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The Turn #1
The Turn
They say the world officially ended when the President of the United States shot himself on national television.
Here's what I know...
All over the world, from big cities to riverside villages, people were scared. They didn't know why. And that's to say nothing of the turn itself.
After months of torment, whatever it was that everyone was so afraid of finally came.
Now there's a darkness in the sunlight. It's indescribable and barely perceptible, but sunshine on your face doesn't bring the feelings it used to.
Food isn't the same. What relies on sunlight has the same taint as the light itself.
People aren't the same. They've become... accepting of unacceptable things.
I don't know why I survived. But sometimes I feel like whatever it was that turned the world to rot is coming back for me.
Here's what I know...
All over the world, from big cities to riverside villages, people were scared. They didn't know why. And that's to say nothing of the turn itself.
After months of torment, whatever it was that everyone was so afraid of finally came.
Now there's a darkness in the sunlight. It's indescribable and barely perceptible, but sunshine on your face doesn't bring the feelings it used to.
Food isn't the same. What relies on sunlight has the same taint as the light itself.
People aren't the same. They've become... accepting of unacceptable things.
I don't know why I survived. But sometimes I feel like whatever it was that turned the world to rot is coming back for me.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2017
125 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Tysz
19 books32 followersI was born on May 24th, 1989, and raised on Long Island, where I attended a small town public education. My vocational path has taken me down many roads, from retail, to used car sales, to high school security, working in a network or group homes to working as a nighttime patient sitter at my local hospital.
I’m a homebody at heart, though I possess this strange fondness for city life and, like the great H.P. Lovecraft, I have an especially painful attraction to Manhattan (a place which I have lovingly destroyed in several of my stories).
I love people, though I often find I keep them at arm’s length. I love watching people, ruminating on their behavior and building little stories out of my predictions as to what each man or woman I see is going to do next. Most especially, I like to imagine them in different settings, extraordinary settings, and ponder the discoveries of such extreme displacement.
I’ve always believed that chaos is the muse of creation, and a good story is often driven by the choices made in the wake of madness.
I’m a homebody at heart, though I possess this strange fondness for city life and, like the great H.P. Lovecraft, I have an especially painful attraction to Manhattan (a place which I have lovingly destroyed in several of my stories).
I love people, though I often find I keep them at arm’s length. I love watching people, ruminating on their behavior and building little stories out of my predictions as to what each man or woman I see is going to do next. Most especially, I like to imagine them in different settings, extraordinary settings, and ponder the discoveries of such extreme displacement.
I’ve always believed that chaos is the muse of creation, and a good story is often driven by the choices made in the wake of madness.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 16, 2018
Kind of a new twist on post-apocalyptic life
The Turn by Matthew Tysz is definitely not what I was expecting ting. Though I guess I don’t even know what I was expecting from the storyline, but it wasn’t this. The story had interesting characters and the writing was well done, it was hard to get into and seemed to drag in some places, that could be because it was kind of a depressing read. It’s what I can actually imagine our world being like this… or maybe because it’s so startlingly close to real life. You have those who do what they want, take what they want, hurt who they want and don’t care who they hurt, then you have those who just want to live their life with their family and friends and just keep their head down. I’m not sure how I feel about the storyline to be honest, but it was a new twist on the often overdone post-apocalyptic world.
The Turn by Matthew Tysz is definitely not what I was expecting ting. Though I guess I don’t even know what I was expecting from the storyline, but it wasn’t this. The story had interesting characters and the writing was well done, it was hard to get into and seemed to drag in some places, that could be because it was kind of a depressing read. It’s what I can actually imagine our world being like this… or maybe because it’s so startlingly close to real life. You have those who do what they want, take what they want, hurt who they want and don’t care who they hurt, then you have those who just want to live their life with their family and friends and just keep their head down. I’m not sure how I feel about the storyline to be honest, but it was a new twist on the often overdone post-apocalyptic world.
November 8, 2018
The real motive behind my purchase of the book was its cover: it really caught my eye and made me feel despair and hopelessness and I thought it’s one of those covers that sells a book and its content. The cover makes an outstanding work matching the darkness in the book, don’t read it expecting silver linings or some kind of happy ending.
Even though it is dark and, at points, twisted and causes you angst it deserves a reading. Yes, the plot may be a bit confusing and the narrative does not have a clear path, with different characters coming out of nowhere for you to read about them. But a book that makes you feel something is always a book worth reading. Usually, a post-apocalyptic novel is about the path to recovery, to salvation or what caused the destruction. Here is mainly an exercise of looking to humankind at its lowest point and what most are capable of to survive.
Even though it is dark and, at points, twisted and causes you angst it deserves a reading. Yes, the plot may be a bit confusing and the narrative does not have a clear path, with different characters coming out of nowhere for you to read about them. But a book that makes you feel something is always a book worth reading. Usually, a post-apocalyptic novel is about the path to recovery, to salvation or what caused the destruction. Here is mainly an exercise of looking to humankind at its lowest point and what most are capable of to survive.
October 10, 2018
A post apocalyptic story with a dark twist
The turn is a very dark world theme and it takes a little adjustment to get into this story. I found the story to be a unique take on a post apocalyptic world after a tortured world is destroyed and survivors must now try to find their way through the dark twisted world that they now live in. I found the approach to this story to be well thought out with developed characters that follow the dark storyline. I found this to be a good read for anyone who has a little bit of a dark side. Check this one out and let me know what you think.
The turn is a very dark world theme and it takes a little adjustment to get into this story. I found the story to be a unique take on a post apocalyptic world after a tortured world is destroyed and survivors must now try to find their way through the dark twisted world that they now live in. I found the approach to this story to be well thought out with developed characters that follow the dark storyline. I found this to be a good read for anyone who has a little bit of a dark side. Check this one out and let me know what you think.
October 25, 2018
I liked this book a lot because (it wasn't zombies) it was more thought provoking. Basically it is written from three different points of view. It is slow to start-up more like a mystery . What kept me going was wanting to find out what was the turn, what happened and why won't any one talk about it. You have no idea and slowly bye by bye it unfolds. The plot was slow but good. I am still thinking about it. Interesting characters but I don't know if I liked them. Strange ending, eerie book, dark. I liked it a lot.
October 8, 2018
Thought provoking- Dark Story!
The Turn, is a dark fiction with theme (as I understand) of struggle for survival, showed by various intertwined characters after the world has ended. Something malicious, something monstrous tortured the world and then destroyed. Those who survived do not want to talk about it, but rather searching for their place in the new world and looking for brighter, charismatic life they once had. Thought provoking, but long, dark and highlights characteristics of the human race and how low it can go.
The Turn, is a dark fiction with theme (as I understand) of struggle for survival, showed by various intertwined characters after the world has ended. Something malicious, something monstrous tortured the world and then destroyed. Those who survived do not want to talk about it, but rather searching for their place in the new world and looking for brighter, charismatic life they once had. Thought provoking, but long, dark and highlights characteristics of the human race and how low it can go.
June 18, 2019
Pleasantly Surprised
I wasn't expecting such a well crafted and thrilling work. Generally I don't heavily pursue slower starting reads. However, the concept, allure, and downright confusing storyline thankfully kept me intrigued enough to receive a bountiful payout in this book's conclusion. I am looking forward to the rest of this series! Bravo!
I wasn't expecting such a well crafted and thrilling work. Generally I don't heavily pursue slower starting reads. However, the concept, allure, and downright confusing storyline thankfully kept me intrigued enough to receive a bountiful payout in this book's conclusion. I am looking forward to the rest of this series! Bravo!
March 26, 2018
Enjoyable
The story line was good but a little long to reach the disappointing conclusion. However I'd still recommend this book. Excellent description of characters, landscapes, really paints a different picture and gives you something to think about.
The story line was good but a little long to reach the disappointing conclusion. However I'd still recommend this book. Excellent description of characters, landscapes, really paints a different picture and gives you something to think about.
October 13, 2018
The world experienced a dramatic change, and now it is coming back for those who it missed the first time. The Turn is like those written about an apocalypse. Matthew Tysz begins with what the world is experiencing with people missing and those fending for themselves. The narration is by three main characters. Ashley, who is alone in Cache town and over its provisions. Stranger, who in an investigator and digs into the one person over it all. Scholar, who walks around in a graduation cap. He has a destination and comes across weak people who have no clue about survival. All three destined to the same place, Sojourn. Their tales and adventures are their own.
I enjoyed The Turn and the unique people presented in this novel. Matthew Tysz slowly unfolds the mystery behind the cause and what to expect next. This book feels realistic as you will find compassion and murder, giving and looting, survivors and those resigned to die. I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy dark fantasy.
I enjoyed The Turn and the unique people presented in this novel. Matthew Tysz slowly unfolds the mystery behind the cause and what to expect next. This book feels realistic as you will find compassion and murder, giving and looting, survivors and those resigned to die. I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy dark fantasy.
December 9, 2022
A fascinating look at the apocalypse
There's something to be said about psychological disorders like anxiety made manifest. After all, how do you combat the kinds of things that prey upon the psyche in a manner that's random and gruesome?
I've never seen Blood-C, but The Turn reminds me of it in a way while also taking a sharp turn into an examination of human nature and what drives people to atrocities in the name of survival. It's interesting.
Added to this, Tysz's flair for characterisation through world-building really shines. he's fast becoming one of my favourites for how much he makes me like his villains and his protagonists in equal measure. Here's hoping he keeps it up.
For a full review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
There's something to be said about psychological disorders like anxiety made manifest. After all, how do you combat the kinds of things that prey upon the psyche in a manner that's random and gruesome?
I've never seen Blood-C, but The Turn reminds me of it in a way while also taking a sharp turn into an examination of human nature and what drives people to atrocities in the name of survival. It's interesting.
Added to this, Tysz's flair for characterisation through world-building really shines. he's fast becoming one of my favourites for how much he makes me like his villains and his protagonists in equal measure. Here's hoping he keeps it up.
For a full review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
May 19, 2019
This is a post-apocalyptic novel infused with elements of dark fantasy. The book starts two years after the Turn, which is an end of the world event. No one knows what exactly is the Turn, and everyone avoids talking about it.
The book tells how lives have changed after the Turn. Humanity has vanished. People have become vile, selfish and inhumane. It is a dark and depressing story. There is too much negativity in the atmosphere. Some believe it is because of the Turn, while others think people just showed their true selves. There are so many theories about why people changed and as the story progresses, these theories become more and more complex.
The cover of the book is extremely eye-catching and is a perfect match with the book’s theme. The cover forces the reader to read the book. At first, the tree on the cover looked just like the post-Turn world. Dry, gloomy and without life. But after reading the book, its significance becomes more understandable.
The world-building is complex and slow. There is too much confusion in the first half of the book. Things slowly start making sense in the second half. But the story is worth the confusion.
The book tells how lives have changed after the Turn. Humanity has vanished. People have become vile, selfish and inhumane. It is a dark and depressing story. There is too much negativity in the atmosphere. Some believe it is because of the Turn, while others think people just showed their true selves. There are so many theories about why people changed and as the story progresses, these theories become more and more complex.
The cover of the book is extremely eye-catching and is a perfect match with the book’s theme. The cover forces the reader to read the book. At first, the tree on the cover looked just like the post-Turn world. Dry, gloomy and without life. But after reading the book, its significance becomes more understandable.
The world-building is complex and slow. There is too much confusion in the first half of the book. Things slowly start making sense in the second half. But the story is worth the confusion.
August 14, 2019
The cover is magnificent! It is great imagery for a post-apocalyptic story! Unfortunately, the raving ends there. I did not like the flow of the book. I understand that this is the foundation for a series and more will likely be explained in books to come. However, the story was told from various individual points of view and at times it was hard to follow. It did paint a very bleak and disturbing view of a post-apocalyptic world which was to be expected and was not the problem. The problem was it had no logical flow, no compelling scenarios to endear the reader to the story or characters. Some of the character development was very good and then some were totally lackluster. The story was very wordy at times and tends to drag. There is no rhyme or reason to most of what transpires in the book. And definitely no clue as to WHY. WHY did this happen, as a matter of fact, WHAT actually happened to cause this?? This anthology of murders, rapists, slave enthusiasts, and mercenaries was a long, confusing, incoherent, hodgepodge of ridiculousness. But then again like I said in the beginning, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the cover! Everything else, ehhh not so much.
October 13, 2018
I have never read a book about the apocalypse before, but this book was interesting for me. Read it quickly and easily. The book is really exciting! This is the time that I dedicated to the book, I just forgot about real life, as if you are in this unusual world that has become completely different from what it was in the past.
The author tells his emotions on behalf of the main character how much everything has changed and compares with the past. All the details described by the author can not fail to impress. For example, “I listened to the bounce against dirty walls” or “The cafeteria was emptied of food, the vending machines overturned and busted”, these details make the story soulful. I like such “dark” stories because they are serious and seem plausible. Such a story as I think can change your outlook and you look at everything differently, maybe even begin to appreciate more.
The author tells his emotions on behalf of the main character how much everything has changed and compares with the past. All the details described by the author can not fail to impress. For example, “I listened to the bounce against dirty walls” or “The cafeteria was emptied of food, the vending machines overturned and busted”, these details make the story soulful. I like such “dark” stories because they are serious and seem plausible. Such a story as I think can change your outlook and you look at everything differently, maybe even begin to appreciate more.
May 31, 2021
The Turn, what exactly was it? Much later on, the character Ashley gives his version of what he saw, what he experienced. The Turn creates a post apocalyptic world that is unique. yet still resembles, in many ways, the world of Mad Max. Those who watched the SyFy series, Defiance, will also see many similarities, except no alien beings from other worlds are involved. Reading it now, while the pandemic of Covid-19 is causing illness, death and panic; well, if 75% of the world's population died and/or disappeared; what would remain?
I could see this becoming a SyFy series, so long as there were script writers who read the book, and knew how to properly convert it to the screen. The Turn is disturbing, yet intriguing. I have book #2, but need to take a break from this new world.
Oh, one spoiler...no zombies, so....
I could see this becoming a SyFy series, so long as there were script writers who read the book, and knew how to properly convert it to the screen. The Turn is disturbing, yet intriguing. I have book #2, but need to take a break from this new world.
Oh, one spoiler...no zombies, so....
September 20, 2020
The Turn by Matthew Tysz is a post-apocalyptic novel set in the US. We follow the journey of Ashley and Scholar as they navigate through the aftermath of the phenomena called 'the turn'.
Okay. It really isn't that simple. The Turn comprised of several character POVs following the events of the 'the turn' and it feels like I'm reading some sort of a short story collection rather than a novel. The jumps from one character to another makes the novel feel so disjointed up until about the last 30% or so. We don't find out what the turn is exactly until towards the end of the novel, so you need immense patience for this.
But all is worth it. I enjoyed the part where Ashley and Scholar finally crossed paths in Sojourn because, finally the POVs are making the connections.
Okay. It really isn't that simple. The Turn comprised of several character POVs following the events of the 'the turn' and it feels like I'm reading some sort of a short story collection rather than a novel. The jumps from one character to another makes the novel feel so disjointed up until about the last 30% or so. We don't find out what the turn is exactly until towards the end of the novel, so you need immense patience for this.
But all is worth it. I enjoyed the part where Ashley and Scholar finally crossed paths in Sojourn because, finally the POVs are making the connections.
December 25, 2018
The story is told using shifting points of view from it's main characters and it is filled with more dark moments than light ones so for some of us these depressing moments far outweigh anything positive in the book for the most part.
There were several instances where the explanations given for what transpired bogged me down in minutia but overall it was a fairly easy to follow read.
The fact remains though at the end of the day this first book did not whet my appetite or engage my imagination to the point of wanting to continue onward.
There were several instances where the explanations given for what transpired bogged me down in minutia but overall it was a fairly easy to follow read.
The fact remains though at the end of the day this first book did not whet my appetite or engage my imagination to the point of wanting to continue onward.
September 16, 2020
Good book, but sensitive readers may think twice before reading it. Please see my full review here https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
November 25, 2019
Brutal, misogynistic, despicable......
Thus is a book that I would like to un-read ...If only I could. The mental imagery brought on by this author is of a bleak world filled with rapist, murderers,slavers and other assorted filth. It reads more as a series of vile vignettes than a coherent story, leaving off in the middle and promising only more of the same in the future. I am happy to get off this ride after suffering through the first book. I have placed this author on my personal do not read at any price list.
Thus is a book that I would like to un-read ...If only I could. The mental imagery brought on by this author is of a bleak world filled with rapist, murderers,slavers and other assorted filth. It reads more as a series of vile vignettes than a coherent story, leaving off in the middle and promising only more of the same in the future. I am happy to get off this ride after suffering through the first book. I have placed this author on my personal do not read at any price list.
September 13, 2020
Great series
I was glad I was able to download this series for free. Initially a little confusing but I was able to get into this series and I really enjoyed it.
I was glad I was able to download this series for free. Initially a little confusing but I was able to get into this series and I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews