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The Third Wave: Eidolon
In 2003, the largest recorded solar flare collided with Earth. The sensors measuring the solar storm were destroyed at an X28 rating, but it was determined later to be an X45 class flare. A satellite monitoring solar activity picks up something far surpassing that classification and on a collision course. A solar storm, so strong that X classifications no longer apply, hits the CERN large hadron collider at the moment of particle collision, sending a quantum wave around the world. Souls are ripped from the over 7 billion people that are in its path, many immediately succumbing. Those remaining either feel nothing or are tormented by endless agony. Only a few escape its path. Sam and his teenage daughter Erin return to the surface to find a very different world from the one they left. Stranded, they must adapt quickly or become one of the creatures that now roam the earth. In the Middle East, a small team of soldiers may be the only ones left in a harsh environment overrun by creatures. With very few options and far from any refuge, they set out on a quest for help. Will the reapers hunt them down before they make it to the coast? Commander Lawrence resurfaces after a successful deep dive test of the Navy’s new toy, only to find a transformed world. The floating derelicts of his escort vessels don’t begin to show the horrors of what he’ll find ashore.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2017
29 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
John O'Brien
45 books285 followersJohn O'Brien is a former Air Force fighter instructor pilot who transitioned to Special Operations for the latter part of his career gathering his campaign ribbon for Desert Storm. Immediately following his military service, John became a firefighter/EMT with a local department. Along with becoming a firefighter, he fell into the Information Technology industry in corporate management. Currently, John is writing full-time.
As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.
As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 29, 2017
A tale of true terror....
John O'Brien has out done himself with this stand alone book. I was not sure what to expect other than a great book, knowing the author and his penchant for great horror and adventures. This is by far his best. A horror book because the science and arrogance of man can clearly be seen when they meddle with forces that can never be truly controled. But of course the people that survive don't know this, only that something has gone very wrong and the world they once knew is gone, perhaps forever. As the incident occurs, the authors gives us some very realistic views of what could happen if all the world's power just blinked out never to return. The devastaton that will occur in the skies and on the ground is very real as the world is caught in the wake of the disaster. But the story is mostly about three seperate groups, two of which will eventually find their way to each other. There are tense moments, some truely terrifying as each defend themselves from what is left of humanity; terrifying spectors trapped between the world of the living and the dead. It is about three groups fighting for survival, their loneliness, the desperation to find a safe haven or even other survivors. Thoughts about loved ones they might never see again, or even worse find them, half living creatures forever in pain, is never far from their minds but they press on....It is a horrory story of survival and love, survival and friendship, survival and trust...it is a heartbreaking story and I'm sorry there is an end to it, but John O'Brien has done what many authors cannot do; bring an unrushed, satisfying end that leaves those that survive with hope and peace if not the reason why or how it occured. Whether you believe the science behind it as plausible, than believe that man in his arrogance will stop at nothing to go beyond his limits regardless of the far reaching consequences of his actions. THAT is the true terror in this story. Very well written....
John O'Brien has out done himself with this stand alone book. I was not sure what to expect other than a great book, knowing the author and his penchant for great horror and adventures. This is by far his best. A horror book because the science and arrogance of man can clearly be seen when they meddle with forces that can never be truly controled. But of course the people that survive don't know this, only that something has gone very wrong and the world they once knew is gone, perhaps forever. As the incident occurs, the authors gives us some very realistic views of what could happen if all the world's power just blinked out never to return. The devastaton that will occur in the skies and on the ground is very real as the world is caught in the wake of the disaster. But the story is mostly about three seperate groups, two of which will eventually find their way to each other. There are tense moments, some truely terrifying as each defend themselves from what is left of humanity; terrifying spectors trapped between the world of the living and the dead. It is about three groups fighting for survival, their loneliness, the desperation to find a safe haven or even other survivors. Thoughts about loved ones they might never see again, or even worse find them, half living creatures forever in pain, is never far from their minds but they press on....It is a horrory story of survival and love, survival and friendship, survival and trust...it is a heartbreaking story and I'm sorry there is an end to it, but John O'Brien has done what many authors cannot do; bring an unrushed, satisfying end that leaves those that survive with hope and peace if not the reason why or how it occured. Whether you believe the science behind it as plausible, than believe that man in his arrogance will stop at nothing to go beyond his limits regardless of the far reaching consequences of his actions. THAT is the true terror in this story. Very well written....
January 24, 2018
Very intriguing!! Frightening possibility.. ? Recommended! Very good read.
January 25, 2018
Ultimately I really liked this book. The beginning for me was slow and complex. The most difficult part was understanding the hadron collider experiment and the effect the accident had on people. Once that was clear the story flowed more freely and I began to enjoy and appreciate the characters and the struggle they were enduring. The plot build up and character background was quite detailed and excellent. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Sam and his teenage daughter Erin. The sub plots with Commander Lawrence on the Navy submarine and the Marine squad in Afghanistan were also very well done. The problem I have is with the rushed ending. Not how it was written, I actually liked the ending, but the fact that it felt rushed. I think O’Brien could have managed a sequel from what he had going, but evidently grew tired of the story or ran out of gas. It’s a shame; it could have been even better.
October 17, 2019
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: First wave was the largest Solar Flare ever witnessed colliding with Earth. It killed all electronics, all backups, anything even remotely functioning on electricity, thus killing millions who depended on it. Among the broken machines was the Hadron Collider in the process of two particles colliding. The second wave, caused by those two particles ripping the very fabric of time and space killed billions by ripping their very souls out of their bodies. Some, lucky ones, died. Others, soulless, were doomed to repeat the few seconds of their life until their bodies expired. Third kind became the third wave. Their souls were torn, but remained tethered, agony indescribable. The only way to remotely lessen it, and maybe detach the soul from the body is to take another soul. So the hunt for what remained left of humanity’s taters began.
My Opinion: The book began with painful but vivid and welcome details of what was happening, how, and what were the consequences of it. It was horrifying, and at times I paused my reading, just to give myself some breathing space. Truly magnificent work, I thought. But as the tale progressed it soon sort of pushed itself too far in time. Next thing we know it’s one of those tales: a handful of soldiers in a submarine, considering life on a tropical island that they could clean of vermin prying on their souls. With added bonus of that one chosen young woman, for apparently no one else ever woke up from a coma, saving the poor souls.
The first half was amazing, and to it go all the 3 out of 5 points. The rest was mediocre. Good writing, pretty well made characters, but it could’ve been… More.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: First wave was the largest Solar Flare ever witnessed colliding with Earth. It killed all electronics, all backups, anything even remotely functioning on electricity, thus killing millions who depended on it. Among the broken machines was the Hadron Collider in the process of two particles colliding. The second wave, caused by those two particles ripping the very fabric of time and space killed billions by ripping their very souls out of their bodies. Some, lucky ones, died. Others, soulless, were doomed to repeat the few seconds of their life until their bodies expired. Third kind became the third wave. Their souls were torn, but remained tethered, agony indescribable. The only way to remotely lessen it, and maybe detach the soul from the body is to take another soul. So the hunt for what remained left of humanity’s taters began.
My Opinion: The book began with painful but vivid and welcome details of what was happening, how, and what were the consequences of it. It was horrifying, and at times I paused my reading, just to give myself some breathing space. Truly magnificent work, I thought. But as the tale progressed it soon sort of pushed itself too far in time. Next thing we know it’s one of those tales: a handful of soldiers in a submarine, considering life on a tropical island that they could clean of vermin prying on their souls. With added bonus of that one chosen young woman, for apparently no one else ever woke up from a coma, saving the poor souls.
The first half was amazing, and to it go all the 3 out of 5 points. The rest was mediocre. Good writing, pretty well made characters, but it could’ve been… More.
June 7, 2017
The best yet, from O'Brien
I've been an avid fan of John O'Brien's since the first volume in his New World ten book series was released. This time Mr. O'Brien has set a new standard for writers of fiction. Having gone beyond the norms of descriptive writing he has placed himself high among the best of the best with this book. This apocalyptic saga has the most enchanting panoramic views rarely seen in this genre. The storyline has all the deep personal emotions of any classic literature available, along with the hard fought adventures Mr. O'Brien is know for in the books encompassing his other works. I'm honored to count myself among his many loyal fans. This has been an exciting relationship for me, the reader, with the author of these compelling stories. I wish every reader of The Third Wave: EIDOLON, the joy I felt as I reasoned, in the end, humanity has the capacity of survival if the will is there.
You, the reader, will not have to be familiar with John O'Brien's other books to enjoy this one. This is a complete stand alone, and might I add, unto it's self, book. I highly recommend this book and I thank the author for giving us this epic entertainment. Why am I not giving you any background on what's waiting for you in these pages? I, the lowly reader, could never do it justice.
As always, happy reading and make life interesting for yourself.
I've been an avid fan of John O'Brien's since the first volume in his New World ten book series was released. This time Mr. O'Brien has set a new standard for writers of fiction. Having gone beyond the norms of descriptive writing he has placed himself high among the best of the best with this book. This apocalyptic saga has the most enchanting panoramic views rarely seen in this genre. The storyline has all the deep personal emotions of any classic literature available, along with the hard fought adventures Mr. O'Brien is know for in the books encompassing his other works. I'm honored to count myself among his many loyal fans. This has been an exciting relationship for me, the reader, with the author of these compelling stories. I wish every reader of The Third Wave: EIDOLON, the joy I felt as I reasoned, in the end, humanity has the capacity of survival if the will is there.
You, the reader, will not have to be familiar with John O'Brien's other books to enjoy this one. This is a complete stand alone, and might I add, unto it's self, book. I highly recommend this book and I thank the author for giving us this epic entertainment. Why am I not giving you any background on what's waiting for you in these pages? I, the lowly reader, could never do it justice.
As always, happy reading and make life interesting for yourself.
June 28, 2017
Earth is hit by a massive solar storm before it was predicted to hit so no one had prepared. Millions around the world die, others have their souls ripped out and the really unfortunate ones have their souls partially detached.
An American submarine is below surface running tests, American soldiers are on a mission in Afghanistan and a man and his young daughter are having a father/daughter road trip. The soldiers, the father and daughter were in caves while the sub was below the surface and because of this they emerge in a world now totally changed.
The ones with no souls are harmless but the ones with their souls partially detached are suffering tremendously and are deadly for the survivors.
To exist in this totally new world where enemies become allies, they must try to connect with others, get supplies and just survive.
I won't say more as I wouldn't want to spoil this gut wrenching tale of survival against overwhelming odds. A must read for anyone who loves horror/sci-fi and military genres.
An American submarine is below surface running tests, American soldiers are on a mission in Afghanistan and a man and his young daughter are having a father/daughter road trip. The soldiers, the father and daughter were in caves while the sub was below the surface and because of this they emerge in a world now totally changed.
The ones with no souls are harmless but the ones with their souls partially detached are suffering tremendously and are deadly for the survivors.
To exist in this totally new world where enemies become allies, they must try to connect with others, get supplies and just survive.
I won't say more as I wouldn't want to spoil this gut wrenching tale of survival against overwhelming odds. A must read for anyone who loves horror/sci-fi and military genres.
July 10, 2017
THIS BOOK BLEW ME AWAY, A DEFINITE MUST READ!!!!!!
WOW, this book was the best and seriously blew me away!! No monsters or zombies here, but something even more scary, one thing that can't be stopped, a Solar Srorm and one thing done at the wrong time, that no one realizes could be the end of all mankind, a test in Quantum Physics. After its all over, the earth will never be the same, especially for Erin & her father Sam, Commander Lawrence and his men on the Submarine and Sgt O'Malley and his small group of soldiers in Afghanistan. This book deserves more than 5 stars and one I highly recommend to all. John O'Brien has really hit a home run with this book. I loved it!!!!
WOW, this book was the best and seriously blew me away!! No monsters or zombies here, but something even more scary, one thing that can't be stopped, a Solar Srorm and one thing done at the wrong time, that no one realizes could be the end of all mankind, a test in Quantum Physics. After its all over, the earth will never be the same, especially for Erin & her father Sam, Commander Lawrence and his men on the Submarine and Sgt O'Malley and his small group of soldiers in Afghanistan. This book deserves more than 5 stars and one I highly recommend to all. John O'Brien has really hit a home run with this book. I loved it!!!!
May 27, 2017
Awesome story from an even better author!
This is a major departure for Mr. O'Brien and what a great story! This story explores what could happen if we had an unprecedented solar flare coupled with the Hadron collider smashing particles at the exact same moment. No zombies in this book but rather an imaginative story of survival after all electronics and power fails. I really don't want to say more about the story for fear of causing spoilers.
I think John has outdone himself with this book and I can't recommend it enough!
This is a major departure for Mr. O'Brien and what a great story! This story explores what could happen if we had an unprecedented solar flare coupled with the Hadron collider smashing particles at the exact same moment. No zombies in this book but rather an imaginative story of survival after all electronics and power fails. I really don't want to say more about the story for fear of causing spoilers.
I think John has outdone himself with this book and I can't recommend it enough!
September 2, 2017
A very unique tale you will not want to miss!
As I started reading this story, I was thinking that the normal end of the world scenario would play out so many times before. However, to my pleasant surprise, this is no ordinary story. It's a search into the concept of a soul and roll it takes in this great adventure. I highly recommend it as it is unique, and in my opinion, is one of the best stories the author has written to date. Saying that, I have many more to read so we'll see. Enjoy!
As I started reading this story, I was thinking that the normal end of the world scenario would play out so many times before. However, to my pleasant surprise, this is no ordinary story. It's a search into the concept of a soul and roll it takes in this great adventure. I highly recommend it as it is unique, and in my opinion, is one of the best stories the author has written to date. Saying that, I have many more to read so we'll see. Enjoy!
December 3, 2019
What is going on. This book is terrible. The author set up a rather unique premise using a theory of quantum physics. I wondered what he could possibly do with it after the first 1/3 of the book. He set up a scenario that he evidently didn't know what to do with either. The entire book was pointless and boring. He kept describing how much pain the revenants were in. great. He also described minute details of the few groups of survivors....and that is it. Its ridiculous and so painfully boring it actually made me angry while listening to it.
May 23, 2017
Gave Me Goosebumps
Amazing story! I almost wish it was longer. I kept hoping for Erin to meet up with the other group of soldiers and Afghanis. I wanted so bad for her to find love, have babies, etc. But she saved the world. How cool is that! Loved the characters, and the development of them. Loved the story, it was just so bizarre! At the end, I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes. Thank you for such a fantastic tale!
Amazing story! I almost wish it was longer. I kept hoping for Erin to meet up with the other group of soldiers and Afghanis. I wanted so bad for her to find love, have babies, etc. But she saved the world. How cool is that! Loved the characters, and the development of them. Loved the story, it was just so bizarre! At the end, I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes. Thank you for such a fantastic tale!
January 9, 2018
I was a bit disappointed by the book, maybe it is because my personal preferences but it seem more like a collection of stories about different groups of people experiencing the life after a solar flare, I was expecting things to fit more nicely, more connections between the characters and a more solid ending. But then again I know that are those who like this type of writing style, so I don't want someone to deem this book mediocre, is just my appreciation.
February 4, 2018
Interesting concept but could have been executed better.
This book presented an interesting concept regarding a convergence of events, natural and man-made, that yielded grave consequences. The concept was interesting but the book was not presented in what I considered to be an exciting or interesting fashion. The characters were ok but the story progression was hard to get through. The ending also left a bit to be desired.
This book presented an interesting concept regarding a convergence of events, natural and man-made, that yielded grave consequences. The concept was interesting but the book was not presented in what I considered to be an exciting or interesting fashion. The characters were ok but the story progression was hard to get through. The ending also left a bit to be desired.
May 25, 2017
Huge fan of the books John O'Brien writes, so I hold him (and some other authors) to a higher standard.... What I'm trying to say is if I just picked this book up and wasn't expecting anything I would have probably given it 5 stars.
The book was enjoyable, interesting premise and I made pretty short work of it (2 days). If this is the first book you read by John and you enjoy it - then you are probably in for a treat with his other books (particularly the "A New World" series).
The book was enjoyable, interesting premise and I made pretty short work of it (2 days). If this is the first book you read by John and you enjoy it - then you are probably in for a treat with his other books (particularly the "A New World" series).
June 12, 2017
Wow, very enjoyable
Outstanding story. I immediately cared about the characters rooting for the humans. I loved the different characters and four once the monsters weren't the humans normally seen shtf stories. Although some of the storey was military related it was easy to understand and not overly techie. Love John O'Brien and he hits a home run with this story.
Outstanding story. I immediately cared about the characters rooting for the humans. I loved the different characters and four once the monsters weren't the humans normally seen shtf stories. Although some of the storey was military related it was easy to understand and not overly techie. Love John O'Brien and he hits a home run with this story.
May 28, 2017
A WEIRD AND SAD TALE IT IS....
Hello, this is a different one right here. Really no way to tell you much without spoiling and I don't like spoiling. Definitely different. Felt very rushed and incomplete to me. Thanks.
Hello, this is a different one right here. Really no way to tell you much without spoiling and I don't like spoiling. Definitely different. Felt very rushed and incomplete to me. Thanks.
April 29, 2018
The 3rd wave: Awesome
Wow, I couldn't stop reading this book. A very scary and beautiful tale on the apocalypse. No brain eating zombies. Way better. If ur wondering if u should get this book, Do it. You won't regret it.
Wow, I couldn't stop reading this book. A very scary and beautiful tale on the apocalypse. No brain eating zombies. Way better. If ur wondering if u should get this book, Do it. You won't regret it.
September 12, 2017
Nice twist
Very cool taken not quite zombie but enough. Didn't care for the ending but if u are going to try and wrap it with one book, it kinda works.
Very cool taken not quite zombie but enough. Didn't care for the ending but if u are going to try and wrap it with one book, it kinda works.
April 29, 2018
I loved this book couldn’t stop reading , i really recommend if you haven’t read it, take a time to sit down and have a wonderful and intriguing nail biting time
May 11, 2023
I really enjoy the stories of what people are doing when “it” happens. Good character building for one novel as well. It’s also nice to occasionally have a story which reaches an end in one book.
March 6, 2018
A great story as usual. A very different enemy when the world is ending. Makes night runners look like fluffy rabbits. This is a very heartfelt story of the survival of several characters dealing with an enemy with no weakness. Fantastically written as usual. A must read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews