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Into the Dark #1
The Dark Descent
Our story. What happens next? You decide. Don’t just read it. Help create it!
Scout wakes up after an explosion in the White House and can’t remember much more than his name. Some think he’s the president. Others think he’s a traitor. On the run and fighting for his life at every turn, he’ll have to survive the dangerous unknown to get the answers he needs.
The Dark Descent is the first novel in the riveting Into the Dark series. If you like the idea of guiding the direction of a post-apocalyptic thriller, then you’ll love this collaborative experiment in storytelling.
Buy The Dark Descent today and join us in figuring out what has happened and what will happen next. No joke. You get to decide!432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2019
47 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
William Oday
34 books43 followersWant my FREE Starter Library? One novel, one novella and one short story, all for free. Get it at WWW.WILLIAMODAY.COM.
I grew up in the red dirt of Oklahoma, the center of the states. I later meandered out to the West Coast and have remained off-center ever since. Living in Los Angeles, I achieved my Career 1.0 dream by working on big-budget movies for over a decade. If you’ve seen a Will Smith or Tom Cruise blockbuster action movie, you’ve likely seen my work.
The work was challenging and fulfilling… until I got tired of telling other people’s stories. I longed to tell my own. So, now I’m pursuing my Career 2.0 dream—a dream I’ve had since youth—to write stories that pull a reader in and make the everyday world fade away.
I’ve since moved to a small town in Northern California with my lovely wife, vibrant children, and a dog that has discovered the secret to infinite energy. His name is Trip and he fits the name in four unique ways.
You can find out more about me and my stories at WILLIAMODAY.COM.
I grew up in the red dirt of Oklahoma, the center of the states. I later meandered out to the West Coast and have remained off-center ever since. Living in Los Angeles, I achieved my Career 1.0 dream by working on big-budget movies for over a decade. If you’ve seen a Will Smith or Tom Cruise blockbuster action movie, you’ve likely seen my work.
The work was challenging and fulfilling… until I got tired of telling other people’s stories. I longed to tell my own. So, now I’m pursuing my Career 2.0 dream—a dream I’ve had since youth—to write stories that pull a reader in and make the everyday world fade away.
I’ve since moved to a small town in Northern California with my lovely wife, vibrant children, and a dog that has discovered the secret to infinite energy. His name is Trip and he fits the name in four unique ways.
You can find out more about me and my stories at WILLIAMODAY.COM.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 13, 2019
Good beginning to a post-apocalyptic story. And I love the whole collaboration idea. What fun.
I can't wait for the next story.
I can't wait for the next story.
February 11, 2020
Dark...days, dark...times, dark...future. Dark Descent describes not only Scout's mental condition and feelings, but the actual sanctuary he seeks. A normal day is truly blown all to hell for the President and his administration. But, no one knows who did it. Who can you trust when the military turns against you. And yet, one soldier believes him and helps him descend into the underground to try and escape those who want him dead.
This is an amazing, scary, disturbing tale of what ifs. Seems like it could be right off of today's front page news. A coup attempt is never out of the range of possibilities. It's happened quite a few times in world history. So who's to say the US is immune. I think the political unrest in the world today could explode into full fledged anarchy. That's what makes this a riveting tale.
I received an ARC from the author. However, this is the type of story to read more than once, just to keep awareness of the what ifs.
This is an amazing, scary, disturbing tale of what ifs. Seems like it could be right off of today's front page news. A coup attempt is never out of the range of possibilities. It's happened quite a few times in world history. So who's to say the US is immune. I think the political unrest in the world today could explode into full fledged anarchy. That's what makes this a riveting tale.
I received an ARC from the author. However, this is the type of story to read more than once, just to keep awareness of the what ifs.
June 14, 2019
I received a review copy and I am leaving an honest review.
As the author says, this book is awesome! I usually don’t read post-apocalyptic stories but this author is very unique in his writing style and I throughly enjoy it. The story starts off with a bang and just doesn’t let go of you. The story is fast paced, very gritty, and has a human side too. The cast of characters are all interesting and unique. The author describes everything in detail so you can feel like you are there and see, feel, touch and smell everything going on as it happens.
I am looking forward to book two in this series. I would recommend this book.
As the author says, this book is awesome! I usually don’t read post-apocalyptic stories but this author is very unique in his writing style and I throughly enjoy it. The story starts off with a bang and just doesn’t let go of you. The story is fast paced, very gritty, and has a human side too. The cast of characters are all interesting and unique. The author describes everything in detail so you can feel like you are there and see, feel, touch and smell everything going on as it happens.
I am looking forward to book two in this series. I would recommend this book.
June 15, 2019
This is an unusual book as it was based on a collaboration between the author and a group of readers. It is a testimony to the imagination of the author and the writing style he uses. The story is very imaginative and has surprises and suspense along the way. The characters were interesting, if somewhat flat. The story leads from the remains of an exploded White House to a series of underground levels where people live and work on levels associated with their status. Oday does a beautiful job of describing the different levels and their inhabitants. The action is complete in this story, but sets the stage for further developments. I will look forward to the next episode.
March 6, 2020
Jose Reynoso
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Unique Writing!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
Very different from how other books written, but that is what makes this book unique. It has its own style and will be remembered, which is good for Mr. William Oday. He will live on as an Author that asked the readers, Collaborators, to give the input needed for the Story to flow. It has Plenty of action, suspense, and surprises throughout the entire book. I am very pleased with the outcome and can't wait for book 2. Thank you Mr. William Oday for a great book and Job Well Done.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Unique Writing!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
Very different from how other books written, but that is what makes this book unique. It has its own style and will be remembered, which is good for Mr. William Oday. He will live on as an Author that asked the readers, Collaborators, to give the input needed for the Story to flow. It has Plenty of action, suspense, and surprises throughout the entire book. I am very pleased with the outcome and can't wait for book 2. Thank you Mr. William Oday for a great book and Job Well Done.
April 8, 2021
This is quite different from many of the books in this genre, reminiscent of the "Silo" series by Hugh Howey and "Total Recall"-the original film. I was lost like the main character who suffers partial amnesia after an attack, but we learn as he does. One puzzle for me still unsolved is the status of society at the start of the book. Is there any thing other than the bunker? The various bunker levels seem to be striated with lives crossing generations there. There seems to be no influence from outside the bunker, so I remain uncertain as to what the world is like. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and the many plot twists.
June 13, 2019
A really different approach to a book. A riveting novel of POTUS, who has been injured in a bomb blast and has amnesia. He is whisked away and treated, but is now accused of treason by General Curtis. He has no idea who he is and what has happened. He relies on Martinez, a fierce female soldier who breaks him out and protects him as they are on the run, where they meet Crypto, the leader of the rebelling lower class.
February 13, 2020
Oday’s wonderful writing style, imagination and passion for detail make for a wonderful read. The characters in this novel however did not live up to the author’s style of serving up well-rounded and developed characters.
In spite of this minor flaw I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next installment in the series.
Thank you to the author who provided me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In spite of this minor flaw I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next installment in the series.
Thank you to the author who provided me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2020
When I first saw that this book was a collaboration, I did not think I would enjoy it. WOW, was I seriously surprised. The story line and also the characters are very well defined and the book was a thrilling experience to read. Scout and Kat have to sort out truth from fiction to fight their way forward. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you to William Oday and also your collaborative fallow "authors" for a thrilling read.
June 16, 2019
The Dark Descent is an awesome collaborative effort between the author and his readers/conspirators that results in a post-apocalyptic tale that captures the reader's interest/attention and while providing some answers to questions along the way, it provides many more unanswered questions to be explored as this series continues.
February 5, 2020
Interesting concept, flawlessly written.
I hope there will be a continuation of the tale as it was an engrossing and fast paced action story. Moved along by the whims of a group of readers, the writing took their suggestions to the next level as promised and never faltered. There are twisty and turns, moments of intrigue and of humor. Well recommended.
I hope there will be a continuation of the tale as it was an engrossing and fast paced action story. Moved along by the whims of a group of readers, the writing took their suggestions to the next level as promised and never faltered. There are twisty and turns, moments of intrigue and of humor. Well recommended.
March 2, 2020
My opinion
The “Dark Unknown”, second book in the series; is a worthwhile read. It follows the progress os the very deadly comet from ancient history until the last major impact destroying the world. Reading the first book in the series makes the second book a much more understandable and interesting
The “Dark Unknown”, second book in the series; is a worthwhile read. It follows the progress os the very deadly comet from ancient history until the last major impact destroying the world. Reading the first book in the series makes the second book a much more understandable and interesting
June 25, 2019
This is an excellent book. I really enjoyed it , well written, easy to read ,page turner, great characters, twists and turns. Good job. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
June 25, 2019
Wow what an amazing concept. Not only is the suspense fabulous but the idea of making the ending brilliant. Scout wakes up after an explosion at the White House, unfortunately with no memory. Couldn’t read fast enough to get to the end.
February 26, 2020
This book is captivating. While the book came to be written in a unusual way it is quite entertaining and fast paced. It is not my usual genre and I still found quite enjoyable so don't let it genre keep you from enjoying a good read.
February 28, 2020
A great science fiction thriller with a few twists that starts off with an explosion. I really enjoyed reading this book that I was lucky to receive from William Oday to read and I am leaving a voluntary review. I highly recommend The Dark Descent. This book is available on Amazon.
September 5, 2019
Interesting concept with readers helping the author to find his way. The story about the President in the White House ends with a real turn of direction.
February 8, 2020
A mystery with everything you could want. Deceit, nonstop action, hairpin curves.
February 9, 2020
This was a page turner , Read it from start to finish Non-stop .
Good characters and plot development , I like the viewer input story line .
Highly recommend , looking forward to Book 2
Good characters and plot development , I like the viewer input story line .
Highly recommend , looking forward to Book 2
February 26, 2020
Confused
The story needs more back context so you can become more involved with the characters. It is confusing not knowing the morals of the society. I think more information is needed to keep readers interested. I was just about to give up reading when all was revealed.
I've read 2 books while thinking about this review. I wanted to help make The plot come to life. While an inventive story full of twists and turns it needs more character development.
The injuries to Scout were too severe to be acceptable. It was not real. I think Martinez could be given more distance as a character.
The story needs more back context so you can become more involved with the characters. It is confusing not knowing the morals of the society. I think more information is needed to keep readers interested. I was just about to give up reading when all was revealed.
I've read 2 books while thinking about this review. I wanted to help make The plot come to life. While an inventive story full of twists and turns it needs more character development.
The injuries to Scout were too severe to be acceptable. It was not real. I think Martinez could be given more distance as a character.
March 18, 2020
What a cool premise - I love that a group of readers got to direct the path of this book. I was a bit confused at some points and was left confused by the end of the book, but much was cleared up in the second installment. I loved the variety of characters and how their personalities were revealed slowly over time. And I loved the pace of the book. For those who may be on the fence after reading this one - the second book really makes this one better.
June 13, 2019
Interesting take on a pick your adventure type story. I like the idea of readers being a part not the decision making to a point while not having to make it convoluted by having hundreds of different versions in one book.
The story itself was interesting and kept me guessing even at the end as to what REALLY happened. I am interested in what will happen next. I love the character of Martinez. Crypto is the typical creepy guy who has decided he will be a jerk because of what happened while he was growing up. While I currently like Scout I reserve the right to be on the fence as I wait to see what his role really was in this mess. Also why are they in the levels anyway? What happened that they are now living this way?
I received a review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review of it.
The story itself was interesting and kept me guessing even at the end as to what REALLY happened. I am interested in what will happen next. I love the character of Martinez. Crypto is the typical creepy guy who has decided he will be a jerk because of what happened while he was growing up. While I currently like Scout I reserve the right to be on the fence as I wait to see what his role really was in this mess. Also why are they in the levels anyway? What happened that they are now living this way?
I received a review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review of it.
June 12, 2019
Out standing and different. At 1st I was a little disoriented not knowing what time period this was, but in the end it didn't really matter, it would be interesting if there's going to be another book how that would turn out and if it's going to be done the same way. But a really good book, done in an unusual manner, with a great result . I like the characters and I can see something else coming out of this set of characters. But I definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews