What do you think?
Rate this book
Awakened #1
Awakened
The star of truTV’s hit show Impractical Jokers—alongside veteran sci-fi and horror writer Darren Wearmouth—delivers a chilling and wickedly fun supernatural novel in the vein of The Strain, in which a beautiful new subway line in New York City unearths an ancient dark horror that threatens the city’s utter destruction and the balance of civilization itself.
After years of waiting, New York's newest subway line is finally ready, an express train that connects the city with the burgeoning communities across the Hudson River. The shining jewel of this state-of-the-art line is a breathtaking visitors’ pavilion beneath the river. Major dignitaries, including New York City’s Mayor and the President of the United States, are in attendance for the inaugural run, as the first train slowly pulls in.
Under the station’s bright ceiling lights, the shiny silver cars gleam. But as the train comes closer into view, a far different scene becomes visible.
All the train’s cars are empty.
All the cars’ interiors are drenched in blood.
As chaos descends, all those in the pavilion scramble to get out. But the horror is only beginning. High levels of deadly methane fill the tunnels. The structure begins to flood. For those who don’t drown, choke or spark an explosion, another terrifying danger awaits—the thing that killed all those people on the train. It’s out there…and it’s coming.
There's something living beneath New York City, and it's not happy we've woken it up.
After years of waiting, New York's newest subway line is finally ready, an express train that connects the city with the burgeoning communities across the Hudson River. The shining jewel of this state-of-the-art line is a breathtaking visitors’ pavilion beneath the river. Major dignitaries, including New York City’s Mayor and the President of the United States, are in attendance for the inaugural run, as the first train slowly pulls in.
Under the station’s bright ceiling lights, the shiny silver cars gleam. But as the train comes closer into view, a far different scene becomes visible.
All the train’s cars are empty.
All the cars’ interiors are drenched in blood.
As chaos descends, all those in the pavilion scramble to get out. But the horror is only beginning. High levels of deadly methane fill the tunnels. The structure begins to flood. For those who don’t drown, choke or spark an explosion, another terrifying danger awaits—the thing that killed all those people on the train. It’s out there…and it’s coming.
There's something living beneath New York City, and it's not happy we've woken it up.
Audiobook
First published June 26, 2018
845 people are currently reading
9887 people want to read
About the author
James S. Murray
9 books898 followersJames S. Murray is a writer, executive producer, and actor, best known as “Murr” on the hit television show Impractical Jokers on truTV and for his comedy troupe, the Tenderloins. He also served as the senior vice president of development for NorthSouth Productions for over a decade and is owner of Impractical Productions, Inc. Originally from Staten Island, he now lives in Manhattan. Awakened is his first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews
April 13, 2018
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I honestly went into it not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. Winning a book, that sounds interesting, can always be hit or miss but this one definitely hit the mark in terms of an interesting plot. Was it perfect? No, some of the dialogue seemed to get a bit repetitive and explaining some of the situations, that happened along the way, seemed to defy logic but I could look past the imperfections and take the book for what it was: a really fun read.
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I honestly went into it not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. Winning a book, that sounds interesting, can always be hit or miss but this one definitely hit the mark in terms of an interesting plot. Was it perfect? No, some of the dialogue seemed to get a bit repetitive and explaining some of the situations, that happened along the way, seemed to defy logic but I could look past the imperfections and take the book for what it was: a really fun read.
August 2, 2019
3.33 stars for this SF horror novel. Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Grady McGowan has been logging lots of overtime, running a tunnel-boring machine beneath the Hudson River for the massive Z Train subway line extension that will link New York City to New Jersey with an underground express train. They’re even building a state-of-the-art underwater Visitors’ Pavilion in the middle of the Upper Bay. It’s hard work for Grady, but everything is going well … until a huge hole opens up underneath Grady and his machine.
Three years later, the mayor of NYC, Tom Cafferty, is in the Pavilion, presiding over the opening ceremony and inaugural run of the Z Train. The President of the U.S. is a surprise guest (though not a welcome one from Cafferty’s point of view) and Cafferty’s wife Ellen is one of the honored guests on the Z Train heading to the Pavilion from Jersey City. There’s a delay. A shriek over the loudspeaker. And then the train slowly pulls into the Pavilion, emptied of its passengers but with its inside surfaces covered in blood.
The chaotic scene that ensues only becomes worse when the president’s secret service team hustles him into the command center, shutting almost everyone else out. They’re trapped in an underwater pavilion that is slowly filling with poisonous and explosive methane gas from the Jersey tunnel, and where some unknown but highly deadly danger has roused and is approaching.
Awakened, a fast-paced science fiction horror novel set in our day, grabbed me by the throat and was impossible to put down. It raises so many questions so quickly: What lurks beneath the surface of the earth? Why are people dying in really gruesome, bloody ways? Why do certain people seem to have an understanding of what’s going on? The answers to those questions aren’t clear at first, but what is crystal clear is that a deep subway tunnel under the Hudson River is an extremely bad place to be stuck in.
With nonstop action and lots of plot twists and turns, Awakened reads like a novel that’s waiting to be optioned as a screenplay. That’s not necessarily a bad thing: it’s a lot like a thrilling, scary amusement park ride. The characters aren’t deep or complex, and Murray’s and Wearmouth’s writing, though competent, never approaches inspired. The focus here is clearly on the action.
The plot is more than a little implausible; in particular, there’s a late disclosure about a supernatural power employed by the humans’ mysterious enemy that was a bridge too far for me, when my willing suspension of disbelief broke down. But Awakened gets plus points for adding an intriguing layer of complexity to its story with a conspiracy subplot that ups the stakes for humanity. I recommend Awakened if you’re looking for the literary equivalent of an exciting and gory action-horror film.
The conclusion to the story in Awakened is open-ended, leaving several plot threads unresolved. The sequel, The Brink, was just published in June 2019, and I’m definitely on board this Z Train to see what happens next.
I received a free review ebook copy from the publisher.
Content notes: Very gory and lots of language.
Grady McGowan has been logging lots of overtime, running a tunnel-boring machine beneath the Hudson River for the massive Z Train subway line extension that will link New York City to New Jersey with an underground express train. They’re even building a state-of-the-art underwater Visitors’ Pavilion in the middle of the Upper Bay. It’s hard work for Grady, but everything is going well … until a huge hole opens up underneath Grady and his machine.
Three years later, the mayor of NYC, Tom Cafferty, is in the Pavilion, presiding over the opening ceremony and inaugural run of the Z Train. The President of the U.S. is a surprise guest (though not a welcome one from Cafferty’s point of view) and Cafferty’s wife Ellen is one of the honored guests on the Z Train heading to the Pavilion from Jersey City. There’s a delay. A shriek over the loudspeaker. And then the train slowly pulls into the Pavilion, emptied of its passengers but with its inside surfaces covered in blood.
The chaotic scene that ensues only becomes worse when the president’s secret service team hustles him into the command center, shutting almost everyone else out. They’re trapped in an underwater pavilion that is slowly filling with poisonous and explosive methane gas from the Jersey tunnel, and where some unknown but highly deadly danger has roused and is approaching.
Awakened, a fast-paced science fiction horror novel set in our day, grabbed me by the throat and was impossible to put down. It raises so many questions so quickly: What lurks beneath the surface of the earth? Why are people dying in really gruesome, bloody ways? Why do certain people seem to have an understanding of what’s going on? The answers to those questions aren’t clear at first, but what is crystal clear is that a deep subway tunnel under the Hudson River is an extremely bad place to be stuck in.
With nonstop action and lots of plot twists and turns, Awakened reads like a novel that’s waiting to be optioned as a screenplay. That’s not necessarily a bad thing: it’s a lot like a thrilling, scary amusement park ride. The characters aren’t deep or complex, and Murray’s and Wearmouth’s writing, though competent, never approaches inspired. The focus here is clearly on the action.
The plot is more than a little implausible; in particular, there’s a late disclosure about a supernatural power employed by the humans’ mysterious enemy that was a bridge too far for me, when my willing suspension of disbelief broke down. But Awakened gets plus points for adding an intriguing layer of complexity to its story with a conspiracy subplot that ups the stakes for humanity. I recommend Awakened if you’re looking for the literary equivalent of an exciting and gory action-horror film.
The conclusion to the story in Awakened is open-ended, leaving several plot threads unresolved. The sequel, The Brink, was just published in June 2019, and I’m definitely on board this Z Train to see what happens next.
I received a free review ebook copy from the publisher.
Content notes: Very gory and lots of language.
June 24, 2018
Thanks to Harper Voyager for the review copy.
Let’s get this out of the way: I have a few biases when it comes to my reading. I am not a fan of collaboration novels. I have never read a novel that was written by two (or more) authors that I enjoyed. I also don’t like über basic thrillers.
Awakened is both — with one of the “authors” being a television star.
I went into this with an open mind, though. The book deserved that. I was sent this in exchange for an honest review, and I wanted to give the story a fair chance. And, for the first fifty or so pages, I was intrigued. Not utterly enthralled, but I was interested.
Sadly, the book soon fell apart. This thing is just boring. The characters are all cardboard, the scares — such as they are — are weak, and the resolution is disappointing. Many plot lines are left unresolved, which leaves me to think there will be a sequel. And if faced with a choice between reading said sequel or receiving a chemical castration, I’d have to really think about it.
This book just isn’t good. I don’t have much of note to say about it, other than that. If you’re looking for a summer read that doesn’t require much thought and be consumed quickly, maybe it’ll be your speed. Otherwise, give it a pass.
Let’s get this out of the way: I have a few biases when it comes to my reading. I am not a fan of collaboration novels. I have never read a novel that was written by two (or more) authors that I enjoyed. I also don’t like über basic thrillers.
Awakened is both — with one of the “authors” being a television star.
I went into this with an open mind, though. The book deserved that. I was sent this in exchange for an honest review, and I wanted to give the story a fair chance. And, for the first fifty or so pages, I was intrigued. Not utterly enthralled, but I was interested.
Sadly, the book soon fell apart. This thing is just boring. The characters are all cardboard, the scares — such as they are — are weak, and the resolution is disappointing. Many plot lines are left unresolved, which leaves me to think there will be a sequel. And if faced with a choice between reading said sequel or receiving a chemical castration, I’d have to really think about it.
This book just isn’t good. I don’t have much of note to say about it, other than that. If you’re looking for a summer read that doesn’t require much thought and be consumed quickly, maybe it’ll be your speed. Otherwise, give it a pass.
May 31, 2022
Intriguing set-up, stock characters, suitably ridiculous plot, that needed a little too long before it started to become less predictable.
Entertaining enough for roughly 9 hours but instantly forgettable.*
2.5 stars
*Seriously, it's been two weeks since I finished this book and I've forgotten it altogether.
Entertaining enough for roughly 9 hours but instantly forgettable.*
2.5 stars
*Seriously, it's been two weeks since I finished this book and I've forgotten it altogether.
October 6, 2025
There’s this show on TruTV network that my wife and I love, whenever we want to just laugh hysterically until tears well up in our eyes. It’s called “Impractical Jokers”, and it’s essentially a cross between “Candid Camera” and “Jackass”. Relatively inoffensive, the show features four guys who grew up together in the Jersey area who are always scheming up practical jokes to pull on each other. The kicker is that they also pull these jokes on random strangers and film the results.
Anyway, one of the guys on the show is this skinny bald guy who looks like a ferret (seriously) named Murr. His real name is James S. Murray. If you’ve seen the show, you know that Murr always has a shit-eating grin, tends to have a high opinion of himself, and once made a low-budget horror film called “Damned!” that a well-known film critic called “the worst movie ever made”. To his face.
The fact that Murr wrote a book is amazing, considering I didn’t know he was even literate. Even crazier is, I read it. And I actually enjoyed it.
“Awakened” is, according to Murr, an idea he had been working on for years. It is the first of a proposed trilogy.
I’m not sure what I was expecting. At first, I was expecting the kind of dumb (albeit hilarious) humor that I expected from the show. Thankfully, the book wasn’t played for laughs, nor was it dumb.
Co-written by Darren Wearmouth, a British sci-fi author with about eight published books under his belt, “Awakened” has a plot that has probably been done before in countless action/adventure and sci-fi novels and films: a small group of people are thrust in an extraordinarily perilous situation and must work together to survive.
Like every disaster movie from “The Poseidon Adventure” to “Daylight”, the perils seem insurmountable but believable. In the case of “Awakened”, the inaugural run of the new underground Z train that links New York to New Jersey under the Hudson River is underway. A huge party of dignitaries, politicians (including New York Mayor Tom Cafferty and U.S. President Reynolds), and the world press is on hand in the central station, waiting for the train to arrive.
Like classic sci-fi films such as “C.H.U.D.”, “Aliens”, and “Jurassic Park”, the perils are suddenly coupled with otherworldly nightmares. In this case, the train arrives in the station, but all of the windows are shattered, the interior of the cars are drenched in blood, and all of the passenger’s bodies are missing.
The Secret Service and the NYPD immediately kick into action, their initial thoughts being, of course, terrorists. It doesn’t take long, however, before the real threat presents itself: subterranean creatures with razor-sharp claws, whip-like tails, and lots and lots of teeth. Somehow, the creation of the new subway has opened up a here-to-fore sealed off cavern where these creatures have remained for centuries.
Carnage ensues.
I’m not gonna lie: this book was edge-of-the-seat suspense and non-stop action. It’s everything one would expect from a sci-fi/horror/action thriller, and it certainly pays homage to those classic popcorn flicks of the ‘80s.
Kudos to Murray and Wearmouth for writing one of the most exciting sci-fi action thrillers that I have read in a long while.
Anyway, one of the guys on the show is this skinny bald guy who looks like a ferret (seriously) named Murr. His real name is James S. Murray. If you’ve seen the show, you know that Murr always has a shit-eating grin, tends to have a high opinion of himself, and once made a low-budget horror film called “Damned!” that a well-known film critic called “the worst movie ever made”. To his face.
The fact that Murr wrote a book is amazing, considering I didn’t know he was even literate. Even crazier is, I read it. And I actually enjoyed it.
“Awakened” is, according to Murr, an idea he had been working on for years. It is the first of a proposed trilogy.
I’m not sure what I was expecting. At first, I was expecting the kind of dumb (albeit hilarious) humor that I expected from the show. Thankfully, the book wasn’t played for laughs, nor was it dumb.
Co-written by Darren Wearmouth, a British sci-fi author with about eight published books under his belt, “Awakened” has a plot that has probably been done before in countless action/adventure and sci-fi novels and films: a small group of people are thrust in an extraordinarily perilous situation and must work together to survive.
Like every disaster movie from “The Poseidon Adventure” to “Daylight”, the perils seem insurmountable but believable. In the case of “Awakened”, the inaugural run of the new underground Z train that links New York to New Jersey under the Hudson River is underway. A huge party of dignitaries, politicians (including New York Mayor Tom Cafferty and U.S. President Reynolds), and the world press is on hand in the central station, waiting for the train to arrive.
Like classic sci-fi films such as “C.H.U.D.”, “Aliens”, and “Jurassic Park”, the perils are suddenly coupled with otherworldly nightmares. In this case, the train arrives in the station, but all of the windows are shattered, the interior of the cars are drenched in blood, and all of the passenger’s bodies are missing.
The Secret Service and the NYPD immediately kick into action, their initial thoughts being, of course, terrorists. It doesn’t take long, however, before the real threat presents itself: subterranean creatures with razor-sharp claws, whip-like tails, and lots and lots of teeth. Somehow, the creation of the new subway has opened up a here-to-fore sealed off cavern where these creatures have remained for centuries.
Carnage ensues.
I’m not gonna lie: this book was edge-of-the-seat suspense and non-stop action. It’s everything one would expect from a sci-fi/horror/action thriller, and it certainly pays homage to those classic popcorn flicks of the ‘80s.
Kudos to Murray and Wearmouth for writing one of the most exciting sci-fi action thrillers that I have read in a long while.
June 8, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for reaching out to me to offer a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am shocked at how much I enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced. It was intense. It was chock full of action. It had at least moderately developed characters with some depth to them. The villains were both human... and mysterious other. (Can't say more, spoilers!)
The writers have created a really interesting world just like ours with a little twist. Okay, the twist is huge. It's like, EARTH huge. And while I'm glad I don't actually live in this created world, I was entertained by visiting it.
There seemed to be set up for a sequel. Damn, I hope so.
If you liked Ezekiel Boone's trilogy, you'll like this one.
I am shocked at how much I enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced. It was intense. It was chock full of action. It had at least moderately developed characters with some depth to them. The villains were both human... and mysterious other. (Can't say more, spoilers!)
The writers have created a really interesting world just like ours with a little twist. Okay, the twist is huge. It's like, EARTH huge. And while I'm glad I don't actually live in this created world, I was entertained by visiting it.
There seemed to be set up for a sequel. Damn, I hope so.
If you liked Ezekiel Boone's trilogy, you'll like this one.
May 31, 2020
Awakened was one of the most fun reads I've had in a while. So, what have we got ? A new subway line & an awesome Visitor's Pavilion beneath New York City's rivers. The Mayor of New York City, the President of the United States & numerous guests underground. Then mix in an empty train car drenched in blood, high levels of methane ready to explode & (yes!) something even more terrifying coming from the tunnels.
James S Murray & Darren Wearmouth bring us a book that reads like a B movie. Low on characterisation, but high on "take your brain out" entertainment. It's probably more believable than a Matthew Reilly novel, but no less entertaining. Grab some popcorn & check it out.
James S Murray & Darren Wearmouth bring us a book that reads like a B movie. Low on characterisation, but high on "take your brain out" entertainment. It's probably more believable than a Matthew Reilly novel, but no less entertaining. Grab some popcorn & check it out.
June 29, 2018
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/06/26/...
Written by James S. Murray of Impractical Jokers fame with sci-fi author Darren Wearmouth, Awakened really couldn’t have come at a better time. Summer is here, and this impossibly fun and deliciously creepy horror-thriller would make for the perfect read by the beach, pool, or anywhere really—as long as it’s bright, sunny, above ground, and surrounded by people. Trust me on this, if you want to avoid nightmares.
Set in New York City, the story begins in a mood of celebration as the city’s long awaited new subway line is about to be officially opened. After years of construction, the state-of-the-art expression train complete with a visitor’s pavilion and underwater viewing area beneath the Hudson River is finally ready to take on its first passengers. Many important guests have gathered to witness and commemorate the inaugural run, including NYC’s mayor and even the President of the United States. Dozens of journalists from across the globe are also on site, ready to capture the historic moment when commuters disembark from that first train.
But deep below the city, something else is stirring. Ancient and monstrous, they have been there all along, but the recent drilling of the tunnels has disturbed the bedrock in which they make their home, and they’re about to make their displeasure known. As the first train pulls into the station, no smiling passengers greet the cameras. Instead, the cars are empty, save for all the blood and viscera splattered everywhere. But by then, it’s too late for everyone else to escape. Pockets of methane gas released from beneath the earth fills the tunnels. A breach causes water levels to rise. And in the darkness, nightmarish horrors are waiting.
If you’re claustrophobic, don’t read this book. Awakened gave me serious flashbacks to the Alien movies, especially the scenes where our characters find themselves in dingy, tight, dark spaces, with all that was missing being a hair-raising motion tracker sound effect. But if, on the other hand, you happen to be into books that read like a campy disaster thriller meets sci-fi horror, then this might just be up your alley. It might also please you to know that the story throws readers into the action right away, and that there’s absolutely no skimping on the blood and gore or edge-of-your-seat suspense.
When it comes to plot, I can’t say I typically expect much from books like these. To the authors’ credit though, they made a valiant attempt to thicken things up with a second act twist complete with a grand conspiracy theory about government secrets and supernatural phenomena. Totally ridiculous and over-the-top? Maybe. Yet the story was no less entertaining despite the insane shenanigans, and in the end, that’s what counts. In addition, the stage is set for a possible sequel, which would hopefully provide answers for the mysteries left unexplained here.
While the summer may be heating up, you can still count on Awakened to give you a few shivers. If you’re looking for a good scare delivered in a fast-paced, blockbuster-style novel with thrilling action and horror, this novel should do the trick. Overall, I thought it was a fun and thrilling read, perfect for a bit of escapism.
Audiobook Comments: I’m often wary of authors narrating their own books, but in James “Murr” Murray’s case, his theater and TV experience no doubt gave him the edge for voice-over performance and overall showmanship. Being the expert on his own story, he knew exactly how to deliver his characters’ conversations, which lines of dialogue to stress, and which parts of the story to emphasize. All in all, Awakened was a compelling listen.
Written by James S. Murray of Impractical Jokers fame with sci-fi author Darren Wearmouth, Awakened really couldn’t have come at a better time. Summer is here, and this impossibly fun and deliciously creepy horror-thriller would make for the perfect read by the beach, pool, or anywhere really—as long as it’s bright, sunny, above ground, and surrounded by people. Trust me on this, if you want to avoid nightmares.
Set in New York City, the story begins in a mood of celebration as the city’s long awaited new subway line is about to be officially opened. After years of construction, the state-of-the-art expression train complete with a visitor’s pavilion and underwater viewing area beneath the Hudson River is finally ready to take on its first passengers. Many important guests have gathered to witness and commemorate the inaugural run, including NYC’s mayor and even the President of the United States. Dozens of journalists from across the globe are also on site, ready to capture the historic moment when commuters disembark from that first train.
But deep below the city, something else is stirring. Ancient and monstrous, they have been there all along, but the recent drilling of the tunnels has disturbed the bedrock in which they make their home, and they’re about to make their displeasure known. As the first train pulls into the station, no smiling passengers greet the cameras. Instead, the cars are empty, save for all the blood and viscera splattered everywhere. But by then, it’s too late for everyone else to escape. Pockets of methane gas released from beneath the earth fills the tunnels. A breach causes water levels to rise. And in the darkness, nightmarish horrors are waiting.
If you’re claustrophobic, don’t read this book. Awakened gave me serious flashbacks to the Alien movies, especially the scenes where our characters find themselves in dingy, tight, dark spaces, with all that was missing being a hair-raising motion tracker sound effect. But if, on the other hand, you happen to be into books that read like a campy disaster thriller meets sci-fi horror, then this might just be up your alley. It might also please you to know that the story throws readers into the action right away, and that there’s absolutely no skimping on the blood and gore or edge-of-your-seat suspense.
When it comes to plot, I can’t say I typically expect much from books like these. To the authors’ credit though, they made a valiant attempt to thicken things up with a second act twist complete with a grand conspiracy theory about government secrets and supernatural phenomena. Totally ridiculous and over-the-top? Maybe. Yet the story was no less entertaining despite the insane shenanigans, and in the end, that’s what counts. In addition, the stage is set for a possible sequel, which would hopefully provide answers for the mysteries left unexplained here.
While the summer may be heating up, you can still count on Awakened to give you a few shivers. If you’re looking for a good scare delivered in a fast-paced, blockbuster-style novel with thrilling action and horror, this novel should do the trick. Overall, I thought it was a fun and thrilling read, perfect for a bit of escapism.
Audiobook Comments: I’m often wary of authors narrating their own books, but in James “Murr” Murray’s case, his theater and TV experience no doubt gave him the edge for voice-over performance and overall showmanship. Being the expert on his own story, he knew exactly how to deliver his characters’ conversations, which lines of dialogue to stress, and which parts of the story to emphasize. All in all, Awakened was a compelling listen.
June 24, 2018
This book was sent to me by Haper Voyager in exchange for an honest review.
This book was entertaining, but sort of in the same way action movies with not a lot of substance are entertaining. Even though the marketing for this book says it's horror, I felt like it was more of a political thriller than a horror novel. Sure, there was gore and evil subterranean creatures, but I like my horror to be darker and a lot less political.
Some of the characters are likable, but I felt like most of them were really just cardboard cutouts. The ex gang member who turned his life around...the badass female SWAT team member...double agents and evil shadow organization members who have ties going back to Nazi Germany. Seriously, Nazis? Then there are the politicians who are just in it for themselves. Again we have a host of white men in power who cut corners and put people's lives in danger.
The creatures are somewhat interesting. But the concept of of them becoming a serious threat to humanity sort of just sounds like a set up for a sequel. I also feel as if there were too many instances where the authors felt like things needed to be over explained because readers were not clever enough to pick up on them.
Ultimately, I would not recommend this one to any of my serious horror pals. It's a quick read and had some entertaining moments, but if you are looking for real horror, this isn't it. If political thrillers with some gore are more your thing, than this would be a good beach read.
This book was entertaining, but sort of in the same way action movies with not a lot of substance are entertaining. Even though the marketing for this book says it's horror, I felt like it was more of a political thriller than a horror novel. Sure, there was gore and evil subterranean creatures, but I like my horror to be darker and a lot less political.
Some of the characters are likable, but I felt like most of them were really just cardboard cutouts. The ex gang member who turned his life around...the badass female SWAT team member...double agents and evil shadow organization members who have ties going back to Nazi Germany. Seriously, Nazis? Then there are the politicians who are just in it for themselves. Again we have a host of white men in power who cut corners and put people's lives in danger.
The creatures are somewhat interesting. But the concept of of them becoming a serious threat to humanity sort of just sounds like a set up for a sequel. I also feel as if there were too many instances where the authors felt like things needed to be over explained because readers were not clever enough to pick up on them.
Ultimately, I would not recommend this one to any of my serious horror pals. It's a quick read and had some entertaining moments, but if you are looking for real horror, this isn't it. If political thrillers with some gore are more your thing, than this would be a good beach read.
February 9, 2019
A new subway line in New York City is being unveiled with fanfare, press coverage and even a visit from the President of the United States. When something goes terribly wrong, it becomes clear that an unspeakable evil has been released from the depths.
And they all said the devil didn't actually exist...
Plodding dialogue and clumsy character development clog what otherwise would have been an action-packed science fiction read. The set up was so classic. The line, "the dwarves delved too deep", kept running through my head.
"The workers shouted and pointed, but the noise of splitting granite drowned out their words. The ground beneath Grady's feet disintegrated. He lunged for the cable, clutched it in a white-knuckled grip, and dangled over the newly formed black abyss." pgs 8-9, ebook.
And once the evil emerges, I thought everyone took far too long to figure out what the heck was going on. For goodness sake, the President was right there. I mean, maybe in the face of unexplained phenomena, response times would be slowed down. But I had a hard time believing the incompetence.
"The majority headed to the food court while shooting nervous glances toward the train. Cops, now free from the burden of chaos, helped the injured to their feet and escorted them to triage. The five dead — one from the stampede, another shredded by the cafe window, and three at the hands of the Secret Service — were placed in a line and had jackets draped over their faces." pg 18, ebook.
On the other hand, I did enjoy some of the tense moments. I liked the way journalists were portrayed, because of course they'd be there. Unless all newspapers go under... which, let me be clear, I don't think anybody wants. But gosh, that'd make a good horror story, wouldn't it.
"We're sealing the second car of the train and taking refuge inside." "Are you mad?" the Washington Post journalist called out. "There's not a chance in hell I'm going near that subway train." pg 37
If you take this story for what it is, like a summer blockbuster of a book rather than a serious work of science fiction, it's fun enough. There's thrills, chills and moments of terror.
"He had never subscribed to conspiracy theories or the far-fetched stories about monsters, but he couldn't deny what he just saw. It hardly seemed believable. ... This wasn't terrorism. It was pure terror." pg 52
Recommended for readers who are looking for a mildly entertaining book to pass the dark days of winter or the hot days of summer by a pool. This is like a "comfort food" option for horror and science fiction fans.
And they all said the devil didn't actually exist...
Plodding dialogue and clumsy character development clog what otherwise would have been an action-packed science fiction read. The set up was so classic. The line, "the dwarves delved too deep", kept running through my head.
"The workers shouted and pointed, but the noise of splitting granite drowned out their words. The ground beneath Grady's feet disintegrated. He lunged for the cable, clutched it in a white-knuckled grip, and dangled over the newly formed black abyss." pgs 8-9, ebook.
And once the evil emerges, I thought everyone took far too long to figure out what the heck was going on. For goodness sake, the President was right there. I mean, maybe in the face of unexplained phenomena, response times would be slowed down. But I had a hard time believing the incompetence.
"The majority headed to the food court while shooting nervous glances toward the train. Cops, now free from the burden of chaos, helped the injured to their feet and escorted them to triage. The five dead — one from the stampede, another shredded by the cafe window, and three at the hands of the Secret Service — were placed in a line and had jackets draped over their faces." pg 18, ebook.
On the other hand, I did enjoy some of the tense moments. I liked the way journalists were portrayed, because of course they'd be there. Unless all newspapers go under... which, let me be clear, I don't think anybody wants. But gosh, that'd make a good horror story, wouldn't it.
"We're sealing the second car of the train and taking refuge inside." "Are you mad?" the Washington Post journalist called out. "There's not a chance in hell I'm going near that subway train." pg 37
If you take this story for what it is, like a summer blockbuster of a book rather than a serious work of science fiction, it's fun enough. There's thrills, chills and moments of terror.
"He had never subscribed to conspiracy theories or the far-fetched stories about monsters, but he couldn't deny what he just saw. It hardly seemed believable. ... This wasn't terrorism. It was pure terror." pg 52
Recommended for readers who are looking for a mildly entertaining book to pass the dark days of winter or the hot days of summer by a pool. This is like a "comfort food" option for horror and science fiction fans.
February 22, 2022
Is this a horror masterpiece with phenomenal writing and a wholly original plot? No, but that’s not at all what I was expecting!!
Like Don’t Move by the same authors, this honestly played out like a campy scifi original movie. There were monsters, plenty of blood and gore, cookie cutter protagonists/antagonists, even a government conspiracy; it’s ridiculous, it’s over the top, kind of corny, but so much goddamned fun.
I think if you know that this is kind of ridiculous and to not take it too seriously heading into it, you’ll have fun with this book. I’ll definitely be reading the rest in the trilogy!
Like Don’t Move by the same authors, this honestly played out like a campy scifi original movie. There were monsters, plenty of blood and gore, cookie cutter protagonists/antagonists, even a government conspiracy; it’s ridiculous, it’s over the top, kind of corny, but so much goddamned fun.
I think if you know that this is kind of ridiculous and to not take it too seriously heading into it, you’ll have fun with this book. I’ll definitely be reading the rest in the trilogy!
June 29, 2018
I’ve not settled on a rating for this yet, I need some time to mull it over
Review to come soon
Review to come soon
Read
April 25, 2022Dnf 65% like a bad b movie and I'm not even listening
June 23, 2018
2.5⭐
"The power cut. Total darkness. Glass shattering. So many screams. So many..."
Holy fucking opening. It is described on the back of the book, but I still absolutely loved the subway leaving on its first journey & coming back empty & covered in blood. AMAZING & SO CREEPY.
Obviously I was hooked on the beginning of the book. The short chapters keep everything moving along quickly, and I was dying to know what happened.
In opposition to the ease of the short chapters, there were entirely too many characters. It was difficult to keep everyone straight, and eventually I pretty much gave up on keeping track of who was who.
By the middle of the book, it started to become clear that answers weren't coming anytime soon, and my interest began to fade a bit. I'm not a huge fan of pure action - I need storytelling & suspense to carry it along, and Awakened ends up relying on fight scene after fight scene. If this is your thing, this book is definitely for you. I feel like I spent a lot of time waiting for anything else to happen.
I don't like when storylines are set up & then not explained. I am pretty sure that this was a ploy to get people to purchase the second book (if there is one), and that frustrates me. It's the first book in the series, and it's unfinished since almost nothing was explained. The things that were explained weren't explained that well, and the format for explaining them was not creative.
Awakened started out well enough to be an awesome horror/sci-fi thriller, but more than anything else, it's a political thriller with monsters. I probably would not have picked up this book if that's how I knew it was going to be. I feel like the purpose of this book was to get a TV or book deal - it's fine if that ends up happening, but I want the actual book/story to be the priority.
Thank you to Harper Voyager for sending copies to the NightWorms to review.
"The power cut. Total darkness. Glass shattering. So many screams. So many..."
Holy fucking opening. It is described on the back of the book, but I still absolutely loved the subway leaving on its first journey & coming back empty & covered in blood. AMAZING & SO CREEPY.
Obviously I was hooked on the beginning of the book. The short chapters keep everything moving along quickly, and I was dying to know what happened.
In opposition to the ease of the short chapters, there were entirely too many characters. It was difficult to keep everyone straight, and eventually I pretty much gave up on keeping track of who was who.
By the middle of the book, it started to become clear that answers weren't coming anytime soon, and my interest began to fade a bit. I'm not a huge fan of pure action - I need storytelling & suspense to carry it along, and Awakened ends up relying on fight scene after fight scene. If this is your thing, this book is definitely for you. I feel like I spent a lot of time waiting for anything else to happen.
I don't like when storylines are set up & then not explained. I am pretty sure that this was a ploy to get people to purchase the second book (if there is one), and that frustrates me. It's the first book in the series, and it's unfinished since almost nothing was explained. The things that were explained weren't explained that well, and the format for explaining them was not creative.
Awakened started out well enough to be an awesome horror/sci-fi thriller, but more than anything else, it's a political thriller with monsters. I probably would not have picked up this book if that's how I knew it was going to be. I feel like the purpose of this book was to get a TV or book deal - it's fine if that ends up happening, but I want the actual book/story to be the priority.
Thank you to Harper Voyager for sending copies to the NightWorms to review.
May 13, 2018
When I was offered this ARC by the publisher, I read the synopsis and thought heck yeah I’ll read it!..... and I wasn’t disappointed.
A new subway line is being christened in New York City with all the fanfare and hoopla which included not only the city’s mayor, but the President of the United States as well. The opening of the celebration was to have the first train come in with a load of it’s first passengers, but when it rolls into the pavilion, the passengers were gone. Instead, the inside of the train car was replaced with blood.
From that point on, the story never stops. I flew through this book. It’s a fast paced, action-packed thriller that I just could not put down. I won’t say what it was that happened to the people in the train, but you do find out early on. The story takes place within a few hours which, again, makes it a page turning book. Sometimes I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what was going to happen. Beyond the action, I even found the characters likeable and rooted for them the entire way through. I don’t know that this storyline will continue into other books but there’s definitely room for it.
If you’re looking for an exciting story that’ll keep you glued to the page, I think this is a good place to start. 😊
A new subway line is being christened in New York City with all the fanfare and hoopla which included not only the city’s mayor, but the President of the United States as well. The opening of the celebration was to have the first train come in with a load of it’s first passengers, but when it rolls into the pavilion, the passengers were gone. Instead, the inside of the train car was replaced with blood.
From that point on, the story never stops. I flew through this book. It’s a fast paced, action-packed thriller that I just could not put down. I won’t say what it was that happened to the people in the train, but you do find out early on. The story takes place within a few hours which, again, makes it a page turning book. Sometimes I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what was going to happen. Beyond the action, I even found the characters likeable and rooted for them the entire way through. I don’t know that this storyline will continue into other books but there’s definitely room for it.
If you’re looking for an exciting story that’ll keep you glued to the page, I think this is a good place to start. 😊
April 23, 2018
I don't always love sci fi reads for some reason but every now and then I come across I just can't say no to. Chalk it up to curiosity or a great synopsis, either way I feel like I need to read them.
Awakened was truly a different kind of read. Part dystopian, part sci fi and part thriller, it kept me interested and turning the pages more often than not.
With a conspiracy theory twist I didn't see coming, this truly stood out compared to others I have read and promises to be a series that will keep readers guessing and on edge.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Awakened was truly a different kind of read. Part dystopian, part sci fi and part thriller, it kept me interested and turning the pages more often than not.
With a conspiracy theory twist I didn't see coming, this truly stood out compared to others I have read and promises to be a series that will keep readers guessing and on edge.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 14, 2018
I absolutely love getting ARC from publishers. And I really, truly hate when I have to give them a 1 star review (because I have had publishers stop sending me stuff, even though they claim that they want honest reviews). But, alas integrity is important to me.
In all fairness, the concept of the book itself is more that of an action movie and so even if it was well executed would probably only rate at 3 stars simply because it is not my cup of tea. This was, however, a SLOW MOVING action film. I found myself bored and wondering when it was going to be over. Murray attempts to write a page turner (sacraficing philosophical commentary or even character development for plot) and yet, he is so repetitive that his writing is boring.
He also does not expect the reader to figure anything out for herself. As soon as the creature tried to dig at the pregnant woman's stomach on page 36, I figured they were keeping the women for some reason. And yet, 132 pages later on 168 he has to spell it out for us. I'm sorry, but if the reader hasn't figured out that the creatures are hoarding pregnant women on their own by this point, the reader is probably asleep. Huh. Yeah, maybe Murray does need to tell us.
The book is filled with over dramatic attempts at comedy: "'Mr. Mayor, looks like I picked the wrong day to quit drinking.' 'I plan on starting again when we get out. Stay safe.'" and ends with a cliff hanger (missing president and a new anti-foundation task force): "Albert Van Ness would regret the day he unearthed the terror below New York and crossed swords with a man who didn't know how to lose." Not quite "I'll be back" or "Hasta La Vista, Baby", but certainly in the same vein.
Rarely do I say that the movie is better, but in this case I think my middle schooler would like the movie; not sure anyone should waste their time reading the book.
In all fairness, the concept of the book itself is more that of an action movie and so even if it was well executed would probably only rate at 3 stars simply because it is not my cup of tea. This was, however, a SLOW MOVING action film. I found myself bored and wondering when it was going to be over. Murray attempts to write a page turner (sacraficing philosophical commentary or even character development for plot) and yet, he is so repetitive that his writing is boring.
He also does not expect the reader to figure anything out for herself. As soon as the creature tried to dig at the pregnant woman's stomach on page 36, I figured they were keeping the women for some reason. And yet, 132 pages later on 168 he has to spell it out for us. I'm sorry, but if the reader hasn't figured out that the creatures are hoarding pregnant women on their own by this point, the reader is probably asleep. Huh. Yeah, maybe Murray does need to tell us.
The book is filled with over dramatic attempts at comedy: "'Mr. Mayor, looks like I picked the wrong day to quit drinking.' 'I plan on starting again when we get out. Stay safe.'" and ends with a cliff hanger (missing president and a new anti-foundation task force): "Albert Van Ness would regret the day he unearthed the terror below New York and crossed swords with a man who didn't know how to lose." Not quite "I'll be back" or "Hasta La Vista, Baby", but certainly in the same vein.
Rarely do I say that the movie is better, but in this case I think my middle schooler would like the movie; not sure anyone should waste their time reading the book.
January 22, 2019
time of death 95%. I just couldn't push through. This story had everything I looked for in a horror book. Monsters, blood, gore, lots of action, but despite that something was still off. I couldn't keep up with the characters. I couldn't remember who was who and I couldn't connect with any of them. Most of the time this audio book was just noise in the background for me. Every once in awhile a scene would catch my attention have me refocusing back to the story, but because I spaced out through the previous scenes leading to those rare moments of "lucidity" I was a confused messed. The who, what, where and why were lost to me. I give up. I should've given up way before now, but I couldn't find another book and I was desperate.
3 stars audio
1 star story because I can't leave anything less than that. *shrugs*
3 stars audio
1 star story because I can't leave anything less than that. *shrugs*
September 26, 2018
This book is insanely brilliant! Creepy and addictive from the first page. I can't wait for the next one
July 8, 2019
Evil lives
This book started out with a grain ride from he!!. Imagine waiting at a subway station for a train and then seeing an empty car coming towards you covered in blood and gore but no people left in it. That is how the story starts and it intrigued me. I loved the characters who stood out as heroes in the novel and I was honestly terrified of what existed below us. The president was involved, a mayor, train engineers , the police and military personnel and a shadowy organization that defies logic but it was entertaining. Lots of blood and gore, dismemberment, death and evil but it kind of got old about 75% in. And it just kept on and on until the very end. It never let up. And the evil evolved and got smarter and stronger and bigger as the story went on. I liked the book but a couple of things happened that I hated at the end but I won't spoil it. I just wanted a different outcome but he assured there is a sequel coming and it looks scary too. First time reading horror in a long time and I really liked it. I will read the sequel for sure.
This book started out with a grain ride from he!!. Imagine waiting at a subway station for a train and then seeing an empty car coming towards you covered in blood and gore but no people left in it. That is how the story starts and it intrigued me. I loved the characters who stood out as heroes in the novel and I was honestly terrified of what existed below us. The president was involved, a mayor, train engineers , the police and military personnel and a shadowy organization that defies logic but it was entertaining. Lots of blood and gore, dismemberment, death and evil but it kind of got old about 75% in. And it just kept on and on until the very end. It never let up. And the evil evolved and got smarter and stronger and bigger as the story went on. I liked the book but a couple of things happened that I hated at the end but I won't spoil it. I just wanted a different outcome but he assured there is a sequel coming and it looks scary too. First time reading horror in a long time and I really liked it. I will read the sequel for sure.
May 5, 2025
I thought I would have liked this more.
June 28, 2018
As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Awakened came to my attention and piqued my interest after I saw that it was written by James S. Murray, better known to many as ‘Murr‘ from the Impractical Jokers TV show. I’m a big fan of the Impractical Jokers series, it’s good harmless fun and can always manage to make me chuckle at the groups humorous and often lowbrow shenanigans.
So, how did Murr do with writing a book?!? I’d have to say pretty damn well actually.
Awakened starts with a short prologue depicting an industrial accident during the construction of the new state of the art and high-tech subway project known as the ‘Z Train subway line extension‘ that is then swiftly swept under the carpet and kept out of the media’s attention. The Z-Train is the expansion of the New York subway line connecting different boroughs and allowing travel in superfast time. It’s the future of rail travel and the showpiece is the underwater visitors’ pavilion and concourse located beneath the Hudson River.
We then jump forward three years in time and the decade-long and overbudget project has finally been completed. The President of the United States, the Mayor of New York City and then various reporters, photographers, security and the station workers are all at the underwater Pavilion to celebrate the opening of the expansion and the maiden journey of the Z Train along with a select group of other individuals who have the honour and privilege of being the first passengers to ride on board the Z Train.
The train takes off from the Jersey City station and should arrive at the pavilion to huge celebrations in a matter of minutes but something goes wrong, the train is late and then the control centre loses all contact with the train. Everyone is wondering what has happened when the powerless train silently rolls into the station, empty of passengers and drenched in blood. The cause of the carnage on the train is deemed to be a terrorist attack, it’s the only plausible explanation and then the shadows begin to move and the noises start………
The story in Awakened takes place over the duration of a few hours and there’s certainly a lot of mayhem going on in the train tunnels as the characters struggle to escape and survive. There are conspiracy theories and a clandestine organisation thrown into the mix to add an extra layer and more depth to the story too. We follow multiple threads as a variety of groups try to escape through the deadly tunnels and there are quite a few characters involved. For the most part and in particular with the main characters, they do all have a fairly decent level of characterisation to them. Sure, some could have been improved upon but then again, it’s a book where people die and some as soon as they make it onto the page have ‘fodder‘ written all over them and you know that they aren’t going to make it. Well, ya know, obviously all that blood has to come from somewhere!😱
The creatures keep some of the captured women alive and honestly, it is quite obvious why but many pages later after the initial glimpses of the captured women the reason behind why they are still alive is finally revealed as if it is some groundbreaking revelation, it isn’t and many will have already guessed the reason why.
Apart from the few women that are being kept alive, the creatures don’t discriminate and whether you are the Mayor, a station worker, a reporter, a policeman or the President your life is in danger from a gloriously gruesome demise.
The creatures in Awakened deal death in gruesome fashion and there is plenty of limb tearing bloody carnage to go around but they aren’t mindless killing machines and instead, they show an intelligence learning from the humans, their behaviour and the means in which they protect themselves. For me, they brought to mind both the Xenomorph (the Alien franchise) and the Predator (the Predator franchise) and I felt there was definitely some similarities between them and the creatures in Awakened. Whether or not that is where the actual inspiration came from, I don’t know, I’m just saying that is how I pictured the creatures in my mind both in looks and in intelligence as a married together version of those two classic monsters.
The writing in Awakened is decent, at times good and occasionally even verges towards very good and you can really feel the claustrophobic tension that builds in the restricted space of the dark tunnels. It doesn’t get bogged down in excessive detail and everything moves along quickly. I did feel that the attempts at humour more often than not missed the mark but humour is very subjective and that is only a slight niggle that didn’t detract from the fact that I found Awakened to be an enjoyable book and one that I had a good time whiling away the hours and reading.
Awakened is the first book in the trilogy and as such, some things are left open for the sequel. It does, however, do a good job of closing off the actual story that has been told whilst also simultaneously leaving the door open for the sequel which after reading the last few chapters and seeing what they reveal I’m definitely interested in reading.👍📚
Whilst reading Awakened I was reminded me of The Hatching trilogy (which, by the way, is a really fun trilogy that you should all check out) by Ezekiel Boone only with the spiders of Boone’s work being replaced with monstrous creatures.
Awakened is an action-packed, fast-paced and exciting read, one to switch your brain off and just enjoy for what it is, a fun-filled creature-fest.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Awakened came to my attention and piqued my interest after I saw that it was written by James S. Murray, better known to many as ‘Murr‘ from the Impractical Jokers TV show. I’m a big fan of the Impractical Jokers series, it’s good harmless fun and can always manage to make me chuckle at the groups humorous and often lowbrow shenanigans.
So, how did Murr do with writing a book?!? I’d have to say pretty damn well actually.
Awakened starts with a short prologue depicting an industrial accident during the construction of the new state of the art and high-tech subway project known as the ‘Z Train subway line extension‘ that is then swiftly swept under the carpet and kept out of the media’s attention. The Z-Train is the expansion of the New York subway line connecting different boroughs and allowing travel in superfast time. It’s the future of rail travel and the showpiece is the underwater visitors’ pavilion and concourse located beneath the Hudson River.
We then jump forward three years in time and the decade-long and overbudget project has finally been completed. The President of the United States, the Mayor of New York City and then various reporters, photographers, security and the station workers are all at the underwater Pavilion to celebrate the opening of the expansion and the maiden journey of the Z Train along with a select group of other individuals who have the honour and privilege of being the first passengers to ride on board the Z Train.
The train takes off from the Jersey City station and should arrive at the pavilion to huge celebrations in a matter of minutes but something goes wrong, the train is late and then the control centre loses all contact with the train. Everyone is wondering what has happened when the powerless train silently rolls into the station, empty of passengers and drenched in blood. The cause of the carnage on the train is deemed to be a terrorist attack, it’s the only plausible explanation and then the shadows begin to move and the noises start………
The story in Awakened takes place over the duration of a few hours and there’s certainly a lot of mayhem going on in the train tunnels as the characters struggle to escape and survive. There are conspiracy theories and a clandestine organisation thrown into the mix to add an extra layer and more depth to the story too. We follow multiple threads as a variety of groups try to escape through the deadly tunnels and there are quite a few characters involved. For the most part and in particular with the main characters, they do all have a fairly decent level of characterisation to them. Sure, some could have been improved upon but then again, it’s a book where people die and some as soon as they make it onto the page have ‘fodder‘ written all over them and you know that they aren’t going to make it. Well, ya know, obviously all that blood has to come from somewhere!😱
The creatures keep some of the captured women alive and honestly, it is quite obvious why but many pages later after the initial glimpses of the captured women the reason behind why they are still alive is finally revealed as if it is some groundbreaking revelation, it isn’t and many will have already guessed the reason why.
Apart from the few women that are being kept alive, the creatures don’t discriminate and whether you are the Mayor, a station worker, a reporter, a policeman or the President your life is in danger from a gloriously gruesome demise.
The creatures in Awakened deal death in gruesome fashion and there is plenty of limb tearing bloody carnage to go around but they aren’t mindless killing machines and instead, they show an intelligence learning from the humans, their behaviour and the means in which they protect themselves. For me, they brought to mind both the Xenomorph (the Alien franchise) and the Predator (the Predator franchise) and I felt there was definitely some similarities between them and the creatures in Awakened. Whether or not that is where the actual inspiration came from, I don’t know, I’m just saying that is how I pictured the creatures in my mind both in looks and in intelligence as a married together version of those two classic monsters.
The writing in Awakened is decent, at times good and occasionally even verges towards very good and you can really feel the claustrophobic tension that builds in the restricted space of the dark tunnels. It doesn’t get bogged down in excessive detail and everything moves along quickly. I did feel that the attempts at humour more often than not missed the mark but humour is very subjective and that is only a slight niggle that didn’t detract from the fact that I found Awakened to be an enjoyable book and one that I had a good time whiling away the hours and reading.
Awakened is the first book in the trilogy and as such, some things are left open for the sequel. It does, however, do a good job of closing off the actual story that has been told whilst also simultaneously leaving the door open for the sequel which after reading the last few chapters and seeing what they reveal I’m definitely interested in reading.👍📚
Whilst reading Awakened I was reminded me of The Hatching trilogy (which, by the way, is a really fun trilogy that you should all check out) by Ezekiel Boone only with the spiders of Boone’s work being replaced with monstrous creatures.
Awakened is an action-packed, fast-paced and exciting read, one to switch your brain off and just enjoy for what it is, a fun-filled creature-fest.
February 20, 2021
Summary
A new subway system meant to quickly transport people between some of New York's busiest cities is supposed to be Tom Cafferty's big legacy that he leaves behind after his time as New York's mayor.
On opening day the first train, carrying the mayor's wife, is viciously attacked in the tunnel from Jersey city to the visitors pavilion under the Hudson River.
Suddenly the celebration turns to horror as unimaginable creatures begin attacking the pavilion and leaving everyone inside to fight for their lives.
Personal Opinion
I want to start by mentioning that this was written by Murr from Impractical Jokers, which is still one of my favorite shows. I have to admit I'm pretty impressed with this one as his debut novel.
Now onto the short and sweet review…
5 action packed, monster infested stars!
It's hard to believe its a debut novel and James and Darren make a great team.
Awakened has a great location, creepy monsters and a fast paced storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I would highly recommend checking this one out.
A new subway system meant to quickly transport people between some of New York's busiest cities is supposed to be Tom Cafferty's big legacy that he leaves behind after his time as New York's mayor.
On opening day the first train, carrying the mayor's wife, is viciously attacked in the tunnel from Jersey city to the visitors pavilion under the Hudson River.
Suddenly the celebration turns to horror as unimaginable creatures begin attacking the pavilion and leaving everyone inside to fight for their lives.
Personal Opinion
I want to start by mentioning that this was written by Murr from Impractical Jokers, which is still one of my favorite shows. I have to admit I'm pretty impressed with this one as his debut novel.
Now onto the short and sweet review…
5 action packed, monster infested stars!
It's hard to believe its a debut novel and James and Darren make a great team.
Awakened has a great location, creepy monsters and a fast paced storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I would highly recommend checking this one out.
June 30, 2018
What was once underground is now coming to the surface. - Gavin Bryars
I wanted to like this horror book more than I did. I grew up watching "Creature Features" and loving monster books and movies.
This book, written by a writing team, lacked a spark for me. Parts of it were good but more parts were repetitive and lacking depth.
There's a brand new subway opening in New York City, connecting parts of the city with New Jersey. There is also an underwater pavilion built to commemorate the vast venture. But on opening day monsters crawl out of the depths and an all-out slaughter begins.
Out of the many characters presented in the book I only identified with a couple. Some I downright disliked and some were like cardboard cutouts.
I understand (after reading the whole book) that this is the first book in a trilogy. I won't be reading the other two books.
I wanted to like this horror book more than I did. I grew up watching "Creature Features" and loving monster books and movies.
This book, written by a writing team, lacked a spark for me. Parts of it were good but more parts were repetitive and lacking depth.
There's a brand new subway opening in New York City, connecting parts of the city with New Jersey. There is also an underwater pavilion built to commemorate the vast venture. But on opening day monsters crawl out of the depths and an all-out slaughter begins.
Out of the many characters presented in the book I only identified with a couple. Some I downright disliked and some were like cardboard cutouts.
I understand (after reading the whole book) that this is the first book in a trilogy. I won't be reading the other two books.
June 24, 2018
Very entertaining, frightening and gory look at what lurks below the subway tunnels of New York City. I love monster horror and this did the trick. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
January 30, 2025
My first book by these two. I have been wanting to get to their books for a while and this turned out alot of fun. I would describe it as a blockbuster horror/action movie in book form. You can read the premise yourself but it's basically a creature on the loose underneath New York City with the Mayor and the President stuck below. Alot of politics come into play and alot of bad ass action scenes and gnarly deaths. Solid book felt like reading a movie. 4 stars.
April 17, 2018
Full disclosure: I was sent a free advance copy of this in exchange for reviewing it here (even fuller disclosure: part of my soul was all "THEY'RE SENDING ME FREE BOOKS NOW! I'VE MADE IT BIG"). I think, though, that the only way this is going to influence my review is by making me go into a bit more detail than I would have otherwise.
This book is okay. I'm going to get the caveat out of the way ahead of time: I don't read a lot of modern horror, so I'm not that familiar with the genre. I do, however, watch a lot of horror movies.
This book felt like the authors wanted it to be a movie. It dripped "PLEASE PICK ME, HOLLYWOOD". It felt like a movie pitch, and that irritated me, because if I'm reading a book, I want character development and creeping horror. I don't want a scene where a monster slowly snips the buttons off a woman's shirt. That's irritating. You know what else was irritating? Because it felt so much like a movie, I started noticing how poorly it was doing on the Bechdel test. It takes until (and I don't have the copy with me, but I'll check when I get home, something like page 173 (EDIT: I checked when I got home and it was page 171) before two women speak to one another. Also, the women characters are few and token. You get the Here-Is-A-Badass-Woman, which I appreciate, it's GOOD to have a badass woman. It kinda sucks though when there's only one of them. You also get Somebody's Wife and Somebody's Assistant and A Passel of Victims, and those are your women right there. Everyone else is a dude.
I AM SO TIRED OF THIS BULLSHIT. I can make excuses for that kind of thing in science fiction from the seventies, but I'm not going to stand for it in something written this year.
I was also annoyed by how the characters' romantic relationships are used, like Hawkeye's surprise family in Avengers, to make you care if they die or not, rather than actually giving the characters any actual depth or likeability. You don't want this guy to die because he's just started trying to fix his marriage! You don't want this woman to die because she's just agreed to let the guy try to fix their marriage!
Also. Why Nazis? Why did it have to be Nazis (at least tangentially) behind everything? Like, you can have a shady global organization and NOT have them be founded by a Nazi. It would have been a lot better had it not been Nazis, because that would have left some interesting ambiguity about the motives of the shadowy organization. Sure! Their methods are perhaps a little shady but they are PROTECTING THE WORLD FROM THE MONSTERS so maybe it's worth it! That is a useful thing to have the reader questioning. Is it worth certain sacrifices in order to protect the bulk of humanity? Is blackmail 0kay if the money is used to protect the world? WELL NOT IF IT'S NAZIS. As SOON as you throw Nazis in there, you lose all of the interesting subtlety.
And I think that's what my review boils down to. This book wants to be a movie, and it wants to be the kind of jump-scare action-horror movie that doesn't take the time to explore subtleties.
And it's really too bad.
AND GIVE ME BETTER WOMEN, GODDAMN.
This book is okay. I'm going to get the caveat out of the way ahead of time: I don't read a lot of modern horror, so I'm not that familiar with the genre. I do, however, watch a lot of horror movies.
This book felt like the authors wanted it to be a movie. It dripped "PLEASE PICK ME, HOLLYWOOD". It felt like a movie pitch, and that irritated me, because if I'm reading a book, I want character development and creeping horror. I don't want a scene where a monster slowly snips the buttons off a woman's shirt. That's irritating. You know what else was irritating? Because it felt so much like a movie, I started noticing how poorly it was doing on the Bechdel test. It takes until (and I don't have the copy with me, but I'll check when I get home, something like page 173 (EDIT: I checked when I got home and it was page 171) before two women speak to one another. Also, the women characters are few and token. You get the Here-Is-A-Badass-Woman, which I appreciate, it's GOOD to have a badass woman. It kinda sucks though when there's only one of them. You also get Somebody's Wife and Somebody's Assistant and A Passel of Victims, and those are your women right there. Everyone else is a dude.
I AM SO TIRED OF THIS BULLSHIT. I can make excuses for that kind of thing in science fiction from the seventies, but I'm not going to stand for it in something written this year.
I was also annoyed by how the characters' romantic relationships are used, like Hawkeye's surprise family in Avengers, to make you care if they die or not, rather than actually giving the characters any actual depth or likeability. You don't want this guy to die because he's just started trying to fix his marriage! You don't want this woman to die because she's just agreed to let the guy try to fix their marriage!
Also. Why Nazis? Why did it have to be Nazis (at least tangentially) behind everything? Like, you can have a shady global organization and NOT have them be founded by a Nazi. It would have been a lot better had it not been Nazis, because that would have left some interesting ambiguity about the motives of the shadowy organization. Sure! Their methods are perhaps a little shady but they are PROTECTING THE WORLD FROM THE MONSTERS so maybe it's worth it! That is a useful thing to have the reader questioning. Is it worth certain sacrifices in order to protect the bulk of humanity? Is blackmail 0kay if the money is used to protect the world? WELL NOT IF IT'S NAZIS. As SOON as you throw Nazis in there, you lose all of the interesting subtlety.
And I think that's what my review boils down to. This book wants to be a movie, and it wants to be the kind of jump-scare action-horror movie that doesn't take the time to explore subtleties.
And it's really too bad.
AND GIVE ME BETTER WOMEN, GODDAMN.
December 3, 2021
I would have to say this was an ok read. I didn't find myself engrossed in it and found it kind of boring. Too much slang (for lack of a better word) was used in it for my taste. I just didn't find myself that interested in it. I was hoping at some point it would get better but it just never did. The one thing I did like was the secret organization and its purpose. It took me a long time to even get through it. That is really all I can say about it. I give this one 2 of 5 stars.
October 20, 2024
This was action packed that I didn't want to stop listening, but it felt kind of corny. 😂 Like I'm all for those grade B sci-fi thrillers, but this just felt like one that's played at 3am on a Tuesday on the Sci-Fi channel.....
Want to read
May 1, 2018I was sent a copy of this book for review by the publisher. I am looking forward to it. It sounds like it has potential to be a good creepy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews