Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Chrysalis

Rate this book
From the best-selling, award-winning author of Conduit and The Boys Club comes a new supernatural 2018 Reader's Favorite International Book Awards ~ Honorable Mention ~ Supernatural 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards ~ Supernatural Voted one of the Top 50 Best Indie Books 2018 (ReadFreely) ~ 2018 Kindle Book Awards ~ Mystery/ThrillerSheriff Peter Holbrook leads a simple life watching over the residents of Nowhere, Kansas, where the most noteworthy crimes are dognappings and brawls at the local tavern. He’s always had an inherent fear of the gray – the yearly spring storms that plague the area. As the gray descends on Nowhere, a mysterious woman crashes her car just outside city limits. The tattooed stranger may not remember who she is, but Peter instantly feels a connection with her. But, the girl’s appearance isn’t the oddest event. Unusual behavior from the townsfolk, cattle mutilation, and death soon follow. Peter believes they are related, but only has his instincts and prophetic ramblings from his deceased mother. As the mysteries and bodies pile up, he turns to the stranger for help in hopes to save his sleepy town. Chrysalis contains strong violence. Reader discretion advised.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2018

19 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Angie Martin

54 books550 followers
Awards:
Chrysalis ~ Honorable Mention -~ 2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards for Supernatural Thriller

Chrysalis ~ Voted one of the 50 Self-Published Books Worth Reading 2018 ~ ReadFreely

The Boys Club ~ Silver Medal Winner ~ 2015 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards for Suspense Fiction

The Boys Club ~ Voted one of the 50 Self-Published Books Worth Reading 2015 ~ ReadFreely

Conduit ~ Gold Medal Winner ~ 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards for Paranormal Fiction

~~~

I live in the Inland Empire area of California with my husband and beloved pets. I also have sons off paving their own way in the world. I grew up in Wichita, Kansas and have lived all over the United States.

I have released several novels in the suspense/thriller, paranormal/supernatural thriller, and horror genres. I also have poetry and short story collections and have contributed short stories to multiple anthologies. Conduit has earned Bestseller on Amazon in the US and UK. Conduit, The Boys Club, and Chrysalis have all won highly respected awards, while Conduit, The Boys Club, and False Security have also had blogger and reader-voted awards bestowed upon them.

As a reader first, writer second, I love to discover new authors. My entire life has revolved around imaginary worlds contained within the covers of a book. My aunt introduced me to Stephen King and a little book called Christine in eighth grade, and my life was never the same. As a geek-extraordinaire, I love comics and graphic novels, and also review those, along with the occasional movie and book, as a guest contributor for Fanbase Press.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
49 (60%)
4 stars
28 (34%)
3 stars
3 (3%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Peter.
4,071 reviews799 followers
January 24, 2020
Peter Holbrook is Sheriff of a small town named Nowhere. When a mysterious female stranger has a car accident, the whole town changes. Kaylen, the victim, has lost her memory and can't say the reason for her staying in town. More and more residents act out of character since her arrival and harm each other? What is going on in this town? A malevolent force hidden in the grey tries to take over the town. Can Kaylen and Peter stop it? What is the meaning of Kaylen's tattooos? The author wrote a spellbinding story you won't put down. It is extremely eerie and drifts into the supernatural at when you read over the half. The characters were fine and the dialogue with the evil, the whole symbolics were well done. Absolutely enjoyed this book and can highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Janet.
3,326 reviews24 followers
February 19, 2018
This book was awesome! Pulls you in immediately with a fast moving plot. I think this is a cross between horror and suspense with just the right amount of both.

Sheriff Peter Holbrook discovers something strange in his sleepy little town of Nowhere when he meets Kaylen. Kaylen was in an accident and now has amnesia. It's up to Peter and Kaylen to figure out what's going on before it's too late and there are more murders. This town may be in a heap of trouble when the gray comes.

I love a creepy thriller that keeps you up most of the night. But, hey, I'll keep coming back for more. I've read some great books and this is one I highly recommend. Kudos to the author for an unputdownable, riveting read.
Profile Image for Bandit.
4,944 reviews578 followers
December 27, 2019
This was one of those random Kindle freebie grabs. It sounded intriguing enough and was slim enough to merit giving it a try and turned out way more impressive than expected. Initially, it’s just one of those sleepy small town stories where the sheriff stumbles upon something way above his pay (and experience) grade when a young woman is found in a car crash, alive, but with no memory of who she is and how she came to be there. The town, appropriately named Nowhere, Nowhere, Kansas to be precise, is short on excitement with exception of the yearly regular storms. This time the storms bring something with them, something terrifying and deadly, something transforming the bucolic folks into vicious killers. Suddenly Nowhere is a hot pot of demonic activity and the young amnesiac might be the sheriff’s best chance of saving his town. If the description sounds generic, don’t let that put you off. The writing is good enough to elevate the story above the mediocrity bar, the characters are compelling and developed and there’s enough originality in handling the traditional demonic scenes to make for a pretty good and exciting thrill ride. And yes, it has the potential to turn into one of those paranormal demon chaser serials, in fact it kind of sets itself up that way in the end, but it worked really well as a standalone. A properly well rounded story of supernatural suspense. A fun quick read (one morning sitting, about 160 minutes) of being thoroughly entertained. The editing is on the up and up, too. Quality storytelling with dynamic pacing and credible dialogue. All in all, way above what one might expect from a random freebie.
Profile Image for Amanda  B Gillespie.
513 reviews16 followers
May 2, 2019
This book grabs you by the throat, confuses you then brings all the pieces back together. I recommend to those who like sci-fi / thrillers.
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
839 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2018
This book had me mesmerized from the very beginning. This is my first read by Angie Martin and it certainly won't be my last. The descriptions and development of the story and characters are amazing, and allow you to be part of the story almost immediately. You can imagine yourself in the midwestern town of Nowhere, KS and being one with the characters. The plot is amazing (and creepy) with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end! As every wonderful/great book should be, this was a page-turner that was really hard to put down and do anything else productive! If you've never read anything in the paranormal genre, this is a great introduction! You will be a new fan forever! A definite must read regardless of your favorite genre, it's a great read for anyone who loves to read!
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,485 reviews52 followers
January 17, 2018
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review I am freely leaving.

I have read other books by this author, Angie Martin. Her books are always a surprise of what is to happen next!

In this book, the POV is from Peter Holbrook the town Nowhere, Kansas, Sheriff. Peter has lived in Nowhere since 2nd grade. He has known most of the townsfolks from there as long as he has been there.

Peter finds out there was a wreck on the outskirts of the town, and a young woman was taken to the town's clinic. Once Peter gets there and see's her, he knows her from somewhere but, just can't place her from anywhere. The mystery woman, Kaylen, is cover from head to toe in tattoo's. Not just random tattoo's, but, symbols, like they mean something. Once she wakes up, they realize that she has amnesia. She does remember her name though. But, that's about the only thing. She gets visions of what she thinks are dreams, but, they are actually her memory coming back, although they are scattered memories not making any sense to her.

The town is encompassed in a 'gray' which is heavy fog, rain that covers the entire county for days in rain. However, there are also beautiful butterflies that have shown up. Peter see's them first when he finds Kaylen's car after it was wrecked. He's not sure if the butterfly's are good omen's or bad omens that have come to plague the town.

What is going on in the 'gray' over this town? Is it UFO / Aliens causing havoc? Or is it demon's and witches? Peter needs to find out what / who Kaylen is and what her tattoo's mean if anything. Will Kaylen get her memory back? Will she help him with finding out the truth if she can remember?
Profile Image for Kellyann.
351 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2018
Great book! Very well written. Action suspense and drama mixed together in one book. When demons start to possess the people in a small town Nowhere who will save them? You will be amazed at the twists the plot takes you on. The characters were amazing and easy to fall in love with. The ending surprised me. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, suspense or just a good book in general. Even if you think it’s not your type of genre it’s worth the risk. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Profile Image for Tish.
1,532 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2018
This was my very first book by this author and it was so good that I will definitely be checking out more of her work. The plot and storyline were fabulous!! I really went into this book blind because I like not knowing what I'm getting myself into. It was fascinating and mysterious with plenty of twists to keep you hooked.

This book was given to me at my request and I provided this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,900 reviews33 followers
January 8, 2020
3.5 stars.

The book was well written, had attractive and compelling characters and good dialogue.
a little slow at the beginning but intriguing all the way through.
Profile Image for Mixofsunandcloud.
41 reviews10 followers
March 7, 2018
I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed.

I really enjoy horror set in small towns. The sense of community makes the strange things stranger, and the stakes higher. There's usually a point where the hero realizes everyone they've ever known and loved is in danger. This book doesn't disappoint in that sense. It's clear from the start that everyone knows everyone and is all in each other's business. And everything that happens is a big deal to the whole town. You get to know the character of the town, not just the people. I found the setting was very well done.

The relationships between characters worked well too. I wasn't always thrilled with the choices made, but in the end they made the story stronger. And even if I was calling the characters idiots at some point, it just shows that I'm invested.

One thing I found it weak on was background. Some of that was by necessity. As it says in the blurb, a strange woman shows up with no memory. And I understand that putting a lot of exposition at the end of a book can be clunky. "We've got an hour before we have to save the world, let's sit down and chat about town history" is probably not going to work. But there were still some Whys I'd like to know about.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
4,998 reviews62 followers
October 19, 2019
This is my first book by this author. It reads a lot like Harry Potter. I was pulled in from the beginning and held my !attention to the end. The characters felt realistic and made me laugh. I highly recommend this book.

I
Profile Image for Shakera.
844 reviews13 followers
March 1, 2018
Just when you think nothing happens in Nowhere, Kansas, "Chrysalis" comes along and puts Kansas on the map. I keep telling myself I don't like thrillers... they are just a bit too real for me, but this was great! The writing was fantastic and the characters are easy to fall in love with, and the story keeps you engage. This story has twists and turns I didn't see coming. Angie Martin is new to me and I look forward to reading more from her because she is amazing! Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. *I received a copy at no cost from the author.
Profile Image for Nicole.
481 reviews20 followers
March 10, 2018
Great storytelling.

This is going to be one of those books that is impossible to place in any one genre. You've got a bit of mystery, some paranormal, thriller and light romance going on. The author however brings them together well (without being overwhelming) with great storytelling.
I'm sure I won't be the first to say so, I'd very much like to read more about Kaylen's journey! Call me hooked. :) I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any more books that continue her story.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,827 reviews97 followers
January 28, 2018
WOW! What a intriguing story packed full of drama, mystery, supernatural, adventure/action, and relationships. Once I got into the story, I couldn't put it down and definitely kept me guessing to the very end what was happening. The author certainly knows how to tell a story and boy, what a story she has to tell. You definitely don't want to miss this one. “I was lucky enough receive an ARC at no cost from the author but this review is my own words and viewpoint.
Profile Image for GothicMom'S Reviewers.
114 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2018
This book was awesome! Pulls you in immediately with a fast moving plot. I think this is a cross between horror and suspense with just the right amount of both.

Sheriff Peter Holbrook discovers something strange in his sleepy little town of Nowhere when he meets Kaylen. Kaylen was in an accident and now has amnesia. It's up to Peter and Kaylen to figure out what's going on before it's too late and there are more murders. This town may be in a heap of trouble when the gray comes.

I love a creepy thriller that keeps you up most of the night. But, hey, I'll keep coming back for more. I've read some great books and this is one I highly recommend. Kudos to the author for an unputdownable, riveting read.

Reviewed by Janet of the GothicMoms Review Team
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
March 9, 2018
This is the first, and definitively not the last, book I've read by this author, and it really caught my interest from the beginning. I simply couldn't put it down.

A perfect reading for those who love horror and paranormal stories, this one has the extra appeal of being set in a small town, which adds an extra sense of foreboding to any strange new thing that happens.

Very well written and with an impeccable plot, this is a very recommended read for the lovers of the genre.
12.6k reviews189 followers
March 3, 2018
Extremely interesting. You have witches, demons and more to keep you intrigued and lost in a great fantasy world. Certainly ready for more. Received a free copy and reviewed because I loved the story.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews34 followers
March 19, 2018
Evil in the middle of Nowhere

Chrysalis is different. Chrysalis is exceptionally intriguing, with its small-town, middle-American setting, its laid-back population of salt-of-the-earth country folk, and its insular way of life. Sheriff Peter Holbrook loves and guards his beloved Nowhere, Kansas. despite the ho-hum, despite his unrequited love for Hannah, and despite "the Gray" - an annual local weather phenomenon which blankets the town in dark clouds and rain for weeks on end. Angie Martin lures you in with "the Gray" and its accompanying sense of something inexplicable, and when car-crash/amnesia victim Kaylen is pulled from her smashed car, and when butterflies begin swarming the Sheriff, he (and we) begins to understand that incredible and troubling paranormal events are going to disrupt Nowhere forever unless he intervenes. I refuse to write spoilers, so just know that the dramatic suspense and the sense of gathering doom grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go, that everything Peter, (and the reader) used to call normal hides something so much more, and that however you think the book, and the love story, are going to end - isn't gonna happen. I think some of the symbolism (clouds, butterflies) gets a little heavy handed, but Martin's ingeniously depicted setting sets the mood perfectly, her well-drawn characters carry the mystery. the fear, and the hope throughout the story's strange twists and turns to its costly and bittersweet HEA. I thank the author for the ARC of Chrysalis, and it's my voluntary and independent opinion that, next to William Peter Blatty's classic, The Exorcist, this is the finest paranormal/horror/mystery I've ever read.
Profile Image for The Ardent Bibliophile.
66 reviews
March 4, 2018
We all love a little fantasy mixed with our reality. This new paranormal from author Angie Martin has the vibe of feeling possible in real life with a fun paranormal twist blended in. The town of Nowhere, Kansas is a meaningful setting for the storyline and the characters are well developed. There are twists and plenty of mystery to keep you guessing the main culprit(s) and resolution. The book has action, intrigue, romance, and a little something for every type of reader out there. The plot is refreshingly original and the ending is memorable and emotion provoking! Enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to more like it!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
Author 4 books276 followers
January 31, 2018
This book was AMAZING!!!! I couldn't stop reading once I started. Chrysalis is full of twists and surprises you won't see coming. Angie Martin has a hit with this book.
The story follows Sheriff Peter Holbrook as he tries to save himself and his town from what's hiding in "The Gray". I spent the first part of this book trying to figure out what was happening to the people of Nowhere, but when I finally realized what was invading this small town I was even more intrigued by the story.
This is one book lovers of paranormal will not want to miss out on. I could read it again and again and again...
I RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS BOOK AT NO EXPENSE TO THE AUTHOR.
Profile Image for Becky Rhoades.
330 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2018
This book had me gripped from the start. A whole new twist of witches, The Between and demons/angels. When I first started I didn't think that I get very far. As soon as I started it had me hooked. As I progressed more into it, it really compelled me to get further and further along. Angie really outdid herself this time. Please keep writing more to this. I want to know about her getting the grimoire.

"I received a copy at no cost from the author."
32 reviews
March 28, 2018
Spooky good read

It may have been the time of year, or the description of the weather that matched the grey toy rolling through the valley, but this book and the feeling of having no control of the evil that often seems to surround is will stay with me for a while. Looking for a part 2.
Profile Image for Lauren Algeo.
Author 15 books86 followers
January 29, 2018
From the first chapter, Chrysalis drew me in and kept the pages turning. The premise was intriguing and I wanted to know more about the gray, and who the mysterious visitor Kaylen was – a stranger in a town of people Peter Holbrook had known for most of his life. The story was fast paced and full of drama and suspense, with a little romance mixed in too. The characters were well developed and completely relatable, I particularly liked the relationship between Peter and Hannah. I highly recommend this book to people who like paranormal thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from the author, my opinions are my own.
Author 14 books202 followers
February 1, 2018
Omg, What an awesome book. What would you do to save your town and the woman you love? Well Sheriff Peter Holbrook will go through hell and back and with the help of Kaylin by his side. This is a creeptacular read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The Gray is coming and wait till you know what’s in the gray. Oh I’ll never look at a butterfly the same again.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,882 reviews27 followers
February 24, 2018
Do not read the ending out of sync!! It will ruin a good book. This is a paranormal mystery, suspense story with twists and turns. Ones you don't see coming. If you love paranormal you will love this book. if your new, this book will ease you in. Win win
Profile Image for Linda Buzard-Moffitt.
661 reviews18 followers
January 31, 2018
This was a really good story. I loved the characters and the plot. I didn't know if I would like it because of it being paranormal but I enjoyed the paranormal = Demons, Magic, Witches. I read an ARC and reviewed. I was not asked or compensated in any way for this review.
Author 4 books2 followers
March 24, 2018
Well-written horror novel

I like to dip into various genres just to understand differences. A strange young woman comes to visit Nowhere, Kansas. She has been in a accident and has amnesia. Since her arrival strange incidents occurred that Sheriff Peter could not explain. This begins a quest to understand to some degree the events. This is an absorbing tale that depicts demonic activity that is resolved satisfactorily.
Profile Image for Alanna.
139 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2018
I loved this story. This was the first book I have read by Angie Marten and I do not think it will be my last. I had great difficulty putting this story down and then my computer monitor went out when I was almost done. Maybe it was the demons? Kaylen was a great character but I was still hoping that Hannah and Peter would get together. I am hoping for a follow-up story about Kaylen and what comes next for her. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Patti.
355 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2020
The town of Nowhere has a big problem. Can the sheriff and a stranger save the town? Very well written with great characters.
1,260 reviews
March 19, 2018
Demon Invasion

Hundreds of butterflies announce the coming of evil. The small town of Nowhere suddenly has suicides and a murder starting with the arrival of a tattooed amnesia victim. Nowhere appears to be the portal to hell and demons will do anything to open it. Unknown to Sheriff Peter Holbrook he is the key to cleansing his town and returning it to normal. This story builds slowly, but will keep you turning pages. I received this from the author and have added her name to my must read author list.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.