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Midnight in a Perfect World
A mysterious suicide. Horrific specters walking the streets. A drug that promises to change the world. An apocalyptic cult. Something is stirring in the city of Duluth, Minnesota. Ever since a celebrated researcher announced the creation of a new experimental drug—a drug with the potential to cure the mind of countless ills—people have been disappearing. When a grad student involved with the drug's development unexpectedly commits suicide, a private detective is tasked with unearthing the details of her tumultuous final days. This miracle drug may not be what it seems. Others touched by the drug begin to see things—horrible things—and find themselves transported into a nightmarish world where an ancient evil stirs. Those who taste the drug are left spiraling into horror. Dark figures tail them on the street, and the scenery of their nightmares begins to encroach upon waking life, blurring the lines between dreams and reality. Their terrifying experiences make up the individual fragments of a dire mosaic. As the pieces fall into place, they come to realize the unspeakable horrors that await all of mankind. Midnight is looming, and the sun may never rise again over the city of Duluth.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2018
119 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Ambrose Ibsen
58 books661 followersOnce upon a time, a young Ambrose Ibsen discovered a collection of ghost stories on his father's bookshelf. He was never the same again.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 20, 2018
2.5 stars.
MIDNIGHT IN A PERFECT WORLD by Ambrose Ibsen was certainly a departure from his "usual" type of novels that I've come to enjoy. This one I have a difficult time classifying as "horror". There are horrific elements present, along with more science fiction than any other type, but mainly I believe Ibsen was going for the psychological angle here.
The story itself wasn't what bothered me so much as it was the "way" in which it was presented. The ending is pretty much shown in the beginning. There were a couple of chapters completely repeated (one just had an alternate POV, but the wording and action were EXACTLY the same as I had previously read). However, the thing that made this the most confusing--and that I really disliked--was that Ibsen jumped around from chapter to chapter, changing the dates from present to near past, far past, future, etc. Unless you're paying extreme attention to the year and month, you'll find yourself completely lost as far as where you are in the timeline. I could see a flashback, or even a few isolated chapters, but using this style for EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER was more "work" for the reader than enjoyment.
There were a few parts that were very good--with some great imagery--and even one twist that I didn't see coming. Unfortunately, the set-up of the novel had irritated me so much that even these points did little to make up for the it in the end.
I'm hoping Ibsen goes back to his usual style of horror with his next book.
MIDNIGHT IN A PERFECT WORLD by Ambrose Ibsen was certainly a departure from his "usual" type of novels that I've come to enjoy. This one I have a difficult time classifying as "horror". There are horrific elements present, along with more science fiction than any other type, but mainly I believe Ibsen was going for the psychological angle here.
The story itself wasn't what bothered me so much as it was the "way" in which it was presented. The ending is pretty much shown in the beginning. There were a couple of chapters completely repeated (one just had an alternate POV, but the wording and action were EXACTLY the same as I had previously read). However, the thing that made this the most confusing--and that I really disliked--was that Ibsen jumped around from chapter to chapter, changing the dates from present to near past, far past, future, etc. Unless you're paying extreme attention to the year and month, you'll find yourself completely lost as far as where you are in the timeline. I could see a flashback, or even a few isolated chapters, but using this style for EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER was more "work" for the reader than enjoyment.
There were a few parts that were very good--with some great imagery--and even one twist that I didn't see coming. Unfortunately, the set-up of the novel had irritated me so much that even these points did little to make up for the it in the end.
I'm hoping Ibsen goes back to his usual style of horror with his next book.
January 20, 2018
Unfortunately I would have to say that I wasn't into this book as I had a hard time grasping what was really going on. Too much confusion throughout the book and it was completely different then other books by the author. As much as I love the other books by this author, this was one that completely fell off the normal grid. Giving it two stars.
July 18, 2018
This was only my second foray into the writings of Ambrose Ibsen. While the first book I read was somewhat average, I found this one far more successful.
The plot revolves around a series of protagonists and the events that transpire following a breakthrough at a chemical laboratory, the disappearance of the main researcher, and suicide of his assistant. As the book when on, it evolved into a delicious Lovecraftian nightmare, a real celebration of the cosmic horror tradition.
This was a good read, left open for a sequel which I hope the author one day writes.
The plot revolves around a series of protagonists and the events that transpire following a breakthrough at a chemical laboratory, the disappearance of the main researcher, and suicide of his assistant. As the book when on, it evolved into a delicious Lovecraftian nightmare, a real celebration of the cosmic horror tradition.
This was a good read, left open for a sequel which I hope the author one day writes.
April 16, 2018
My 100th book of 2018! Look at this scary cover! I can't look at it without shuddering. And if I ever hear anyone say "COME TO ME", I will freak out. Ambrose Ibsen is a great horror writer. This book kept me interested and scared from start to finish. This is my second book of his and I look forward to many more!
January 30, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up because I've really come to like this author and I had fun with this one. But the scope was bigger than what I've come to expect from him and it felt a little bit wobbly to me in structure.
But overall, a creepy and cool apocalyptic, Lovecraftian idea and recommended for horror fans.
But overall, a creepy and cool apocalyptic, Lovecraftian idea and recommended for horror fans.
April 30, 2018
I have to admit... I was terrified to read this, and not because I thought it would be scary, (duh, Ambrose Ibsen wrote it so it's bound to be scary!!) but because I've read some of the reviews and let's just say that some of them weren't glowing! I adore this authors books and didn't want to have one I hated. So I entered the story with a lot of trepidation and very little expectations, but I needn't have worried because I loved this!! I will say that it's not a book that you can read lightly, you actually need to take your time and savour the story, you need to pay attention and you need to listen/read it closely.
I know the way the plot was written was what had a lot of people disliking the story, but I actually really enjoyed it. It's totally different that what the author usually does, and I applaud him for taking the risk because it was worth it! The plot is centered around a new drug that has the potential to cure the mind and could see millions of people benefit from it, but when a grad student involved with the research commits suicide and the doctor who was overseeing it disappears, a private detective is hired by the grad students parents to uncover the truth. Strange things are happening to anyone who takes the drug and secrets are uncovered, but is it too late to stop?
I don't want to say anything else about the plot because it's better to experience it yourself. You will have to work a little bit to fully immerse yourself in the world that author has created, but once you do and once you get a grip of the way it's told, then you are in for one heck of a ride!! It's not a really scary read, but it is creepy, thrilling and will suck you in till you have finished the last page. This author continues to astound me with the creations he comes up with!! Give this a go, take your time with it and I think you'll be surprised with how much you enjoy it!!
When you have an Ambrose Ibsen book that's narrated by Joe Hempel, you know you have a winner. (Well... when you have any book narrated by this narrator, you have a winner!!) He is firmly on my list of favourite narrators and I always recommend him. I think I enjoyed this as much as I did because of the narrator. He was able to bring the atmosphere to life and was able to keep my attention from wandering. He knows creepy and he knows how to use inflections to bring it to life!! Brilliant performance from a master narrator.
I know the way the plot was written was what had a lot of people disliking the story, but I actually really enjoyed it. It's totally different that what the author usually does, and I applaud him for taking the risk because it was worth it! The plot is centered around a new drug that has the potential to cure the mind and could see millions of people benefit from it, but when a grad student involved with the research commits suicide and the doctor who was overseeing it disappears, a private detective is hired by the grad students parents to uncover the truth. Strange things are happening to anyone who takes the drug and secrets are uncovered, but is it too late to stop?
I don't want to say anything else about the plot because it's better to experience it yourself. You will have to work a little bit to fully immerse yourself in the world that author has created, but once you do and once you get a grip of the way it's told, then you are in for one heck of a ride!! It's not a really scary read, but it is creepy, thrilling and will suck you in till you have finished the last page. This author continues to astound me with the creations he comes up with!! Give this a go, take your time with it and I think you'll be surprised with how much you enjoy it!!
When you have an Ambrose Ibsen book that's narrated by Joe Hempel, you know you have a winner. (Well... when you have any book narrated by this narrator, you have a winner!!) He is firmly on my list of favourite narrators and I always recommend him. I think I enjoyed this as much as I did because of the narrator. He was able to bring the atmosphere to life and was able to keep my attention from wandering. He knows creepy and he knows how to use inflections to bring it to life!! Brilliant performance from a master narrator.
April 18, 2018
*I was graciously provided an Audible code for this book, to be honestly reviewed*
This had all the factors to shape up to a great story, and I think the author and narrator really pulled it off! I loved some characters, hated others, and loved to hate yet more. Their different thoughts about the going were amazing, and I was really pulled in. I sat on the edge of my seat, getting killed in my game, because I got so focused on the story I was being read that I completely forgot to defend myself LOL. Great book, I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I'm quickly becoming an Ambrose Ibsen fangirl.
Bob says: 5 Platypires
This had all the factors to shape up to a great story, and I think the author and narrator really pulled it off! I loved some characters, hated others, and loved to hate yet more. Their different thoughts about the going were amazing, and I was really pulled in. I sat on the edge of my seat, getting killed in my game, because I got so focused on the story I was being read that I completely forgot to defend myself LOL. Great book, I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I'm quickly becoming an Ambrose Ibsen fangirl.
Bob says: 5 Platypires
January 23, 2018
Awesome!!!!
Typical of all books by Ambrose Ibsen! Captivating, intriguing, suspenseful, WOW! Loved it! Sure hope there’s a sequel! Would hate for the story to end this way!!!!
Typical of all books by Ambrose Ibsen! Captivating, intriguing, suspenseful, WOW! Loved it! Sure hope there’s a sequel! Would hate for the story to end this way!!!!
October 15, 2020
This is a scary and trippy book, a must read for horror fans. A brand new drug that is supposed to cure mental illnesses has hit the streets, but nothing good comes from it. It’s a drug that will take you to hell and leave you there. The characters have great back stories, and the story is well put together. This is the type of book that will keep you up at night.
May 10, 2019
Not the worst book I've ever read, but I'd read it after several other books. It's not an especially fun book.
https://fishgibblets.home.blog/2019/0...
https://fishgibblets.home.blog/2019/0...
March 13, 2018
I'm a fan of Ibsen's work and this was no different. From the beginning, Midnight in a Perfect World captured my attention and I couldn't put it down. His writing style is amazing and immersive, painting the picture of the world his characters are seeing.
Some of the characters are short-lives, others feature throughout while some seem to come into fruition towards the end of the novel but for each I found that I was worried for their safety in regards to the wonder drug that was produced.
The story itself left me guessing and winds out at a great pace. If you like Ibsen's work, you won't want to miss this.
Some of the characters are short-lives, others feature throughout while some seem to come into fruition towards the end of the novel but for each I found that I was worried for their safety in regards to the wonder drug that was produced.
The story itself left me guessing and winds out at a great pace. If you like Ibsen's work, you won't want to miss this.
June 26, 2018
I like horror where people's souls are devoured. Their very existence is made to suffer for eternity. Horror that is not just of this world but across worlds and planes of existence. Hard to find. This is pretty close. 4.5 stars.
July 24, 2018
The story got off to a promising start, a lyrical first chapter and then a great hook. but it did not gel for me as far as the bridge from the real world to the supernatural.
October 2, 2019
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A world beside ours, separated from ours by a thin veil, hides darkness, blood, torment, and a black sun towards which a titan-like creature with three mouths, and enormous bulk, is striving to climb. It climbs on a structure made out of bodies, living, eternally serving one’s god, and another’s nightmarish devil. But only a certain kind of altered mind, disorder, can peer beyond the veil, so building took what seemed an eternity. Up until It found a perfect vessel for Its thoughts, one who’ll synthesize the altered state of mind, and bring everyone about into paranoia, anxiety, panic… Visions. Now it won’t be so long anymore. Not long at all until Godhead rules over his dominion as its rightful god once again.
My Opinion: The horror in this book comes from a state of helplessness. You can’t fight the being, you can’t resist it. You can only submit into becoming its stepladder. Some view the creature as their god, so they submit with bliss felt by people who serve their highest purpose. Others are too aware of this beast being of nightmares. But is it? For according to this book, it guided us through our whole existence, as if God was made by Lovecraft. Another interesting point, of which there were many in a book I couldn���t call interesting, was the idea of mental and personality disorders being a step in evolution. Though while in movie Split that step led towards a heightened state, of people who could feel more, be more, here it quite literally was a step towards hell, nightmares.
I can’t recommend this book to anyone, nor do I want to. It’s not per say very good in itself. And the ideas here aren’t for everyone. Hefty stuff. 3 out of 5 from me.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A world beside ours, separated from ours by a thin veil, hides darkness, blood, torment, and a black sun towards which a titan-like creature with three mouths, and enormous bulk, is striving to climb. It climbs on a structure made out of bodies, living, eternally serving one’s god, and another’s nightmarish devil. But only a certain kind of altered mind, disorder, can peer beyond the veil, so building took what seemed an eternity. Up until It found a perfect vessel for Its thoughts, one who’ll synthesize the altered state of mind, and bring everyone about into paranoia, anxiety, panic… Visions. Now it won’t be so long anymore. Not long at all until Godhead rules over his dominion as its rightful god once again.
My Opinion: The horror in this book comes from a state of helplessness. You can’t fight the being, you can’t resist it. You can only submit into becoming its stepladder. Some view the creature as their god, so they submit with bliss felt by people who serve their highest purpose. Others are too aware of this beast being of nightmares. But is it? For according to this book, it guided us through our whole existence, as if God was made by Lovecraft. Another interesting point, of which there were many in a book I couldn���t call interesting, was the idea of mental and personality disorders being a step in evolution. Though while in movie Split that step led towards a heightened state, of people who could feel more, be more, here it quite literally was a step towards hell, nightmares.
I can’t recommend this book to anyone, nor do I want to. It’s not per say very good in itself. And the ideas here aren’t for everyone. Hefty stuff. 3 out of 5 from me.
April 20, 2018
OK so I normally LOVE every single word these two give me. The deep and crazy story of Ambrose Ibsen to the deep and masculine voice of Joe Hempel. So while Mr. Hempel excelled, the story didn't so much. I felt like is was everywhere. It's so different from all the other books he's written... and I've loved. I don't know what it was... it had possibilities but the story fell short for me. There was some interesting areas in the story and that's what gave the story a 3 star. Joe Hempel made this audiobook for me. It was hard to follow along with the time line but with Mr. Hempel having that deep voice, it helped. He did freak me out a bit when he started changing his voice to some creepy parts... at least, I think that was him. It was freaky... and again, Mr. Hempel saved this book for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
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I received a complimentary copy of this audio book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
February 6, 2019
OH MY GOSH this book was so good! I have read 3 or 4 of his books and this certainly is the best so far! You can probably judge a book by how long it takes you to read it. I read this in two days and the whole last half in one sitting. This is the kind of book that you don't want to read after dark, but just can't help yourself - you can't stop reading! I was actually sitting in bed around midnight finishing it.
I love scary stories! I'm a horror fan from way back when I was a teen when all I watched was horror movies. This is seriously one of the best. It starts right off and just never quits. The whole mind altering drug idea is fantastic!
If you are into scary/horror books at all and want something with a more modern twist - the is definitely one you will want to try! This will probably be one of my favorite books of the year.
I think Netflix should do an "original movie" with this one - it would for sure go viral LOL!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!
I love scary stories! I'm a horror fan from way back when I was a teen when all I watched was horror movies. This is seriously one of the best. It starts right off and just never quits. The whole mind altering drug idea is fantastic!
If you are into scary/horror books at all and want something with a more modern twist - the is definitely one you will want to try! This will probably be one of my favorite books of the year.
I think Netflix should do an "original movie" with this one - it would for sure go viral LOL!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!
June 11, 2018
A university professor develops a mental cure-all drug called Cerise, which was supposed to perform miracles in the brain, increasing performance and longevity. Of course nothing turns out as it should and chaos rises from well-meaning intentions. People given the drug find their mind opened to another world or dimension of this world. They begin to see things, evil ancient things reminding me of Cthulhu. Some people cannot handle the strain and commit suicide; others are on the verge of insanity. A private detective enters the scene to investigate one of the suicides. As he uncovers the bits and pieces of the drug and how it is affecting people he begins to see the underlying terror that is about to befall all of mankind. Although I am a big fan of Mr. Ibsen this story was on the outer fringes of entertaining for me. If you stick with it, it will make sense in the end. Three.point.five for exercising my imagination.
April 15, 2018
Sheesh! I love this man! ❤
Every since I read my first book by Ibsen, I have been an avid reader of all works by him! The first was the one about the "Upside Down Man. "After reading it, I was hooked! (And actually creeped out!) Which isn't easy to get to me like that anymore! Kudos to Ibsen there! This particular book was a little out of Ibsen's normal range with the scientific edge, but every bit as awesome! It reminded me of some ideology put forth by some of the greatest older writers such as Clive Barker or even the Lovecraftian thinking of science vs the demonic type thinking. Most intriguing!
Every since I read my first book by Ibsen, I have been an avid reader of all works by him! The first was the one about the "Upside Down Man. "After reading it, I was hooked! (And actually creeped out!) Which isn't easy to get to me like that anymore! Kudos to Ibsen there! This particular book was a little out of Ibsen's normal range with the scientific edge, but every bit as awesome! It reminded me of some ideology put forth by some of the greatest older writers such as Clive Barker or even the Lovecraftian thinking of science vs the demonic type thinking. Most intriguing!
May 4, 2018
Doctors scare the crap out of me... well, pharmacists and chemists. Anyway, this was a pretty straightforward horror show. It didn't expand my mind or break new ground in the genre in my opinion, but it was a fun book with the dirty, bloody, gruesome bits peppered in there for good measure. I thought the background and foreground bouncing between chapters helped the story along. And I do love a not-happy ending.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
September 28, 2019
This book had such great potential - it could have been an amazing story but it seems like the author rushed through it like a student with a last minute assignment. Between repeating chapters with minor tweaks to show different POV to the rushed ending I was so sad !!!! It could have been sooooo terrifying and good, I have never read this author before but it seems like he really missed the mark. I just really wanted more..
February 4, 2018
This book was nicely atmospheric and I like the way author Ibsen created realistic characters and their individual reactions to the drug and the resultant horrific entities. I'm more than halfway through and he's managed to hold my interest, hard to do as I'm an author myself and work has to be good to pull me back for a complete read instead of a thumb-through. Bravo, Ibsen!
January 25, 2018
A SCARY AND TRAGIC TALE IT IS...
Hello, this story was my first of Mr. Ibsen's. He did a very good job of telling the and and a dark story it was. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I am a white horse ending fella. Thanks.
Hello, this story was my first of Mr. Ibsen's. He did a very good job of telling the and and a dark story it was. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I am a white horse ending fella. Thanks.
April 13, 2018
Audible:A scientist invents a new drug that makes you see what is really there.People are dying and no one knows why.This is a really good story with likable characters.Joe Hempel narrates it nicely.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
February 1, 2018
Scary as hell
The perfect book for lovers of the supernatural. The "monsters" were truly grotesque. For added effect, read this book before September 14th 2018!
The perfect book for lovers of the supernatural. The "monsters" were truly grotesque. For added effect, read this book before September 14th 2018!
February 5, 2018
Wow! I enjoyed this book...The premise of the story was great. I really like this writer's books. He has some imagination!
February 9, 2018
Good story
Interesting concept of using the bodies of men as ladders/tools. The ending held little merit but was to be expected.
Interesting concept of using the bodies of men as ladders/tools. The ending held little merit but was to be expected.
May 3, 2018
Classic cosmic horror.
July 10, 2018
Another good one by Ibsen. I enjoy the slight scifi feel this one had. It has multiple view points which I’m not always a big fan about, but I liked seeing all the perspectives.
February 16, 2019
This book’s horrifying imagery owes a lot to Berserk but it was an entertaining short read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews