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James has seen some big changes in his life of late. First, he was dealing with a debilitating illness, the consequence of which would leave him scarred for life. Then he split up from his girlfriend, who also happened to be his boss. To top things off, he fell for his doctor, a certain Jack Thesiger, a man destined to change the course of his life forever.

When a series of strange manuscripts fall into James’s possession, he finds himself drawn into an enchanting love story two hundred years in the making. It is the story of two young men who fall hopelessly in love, but as James sinks deeper into their tale, his growing obsession takes on a sinister dimension.

Someone is following him, a tall ominous stranger who seems to be connected to the manuscripts somehow. No matter where James goes, the stranger is never far behind, haunting his every waking moment until James starts to doubt his own sanity.

As illness once again ravages his body, Jack decides to take James away to Scotland so they can spend some quiet time together. It is there where the mystery really intensifies, and James finds himself plunged into a living nightmare where nothing is as it seems.

You know what they say when it comes to relationships. Love is what you make it.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2019

30 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Sean Kerr

30 books189 followers
I think that as I approach that milestone that is fifty, I must be one of the oldest gamers on the face of this earth. Many a day you will find me lashed to my PS4 enjoying a good session of Skyrim. Who doesn’t love a good session of Skyrim?
I love writing—I have done it since I was a child when I would happily write about the latest episode of Doctor Who (Tom Baker in those days) in my schoolbooks. Growing up and becoming a business owner with my friend Jayne left little time to pursue my dream of publication, but of late the desire and the compulsion to put words onto paper have once again dominated my life so that now, my laptop has become surgically fused to my fingertips.
There is something desperately satisfying about telling a story. My fascination with History, Religion and Conspiracy theories have, in this instance, gone hand-in-hand with my love of all things vampire, fantasy, sci-fi and horror. I drove my parents nuts when I was young because that was all I would read about in books, all I would watch on television, but they have held me in good stead, and long may my obsession with the subjects continue, at least, that is, until the day they put me in my own wooden box. And imagination is such a wonderful thing. I once had a rather vivid dream about David Tennant and the Tardis console, but I could not possibly go into details about that here. Let’s just say that my polarity was well and truly reversed.
Dead Camp is just the beginning. I have to check my knickers every day at the thought that this book is now in the public domain. My first book, and I hope the first of many. And to those out there who love to write, who love to transport us to new worlds, or old worlds with a twisted perspective, I say to you keep going. I never thought I would ever see my work available to download, and thanks to eXtasy Books, the dream that I always thought unobtainable has finally come true. So thank you all at eXtasy, I am one happy homosexual thanks to you, and thank you the reader for taking the time to read this strange tale and allowing Eli and the incomparable Malachi into your lives.
And now I really need Skyrim.

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5 stars
22 (59%)
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11 (29%)
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3 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,864 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2019
What a way with words, so poetic. I love this style of writing. And when the story shifted in time, the sentences were still stunningly beautiful.

Meet James: a writer and an editor; he has a disease and it’s breaking him. He lost a big part of one leg. Through his medical journey, he meets Jack.

Meet Jack: James partner and also his doctor, oh well first his doctor and later his partner.
He is an optimistic funny guy, I loved his humor and how he handled James, he could be humorous or straight honest, I adored his sarcastic side.

On James’s desk lies a part of a manuscript, delivered by an unknown. The manuscript is a story about two men from a whole other century. When he starts to read, the world seems to change around him, the atmosphere and tension got heavier, the creepy load palpable.
While reading, James recognizes parables and wants to know the truth.

James’s health is getting worse. When it’s all too much for him, Jack takes him to his house in Scotland.

Alternating between past and present the story reveals itself before our eyes and it’s one of a kind.

Magnificently written story, beautiful vocabulary, from the first to the last line it was a thoroughly worked out story. It was immensely captivating, all characters were engaging and well developed, with their own typical characteristics.

The highly erotic parts were so intense, just stunningly done!

The difference between past and present, and thereby, the historical and the contemporary language was more than excellent to read!!
The buildup is indescribable, it turned from a breeze into a dark thundering storm.
Overall an extraordinary read, highly poetic, scorching erotic and horrifically thrilling.
The last line electrified my brain.

Read and Reviewed for Diverse Reader
Profile Image for Ian.
Author 5 books41 followers
May 29, 2019
Sean Kerr has left me stumped...But in a GOOD WAY!

I thought I had this book figured out as I read it, but I was surprised toward the climactic ending.

The author blends two time periods wonderfully. We are set with a story in modern day whisked with letters/memoirs from 1788 that pull us into an overall Gothic, dark, story. And I absolutely love the settings and descriptions. As always, Kerr delivers imagery and wordplay that dazzle the senses.
There is a lot of thriller elements in this story coupled with suspense and mystery. There are some horrific twists through the story but at the core there is a love story, but ohhhhh...love can be twisted and deceiving. Talk about seeing stuff through rose-colored glasses...ALIVE will leave you questioning your reality.

As I made my way through this stunning piece I was reminded of the author's other book: THE MAN INSIDE ME and can't help but wonder if this story is part of a grander, maniacal, masterpiece. Both of these wonderful works are stand-alones, but there is definitely a hint of a broader vision that will later reveal a tapestry of Gothic awe. I sense that we will be introduced to more classical horror in follow-up works from this author and I for one can't wait to see what Sean Kerr has in store for us next. This author's mind works with a crafty genius that I envy! BRAVO!
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,665 reviews71 followers
May 19, 2019
Wow, what can I say about this story without giving much away......Just......BRILLIANT!!

The characters in the story was incredible. They felt so real and I felt a true connection with James and all he went through.

The story-line was unforgettable!! Kerr is a genus and a master at storytelling!! I was completely enchanted by this story. This author weaves a tale like no other that I have ever read before. This author always has a master plan to his plot twists, which keeps me on the edge of my seat until the very end. My mouth was figuratively on the floor once I got to the end of this story. It's a sexy, seductive, horror filled read and I loved it!! I highly recommend this read!!

CAUTION: Due to language, explicit sex and horror scenes, reader discretion is advised.
Profile Image for Soleil.
Author 7 books21 followers
September 26, 2019
It's not often I'm left guessing what's going on and having to wait for the big reveal to figure it out. That's exactly what this book delivered. Every time I thought I was certain, boom, I was proved wrong, and I loved every minute of it. I hated having to set my tablet down to do everyday 'real-life' things.

'Alive' had everything I enjoy in my reading material. It's dark, disturbing, and hot. I mean, I have a pretty big web full of different things I like while reading, ranging from innocent to holy crap, but disturbing and steamy, well, sign me up. Will absolutely be reading more from Sean Kerr.
Profile Image for Maryann Kafka.
868 reviews29 followers
May 1, 2019
At the age of twenty-eight, James Godwin a successful writer/script editor that unfortunately deals with Buergers disease. He’s already lost his leg and now has “Steve”. He also seems to be plagued by some type of “large dark shadow”. He at one time was having a relationship with his boss, Sara. When James had his first appointment with with Doctor Thesiger, it seems that Sara doesn’t have any compassion for James’ situation.
Doctor Jack Thesiger specializes in nerve pain, limb and prosthetics. He in fact invented “Steve” and is the doctor that diagnosed James’ condition correctly. With James’ first appointment a steamy love affair springs to life with Jack.
James receives a manuscript from Carl Beaufort and as James starts to read, it’s not something he really finds to his liking. He plans not to read anymore until he receives a second manuscript and letter from Beaufort. James starts to realize the manuscript is like a diary, set in 1788 about Henry Clerval, his young brother William and the man Henry is in love with but only the initials V.V.F are revealed.
As James’ struggles with Buergers disease the “large dark shadow” becomes more of a danger. To get away from the stressful situation, Jack takes James to his home in Stromness, Scotland a very remote town. Jacks home is mysterious and fabulous and James is overwhelmed. When he ventures out to see the “Ring of Brodgar” he finds himself, again and this time at the mercy of the dark shadow. What can James do? He can’t believe what he’s seeing and the insanity drives him to the edge of desperation.
Sean Kerr is a new author for me and I have to say he didn’t disappoint. Kerr melds old classic/modern day horror with riveting shock and suspense.
The story opens up with a gruesome dream scene from 1788 in the Jura Mountains, then switches to current times. As the story went on it just seemed to keep me a little off kilter, especially when James and Jack are brought into it. Then later, how their relationship came about is revealed and in-between the story of Clerval and his mysterious lover starts to develop. Along with the mystery of the dark shadow that plagues James, the story is dark and at times the language, dreams and intimate scenes are very erotic. There are some very shocking moments that kept me on edge and I had to find out what would happen to James. Kerr brings a lot of emotion and urgency to James’ story as he has to face the inevitable with Buergers disease.
“Love is what you make it”, is a clue and I get it!! I highly recommend “Alive” it’s was a page-turner for me! Sean Kerr is right up there with the best writers of horror! I’m totally hooked, I finally saw the cover art and video for this novel and now I can’t wait for a sequel!
Profile Image for Katie Blythe.
255 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2019
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*

A few years ago, James noticed he was having an issue with his leg. He goes to the doctor, Jack Thesiger, and after getting check out, Jack gives him some shots that may help him. James has a girlfriend and never considered that he could possibly be gay until he realizes that he is extremely attracted to Jack. It turns out that Jack is also attracted to James. Unfortunately, the issue doesn’t seem to have gotten better so he has to have his leg amputated. His girlfriend is not supportive at all, seems distant, and unloving towards him so he breaks up with her, and pursues a relationship with Jack. James always thinks that Jack is going to leave him because he doesn’t feel sexy anymore because of his missing leg, no matter how many times Jack says he won’t because he loves him. James is a script rewriter who hasn’t had a lot of work lately, but one day James starts getting letters sent to him. They seem to be about a forbidden romance that happened about 200 years ago. He doesn’t know who is sending them, but he notices that he is also being watched by a beast of a man who is following his every move. No matter who he tries to tell about what is going on, they don’t believe him until it all ends with a monstrous showdown.

I had a strong feeling when I started it that this was a retelling of a classic, but it wasn’t until the middle that my suspicions were correct. (I also won’t spoil what the classic story is because it is revealed pretty late in the book.) I loved how it weaved the present story with the letters from the past and brought it all together in the end. I thought that all the characters were great, and the surprise twist ending was amazing. I love Sean Kerr’s storytelling and I can’t wait for more in the future.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
2 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2019
Author Sean Kerr
title Alive
Genre  MM, Welsh Crime, Paranormal, Gay Romance
Cover Is very intriguing
Page numbers: 266


In  the book Alive we see the main character a 28-year-old James Godwin who is a successful writer/scriptwriter. While he deals with the debilitating illness of Buerger's syndrome.  And this he’s haunted by a dark shadow eventually, he meets a doctor  Jack Thesiger who gives him the correct diagnosis and he then given Steve.  But on the first appointment a steamy relationship occurs. 

This book is a clever twist on a classic thriller and modern day shock horror in the writer's typical style the writer's characters are lifelike. I can say it is another masterpiece by the writer which has fun and thrills throughout the book. The characters are so vivid they seemed almost lifelike that I could perceive everything James was going through. 

This book is scary and kept me turning the page, I can recommend this book. Although I would offer a warning that the dreams and sex scenes and language used are often explicit and erotic.  Again you can tell this has been meticulously planned and researched by the author another masterpiece by Sean Kerr. 

For me this is super dark but super good. Alive: An MM Dark Universe book
290 reviews
May 19, 2019
Alive is a quite dark, scary, and erotic tale. It's a gripping roller coaster ride with a lot of twists and turns. The main characters, James and Jack, are well written. The events in the story are not entirely relatable, thank goodness, but I found myself latched on to see how this plays out. The tagline and general theme of the book - love is what you make it - shines through.

Why not 5 stars? Well, I found the writing to be quite heavy and I found myself stumbling over the content at times. Added to this is the pretty disturbing and sinister content and I had to walk away sometimes.

If you are looking for a gripping story that is super sinister, super dark, with tons of angst, then this is the book for you.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
43 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2021
Alrightttt

I’m having a difficult time with this one. I had a hard time with the writing (it felt antiquated which I realized might just be the authors preference/writing style) and had quite a few repetitive descriptions; ie there were a lot of “explosions,” lol. The book was maybe a thriller/romance for the first 80% then veered toward horror the last bit. I almost stopped reading because I really didn’t like James character but toward the end I appreciated the parts of his personality that had bothered me initially. For me the ending clarifies enough that I likely won’t read the next book, but overall I can appreciate the creativity involved in making the story. I think if you read the original Dracula book and enjoyed it this is likely a good book for you.
680 reviews
October 16, 2021
'The man inside me' was an introductory eye opener into this author, and a prequel to the Alive series. He certainly enjoys the darker side, but try and put the book down - no way, no how. 200 years later and we find another twist on an old tale, that delivers the same adrenaline, heart racing rush. Beautiful Jack and broken James. Beautiful together and very much in love. Every page turned reminds you that something sinister lurks in the pages, something you cant quite see, but you know once you do, you'll feel somewhat terrified. Is James really going mad due to his illness? Can Jack really love James any more than he does? Well read on, and brace yourself. The finale is doozy !!
Profile Image for Pat.
1,590 reviews18 followers
June 16, 2019
Sean Kerr can write great books this one in particular took me on a journey where I had no clue to the ending .
Its a book where you want to know everything about these two men, as things are not what they seem at all.
A dream set is 1788 which is gruesome to life as now , plus a dark shadow following James , his lover who is his Doctor so much is in this dark tale.
Extremely well written as usual with a great story line that will keep you on your toes ..
A great tale that weaved its self through horror , love , sex , and a life not for everyone...
Profile Image for Larisa.
155 reviews
May 2, 2019
Wonderful!

Just an amazing book with even better storytelling! I adore the classic stories of long ago and this retelling is phenomenal. I was not expecting another story like this from this author but I'm super excited about where he's going and cannot wait to read the next book. Are you afraid of the dark? Do the monsters scare you?
Profile Image for Chrissi.
1,581 reviews11 followers
May 5, 2019
I devoured this book! This is the first I have read from this author and I will definitely be checking out their other works!
I was sucked into this story from the very beginning. The characters are well developed and the storyline loves along at a fairly consistent pace. There are some huge twists and a few surprises- that ending though? WOW!!!
Profile Image for Juno Richard.
210 reviews3 followers
did-not-finish
October 21, 2020
I can't get past the writing. The prologue was okay. But I just can't with the sex scene in the first chapter. The word choice, the phrasing.

I'm not rating, that'd be unfair. But this book is not for me.
Profile Image for Erin.
365 reviews15 followers
May 5, 2020
The prose is t o r t u r e d. It suffers from an incurable case of trying too hard. I couldn't get into it.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books92 followers
May 5, 2019
Book Review: Alive: An MM Dark Universe book
Author: Sean Kerr
My Rating: 5 Stars
Publication Date: 4/30/2019
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
What a fascinating story... Very dark and twisted indeed.
James had a woman, she treats him like crap and when he is faced with something detrimental in his health she basically could care less. His doctor Jack is a gorgeous man, brilliant and he wants James and helps him to learn what love truly is or does he?
I would love to say more on this book but I am afraid to spoil it. I will say if you like M/M, Twisted, Very Dark, Cryptic grab this one... Very good reading.


Alive: An MM Dark Universe book
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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