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Too Early for Death: Limbo Island trilogy book one.
Death can take you to the most unexpected places.
Damien Lennon finds himself on a mysterious island… and dead. He has more questions than answers. Why? Where? How? What next? In a place where forests hide secrets and a leader rules with an iron fist, can Damien change his destiny?
'Too Early for Death' starts a journey through the Limbo Island trilogy, a series that unravels a story of life after death, hierarchy, tragedy, jealousy and eternal love. A heartbreaking yet heartwarming adventure awaits.
Damien Lennon finds himself on a mysterious island… and dead. He has more questions than answers. Why? Where? How? What next? In a place where forests hide secrets and a leader rules with an iron fist, can Damien change his destiny?
'Too Early for Death' starts a journey through the Limbo Island trilogy, a series that unravels a story of life after death, hierarchy, tragedy, jealousy and eternal love. A heartbreaking yet heartwarming adventure awaits.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 22, 2019
"Death can take you to the most unexpected places.
Damien Lennon finds himself on a mysterious island… and dead.
He has more questions than answers. Why? Where? How? What next?
In a place where forests hide secrets and a leader rules with an iron fist, can Damien change his destiny?"
Damien and Nancy have the perfect marriage until the day that Damien walks through a door that he shouldn't, and disappears from the known world. He finds himself on an island, at first alone and then meets the other inhabitants, and discovers that the forbidden door he walked through was his death and everyone on the island are in Limbo, awaiting the time that they should have died.
This was an interesting concept and very enjoyable to read. The story switches between Damien's timeline in the afterlife and Nancy's timeline after his disappearance, although the main focus is on Damien. He begins the book as a likeable but very ordinary family man who ironically only really finds himself after death through his determination to somehow get back to his Nancy, his exploration of the island, his friendship with another island resident, Hector, and his dealings with the mysterious ruler of the island.
My favourite parts were when Damien and Hector were exploring the island and their discoveries. Despite being set mainly in the afterlife, the story was upbeat and entertaining. I look forward to reading the next two books in the trilogy when they are released.
Damien Lennon finds himself on a mysterious island… and dead.
He has more questions than answers. Why? Where? How? What next?
In a place where forests hide secrets and a leader rules with an iron fist, can Damien change his destiny?"
Damien and Nancy have the perfect marriage until the day that Damien walks through a door that he shouldn't, and disappears from the known world. He finds himself on an island, at first alone and then meets the other inhabitants, and discovers that the forbidden door he walked through was his death and everyone on the island are in Limbo, awaiting the time that they should have died.
This was an interesting concept and very enjoyable to read. The story switches between Damien's timeline in the afterlife and Nancy's timeline after his disappearance, although the main focus is on Damien. He begins the book as a likeable but very ordinary family man who ironically only really finds himself after death through his determination to somehow get back to his Nancy, his exploration of the island, his friendship with another island resident, Hector, and his dealings with the mysterious ruler of the island.
My favourite parts were when Damien and Hector were exploring the island and their discoveries. Despite being set mainly in the afterlife, the story was upbeat and entertaining. I look forward to reading the next two books in the trilogy when they are released.
June 3, 2019
I enjoyed the first part in this trilogy even though I don’t tend to read fantasy novels.
It was well thought out and had a good storyline. We get to know Damien, Nancy and Marcus who go on a trip to a museum in which only two of them return.
The story then follows the antics of Damien who goes through a secret door and ends up on a secret island.
To say more would end up spoiling it for others. Great read and one I’d recommend to people who enjoy reading fantasy novels.
May 30, 2019
This book is written as part of a trilogy giving a fantasy insight into the afterlife and what may happen if you accidentally bring death to your door early by not following orders.
Firstly we meet a lovely family : Damien, Nancy and Marcus who have a great life and support Marcus with his school work, they have lots of family time together and Marcus works hard at school. When Marcus gets a good school report, Damien offers him a reward and Marcus asks for a visit to the museum so the family go to there where there is an exhibition on. Damien goes through a door that has a 'no entry' sign on it and never returns, Nancy and Marcus are devastated and for months cannot get over the disappearance and then have to accept he is not coming back.
When Damien goes through the door, he finds himself on an island and has to do basic survival skills to survive. This involves building fires to keep warm, hunting for food etc. Then he feels like he is being watched but can see no one, then he starts finding bags of vegetables as he starts exploring. Then he spots a man or is it a vision but no, it is a man so he follows him and then he finds a village where there are other people. All in the same situation that he is in, there is no way back to the life they used to live. One thing Damien does realise is, he desperately misses his family.
The author writes a fantastic story and it is handled well, I enjoyed this book immensely and am looking forward to the next instalment. Have not read a story liked this before, do not read much fantasy so its a treat when I do.
Firstly we meet a lovely family : Damien, Nancy and Marcus who have a great life and support Marcus with his school work, they have lots of family time together and Marcus works hard at school. When Marcus gets a good school report, Damien offers him a reward and Marcus asks for a visit to the museum so the family go to there where there is an exhibition on. Damien goes through a door that has a 'no entry' sign on it and never returns, Nancy and Marcus are devastated and for months cannot get over the disappearance and then have to accept he is not coming back.
When Damien goes through the door, he finds himself on an island and has to do basic survival skills to survive. This involves building fires to keep warm, hunting for food etc. Then he feels like he is being watched but can see no one, then he starts finding bags of vegetables as he starts exploring. Then he spots a man or is it a vision but no, it is a man so he follows him and then he finds a village where there are other people. All in the same situation that he is in, there is no way back to the life they used to live. One thing Damien does realise is, he desperately misses his family.
The author writes a fantastic story and it is handled well, I enjoyed this book immensely and am looking forward to the next instalment. Have not read a story liked this before, do not read much fantasy so its a treat when I do.
May 26, 2019
This has had me screaming at the book laughing and crying all within a day. As once I started it I couldn't put it down.
You can relate to all characters and fall in love with them. It really makes.you think what if? And what would I do?
My answers to these changed while reading.
Fast paced I loved this can't wait to read the follow up books in the series. Thank you Simon for writing a super supernatural series x
You can relate to all characters and fall in love with them. It really makes.you think what if? And what would I do?
My answers to these changed while reading.
Fast paced I loved this can't wait to read the follow up books in the series. Thank you Simon for writing a super supernatural series x
July 18, 2019
Fantasy is not normally a genre I read, but I was intrigued by the story behind this one. I'm sure it's something we've all thought about at one time or another. What happens if we rush our death and don't die at our appointed time? Could there be a place like Limbo Island? How horrifying would it be to watch your family through a portal and not be able to reach out and touch them? To see time passing for everyone but you?
If I had one criticism of the book, and this is not of the author at all, it would be as an American, I found the relationships a little too loving for my liking, but that goes back to my crime thriller/serial killer reading history. I did find the family lovable though, and enjoyed getting to know Damien, Nancy and Marcus, as well as later on Hope. I truly enjoyed the island and Damien's experiences there.
To say more would give away spoilers, which I never do. An enjoyable read that I would recommend to fantasy lovers.
If I had one criticism of the book, and this is not of the author at all, it would be as an American, I found the relationships a little too loving for my liking, but that goes back to my crime thriller/serial killer reading history. I did find the family lovable though, and enjoyed getting to know Damien, Nancy and Marcus, as well as later on Hope. I truly enjoyed the island and Damien's experiences there.
To say more would give away spoilers, which I never do. An enjoyable read that I would recommend to fantasy lovers.
May 12, 2019
I enjoyed it very much. This story follows Damien, Nancy and Marcus, a normal loving family and what happens when Damien suddenly disappears. I was intrigued to begin with and was waiting for “it all to be a dream”. When you drop the idea of anything making sense on the island only then do you embrace the storyline and the characters fully. My heart was aching when Nancy was in hospital and the doctors and nurses all rushed to her bed. Some great moments and a fascinating look at ‘the other side’.
Interesting idea for a book, I can see it making a great film.
Interesting idea for a book, I can see it making a great film.
June 2, 2019
A very easy read. Part one of a trilogy. This follows Damien, Nancy and Marcus. Damien opens a random forbidden door in a museum one day and finds himself on an island where time goes fast. Nancy and Marcus are left in the real world deserted by Damien who has apparently gone missing. The strength of the family relationship is clear to see. The book dealt well with both storylines despite there being a difference in the speed of time passing. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens in parts 2 and 3 of the trilogy.
May 31, 2019
A fun and entertaining version of what happens to us when we die a little prematurely. Rules are made to be broken are they not? And that is certainly the feeling you get from the main character in this book. By flaunting the rules he finds himself in limbo, and island in this case, waiting for his pre determined date to arrive to move on to a chosen destination.
Characters are likeable and well written. The subject matter is well handled from both sides of death and this makes it all the easier to read.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
Characters are likeable and well written. The subject matter is well handled from both sides of death and this makes it all the easier to read.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
June 12, 2019
Too early for death by Simon Farrant.
An absolutely fantastic read. Loved Damien and Hector. Loved Nancy Marcus and little Hope too. Nancy's friend Nicola was great aswell. But I didn't like Niall. How he was jealous of Damien. This book was refreshing. I was hooked. Love the cover too. 5*. Highly recommended
An absolutely fantastic read. Loved Damien and Hector. Loved Nancy Marcus and little Hope too. Nancy's friend Nicola was great aswell. But I didn't like Niall. How he was jealous of Damien. This book was refreshing. I was hooked. Love the cover too. 5*. Highly recommended
May 15, 2019
What a fantastic start to a new series - wow!
Nancy, Damien and Marcus go to the museum as a treat for Marcus doing well at school. Damien goes into a forbidden entry room and never comes back. We follow Nancy and Marcus as they struggle to come to terms with the disappearance of Damien. Meanwhile, Damien is on an island trying to get back home and unaware that time is different . This book has left me desperate to read the next in the series.
I got totally lost in the 2 stories told side by side. The author writes the emotion into the book really well, so well, in fact, I was in tears by the end!
A well written book with a unique idea.
I highly recommend this book.
Nancy, Damien and Marcus go to the museum as a treat for Marcus doing well at school. Damien goes into a forbidden entry room and never comes back. We follow Nancy and Marcus as they struggle to come to terms with the disappearance of Damien. Meanwhile, Damien is on an island trying to get back home and unaware that time is different . This book has left me desperate to read the next in the series.
I got totally lost in the 2 stories told side by side. The author writes the emotion into the book really well, so well, in fact, I was in tears by the end!
A well written book with a unique idea.
I highly recommend this book.
December 17, 2019
I picked up Volumes 1 and 2 in this series together and read them in one go - the second follows on seamlessly from the first so I’d definitely recommend to start at the beginning.
This wasn’t entirely my cup of tea - I think it is probably aimed at much younger readers - but having said that, it was an easy, entertaining read with a plethora of original ideas, a lot of love for detail and a host of colourful characters.
I’d say any fantasy/after-life interested teen would love this series!
This wasn’t entirely my cup of tea - I think it is probably aimed at much younger readers - but having said that, it was an easy, entertaining read with a plethora of original ideas, a lot of love for detail and a host of colourful characters.
I’d say any fantasy/after-life interested teen would love this series!
October 27, 2019
I was drawn to this book by the intriguing synopsis of life after death and the absolutely stunning cover. The waterfall is completely mesmerising and fits nicely with the story as water is a key feature on Limbo Island.
Too Early for Death is the story of Damien Lennon who goes missing on a visit to a museum with his wife, Nancy, and 12 year old son, Marcus. Unable to resist the temptation of a forbidden door, he finds himself on a mysterious island and his family are left behind to file a missing person report. Nancy can't understand why Damien would leave them and she is unable to fully grieve his loss without a body to bury. Nancy is drawn to Damien's friend, Niall, who might physically slip into Damien's place in the house but doesn't replace Damien in Nancy's heart.
The story flips back and forth between Damien's new life (or should that be death?) on the island and Nancy's struggle to live without Damien. Time certainly passed more slowly on Limbo Island as Damien finds his way around with the help of a German man named Hector. Damien and Hector have a hint of rebellion about them as they explore places outside their village and come across portals showing what is happening in the world they left behind.
Being set on a strange island, Too Early for Death does have a hint of the TV show 'Lost' about it, but don't worry it's much better than Lost. Both Damien's and Nancy's stories held my interest and I really felt for Nancy who was never able to get over the loss of Damien, who was clearly the love of her life. I really felt that Niall took advantage of Nancy's distress to get his feet under Damien's table and it was almost like he didn't necessarily want Nancy in particular, he just wanted what Damien had.
An imaginative and thought-provoking story, Too Early for Death is not only a good story in its own right, it's an intriguing start to the Limbo Island trilogy. It does feel very much that we've only just scratched the surface of Simon Farrant's Limbo island and I'm intrigued to see where his imagination will take us next.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Too Early for Death is the story of Damien Lennon who goes missing on a visit to a museum with his wife, Nancy, and 12 year old son, Marcus. Unable to resist the temptation of a forbidden door, he finds himself on a mysterious island and his family are left behind to file a missing person report. Nancy can't understand why Damien would leave them and she is unable to fully grieve his loss without a body to bury. Nancy is drawn to Damien's friend, Niall, who might physically slip into Damien's place in the house but doesn't replace Damien in Nancy's heart.
The story flips back and forth between Damien's new life (or should that be death?) on the island and Nancy's struggle to live without Damien. Time certainly passed more slowly on Limbo Island as Damien finds his way around with the help of a German man named Hector. Damien and Hector have a hint of rebellion about them as they explore places outside their village and come across portals showing what is happening in the world they left behind.
Being set on a strange island, Too Early for Death does have a hint of the TV show 'Lost' about it, but don't worry it's much better than Lost. Both Damien's and Nancy's stories held my interest and I really felt for Nancy who was never able to get over the loss of Damien, who was clearly the love of her life. I really felt that Niall took advantage of Nancy's distress to get his feet under Damien's table and it was almost like he didn't necessarily want Nancy in particular, he just wanted what Damien had.
An imaginative and thought-provoking story, Too Early for Death is not only a good story in its own right, it's an intriguing start to the Limbo Island trilogy. It does feel very much that we've only just scratched the surface of Simon Farrant's Limbo island and I'm intrigued to see where his imagination will take us next.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 14, 2019
Too Early For Death is made up of short chapters, making it a fast read, but also meaning that it is far too easy to fall into the, “Just one more chapter,” trap and end up reading all night. I am one sleepy blogger at the moment!
In this book, we see an idyllic family life torn apart when Damien is suddenly and unexpectedly taken from his wife and young son, vanishing without a trace. Whilst Damien seems, on the whole, strangely calm about this predicament, watching his family try to rebuild their lives without his presence definitely tugged at my heartstrings, and in all honesty at times had me shedding a tear or two.
The strange island with it’s mysterious forbidden areas, unpredictable passing of time, and the all-seeing Eloise lent a slightly surreal air to the entire book, and I think it is because of this that I was taken by surprise at how emotional it was, especially with the presence of the portals showing snapshots of Damien’s family.
Whilst all the characters and their relationships are well-developed, I found that I was particularly fond of the growing friendship between Damien and Hector as they explore their surroundings, pushing boundaries at every turn.
The entire premise of this book is like nothing I have ever read before, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
In this book, we see an idyllic family life torn apart when Damien is suddenly and unexpectedly taken from his wife and young son, vanishing without a trace. Whilst Damien seems, on the whole, strangely calm about this predicament, watching his family try to rebuild their lives without his presence definitely tugged at my heartstrings, and in all honesty at times had me shedding a tear or two.
The strange island with it’s mysterious forbidden areas, unpredictable passing of time, and the all-seeing Eloise lent a slightly surreal air to the entire book, and I think it is because of this that I was taken by surprise at how emotional it was, especially with the presence of the portals showing snapshots of Damien’s family.
Whilst all the characters and their relationships are well-developed, I found that I was particularly fond of the growing friendship between Damien and Hector as they explore their surroundings, pushing boundaries at every turn.
The entire premise of this book is like nothing I have ever read before, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 15, 2019
Juvenile writing of a rather uneventful tale, perhaps suited for a much younger audience. The characters felt one-dimensional with too much internal dialogues, often overlapping. POV shifts are sudden and frequent, which could cause confusion for the reader. An interesting idea poorly executed.
January 3, 2020
The plot for this book could have made it a real winner but some of the writing was rushed and not very sophisticated. Parts of the book read like a screen play rather than a novel and characters were a bit one dimensional. In spite of this I enjoyed the book but it could have been so much better.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews