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Fatal Eclipse
It started with feelings of jealousy and like a mental virus it spread. Jonathan was becoming paranoid that his wife was cheating on him. Convinced that the only way to quell his suspicions was to test her loyalty, he sets her up. If she passes, he could put his fears to bed. Except it doesn't turn out the way he had hoped. As he struggles to come to terms with a buried trauma from his past, he falls further and further down the rabbit hole. Not only does he alienate his wife but he puts her in harm's way. There's a serial killer on the loose. Either he solves the mystery of his past or he risks losing his wife to the dangerous clutches of a madman. Not only is this a novel about a troubled man whose obstinate obsessions spiral fatally out of control in spectacular, edge-of-your-seat suspense but Fatal Eclipse is also a fictional account of how deep-seated and forgotten childhood traumas can shape a life - for good, for bad, forever.
222 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2015
10 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Dermot Davis
16 books50 followersDermot is an Irish writer who splits his time between Ireland and the US. His creative work encompasses varied genres and styles with a special focus on human themes and characters transformed by life experience. He is a Gold Medalist Winner in the 2015 READER'S FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD, a SOMERSET AWARDS FIRST PLACE WINNER 2013, a First Place Winner in the 2013 USA BEST BOOK AWARDS and a Finalist in the 2013 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS. As a playwright, Dermot is a recipient of the O.Z. Whitehead Award which was co-sponsored by Irish Pen and the Society of Irish Playwrights
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 27, 2017
**** 4 STARS ****
Review to come...
Review to come...
November 12, 2015
I'm so glad this book didn't have the ending it could have had! A strange way to start a review perhaps but you will have to read the book to understand my comment. I've recently got into the habit of putting books on my kindle and then when i come to read them I have forgotten the synopsis, genre, pretty much everything except I obviously made a decision I wanted to read the book.
I started this book and thought it was probably going to be a romance although it started with the wedding, which was surprising. Then as the suspense built, it became a much more complex read. There were twists appearing, especially a very large one concerning Peter and I found it more and more difficult to see where the book was heading. This is a good thing because I enjoyed the surprises and always wanted to read more.
In the end what we have is a well written psychological thriller with interesting and believable characters, essential to this genre. In order to enjoy a book I have to like at least one of the characters and I certainly liked Maria.
And so we come back to the ending, which as you already know, I enjoyed.
I started this book and thought it was probably going to be a romance although it started with the wedding, which was surprising. Then as the suspense built, it became a much more complex read. There were twists appearing, especially a very large one concerning Peter and I found it more and more difficult to see where the book was heading. This is a good thing because I enjoyed the surprises and always wanted to read more.
In the end what we have is a well written psychological thriller with interesting and believable characters, essential to this genre. In order to enjoy a book I have to like at least one of the characters and I certainly liked Maria.
And so we come back to the ending, which as you already know, I enjoyed.
November 23, 2015
Firstly, allow me to thank Dermot Davis for the absence of vulgarity in this book. I just can't stand books that use vulgarity in every sentence or paragraph or page!
Let's get on with the review... Who would have thought that a newly wed couple would face problems immediately after tying the knot! I suppose that was the beauty of this story. Jonathan's paranoia develops even before uttering the words "I do". And his paranoia only worsens after that. Despite being madly in love with his wife, Maria, Jonathan simply couldn't bring himself to consummate the marriage, nor stop being suspicious of his loving wife.
Maria, young and tormented in her own ways, fought hard to be the kind of wife who was willing to stand by her husband against all odds. The agony she had to go through realizing that Jonathan couldn't trust her, nor be with her the way a husband should, made me feel for her.
Davis definitely developed his characters well. Not only that, you would go into the book expecting to read about the marital problems being faced by Jonathan and Maria, and not expect secondary characters to have stories of their own. Dr Evans had her own demons while trying to help other people. The counseling sessions seemed real enough to me.
The character that totally fascinated me was Peter. I did not expect Davis to create a character like that in the midst of Jonathan and Maria's problem. Yet he did. And I cannot commend him enough for that. I really liked Peter's character. 30% into the book, and his revelation was the reason I kept flipping the pages.
Davis has written a story that will leave you questioning Jonathan's sanity, and the dark places in his mind. Yes, the plot is easy to follow and guess. If you enjoy reading psychology thrillers, with a hint of romance, then this book is for you.
Let's get on with the review... Who would have thought that a newly wed couple would face problems immediately after tying the knot! I suppose that was the beauty of this story. Jonathan's paranoia develops even before uttering the words "I do". And his paranoia only worsens after that. Despite being madly in love with his wife, Maria, Jonathan simply couldn't bring himself to consummate the marriage, nor stop being suspicious of his loving wife.
Maria, young and tormented in her own ways, fought hard to be the kind of wife who was willing to stand by her husband against all odds. The agony she had to go through realizing that Jonathan couldn't trust her, nor be with her the way a husband should, made me feel for her.
Davis definitely developed his characters well. Not only that, you would go into the book expecting to read about the marital problems being faced by Jonathan and Maria, and not expect secondary characters to have stories of their own. Dr Evans had her own demons while trying to help other people. The counseling sessions seemed real enough to me.
The character that totally fascinated me was Peter. I did not expect Davis to create a character like that in the midst of Jonathan and Maria's problem. Yet he did. And I cannot commend him enough for that. I really liked Peter's character. 30% into the book, and his revelation was the reason I kept flipping the pages.
Davis has written a story that will leave you questioning Jonathan's sanity, and the dark places in his mind. Yes, the plot is easy to follow and guess. If you enjoy reading psychology thrillers, with a hint of romance, then this book is for you.
December 17, 2016
Reviewed by: Annie Arcane
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
A free copy was provided by the author.
Initial thoughts:
My brain feels like mush. My emotions are frayed. I’m a little disturbed. And I loved this book.
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a romance. It’s a psychological thriller with a smidgen of romance. Did I mention I loved this book?
What I loved:
The writing style: Smooth. Seamless. So freakin’ easy to read.
The storyline: Gripping. Compelling. Thought-provoking. Full of twists and turns. Right till the very end. And OMG, what an ending!!
The characters: Complex. Well-developed. Real. Relatable. Scarily relatable.
I don’t know how the heck it happened, but I was immediately invested in ALL the characters. I didn’t even like Jonathan (which is totally fine because I love to hate mains) but I believed his struggles wholeheartedly and empathized with him anyway. Plus, his thought processes, as crazy as they were, made perfect sense to me…
Maria was incredibly likeable (which I rarely say about heroines haha!) and I legitimately feared for her safety. Even Dr Evans felt real to me. As for Peter? He was my absolute favorite. Hands down. Being in his head? That was the sweet spot right there. Yeah.
What left me wanting:
Okay, I am NOT saying that the plot itself was predictable. Because it wasn’t. However, it didn’t take long to figure out that Jonathan would continually fall back into the same old pattern. His ups and downs became a bit redundant after a while. Just a tiny bit, though!
And one last thing…
I need, need, NEED to know just a little more about Peter. Delve just a little deeper into his psyche. Hey, Davis. A spin-off (is sidequel the right word?) would be much appreciated. Please? I don’t even need romantic elements. Thanks.
Did I mention I loved this book? Because I loved this book.
Final thoughts:
I would highly recommend to ALL psychological thriller fans. As for romance enthusiasts like myself? Make an exception. Trust me.
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
A free copy was provided by the author.
Initial thoughts:
My brain feels like mush. My emotions are frayed. I’m a little disturbed. And I loved this book.
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a romance. It’s a psychological thriller with a smidgen of romance. Did I mention I loved this book?
What I loved:
The writing style: Smooth. Seamless. So freakin’ easy to read.
The storyline: Gripping. Compelling. Thought-provoking. Full of twists and turns. Right till the very end. And OMG, what an ending!!
The characters: Complex. Well-developed. Real. Relatable. Scarily relatable.
I don’t know how the heck it happened, but I was immediately invested in ALL the characters. I didn’t even like Jonathan (which is totally fine because I love to hate mains) but I believed his struggles wholeheartedly and empathized with him anyway. Plus, his thought processes, as crazy as they were, made perfect sense to me…
Maria was incredibly likeable (which I rarely say about heroines haha!) and I legitimately feared for her safety. Even Dr Evans felt real to me. As for Peter? He was my absolute favorite. Hands down. Being in his head? That was the sweet spot right there. Yeah.
What left me wanting:
Okay, I am NOT saying that the plot itself was predictable. Because it wasn’t. However, it didn’t take long to figure out that Jonathan would continually fall back into the same old pattern. His ups and downs became a bit redundant after a while. Just a tiny bit, though!
And one last thing…
I need, need, NEED to know just a little more about Peter. Delve just a little deeper into his psyche. Hey, Davis. A spin-off (is sidequel the right word?) would be much appreciated. Please? I don’t even need romantic elements. Thanks.
Did I mention I loved this book? Because I loved this book.
Final thoughts:
I would highly recommend to ALL psychological thriller fans. As for romance enthusiasts like myself? Make an exception. Trust me.
November 6, 2015
This story begins on Maria and Jonathan's wedding Day. On what should be the happiest day of his life, Jonathan is plagued by self doubt and panicking about the future.
Raised by his Grandfather, he has vague memories of a traumatic incident from childhood but is unable to recall the event clearly. Will he be able to rid himself of his anxieties by facing up to his past? Jonathan seeks help from a therapist.
Maria has her own problems. She met Jonathan when she was at a very low point in her life and regards him as her rescuer; someone to protect her and keep her safe. Maria is a very likeable character, a kind, sensitive person who tries to see the good in people and remains positive, even in her darkest moments.
Dr. Evans; not a stereotypical therapist, has her own demons to deal with. This makes her totally believable. There are times when Johnathan irritates her and she doubts her own effectiveness.
Jonathan, Maria and Dr.Evans are flawed characters, all having been damaged by past events. Their lives appear to contrast with Jonathan's friend, Peter, who seems to be living a carefree life as a young single man. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Peter is not all that he seems to be. The lesson here is that a person can show several faces to the world. I was very impressed by the way in which the author reveals Peter's true self .
This is a thought provoking and gripping read; a book that will stay in your head and raise many questions about the complexity of relationships. Although a dark story, the ending holds out much hope for a bright future.
Raised by his Grandfather, he has vague memories of a traumatic incident from childhood but is unable to recall the event clearly. Will he be able to rid himself of his anxieties by facing up to his past? Jonathan seeks help from a therapist.
Maria has her own problems. She met Jonathan when she was at a very low point in her life and regards him as her rescuer; someone to protect her and keep her safe. Maria is a very likeable character, a kind, sensitive person who tries to see the good in people and remains positive, even in her darkest moments.
Dr. Evans; not a stereotypical therapist, has her own demons to deal with. This makes her totally believable. There are times when Johnathan irritates her and she doubts her own effectiveness.
Jonathan, Maria and Dr.Evans are flawed characters, all having been damaged by past events. Their lives appear to contrast with Jonathan's friend, Peter, who seems to be living a carefree life as a young single man. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Peter is not all that he seems to be. The lesson here is that a person can show several faces to the world. I was very impressed by the way in which the author reveals Peter's true self .
This is a thought provoking and gripping read; a book that will stay in your head and raise many questions about the complexity of relationships. Although a dark story, the ending holds out much hope for a bright future.
November 5, 2015
A fascinating story that begins unassuming with a wedding scene. When Jonathan hesitates to say his 'I do' this starts an examination of his personal issues - by his wife and by a therapist. What follows is a well plotted story that gathers pace nicely and touches on more serious topics, such as mental health issues, thus taking psychological thriller to more than one meaning.
This is excellently written with a perfect blend of dialogue and narrative to give us insight into the well drawn characters.
There is a therapist in therapy that works very well in the context of the novel; love and commitment issues meet childhood traumas and hidden fears and agendas.
I've read otehr books by Davis before and he is an excellent observer of human beings, their thoughts and mechanisms. Especially when it comes to relationships his words ring true so often, you want to take a pen and make a note for future reference or quotation.
We all have our issues and can experience an eclipse. Davis weaves all of this into an unassuming but ultimately explosive thriller that is extremely rewarding. A highlight of my recent reading list for sure. Nothing short of brilliant. A writer to watch.
This is excellently written with a perfect blend of dialogue and narrative to give us insight into the well drawn characters.
There is a therapist in therapy that works very well in the context of the novel; love and commitment issues meet childhood traumas and hidden fears and agendas.
I've read otehr books by Davis before and he is an excellent observer of human beings, their thoughts and mechanisms. Especially when it comes to relationships his words ring true so often, you want to take a pen and make a note for future reference or quotation.
We all have our issues and can experience an eclipse. Davis weaves all of this into an unassuming but ultimately explosive thriller that is extremely rewarding. A highlight of my recent reading list for sure. Nothing short of brilliant. A writer to watch.
April 5, 2016
My first impression about the book is that you need to be in the zone so you can follow the story well. By in the zone I mean have no distraction so you can totally focus. Starting with wedding scene, I thought the story is gonna be flashback. The mental health issues are always something that I am keen to read, so is Fatal Eclipse. I like both of the character, but I like more Peter's character. I like to know more what's inside his thought. The plot is kinda complicated for me, probably because I got distraction while reading it, so I had to re-read in some pages. The conversations are quite genuine. I mean I can reflect some of those chats happening in real life. The author has done a good job in delivering the message. He is able to bring the reader deep inside the main character’s thoughts and feelings with every passing sentence driving the message home. The author did the trick by cutting out the obvious, the climax reached in such an unforeseen way that in the end everything made sense. Overall, reading Fatal Eclipse was like a drug and I kept craving more.
March 8, 2016
I definitely wasn't prepared for the twisted places that this book took me. Somehow, I expected it to be softer...That being said, the story still grabbed hold of me and kept me reading. I don't normally read thrillers because I'm a big chicken, but this book held my interest. The seemingly perfect marriage that hits a downward spiral after the ceremony was seriously disturbing. Jonathon is quickly consumed with jealousy and insecurity about his marriage to Maria, so much so that at many times I sat on the edge of my seat expecting him to do something completely insane.
The story is well-written and the psychological issues that ALL the characters seem to struggle with are genuine, intense, and in some cases unnerving. Dr. Evans and Peter added extra depth to this story as secondary characters--their own lives were every bit as messed up as Jonathon's.
What I loved most about this book was the ending--It was wonderfully unexpected!
The story is well-written and the psychological issues that ALL the characters seem to struggle with are genuine, intense, and in some cases unnerving. Dr. Evans and Peter added extra depth to this story as secondary characters--their own lives were every bit as messed up as Jonathon's.
What I loved most about this book was the ending--It was wonderfully unexpected!
April 2, 2016
An engaging, quick paced read with plenty to keep you guessing. Jonathan's descent is very well written and gripping, his relationships and struggles intriguing. I found the characters complex and well drawn. I would be interested in reading more by this author. Well worth picking up!
June 8, 2015
I received a copy of Fatal Eclipse from the author for an honest review
From the moment the wedding vows are finished , the journey into the emotionally unbalanced life of Jonathan surfaces. He has married Maria, a woman he fell in love with when she was going through a tough time in her life. As Jonathan starts to unravel , it will take everything they have to keep their marriage together.
Mr. Davis has written a story so emotionally charged and thought provoking that I stayed up late into the night to finish the book. Jonathan seeks out the help of a therapist because he is having nightmares and seems to be distancing himself from his wife. The therapist, Dr. Evans seems like your typical therapist . You go in to her office, she asks questions and writes notes as Jonathan begins to talk. At one point she tells Jonathan, "Consider your fears as protectors of the truth. Through the fear lies the truth that has been hidden." Jonathan realizes that one of his fears is that he has to know that his wife is loyal. He asks himself "How do you know if you can truly trust someone if their loyalty has never been tested?" He then remembers his grandfather telling him that women can't be trusted.
This story has raw emotions that surface to the top in explosive ways. Mr. Davis has not only given us a character that seems to be on the edge of losing control, but shows what someone is willing to do to find a loyal , trusting person to spend his life with. Jonathan doesn't like the feeling of rejection and perhaps that is something that has been buried deep inside him since he was a little boy.
This book will take the reader to the depths of a person's despair and see how something buried deep inside can take over your life.
Is going to the therapist helping Jonathan? Can Maria help her husband find his way back or will she have to watch him losing his grip on reality?
Mr. Davis has written a story that will have you questioning your own emotions long after the last word is read. I loved the way he took us to a dark place in Jonathan's mind and showed a man who wanted to be free of the disturbing thoughts that have haunted him throughout his life.
Thank you Mr. Davis for writing a book that grabs you from the start, takes you on an emotional journey and wishing the story wouldn't end.
January 27, 2016
Fatal Eclipse, by Dermot Davis, opens at the wedding ceremony between Jonathan Dabko and his bride Maria, but even at the service there are indications that all may not be well beneath the surface of this seemingly happy union. From here we move into the heart of the story as Jonathan begins to question his relationship with Maria, which isn’t helped by an early encounter with one of her ex-boyfriends, Philip, whilst on their honeymoon. The impact on Jonathan is profound, leading him, on Maria’s recommendation, to seek the help of a shrink, Dr Evans, (who has problems of her own), where the malign influence of Jonathan’s grandfather upon his life becomes clear. There is also the not inconsiderable matter of Jonathan’s friend Peter who, although on the surface appears to be normal, turns out to have really big problems!
Although this sounds complex the story flows extremely well, building tension through small revelations and insights that reflect Jonathan’s paranoia as he increasingly becomes the architect of his own problems and it is his journey that forms the spine of the book. The ending, as you might imagine, skilfully manages to bring all these disparate strands together in one final climatic denouement
Davis is clearly a good writer who builds his characters with psychological depth. The relationships between the protagonists are finely drawn and there is a real sense of a relationship crumbling, as we are drawn deeper into the narrative. My only minor quibbles are that greater use of an active voice and a little trimming of sentences here and there would give the text a little more vibrancy, which for me makes the book a solid 4.7 rounded up to a 5 for the rating system.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Although this sounds complex the story flows extremely well, building tension through small revelations and insights that reflect Jonathan’s paranoia as he increasingly becomes the architect of his own problems and it is his journey that forms the spine of the book. The ending, as you might imagine, skilfully manages to bring all these disparate strands together in one final climatic denouement
Davis is clearly a good writer who builds his characters with psychological depth. The relationships between the protagonists are finely drawn and there is a real sense of a relationship crumbling, as we are drawn deeper into the narrative. My only minor quibbles are that greater use of an active voice and a little trimming of sentences here and there would give the text a little more vibrancy, which for me makes the book a solid 4.7 rounded up to a 5 for the rating system.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2016
Not A Rock and A Hard Place...Maria’s Spot Was Worse
The telling sentence in the author’s synopsis for me is, “Jonathan has to solve the mystery of his own mind or risk losing his wife to the dangerous clutches of a madman.” Yes, Jonathan’s wife, Maria, finds herself not between a rock and a hard place, but caught between two madmen.
Fatal Eclipse is the story of Jonathon’s fight to control his bouts with extreme jealousy, anger, and paranoia, apparently starting on the day of his marriage to Maria. But what is it about marriage that triggers his maladaptive response? Jonathon spends the rest of the book trying to answer that question. Unfortunately, in seeking that answer, he unwittingly makes Maria vulnerable to an even greater threat. With the people and personalities at play by the end of the book, a number of outcomes are possible...few of them good. And the author keeps you guessing which one it will be, right to the end.
In general, I liked the author’s style, although occasionally, he was prone to some rather dense prose. The author also switched between storylines, paragraph to paragraph within a chapter, particularly toward the end of the book. I did not mind the technique, but something to indicate a switch, like a blank line, might have helped. A larger concern was the pace of the story. Jonathon was prone to declaring he was fully cured after gaining a minor insight, only to be plunged back into fits of rage and jealousy two pages later. The cycle repeats often enough that it becomes somewhat predictable.
Overall, however, the author weaves a taut psychological thriller, placing Maria in a spot much more precarious than just between a rock and a hard place.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The telling sentence in the author’s synopsis for me is, “Jonathan has to solve the mystery of his own mind or risk losing his wife to the dangerous clutches of a madman.” Yes, Jonathan’s wife, Maria, finds herself not between a rock and a hard place, but caught between two madmen.
Fatal Eclipse is the story of Jonathon’s fight to control his bouts with extreme jealousy, anger, and paranoia, apparently starting on the day of his marriage to Maria. But what is it about marriage that triggers his maladaptive response? Jonathon spends the rest of the book trying to answer that question. Unfortunately, in seeking that answer, he unwittingly makes Maria vulnerable to an even greater threat. With the people and personalities at play by the end of the book, a number of outcomes are possible...few of them good. And the author keeps you guessing which one it will be, right to the end.
In general, I liked the author’s style, although occasionally, he was prone to some rather dense prose. The author also switched between storylines, paragraph to paragraph within a chapter, particularly toward the end of the book. I did not mind the technique, but something to indicate a switch, like a blank line, might have helped. A larger concern was the pace of the story. Jonathon was prone to declaring he was fully cured after gaining a minor insight, only to be plunged back into fits of rage and jealousy two pages later. The cycle repeats often enough that it becomes somewhat predictable.
Overall, however, the author weaves a taut psychological thriller, placing Maria in a spot much more precarious than just between a rock and a hard place.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2015
From page one we are drawn into the strange psychologically disturbed world of Jonathan, a man deeply in love with his wife. Despite this it appeared for a hanging period of time that he was even going to fail to say his marriage vows. Maria adores Jonathan. She has to as he is seems to be avoiding close moments. She has had her problems as well, being helped by the therapist who subsequently struggles to help Jonathan. Would you know it, the Doctor has her own bag of problems. A lot of ghost need exorcism and one character is possibly beyond all help in this present life.
This is a really well written psychological thriller with deeply drawn and convincing main characters. I read the book in a day, which for me a slow pedantic reader, is most unusual. This alone well demonstrates the books quality, shortish though it is. The overriding message in the book for me, not that Davis really tries to build one, is that the flaws we see demonstrated by those around us are often not the ones that should be of greatest concern. Real lunacy often has a disarming smile, whilst 'the lunatic on the grass', ie not obeying societies rules, is so often harmless, to others if not to the self.
Davis is a quality writer and this is a very compelling and literary read. I have no idea as to whether an academic psychologist would be convinced by all the mix, but I certainly was. I will be reading other works by this author…. Yes, I really must find the time.
This is a really well written psychological thriller with deeply drawn and convincing main characters. I read the book in a day, which for me a slow pedantic reader, is most unusual. This alone well demonstrates the books quality, shortish though it is. The overriding message in the book for me, not that Davis really tries to build one, is that the flaws we see demonstrated by those around us are often not the ones that should be of greatest concern. Real lunacy often has a disarming smile, whilst 'the lunatic on the grass', ie not obeying societies rules, is so often harmless, to others if not to the self.
Davis is a quality writer and this is a very compelling and literary read. I have no idea as to whether an academic psychologist would be convinced by all the mix, but I certainly was. I will be reading other works by this author…. Yes, I really must find the time.
December 16, 2015
Maria and Johnathon are flawed individuals, both hoping for their new marriage to provide a springboard into a better life, however their wedding day triggers Johnathon’s repressed memories and push him into an emotional cesspool of uncontrolled negativity and self-doubt. A course of therapeutic counseling motivates Johnathon to take a two week holiday from his marriage and Maria turns to Johnathon’s friend Peter for emotional support. Johnathon’s unexpected return produces a series of confrontations (not the sort you’re thinking about!) which moves each of them out of their ordered universe and into a far less comfortable reality. The style of writing is smooth and extremely readable, and that attribute, IMHO, is a key component of a good book.
If I was to pick nits, I would wish that the book was thicker; that the author had delved deeper into the events that shaped Peter, and that we knew additional details of the development of the trauma that had so deeply affected Maria and Johnathon ie. more flashbacks of how it had affected their lives before they met. Perhaps that’s the best compliment that you can give an author – to say that you wanted to read more of what they had written. The down side is that, for me, the story feels slightly incomplete without those extra details, but that issue may simply be my ‘square peg’ reaction to the author’s ‘round hole’ style of writing.
Worth a read.
If I was to pick nits, I would wish that the book was thicker; that the author had delved deeper into the events that shaped Peter, and that we knew additional details of the development of the trauma that had so deeply affected Maria and Johnathon ie. more flashbacks of how it had affected their lives before they met. Perhaps that’s the best compliment that you can give an author – to say that you wanted to read more of what they had written. The down side is that, for me, the story feels slightly incomplete without those extra details, but that issue may simply be my ‘square peg’ reaction to the author’s ‘round hole’ style of writing.
Worth a read.
November 7, 2015
Naively, I actually thought this was going to be a romance novel. I've developed a habit of not reading the blurb on the back before I start a book, and boy was I surprised when a story that began with a celebration of marriage turned into quite the psychological thriller!
Dealing with his own personal demons from childhood trauma, Jonathan channels all of his obsessions and compulsions toward his new wife. He becomes obsessed by the issue of her fidelity, even going so far as to "set up" situations that put her in danger. His mental health spirals out of control, threatening to destroy not only his life, but the lives of everyone connected to him.
This story is raw, emotive, and compelling. There were times when I just had to stop reading and contemplate the author's message and how I would handle certain situations that were brought up in the book. Although I found Jonathan's character to be inherently unlikeable, there was also something so relatable about him. His character, although bizarre, seemed so genuine, not contrived. I felt afraid for him, and watching his life unravel was gut-wrenching, to say the least.
I really loved the way the author wove the story together and some of the concepts were downright disturbing (which I like).
Brilliant story! I'm interested in reading more by this author now.
Dealing with his own personal demons from childhood trauma, Jonathan channels all of his obsessions and compulsions toward his new wife. He becomes obsessed by the issue of her fidelity, even going so far as to "set up" situations that put her in danger. His mental health spirals out of control, threatening to destroy not only his life, but the lives of everyone connected to him.
This story is raw, emotive, and compelling. There were times when I just had to stop reading and contemplate the author's message and how I would handle certain situations that were brought up in the book. Although I found Jonathan's character to be inherently unlikeable, there was also something so relatable about him. His character, although bizarre, seemed so genuine, not contrived. I felt afraid for him, and watching his life unravel was gut-wrenching, to say the least.
I really loved the way the author wove the story together and some of the concepts were downright disturbing (which I like).
Brilliant story! I'm interested in reading more by this author now.
March 4, 2016
Fatal Eclipse: A Psychological Thriller is by Dermot Davis. It is definitely different from most books I read and psychologically frightening. You begin wondering what will happen to the characters and hoping all will turn out right- whatever that is.
Maria was ecstatic. She was marrying her best friend, Jonathan. When she first met him, she felt at home and safe. After being on her own since her parents’ died, she needed a home. She was excited to find he loved and needed her as much as she needed and loved him. She was excited about marrying him and said her vows out clearly. However, when Jonathan was to say his, he blanked out. He just stood there looking at her with nothing in his eyes. She kept waiting for some sign that he was even there. Luckily, he came back and said his vows as if nothing had happened. Finally they were married; but he could not consummate the marriage.
Jonathan decided to see a psychologist for his inability to consummate his marriage. After seeing her, Jonathan begins behaving in various ways. He had a short temper, he became more possessive of Maria, he began to doubt his best friend, and he set off for Hawaii to “find himself”.
What is going on? How will things turn out between Jonathan and Maria? What will happen at his job place? It is a good book; but it scared me.
Maria was ecstatic. She was marrying her best friend, Jonathan. When she first met him, she felt at home and safe. After being on her own since her parents’ died, she needed a home. She was excited to find he loved and needed her as much as she needed and loved him. She was excited about marrying him and said her vows out clearly. However, when Jonathan was to say his, he blanked out. He just stood there looking at her with nothing in his eyes. She kept waiting for some sign that he was even there. Luckily, he came back and said his vows as if nothing had happened. Finally they were married; but he could not consummate the marriage.
Jonathan decided to see a psychologist for his inability to consummate his marriage. After seeing her, Jonathan begins behaving in various ways. He had a short temper, he became more possessive of Maria, he began to doubt his best friend, and he set off for Hawaii to “find himself”.
What is going on? How will things turn out between Jonathan and Maria? What will happen at his job place? It is a good book; but it scared me.
October 30, 2015
From the first pages of ‘Fatal Eclipse’, there is an unsettling and disturbing sense that Jonathan and Maria’s marriage is headed for trouble. Although Jonathan claims to be attracted to Maria, he experiences reluctance that escalates to a silent panic in which his bride-to-be repulses him.
This is an easy to read, engrossing novel with powerful psychological undertones. As the story progresses we learn Jonathan has issues that impact quickly and devastatingly on the couple’s lives, limiting their possibility of happiness. He becomes overwhelmed by feelings of doubt, possessiveness and jealousy.
After visiting a therapist, Dr Barbara Evans we learn Jonathan has issues stemming from the death of his parents in a car accident and being brought up by his grandfather. The story becomes more deliciously twisted and convoluted when we learn Dr Evans is receiving therapy for her own traumatic issues. Jonathan’s friend, Peter’s life proves to be even more complex.
This is a well written psychological thriller with surprising twists and turns that readers will find difficult to put down. The ending is action-packed and delivers a terrific final punch.
This is an easy to read, engrossing novel with powerful psychological undertones. As the story progresses we learn Jonathan has issues that impact quickly and devastatingly on the couple’s lives, limiting their possibility of happiness. He becomes overwhelmed by feelings of doubt, possessiveness and jealousy.
After visiting a therapist, Dr Barbara Evans we learn Jonathan has issues stemming from the death of his parents in a car accident and being brought up by his grandfather. The story becomes more deliciously twisted and convoluted when we learn Dr Evans is receiving therapy for her own traumatic issues. Jonathan’s friend, Peter’s life proves to be even more complex.
This is a well written psychological thriller with surprising twists and turns that readers will find difficult to put down. The ending is action-packed and delivers a terrific final punch.
November 1, 2015
A clever, thought-provoking, well-written book blending several genres - a psychological thriller, a study of mental health and the connection to childhood traumas, the difference between the private and the public self, natural law and a romance.
The story starts at a steady pace with a newly wed struggling with the enormity of the commitment he has made and his dependence on his new wife which awakens fragmented memories of conversations with his grand father. As Jonathan struggles with his feelings of extreme jealousy and anger, details of the life of his seemingly perfect best man are revealed.
Davis skill-fully builds and releases tension throughout the book. A true psychological thriller concentrating on the workings of the mind while making clear observations on modern living.
"Damaged people, living our lives like sleep walkers in a dream."
An intriguing read I highly recommend.
The story starts at a steady pace with a newly wed struggling with the enormity of the commitment he has made and his dependence on his new wife which awakens fragmented memories of conversations with his grand father. As Jonathan struggles with his feelings of extreme jealousy and anger, details of the life of his seemingly perfect best man are revealed.
Davis skill-fully builds and releases tension throughout the book. A true psychological thriller concentrating on the workings of the mind while making clear observations on modern living.
"Damaged people, living our lives like sleep walkers in a dream."
An intriguing read I highly recommend.
February 5, 2016
Jonathon and Maria stand at the altar, hesitating to say the wedding vows that will bind them.
Right at the beginning of this book there were undertones of deep psychological problems in Jonathon's character, and further down the line it's pretty clear that most of the characters have their own demons to deal with.
This story was fresh and so well developed that the characters very quickly became, "real." Possibly a bit of a cliché there but I love it when I can fully immerse myself in a story, and that does not happen when there are flaws with the authenticity of the cast.
I enjoyed the interactions, the tense moments between protagonist, and secondary characters, such as Peter, who was a strong force in the book.
The plots were well written, and the overall execution was of a high quality. I'm confident that this deserves 5 stars because It was a book that kept me reading happily from beginning to end. I can't ask for more than that.
Right at the beginning of this book there were undertones of deep psychological problems in Jonathon's character, and further down the line it's pretty clear that most of the characters have their own demons to deal with.
This story was fresh and so well developed that the characters very quickly became, "real." Possibly a bit of a cliché there but I love it when I can fully immerse myself in a story, and that does not happen when there are flaws with the authenticity of the cast.
I enjoyed the interactions, the tense moments between protagonist, and secondary characters, such as Peter, who was a strong force in the book.
The plots were well written, and the overall execution was of a high quality. I'm confident that this deserves 5 stars because It was a book that kept me reading happily from beginning to end. I can't ask for more than that.
March 19, 2016
This novel has a stunning opening at the wedding of Maria and Jonathan when, just for a moment, it seems Jonathan is going to refuse to say his vows, and do a runner. Jonathan is increasingly terrified by what he has done in getting hitched. Despite their love for each other, he finds himself unable to express that love physically. Something is going seriously wrong... He can't sleep, has bad dreams when he manages to, and can't perform in bed... He goes to see a psychiatrist, Dr Evans, who is herself traumatized and seeing a therapist... Then there's Peter, Jonathan's friend, and Maria's own mentally unstable past... A great tale built upon mental instability, sexual perversion and dilemmas, and a host of interlocking characters with neuroses. An incisive portrayal of sexual and psychological tension, laced with the ingredients of a great thriller, such as murder, twists of plot, unexpected developments, a serial killer and a rousing, nail-biting finale. Check it out.
December 19, 2015
Magnificent characterisations throughout give this book a sharp edge. The story starts with a wedding ceremony between Jonathon and Maria and for the discerning, it is easy to see not only all is not well, but there are undercurrents. They have no family at the ceremony, which is a choice for some people, but for them, it seems they are either not close to family, or have lost them. Jonathon spaces out just as he is required to make his definitive answer so there is a clue something is not right with him. A failed honeymoon confirms this. What is the serpent in the garden spoiling things for two people clearly in love? What will it take to bring them back together?
This was a wonderful journey of discovery and courage to confront demons of the past, or sometimes not. A stunning ending that was so right and had me sitting on the edge of my seat while I read. Loved it.
This was a wonderful journey of discovery and courage to confront demons of the past, or sometimes not. A stunning ending that was so right and had me sitting on the edge of my seat while I read. Loved it.
December 8, 2015
What a great read! I was immediately intrigued by the cover and once I read the blurb, I knew I wanted to read this story. I loved how the story started with the wedding, and slowly, the author built the plot. There were some hints throughout the story of what was to come. What I loved the most was the psychological part. The author did a great job allowing the readers to get inside the main character's head and his turmoil.
I was immediately attached to the main characters, and was hoping they'd make it. There were some surprises I wasn't expecting, so again, the author did a fine job throwing in the twists and turns.
This was definitely an entertaining read. I would recommend it to anybody who likes to lose themselves in a good story.
I was immediately attached to the main characters, and was hoping they'd make it. There were some surprises I wasn't expecting, so again, the author did a fine job throwing in the twists and turns.
This was definitely an entertaining read. I would recommend it to anybody who likes to lose themselves in a good story.
December 10, 2015
Fatal Eclipse is a different kind of psychological thriller. Focused on a couple who have just married, it follows their first few months together as Jonathan, the husband, struggles with feelings of jealousy. There's also the sub-plot of their friend Peter and what he gets up to in his single life. The stories intertwine with Jonathan struggling more and more with episodes of anger and rage locked within his psyche as he leans that uncovering the past could be the key to a happier life now. As stated it's not the usual kind of psychological thriller, but it does engage you as the reader into following the story and trying to work out where it goes. A good book, a good read.
December 11, 2015
Masterful work.
Jonathan starts out shakily as a bridegroom even though his wife loves him. She appears to be his wife, more that an identity of her own who happens to be married to him, and the reader starts the story with this philological hook, wondering what is within and behind Jonathan to create such paranoid character.
The story progresses with both an external crime and mystery story and the internal ones concerning the inner turmoil in the minds of the characters.
Only a skilled author could write such edge-of-the-seat suspense and Dermot Davis has done a masterful job of Fatal Eclipse. Delighted to give this one a five star.
Jonathan starts out shakily as a bridegroom even though his wife loves him. She appears to be his wife, more that an identity of her own who happens to be married to him, and the reader starts the story with this philological hook, wondering what is within and behind Jonathan to create such paranoid character.
The story progresses with both an external crime and mystery story and the internal ones concerning the inner turmoil in the minds of the characters.
Only a skilled author could write such edge-of-the-seat suspense and Dermot Davis has done a masterful job of Fatal Eclipse. Delighted to give this one a five star.
April 2, 2016
Jealously is a green-eyed monster and Dermont Davis has captured the monster in his newest book. Jonathan and Maria are newly weds, but instead of being happily ever after, Jonathan seems to be having second thoughts, particularly in his ability to trust his new bride.The story is a good one, the plot is well constructed and the characters are real and believable. The author's ability to weave the story with intricate details make this book an excellent psychothriller with several plot turns and twists. Recommend highly, a great read.
November 17, 2015
Oh, it is hard to review this one without spoiling it. But it is a thriller. It begins with a wedding and goes downhill from there. The things he keeps locked away are likely to destroy everything he really wants. This is a long hard look into some very dark places. It is a little slow at first, but once the stage is set, the action moves on. I would recommend this to anyone. Good solid read.
April 1, 2016
Although Fatal Eclipse isn't without a few hiccups, I found it hard to put down. I found myself cheering for supporting character, Maria. For me, she brought a sense of balance to this 2-psycho novel. I'm not going to give away the plot, but if you love psychological thrillers, this one is definitely worth a look...maybe two.
June 19, 2015
Great book, not quite a romance but has a little. I would recommend to anyone. Well written and keeps the reader engaged.
May 24, 2016
Fatal Eclipse starts with the two main characters, Jonathan and Maria, getting married and Jonathan freezing up when it comes time to say “I do.” It’s the first hint that their love is going to hit some rocky spots. Jonathan finds himself changing as soon as he’s married—nightmares, an inability to make love to his new bride, and paranoia about Maria’s loyalty. Maria has had some psychological problems of her own in the past and has even attempted suicide. She’s amazingly stable now after spending time in therapy. She convinces Jonathan to see her therapist and he does so reluctantly.
Both Jonathan and Maria are loners except for their relationship with each other and Jonathan’s friendship with his best man, Peter. Plagued with insecurity about Maria’s loyalty, Jonathan asks Peter to make a move on Maria to see how she’ll react. The reader soon learns that not only is that a crappy move for a husband to make, it’s also a dangerous one.
I enjoyed Fatal Eclipse’s story, although I think it could do with less self-examination on both Jonathan’s and Maria’s part and a little more action, but I still enjoyed it. However, my enjoyment was seriously marred by the errors in the book. The book needs a thorough proofing as there are often missing words and words that shouldn’t be there. Comma usage isn’t the greatest either, but I could have ignored that if the missing and extra word problem was gone. All it would take is a couple of close readings by the author to catch those things.
Also, there are chapters—especially in the second half of the book—where the viewpoint and setting change several times within the same chapter and with no spacing or symbols to mark the change. I was able to follow it, but it jars. Switching back and forth to increase tension is fine, but a scene/viewpoint change should be marked. Because of this and the proofing errors, I had to rate this book lower than I would have otherwise.
I was assigned to read this book and give an honest review as part of a Goodreads review round. I got it through Unlimited.
Both Jonathan and Maria are loners except for their relationship with each other and Jonathan’s friendship with his best man, Peter. Plagued with insecurity about Maria’s loyalty, Jonathan asks Peter to make a move on Maria to see how she’ll react. The reader soon learns that not only is that a crappy move for a husband to make, it’s also a dangerous one.
I enjoyed Fatal Eclipse’s story, although I think it could do with less self-examination on both Jonathan’s and Maria’s part and a little more action, but I still enjoyed it. However, my enjoyment was seriously marred by the errors in the book. The book needs a thorough proofing as there are often missing words and words that shouldn’t be there. Comma usage isn’t the greatest either, but I could have ignored that if the missing and extra word problem was gone. All it would take is a couple of close readings by the author to catch those things.
Also, there are chapters—especially in the second half of the book—where the viewpoint and setting change several times within the same chapter and with no spacing or symbols to mark the change. I was able to follow it, but it jars. Switching back and forth to increase tension is fine, but a scene/viewpoint change should be marked. Because of this and the proofing errors, I had to rate this book lower than I would have otherwise.
I was assigned to read this book and give an honest review as part of a Goodreads review round. I got it through Unlimited.
November 28, 2015
A psychological thriller, we start at the protagonist’ s wedding, where all seems fine, and the story then goes into problem land for the couple. Jonathan soon discovers he has some deep-rooted condition that makes him paranoid about his wife’s fidelity( and other things) and he goes to a psychiatrist who herself has problems, to try and straighten himself out. His good woman, of course, a helpful , friendly type, spends the book putting up with him, trying to sort him out and tearing her hair out.
The book is in a way, a roller coaster of dark side self-discovery, and Jonathan‘s story is intertwined with the ever more apparent dysfunction of his best friend who is to becomes fatally involved with the couple lter on in the book. And it all ends in a spectacularly grisly finale. ( I won’t spoil anyone’s reading by revealing.)
At times I wished the actions of the characters added up more in psychological terms , given the fact that it is a psychological thriller, but despite that - and despite the lugubrious/ gruesome nature of the tale - it was a pretty good read .
The book is in a way, a roller coaster of dark side self-discovery, and Jonathan‘s story is intertwined with the ever more apparent dysfunction of his best friend who is to becomes fatally involved with the couple lter on in the book. And it all ends in a spectacularly grisly finale. ( I won’t spoil anyone’s reading by revealing.)
At times I wished the actions of the characters added up more in psychological terms , given the fact that it is a psychological thriller, but despite that - and despite the lugubrious/ gruesome nature of the tale - it was a pretty good read .
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