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Constant Gray
It's the end of the world...
Or at least it was. The apocalypse has come and gone in all its horror and glory.
Now, God and Satan have foregone the battlefield, and powerful allies have been left to their own devices.
The earth is divided. On one half, the sun never sets and the scorched earth burns eternally. The other half is a landscape of doomed darkness where demons lurk around every corner.
The scale is tipped in this ruined world. Unfortunately, not in favor of the righteous.
After being released from years of torture underground, Khadim emerges and embarks upon this wasted planet unaware of his fate. He is meant for something much greater than himself. He doesn't know it yet, but he is destined to bring balance.
In other words, some guy is going to kick a lot of ass and save everyone...
Whether he wants to or not.
Or at least it was. The apocalypse has come and gone in all its horror and glory.
Now, God and Satan have foregone the battlefield, and powerful allies have been left to their own devices.
The earth is divided. On one half, the sun never sets and the scorched earth burns eternally. The other half is a landscape of doomed darkness where demons lurk around every corner.
The scale is tipped in this ruined world. Unfortunately, not in favor of the righteous.
After being released from years of torture underground, Khadim emerges and embarks upon this wasted planet unaware of his fate. He is meant for something much greater than himself. He doesn't know it yet, but he is destined to bring balance.
In other words, some guy is going to kick a lot of ass and save everyone...
Whether he wants to or not.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2018
28 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Taylor
1 book23 followersRyan Taylor’s dark humor sucked us in from page one of his brilliant fantasy novel, Constant Gray, due for release in January of 2018.
Besides writing great stories Ryan is a father of four, husband, teacher, and artist. He spends most of his time teaching art to elementary students by day and writing comic books on the weekends and during his summer breaks.
Ryan's love for writing started in college and has become a full time second career for him. He previously published through Scattered Comics and Tragic Hero Comics, along with his self-published comic Anonymouse.
Ryan currently lives in Riverside, California, but insists you know he is originally from Houston, TX.
Besides writing great stories Ryan is a father of four, husband, teacher, and artist. He spends most of his time teaching art to elementary students by day and writing comic books on the weekends and during his summer breaks.
Ryan's love for writing started in college and has become a full time second career for him. He previously published through Scattered Comics and Tragic Hero Comics, along with his self-published comic Anonymouse.
Ryan currently lives in Riverside, California, but insists you know he is originally from Houston, TX.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 26, 2017
Full disclosure: Ryan is my brother in law. That said, while this is not the type of book I would normally pick, at least by its cover (it looked scary and I'm a wimp), I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am quite frustrated now that I know have to wait for the second book to come out. First world problems I guess.
The beginning has a good hook and kept me guessing, the characters were interesting, if not relatable in some ways and the writing had me cracking up. The ending was only disappointing in that it is not the end. Which, I guess, is what a writer hopes to achieve.
I'm looking forward to more of Khadim kicking ass and Maddy being a smart ass. Bring it on.
The beginning has a good hook and kept me guessing, the characters were interesting, if not relatable in some ways and the writing had me cracking up. The ending was only disappointing in that it is not the end. Which, I guess, is what a writer hopes to achieve.
I'm looking forward to more of Khadim kicking ass and Maddy being a smart ass. Bring it on.
October 24, 2017
Can't wait for this one! Dark , kick-ass, & hilarious!
October 29, 2018
It's a simple, imperative, repetitive opening: "Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. The cadence sang in my ear."
This is a dystopian look at a future that may be more probable and prescient than we'd like to admit. A future of contant gray.
Yet, the author penned a rapid-and unexpected plot, with unexpected twists, mounted successfully in the first several pages. The prose is terse, reporter-like, as the unnamed protagonist explores a world from which he has been removed for months - or so he's thought. This man is unrelenting and persistent - just like the drip, which he outlasted and escaped. He is helped by an improbable sidekick, a kick-ass and fiercely-loyal female named Maddy. She's by the guy's side throughout as he explores, fights, and re-discovers his time and place.
And, his name - which is Khadim Grey, meaning constant gray - in this taut, page-turning milieu of suspense.
I highly recommend this book because I liked it, despite it being so far afield of my usual fare. It'll knock your socks off. A great Halloween night read in between the kiddies' knock on the door.
Yeah, I read it in a day.
This is a dystopian look at a future that may be more probable and prescient than we'd like to admit. A future of contant gray.
Yet, the author penned a rapid-and unexpected plot, with unexpected twists, mounted successfully in the first several pages. The prose is terse, reporter-like, as the unnamed protagonist explores a world from which he has been removed for months - or so he's thought. This man is unrelenting and persistent - just like the drip, which he outlasted and escaped. He is helped by an improbable sidekick, a kick-ass and fiercely-loyal female named Maddy. She's by the guy's side throughout as he explores, fights, and re-discovers his time and place.
And, his name - which is Khadim Grey, meaning constant gray - in this taut, page-turning milieu of suspense.
I highly recommend this book because I liked it, despite it being so far afield of my usual fare. It'll knock your socks off. A great Halloween night read in between the kiddies' knock on the door.
Yeah, I read it in a day.
May 17, 2018
I’m really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It’s not my typical genre but I got hooked after the first chapter. The story was engaging and the characters were really well rounded. I’m excited to see what Ryan has in store for the next book 😏
December 5, 2017
Visceral. Stark. Visual. Intense. When I finished the book the first time, I did a double-take. I didn't want it to end! Ryan's characters have a grittiness and raw emotional side that I really enjoy. The book isn't a comedy by any means, but I do enjoy his dark sense of humor. The scenes the author lays out for the reader are a visual odyssey and a sensory delight. His characters all have quirks that make them memorable and personable, even to the most evil of villains. I look forward to reading this again and again.
February 27, 2018
Bruce Ashkenas
5.0 out of 5 stars
like the smell of fireworks
February 25, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
|
Verified Purchase
Constant Grey by Ryan Taylor
In the beginning he is a ‘tabula rosa,’ a blank slate who doesn’t know his name, or anything else beyond the cellar in which he is held, bound and gagged. He has been there for months, not knowing how he’s survived, with only a memory of being cut open repeatedly. Upon his release by drifters, his name returns, Khadim Grey, or Constant Grey. But what is a Constant. He does not know, although his powers slowly come back. He kills the men who released him, why he does not know, although they had dark auras. He spares their companion, Maddy, because she has a light, blameless, aura.
Grey and Maddy emerge from the cellar to a world he does not remember. The gigantic sun shires white, relentless, the air smells of sulfur. “An odd odor for sure, like the smell of fireworks.” Buildings around them are in ruins. Street signs are bleached pale. Grey sees Maddy tie a scarf over her face, her eyes covered by black glasses. He doesn’t understand this world. But he sets off; Maddy does not follow.
A man dressed in leather attacks Grey about a mile down the road. Grey defeats him and suddenly Maddy is back. She yells that they have to run, the Shavs are coming. They run. Eventually Maddy explains the world. About twenty years ago God turned the sun white-hot after the Devil stopped the Earth’s revolution, leaving half the world in darkness. Was Khadim in the organ farm for that long? His memories are all of the world the way it was.
This is just the start of Khadim Grey’s journey. He meets friends and foes, angels and demons, sons of God and spawn of Satan. The overly-large Faul, the leader of the Shavs; Patty the builder, who gifts Khadim a car; Jolt, the master of electricity; Terra, the master of the earth; and Minh, the master of plants; and many others. In this Mad Max world Khadim Grey navigates his own path as Constant, and, if we are lucky, in one or more sequels. Five stars.
5.0 out of 5 stars
like the smell of fireworks
February 25, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
|
Verified Purchase
Constant Grey by Ryan Taylor
In the beginning he is a ‘tabula rosa,’ a blank slate who doesn’t know his name, or anything else beyond the cellar in which he is held, bound and gagged. He has been there for months, not knowing how he’s survived, with only a memory of being cut open repeatedly. Upon his release by drifters, his name returns, Khadim Grey, or Constant Grey. But what is a Constant. He does not know, although his powers slowly come back. He kills the men who released him, why he does not know, although they had dark auras. He spares their companion, Maddy, because she has a light, blameless, aura.
Grey and Maddy emerge from the cellar to a world he does not remember. The gigantic sun shires white, relentless, the air smells of sulfur. “An odd odor for sure, like the smell of fireworks.” Buildings around them are in ruins. Street signs are bleached pale. Grey sees Maddy tie a scarf over her face, her eyes covered by black glasses. He doesn’t understand this world. But he sets off; Maddy does not follow.
A man dressed in leather attacks Grey about a mile down the road. Grey defeats him and suddenly Maddy is back. She yells that they have to run, the Shavs are coming. They run. Eventually Maddy explains the world. About twenty years ago God turned the sun white-hot after the Devil stopped the Earth’s revolution, leaving half the world in darkness. Was Khadim in the organ farm for that long? His memories are all of the world the way it was.
This is just the start of Khadim Grey’s journey. He meets friends and foes, angels and demons, sons of God and spawn of Satan. The overly-large Faul, the leader of the Shavs; Patty the builder, who gifts Khadim a car; Jolt, the master of electricity; Terra, the master of the earth; and Minh, the master of plants; and many others. In this Mad Max world Khadim Grey navigates his own path as Constant, and, if we are lucky, in one or more sequels. Five stars.
July 31, 2018
Constant Gray gets a 4.5 for great nostalgia, depth or mythology and a kickass main character.
Constant Gray begins as many of the movies I grew up with in the '80s. Khadim wakes up on post-apocalyptic Earth where the surface isn't much more than sand and a variety of gangs run the world. He isn't sure why but he is called forward; there are things going on he doesn't understand. Life has changed drastically since he went to sleep and the only one who has any information is Maddy a girl that many overlook or try to change. The two start on a journey that leads to much more than a Mad Max story; God and the Devil have fought for the Earth and it has stopped turning leaving half the world in light and half in dark. Khadim must find his place and decide if he is part of the light or the dark.
This story pulled me in from the beginning. In fact, I finished in three sittings. The story was fast paced and kept me engaged. I was invested in Maddy and Khadim and wanted to understand what was going on and what they had to do with the overall story. I was very interested in the mythology Ryan Taylor set up and wanted to know so much more. While the book didn't answer as many questions as I would have liked, I am hyped to see what happens next. I want to see the redemption of humans that is set up to possibly happening. I want to see what happens when you overthrow the balance. I want to see someone challenge the Devil and God on how they messed up the world as this leads to a lot of deep theological thought.
Fast-paced, fun and intriguing, COnstant Gray keeps you hooked and doesn't let you go even when you are done.
I received an ARC from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Constant Gray begins as many of the movies I grew up with in the '80s. Khadim wakes up on post-apocalyptic Earth where the surface isn't much more than sand and a variety of gangs run the world. He isn't sure why but he is called forward; there are things going on he doesn't understand. Life has changed drastically since he went to sleep and the only one who has any information is Maddy a girl that many overlook or try to change. The two start on a journey that leads to much more than a Mad Max story; God and the Devil have fought for the Earth and it has stopped turning leaving half the world in light and half in dark. Khadim must find his place and decide if he is part of the light or the dark.
This story pulled me in from the beginning. In fact, I finished in three sittings. The story was fast paced and kept me engaged. I was invested in Maddy and Khadim and wanted to understand what was going on and what they had to do with the overall story. I was very interested in the mythology Ryan Taylor set up and wanted to know so much more. While the book didn't answer as many questions as I would have liked, I am hyped to see what happens next. I want to see the redemption of humans that is set up to possibly happening. I want to see what happens when you overthrow the balance. I want to see someone challenge the Devil and God on how they messed up the world as this leads to a lot of deep theological thought.
Fast-paced, fun and intriguing, COnstant Gray keeps you hooked and doesn't let you go even when you are done.
I received an ARC from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
November 2, 2018
A man has been trapped in a basement for what feels like months, and when he's finally released, the world around him has changed, and what's more, he doesn't know who he is. How long was he in that basement? Set in a Dystopian future the world is at odds. Water is scarce, the sun is out 24/7 in half the world while the other half lives in darkness.
In Constant Gray we follow Khadim as he does what comes naturally to him, save the good ones. He picks up a few stragglers along the way, starting with Maddy. She's been instrumental in helping him navigate the new world. She will be instrumental as he sets off to find Solace, and help to restore balance to the world.
Khadim has so many questions and people are unwilling to help. What did it mean when people called him a constant? What were these titles that people held? On his journey to find Solace, he discovers more than he ever imagined.
Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic books are relatively a new genre for me, and I'm rather picky about it. So when I read the blurb for Constant Gray I thought, "well, I can give it a shot." Then as soon as I started reading, I was hooked. I loved the world that Taylor has created, he knocks world-building out of the park. I like the characters and I like the writing, this was such a fun read and I'm really looking forward to reading what is in store for Khadim.
In Constant Gray we follow Khadim as he does what comes naturally to him, save the good ones. He picks up a few stragglers along the way, starting with Maddy. She's been instrumental in helping him navigate the new world. She will be instrumental as he sets off to find Solace, and help to restore balance to the world.
Khadim has so many questions and people are unwilling to help. What did it mean when people called him a constant? What were these titles that people held? On his journey to find Solace, he discovers more than he ever imagined.
Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic books are relatively a new genre for me, and I'm rather picky about it. So when I read the blurb for Constant Gray I thought, "well, I can give it a shot." Then as soon as I started reading, I was hooked. I loved the world that Taylor has created, he knocks world-building out of the park. I like the characters and I like the writing, this was such a fun read and I'm really looking forward to reading what is in store for Khadim.
May 8, 2018
So I picked up Constant Grey on a whim, It was a book that showed up in the Fantasy section and the premise seemed pretty neat so I figured what the heck...
I read the first third of this book slowly trying to bring myself into the story...Its told from a first person perspective...something I'm not used to while reading...You literally are the main Character...But at about 1/3 of the way in the books pace changes from a crawl to a sprint...I read through the rest in about four hours eagerly turning pages to advance what felt to be my own story.
I'll say this....very few books have I read and put down thinking...ok where's the next one...this is one of those books. However, Sadly I found out this was the first book from author Ryan Taylor...so now I'm playing the waiting game...I hope he keeps going with this story but, I think i might end up reading anything he writes. I love the style.
I read the first third of this book slowly trying to bring myself into the story...Its told from a first person perspective...something I'm not used to while reading...You literally are the main Character...But at about 1/3 of the way in the books pace changes from a crawl to a sprint...I read through the rest in about four hours eagerly turning pages to advance what felt to be my own story.
I'll say this....very few books have I read and put down thinking...ok where's the next one...this is one of those books. However, Sadly I found out this was the first book from author Ryan Taylor...so now I'm playing the waiting game...I hope he keeps going with this story but, I think i might end up reading anything he writes. I love the style.
April 3, 2018
Full Disclosure, I know the author.
Having gotten that tidbit out of the way. READ THIS BOOK. The author has developed a world that draws you in, that will keep you enthralled, and will absolutely cause you to want to continue it when the next one comes out.
I am very glad I read it (and no, I did not get early access) and am proud that the author turned his dream into a reality.
Read this book. Seriously. If you like a character driven story with supernatural elements, this one is for you, and if you don't like those kind of stories? Read it anyway, this book has something everyone will enjoy.
Having gotten that tidbit out of the way. READ THIS BOOK. The author has developed a world that draws you in, that will keep you enthralled, and will absolutely cause you to want to continue it when the next one comes out.
I am very glad I read it (and no, I did not get early access) and am proud that the author turned his dream into a reality.
Read this book. Seriously. If you like a character driven story with supernatural elements, this one is for you, and if you don't like those kind of stories? Read it anyway, this book has something everyone will enjoy.
August 19, 2018
I typically do not read for enjoyment and on the rare occasion that I do, it certainly isn’t dark fantasy. With that said, I was impressed with this author’s imagery and storytelling. Yes, some missed typographical and grammatical errors created a few hang ups, but they were easy to overlook.
For a self proclaimed “Non-reader” who has two maniacal toddlers, I was able to complete this book in just shy of eight hours. My only regret? I should have waited for the whole series to be released before reading this book. Now I’m stuck wondering, “What happens next?”
December 31, 2018
Great book
To be entirely honest I read this book due to peer pressure. I am a cozy mystery or thriller reader but a friend told me I HAD to read this book. I read the description and thought oh shit what have I agreed to. A couple days later I started reading and found I did not want to put the book down. The characters in this book were stuck in my head. I would put the book down to make dinner or whatever I was doing and I was still thinking. Will they get there? Dang what's next? Walking away from this book even for short periods of time was hard for me. The plot and setting was easy for my mind to imagine. I am so greatful to my friend for suggesting this book. I really hope Ryan writes more books because I will be first in line to read them.
To be entirely honest I read this book due to peer pressure. I am a cozy mystery or thriller reader but a friend told me I HAD to read this book. I read the description and thought oh shit what have I agreed to. A couple days later I started reading and found I did not want to put the book down. The characters in this book were stuck in my head. I would put the book down to make dinner or whatever I was doing and I was still thinking. Will they get there? Dang what's next? Walking away from this book even for short periods of time was hard for me. The plot and setting was easy for my mind to imagine. I am so greatful to my friend for suggesting this book. I really hope Ryan writes more books because I will be first in line to read them.
April 5, 2018
Fascinating
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I found this book fascinating. I became intrigued in the beginning with a man trapped in the basement. It had my mind and imagination going after that and it never let me go. I loved the concept and story line. I thought the characters were well developed and easy to connect to. I was impressed with my reading experience.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I found this book fascinating. I became intrigued in the beginning with a man trapped in the basement. It had my mind and imagination going after that and it never let me go. I loved the concept and story line. I thought the characters were well developed and easy to connect to. I was impressed with my reading experience.
May 3, 2018
Just finished reading a series from one author and though I liked it there was just something about it that I couldn't quite explain...then when I read Constant Gray it hit me. Ryan has the ability with his words to make me see pictures...if I can get a visual that's AWESOME. Can't wait for the next....
November 16, 2017
Amazing dark post apocalyptic world building by Ryan Taylor! Ryan is great at inserting his sense of humor into his work without taking away from the seriousness of the story. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll beg for another book in this world after you are done!
November 18, 2017
Dynamic characters, a gripping post apocalyptic setting, and a masterful plot. Dark, humorous, and charmingly original... what’s not to like? A must read for fans of supernatural horror and wasteland epics.
April 30, 2018
Engaging, unsettling interesting.
Constant Gray starts as quirky horror noir, becomes a buddy road tale, an may be a morality play. Maybe. Well written, on point it makes me want to learn more about the Constant universe. Worth a read.
Constant Gray starts as quirky horror noir, becomes a buddy road tale, an may be a morality play. Maybe. Well written, on point it makes me want to learn more about the Constant universe. Worth a read.
November 21, 2018
Really enjoyed the book! Really engaging story, makes you want to keep reading it until the end. Once you do get to the end, you want to know what happens next. Waiting for the next book to come out!!!
November 2, 2017
Post-apocalyptic, supernatural adventure woven with wit and intriguing characters.
January 18, 2018
I was hooked with the first chapter. I didn't want to put it down! I enjoyed Maddy's sarcasm and Khadim's inner dialog.
I have already recommended it to others as a must read. I can't wait for Ryan's next book!
I have already recommended it to others as a must read. I can't wait for Ryan's next book!
August 5, 2018
Constant Gray
This is not normally my go-to genre, but I was pleasantly surprised! The story line was intriguing and the writing was flawless. Highly recommend!
This is not normally my go-to genre, but I was pleasantly surprised! The story line was intriguing and the writing was flawless. Highly recommend!
January 21, 2018
Great story!
This was a great book from start to finish. I am so glad I took the time to read a author I hadn't heard of before.
This was a great book from start to finish. I am so glad I took the time to read a author I hadn't heard of before.
January 9, 2020
An excellent read
Non stop action and a most interesting cast of characters with a very different story line ..we can only hope to read more of Constants balancing!
Non stop action and a most interesting cast of characters with a very different story line ..we can only hope to read more of Constants balancing!
December 21, 2019
What a great read, once you get into the book it is hard to put it down. The characters and the places are very well described but there is still enough left for the reader to imagine. Can't wait for the sequel which I hope there will be!
January 18, 2018
Loads of fun.
I was reminded of the first few Harry Potter books as I read this. An excellent first book for any author with a world that I'm excited to see more of.
Keep 'em coming! Can't wait for the rest!
I was reminded of the first few Harry Potter books as I read this. An excellent first book for any author with a world that I'm excited to see more of.
Keep 'em coming! Can't wait for the rest!
March 15, 2018
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
First off, I did not finish this book. I was dragging myself through it and just wasn't enjoying the ride. The pacing was not successful here. Questions and history kept getting introduced without being answered. I understand that there needs to be a central mystery to keep the plot going and characters moving toward their goal but it felt like nothing was getting resolved along the way.
I also had problems with how the world was functioning to keep all of these characters alive. Since only half of the world is now habitable (and it's a scorched wasteland), where is all this food coming from to support these people? In an underground city with at least hundreds of people populating it, where are they getting the roasted turkey legs? Not to mention the neurologically/telepathically linked devices. How has this tech been developed when water is at such a premium in this world? All of that, combined with grammatical errors, really took me out of the story.
First off, I did not finish this book. I was dragging myself through it and just wasn't enjoying the ride. The pacing was not successful here. Questions and history kept getting introduced without being answered. I understand that there needs to be a central mystery to keep the plot going and characters moving toward their goal but it felt like nothing was getting resolved along the way.
I also had problems with how the world was functioning to keep all of these characters alive. Since only half of the world is now habitable (and it's a scorched wasteland), where is all this food coming from to support these people? In an underground city with at least hundreds of people populating it, where are they getting the roasted turkey legs? Not to mention the neurologically/telepathically linked devices. How has this tech been developed when water is at such a premium in this world? All of that, combined with grammatical errors, really took me out of the story.
May 3, 2019
This is not a typical Apocalypse story. It is very well written and you'll have a hard time putting it down. You are constantly trying to guess what is next and you are not disappointed with the twists and turns this story takes. The characters are well developed and you grow to care about them. I would love to see this made into a movie.
August 29, 2024
Such a great book! The plot was extremely engaging and Action packed. The ending made me excited for the next book.
Spoilers: If you like apocalyptic settings and supernatural abilities this is a great fresh take on this premise.
Spoilers: If you like apocalyptic settings and supernatural abilities this is a great fresh take on this premise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews