation than Mayor King is letting on, especially with the impending election and her rival the millionaire Gareth Render gunning for her job. Jon is paired up with an experienced but vulgar detective named Frank Halliday, and together they must navigate the tricky web of deceit and corruption to catch the serial killer before all hell breaks loose.
On paper, the premise of Dayfall sounds brilliant, but its execution left something to be desired. First, I also had to get over the hurdle of adjusting to the prose, which felt a little clunky and wooden. The author employs a style that involves a lot of telling-not-showing, and his stark, rapid-fire way of stating what’s on the page makes me think writing might work better in a movie. His characters are also caricature-like (again, something that could possibly work better in a popcorn Hollywood blockbuster rather than a science fiction crime novel) starting with his protagonist who strives to model himself after Philip Marlowe. The blatant attempt to call to mind real world politics with the portrayal of Mayor King and her rival Render also felt cheesy and forced. In fact, the only character I found interesting was Frank Halliday, despite—or perhaps because of—the shocking and crude things to come out of his mouth, due to the fact he would at least serve up a surprise every now and then.
Ironically, the world-building was an area that could have used more detail. The idea of New York City detective trying to hunt a serial killer in darkness was what initially drew me to this tale, but many of the concepts behind this premise were patchy and ill-defined. Far-reaching changes should have had an impact on almost all aspects of life, but we only get a few examples (though to be fair, these often involved some really cool ideas). The reader is left to fill in a lot of the missing information about the history of this world, or simply suspend their disbelief and accept the environmental and social realities of what’s happening in the setting.
Speaking from my own experience, if you can do this, the story should become immensely more enjoyable. The novel’s greatest strength is its plot, which is character-driven and fast-paced. The mystery is intriguing, and Jon and Halliday’s investigation takes as many twists and turns as Manhattan’s flooded streets itself. Some of the later, more action-oriented scenes are almost cinematic and highly riveting in the way they are written, which is where Michael David Ares’ no-nonsense style actually works in his favor.
Ultimately though, this one is a first novel, and it shows in many ways. The general idea behind the story is sound, but the actual content presented seems disjointed and the characterization and world-building aspects are lacking in some of their finer details. That said, my criticisms aside, Dayfall is a quick read and might even prove to be an enjoyable one if you can overlook some of its flaws, so my final rating is three stars for this average debut.
March 19, 2018
[1.5 stars] What initially drew me to Dayfall was the interesting concept: a mystery novel set in a not-to-distant-future post-war world where nuclear bombing has caused semi-permanent blackout cloud-cover. Not only have I been itching for a good mystery novel lately, but I loved the presented concept for Dayfall and couldn’t wait to see some cool ideas on how society adapted to these conditions.
The trouble is, the book didn’t quite deliver to my satisfaction for either the mystery or the world-building.
It did have a couple of cool ideas for how city life had changed since the blackout, but for the most part the book fixated on a brief moment where sunlight would shine through (Dayfall) and how seeing the sun for the first time (in less than half a generation) would drive people to literal instantly… a concept that even in hindsight doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Especially since the entire arc of the mystery depended on average citizens turning into aggressive lunatics at the first sign of sunlight. I didn’t see any details within that could’ve explained this shift in human behavior (any sort of made up sci-fi explanation would’ve worked for me. Like radiation mutation or something). And the concept continued to unravel with very inconsistent drop-in details (such as talking about current everyday things in our world, like the NFL, which felt very out of place under the circumstances the author presented) to the point where even suspended belief became impossible for me to maintain.
What’s more, I also found the character profiles incredibly inconsistent. Every time I was starting to get an idea of who they were, they’d do or say something completely out of character from what had been presented so far. They were very erratic, so it made it difficult to get into their thought processes as they tried to solve a mystery. I also had issue with their general lack of common sense and logical follow-through. My concern with this started with the first scene and unfortunately only got worse from there.
Yikes. Okay, so overall, while I can appreciate some concepts within the story and what I think the author was trying to do with it, it just didn’t work for me.
Recommendations: Dayfall definitely had a cool setting for a mystery novel. However, neither the world-building and overall concept nor the characterization were on par with my expectations. There are a whole host of books I would recommend first.
I’d like to thank the publicists at TOR/Forge and Michael David Ares for the chance to read and review an early copy of Dayfall.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
Other books you might like:
The trouble is, the book didn’t quite deliver to my satisfaction for either the mystery or the world-building.
It did have a couple of cool ideas for how city life had changed since the blackout, but for the most part the book fixated on a brief moment where sunlight would shine through (Dayfall) and how seeing the sun for the first time (in less than half a generation) would drive people to literal instantly… a concept that even in hindsight doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Especially since the entire arc of the mystery depended on average citizens turning into aggressive lunatics at the first sign of sunlight. I didn’t see any details within that could’ve explained this shift in human behavior (any sort of made up sci-fi explanation would’ve worked for me. Like radiation mutation or something). And the concept continued to unravel with very inconsistent drop-in details (such as talking about current everyday things in our world, like the NFL, which felt very out of place under the circumstances the author presented) to the point where even suspended belief became impossible for me to maintain.
What’s more, I also found the character profiles incredibly inconsistent. Every time I was starting to get an idea of who they were, they’d do or say something completely out of character from what had been presented so far. They were very erratic, so it made it difficult to get into their thought processes as they tried to solve a mystery. I also had issue with their general lack of common sense and logical follow-through. My concern with this started with the first scene and unfortunately only got worse from there.
Yikes. Okay, so overall, while I can appreciate some concepts within the story and what I think the author was trying to do with it, it just didn’t work for me.
Recommendations: Dayfall definitely had a cool setting for a mystery novel. However, neither the world-building and overall concept nor the characterization were on par with my expectations. There are a whole host of books I would recommend first.
I’d like to thank the publicists at TOR/Forge and Michael David Ares for the chance to read and review an early copy of Dayfall.
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.nikihawkes.com
Other books you might like:
May 10, 2018
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
My rating is 2.5 stars.
Dayfall takes place in the near future after a nuclear event has plunged much of the northeastern United States into a perpetual nuclear winter. Naturally, eternal night has changed nearly every aspect of life in the huge metropolis of New York City, resulting in a nightlife which never ends and a crime rate that never stops rising.
Enter small town cop Jon Phillips. This idealistic guy has always dreamed of being a big city detective, hunting down criminals, and generally being a hero. Finally, he gets his chance when Mayor Rialle King of New York reaches out to him helping to hunt down about a serial killer who is stalking the shrouded streets of the Big Apple.
Soon, Phillips is paired up with an experienced and (supposedly) uncorrupted veteran cop named Frank Halliday. The two attempting to navigate the political environment (A mayoral election is ongoing, and a millionaire is gunning for King’s job.), rise above the law enforcement corruption, navigate the criminal underbelly, sidestep the fearmongering groups worried about the coming of “Dayfall”, and somehow, someway, catch the worse serial killer ever to haunt the streets of New York before everything comes crashing down.
After writing the above summary I have to admit Dayfall sounds like a damn good novel. A story concept which appears to be tailor made for speculative fiction, because what reader can resist a murder mystery set in a post-apocalyptic real world. At least, I couldn’t resist it. Unfortunately, the finished product left a bit to be desired.
First, this is the author’s debut novel, and it does show. The writing just a bit off at times, a bit clunky, a little too minimalistic. The characters were too one dimensional. The dialogue a bit flat. The plot twists a little too easy to guess. And while Michael David Ares definitely has talent, amazing ideas, and shows flashes of greatness, he isn’t quite there yet.
Second, the world building isn’t to the level necessary for this kind of speculative fiction tale. Yes, the murder mystery, serial killer plot is the focus of the book, but I for one looked forward to seeing the world. The idea of a darkness shrouded New York with soaring crime and perpetual nightlife intrigued me. I imagined a lot of real differences between the city I’ve visited a few times and a post-nuclear event Big Apple. Regrettably, the author doesn’t spend much time developing the environment. Certainly, there are a few moments here and there, which are truly great, but there are not enough of these moments, not enough differences between real life NYC and Dayfall NYC to really capture my imagination.
To sum up, this is an okay novel. It is a quick read, has a good bit of action and intrigue, a lot of mystery, and is very easy to follow and enjoy. If you are a fan of murder mystery told in future settings, Dayfall will probably be right up your alley, as long as you don’t expect too much from it or anticipate anything other than a light, entertaining read.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
My rating is 2.5 stars.
Dayfall takes place in the near future after a nuclear event has plunged much of the northeastern United States into a perpetual nuclear winter. Naturally, eternal night has changed nearly every aspect of life in the huge metropolis of New York City, resulting in a nightlife which never ends and a crime rate that never stops rising.
Enter small town cop Jon Phillips. This idealistic guy has always dreamed of being a big city detective, hunting down criminals, and generally being a hero. Finally, he gets his chance when Mayor Rialle King of New York reaches out to him helping to hunt down about a serial killer who is stalking the shrouded streets of the Big Apple.
Soon, Phillips is paired up with an experienced and (supposedly) uncorrupted veteran cop named Frank Halliday. The two attempting to navigate the political environment (A mayoral election is ongoing, and a millionaire is gunning for King’s job.), rise above the law enforcement corruption, navigate the criminal underbelly, sidestep the fearmongering groups worried about the coming of “Dayfall”, and somehow, someway, catch the worse serial killer ever to haunt the streets of New York before everything comes crashing down.
After writing the above summary I have to admit Dayfall sounds like a damn good novel. A story concept which appears to be tailor made for speculative fiction, because what reader can resist a murder mystery set in a post-apocalyptic real world. At least, I couldn’t resist it. Unfortunately, the finished product left a bit to be desired.
First, this is the author’s debut novel, and it does show. The writing just a bit off at times, a bit clunky, a little too minimalistic. The characters were too one dimensional. The dialogue a bit flat. The plot twists a little too easy to guess. And while Michael David Ares definitely has talent, amazing ideas, and shows flashes of greatness, he isn’t quite there yet.
Second, the world building isn’t to the level necessary for this kind of speculative fiction tale. Yes, the murder mystery, serial killer plot is the focus of the book, but I for one looked forward to seeing the world. The idea of a darkness shrouded New York with soaring crime and perpetual nightlife intrigued me. I imagined a lot of real differences between the city I’ve visited a few times and a post-nuclear event Big Apple. Regrettably, the author doesn’t spend much time developing the environment. Certainly, there are a few moments here and there, which are truly great, but there are not enough of these moments, not enough differences between real life NYC and Dayfall NYC to really capture my imagination.
To sum up, this is an okay novel. It is a quick read, has a good bit of action and intrigue, a lot of mystery, and is very easy to follow and enjoy. If you are a fan of murder mystery told in future settings, Dayfall will probably be right up your alley, as long as you don’t expect too much from it or anticipate anything other than a light, entertaining read.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
February 18, 2018
The concept behind Dayfall is poorly explained. Why is there perpetual night only on the coastlines? This is an obvious rip off of Asimov's Nightfall. While Asimov gives a plausible explanation for perpetual daylight this author does not for night.
March 23, 2018
If you're looking for true sci-fi feel, this isn't your book. Dayfall is an action-packed crime thriller set in a post-apocalyptic New York City. The northeast has been in the dark for years and people dread the coming daylight. Power-hungry politicians are thoroughly exploiting that fear, and as the first sunrays peep through the clouds, city dwellers are being gruesomely slain.
A renegade cop from the outskirts of Philly is handpicked to investigate the murders, but it soon becomes apparent -- he and his new team are fighting a lot more than a serial killer.
A renegade cop from the outskirts of Philly is handpicked to investigate the murders, but it soon becomes apparent -- he and his new team are fighting a lot more than a serial killer.
April 5, 2018
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways and have chosen to give my honest opinion about it.
I think this was quite an interesting read! The concept was a fresh, as this genre has become somewhat polluted with unoriginal ideas or a "mixture" of a bunch of the same ideas to create a "new" concept. There were a lot of intriguing ideas in this book (like the "Hetero House") and there was definitely enough action to keep the reader engaged. The mystery aspect and the character developement were both magnetic! I would definitely recommend this book to mystery/science-fiction lovers.
I think this was quite an interesting read! The concept was a fresh, as this genre has become somewhat polluted with unoriginal ideas or a "mixture" of a bunch of the same ideas to create a "new" concept. There were a lot of intriguing ideas in this book (like the "Hetero House") and there was definitely enough action to keep the reader engaged. The mystery aspect and the character developement were both magnetic! I would definitely recommend this book to mystery/science-fiction lovers.
April 14, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I liked the concept of a post nuclear war city in darkness. I liked the main character. I think there are more people who strive to be like a fictional character than other reviewers. I liked the twists and turns. The ending seems open for a sequel which I would defintely read.
This is my honest opinion and I did win the ARC in a giveaway.
This is my honest opinion and I did win the ARC in a giveaway.
May 4, 2020
تا حدود صفحه ۷۰ روند معقول و منطقی داشت...اما از صفحه ۷۰ به بعد یکجوری سقوط آزاد کرد که قیمت نفت تابحال اینجوری سقوط نکرده بود و در نهایت هم تموم شد...نمیدونم دقیقا چرا اصلا ایده به این خوبی رو اینجور نابود کرد!
February 18, 2020
Part of my "Reading the Lowest-Rated Books on my TBR List" Challenge
Average rating as of writing this review: 2.61
This book was kind of a mess. For one thing, the timeline was hard to follow. There had been nuclear attacks that had left New York City shrouded in permanent darkness. People talked about this like it had happened in living memory, but at the same time, all the New Yorkers acted like they'd never seen sunlight before even though they should remember it from before the attack. Also, they could've left Manhattan Island at any time and seen sunlight. Another problem with the writing was the fact that the author had a bad habit of starting new chapters in the middle of conversations. There is nothing to justify those chapter breaks; if you removed them, you'd have one continuous chapter with no interruption. It would've flowed better that way.
My second complaint is the racism/transphobia. For the racism, the main character's partner likes to give everyone nicknames and his nicknames for the non-white characters were all kind of racist. The main character would think to himself how rude the other cop was being but never called him on it. It made me feel like the author was trying to have his cake and eat it too. The transphobia came from the fact that the author had no idea how trans people work. There's a whole thing where men from Special Forces are transitioning en masse and the theory for why is that they'd reached "peak masculinity", so they were tired of being men. I don't think the author could've been more incorrect about trans women if he tried.
Lastly, the science behind this book is just dumb. I have no idea if radiation could cause a localized permanent cover that blocks sunlight, but I doubt it. I especially think it's BS that when the sun starts coming back at the end, everyone starts going crazy and turning violent. That's just not how people work. If it was, no one could live in the really far north areas where it's only sunny for half the year.
Average rating as of writing this review: 2.61
This book was kind of a mess. For one thing, the timeline was hard to follow. There had been nuclear attacks that had left New York City shrouded in permanent darkness. People talked about this like it had happened in living memory, but at the same time, all the New Yorkers acted like they'd never seen sunlight before even though they should remember it from before the attack. Also, they could've left Manhattan Island at any time and seen sunlight. Another problem with the writing was the fact that the author had a bad habit of starting new chapters in the middle of conversations. There is nothing to justify those chapter breaks; if you removed them, you'd have one continuous chapter with no interruption. It would've flowed better that way.
My second complaint is the racism/transphobia. For the racism, the main character's partner likes to give everyone nicknames and his nicknames for the non-white characters were all kind of racist. The main character would think to himself how rude the other cop was being but never called him on it. It made me feel like the author was trying to have his cake and eat it too. The transphobia came from the fact that the author had no idea how trans people work. There's a whole thing where men from Special Forces are transitioning en masse and the theory for why is that they'd reached "peak masculinity", so they were tired of being men. I don't think the author could've been more incorrect about trans women if he tried.
Lastly, the science behind this book is just dumb. I have no idea if radiation could cause a localized permanent cover that blocks sunlight, but I doubt it. I especially think it's BS that when the sun starts coming back at the end, everyone starts going crazy and turning violent. That's just not how people work. If it was, no one could live in the really far north areas where it's only sunny for half the year.
May 23, 2021
I went with my Mom to the dollar store sometime in January and found this book tossed away on a shelf. "For a dollar," I thought, why not?
Reading it was fun. I've barely dabbled in fiction since I was in grade school and found great enjoyment taking my mind off more serious topics to dive into an adventure through post-apocalyptic Manhattan. The book follows a detective searching for a murderer on the loose in New York, where there is no sunlight following a nuclear disaster over the East Coast. However, the sun is coming back soon ('Dayfall') and people are concerned with how the city will handle it.
Critically speaking, the book has a predictable finish with unpredictable twists. Reminds me of the stuff I read in middle school, which again, was fun.
My only complaint is that the author works in these moments of rather descriptive violence that seem completely out of place in a book of casual dialogue and simple characters.
Should be a 2/5 but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt.
Reading it was fun. I've barely dabbled in fiction since I was in grade school and found great enjoyment taking my mind off more serious topics to dive into an adventure through post-apocalyptic Manhattan. The book follows a detective searching for a murderer on the loose in New York, where there is no sunlight following a nuclear disaster over the East Coast. However, the sun is coming back soon ('Dayfall') and people are concerned with how the city will handle it.
Critically speaking, the book has a predictable finish with unpredictable twists. Reminds me of the stuff I read in middle school, which again, was fun.
My only complaint is that the author works in these moments of rather descriptive violence that seem completely out of place in a book of casual dialogue and simple characters.
Should be a 2/5 but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt.
March 19, 2018
Interesting concept, but could use more explanation.
Jon Phillips is a small time detective in Ephrata, Pennsylvania who has dreams of becoming a private investigator. He has been profiling a serial killer in Philadelphia, but no one will listen to his theories. He decides to take measures into his own hands and discovers that his theory is correct and manages to single handedly take down the serial killer, almost at the cost of his own life. Even though he survives, his career in law enforcement does not. The Philadelphia chief of police visits him in the hospital to let him know that he can never join the City PD; however, there is another opportunity open to him. The mayor of Manhattan needs help in catching the Dayfall Killer before Dayfall happens. Manhattan has been shrouded in darkness for several years as a result of a nuclear winter which also caused sea levels to rise, submerging large portions of the island. With only hours until everyone is exposed to hours of sunlight, answers are needed to ensure she can control the City and keep Gotham Security from taking over. Several of the MPD officers are already on Gotham Security’s payroll and she needs someone she can trust. With little to no options, Jon reluctantly takes on the case in hopes of a high profile takedown that can catalyst his PI career into the spotlight.
This was an interesting dystopian concept. Having the east coast completely covered in darkness and it becoming a norm to the residents so much so that when daylight did occur it started making people go crazy. I wish that there had been more of an explanation of the reasoning behind it and why it didn’t affect other areas of the US and/or countries. Even so, the story was still enjoyable. Phillips partner in the MPD pretty much made the book for me. The banter, shady dealings, and nicknames brought him to life really well. The relationships felt a little forced at first, but things seemed to fall into place as the story continued.
There is quite a bit of harsh language as well as implied sex throughout the book mixed with some fairly graphic violence. I recommend this book to mature readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Jon Phillips is a small time detective in Ephrata, Pennsylvania who has dreams of becoming a private investigator. He has been profiling a serial killer in Philadelphia, but no one will listen to his theories. He decides to take measures into his own hands and discovers that his theory is correct and manages to single handedly take down the serial killer, almost at the cost of his own life. Even though he survives, his career in law enforcement does not. The Philadelphia chief of police visits him in the hospital to let him know that he can never join the City PD; however, there is another opportunity open to him. The mayor of Manhattan needs help in catching the Dayfall Killer before Dayfall happens. Manhattan has been shrouded in darkness for several years as a result of a nuclear winter which also caused sea levels to rise, submerging large portions of the island. With only hours until everyone is exposed to hours of sunlight, answers are needed to ensure she can control the City and keep Gotham Security from taking over. Several of the MPD officers are already on Gotham Security’s payroll and she needs someone she can trust. With little to no options, Jon reluctantly takes on the case in hopes of a high profile takedown that can catalyst his PI career into the spotlight.
This was an interesting dystopian concept. Having the east coast completely covered in darkness and it becoming a norm to the residents so much so that when daylight did occur it started making people go crazy. I wish that there had been more of an explanation of the reasoning behind it and why it didn’t affect other areas of the US and/or countries. Even so, the story was still enjoyable. Phillips partner in the MPD pretty much made the book for me. The banter, shady dealings, and nicknames brought him to life really well. The relationships felt a little forced at first, but things seemed to fall into place as the story continued.
There is quite a bit of harsh language as well as implied sex throughout the book mixed with some fairly graphic violence. I recommend this book to mature readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
April 22, 2025
Dayfall by Michael David Ares is a science fiction novel set in the near future. Dayfall takes place in New York City after a nuclear event has plunged much of the northeastern United States into perpetual darkness. Naturally, eternal night has changed nearly every aspect of life in the huge metropolis of New York City, resulting in a nightlife that never ends and a crime rate that never stops rising. A small town detective, Jon Phillips, is recruited to come to New York to solve a string of killings before daylight returns in just over 24 hours. He soon finds that the killings are politically motivated and several unknown parties may be responsible. This book, although science fiction, quickly turns into a murder mystery/ police procedural. A good read, but nothing new here.
September 28, 2022
You know how when you're reading some books, you think you still have a lot to go, based on the number of unread pages in your right hand, but really it's just the first chapter of the NEXT novel?
This isn't one of those books.
I got to the last page of the book and still can't understand why the author decided not to finish it. In the last few pages, two key characters die suspiciously off page (no bodies), the only two suspects in the high crimes are murdered by an unseen gunman, the protagonist is being pursued by his allies, and... The book just stops.
This isn't one of those books.
I got to the last page of the book and still can't understand why the author decided not to finish it. In the last few pages, two key characters die suspiciously off page (no bodies), the only two suspects in the high crimes are murdered by an unseen gunman, the protagonist is being pursued by his allies, and... The book just stops.
April 3, 2018
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With a nuclear winter and rising Atlantic powers, this dystopian novel centers on the island of Manhattan, ringed by a seawall. Detective Jon Phillips is recruited to try to stop a violent serial killer menacing the city. Finding himself on the run, Jon does not know who to trust.
With a nuclear winter and rising Atlantic powers, this dystopian novel centers on the island of Manhattan, ringed by a seawall. Detective Jon Phillips is recruited to try to stop a violent serial killer menacing the city. Finding himself on the run, Jon does not know who to trust.
May 4, 2018
I think this is a silly mystery. It has a snippet of SF behind it which isn't even worth discussing. The mystery itself is okay but I found the characters to be unrealistic and the plot itself slow and confusing.
March 31, 2021
Some fast paced action; The throwaway transphobic lines lost it a star, as did the feeling that NYC must only have about 100 people living in it (due to the fact that the main characters kept crossing paths with each other multiple times.)
July 6, 2018
Good concept with a mediocre execution.
December 2, 2018
I rarely give bad ratings but I just thought the writing was really terrible and I couldn't finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2020
DNF at page 60
How are you supose to understand the world without worldbuilding?
How are you supose to understand the world without worldbuilding?
June 26, 2024
I was really excited about the plot, but there was a substantial lack of character development.
May 10, 2025
Interesting plot but sort of lacking in the beginning and the characters fell a little short
September 10, 2022
I'm so torn about this book on one
hand nothing worked out in the end
which I loved however, this story
had more plot holes than a moth
eaten sweater, the characters didn't
make sense to me in the way they
interacted and oh yah this book was
racist, homophonic, and sexist.
This book plot had such potential but in
the end it's a dumpster fire. :/
hand nothing worked out in the end
which I loved however, this story
had more plot holes than a moth
eaten sweater, the characters didn't
make sense to me in the way they
interacted and oh yah this book was
racist, homophonic, and sexist.
This book plot had such potential but in
the end it's a dumpster fire. :/
April 9, 2025
Michael David Ares, your ass cannot write. The world of a near future New York that never sees the daylight rife with paranoia was developed well and got me into the book. Then, your characters? ASS! Your dialogue? ASS! Your mystery? ASS! Then, for three chapters, OKAY! Then, ASS!
Read
April 23, 2018 Michael David Ares sets his thriller in a future Manhattan in perpetual darkness because of the climate change from an India- Pakistan nuclear tiff. Dayfall (hard from Tor) is supposed to drive the population nuts, but some of the chaos may be the result of hired killers and explosive experts. The mayor has hird Jon Phillips, a small town cop with a reputation for tenacity to find the murderers and maybe contain the chaos. Of course everyone , including the Mayor; there’s a pretty girl, and Jon admires all the classic detectives. Fun.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
Read
September 24, 2018Review available at AudioFile.
did-not-finish
April 4, 2019Good grief was this some of the most painfully clunky prose I've ever encountered outside of my own efforts at fiction. I suppose books like this should at least give me hope that someday I too can be published by Tor. In any event I couldn't make it fifty pages into this. And as is my usual practice with books I do not finish I leave no rating.
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