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Ray of Darkness #1
Never Speak
Years ago, Ray was sworn to silence. Now he’s going to speak. Even if it kills him.
Ray Watts is in a deep funk. His girlfriend Liz has abandoned him. So has the muse that inspired the art that supported him. If he doesn’t come up with the next mortgage payment he’s going to be out on the street. In a moment of desperation, he googles his ex-wife Susan. They haven’t spoken in years. Now they never will—she died last year in a fiery car crash. Ray becomes obsessed with the years they spent together in a spiritual group— a time that drove him to the edge and destroyed their marriage.
But Ray has a plan. When you’re forbidden to speak, you end up with a lot of secrets. Juicy ones. So, he’ll write a best-selling book about his time in the group and pay off the mortgage. And writing will get him out of his funk. It’s what he’d always done—transmute his leaden troubles into the gold of art.
When a brick crashes through his window—the first in a series of creepy, anonymous threats—he realizes that someone really doesn’t want him to write. They’re determined to shut him up. For good.
Ray Watts is in a deep funk. His girlfriend Liz has abandoned him. So has the muse that inspired the art that supported him. If he doesn’t come up with the next mortgage payment he’s going to be out on the street. In a moment of desperation, he googles his ex-wife Susan. They haven’t spoken in years. Now they never will—she died last year in a fiery car crash. Ray becomes obsessed with the years they spent together in a spiritual group— a time that drove him to the edge and destroyed their marriage.
But Ray has a plan. When you’re forbidden to speak, you end up with a lot of secrets. Juicy ones. So, he’ll write a best-selling book about his time in the group and pay off the mortgage. And writing will get him out of his funk. It’s what he’d always done—transmute his leaden troubles into the gold of art.
When a brick crashes through his window—the first in a series of creepy, anonymous threats—he realizes that someone really doesn’t want him to write. They’re determined to shut him up. For good.
- GenresThriller
285 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2019
301 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 10, 2019
“He did the same thing to me. It’s a classic torture technique. Pull someone’s fingernails out and they’re wanting Mommy so badly that they fall into the arms of the very monster who did it to them.”
This story about the horrors of a cult life had me creeped out. Just how much low people can fall to get in a position of power at the expense of others, all the playing around with the minds and insecurities of others had me cringing. But I enjoyed reading it, it was gripping from the get go. I found the first few chapters a little slow and difficult to follow, but what it lacked in pace, made it up in excellent writing. I just loved the writing style and the writing itself, it's so decent and charismatic, almost poetic. Especially the parts about the cult leader were just top notch, and so chilling, I was actually able to imagine him in my mind's eye. Also, it'd be wrong not to mention all the made up, fascinating, and creative art works that were mentioned in the story, it was probably my favorite part of it all.
Thanks to the author for sending me an e-copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
This story about the horrors of a cult life had me creeped out. Just how much low people can fall to get in a position of power at the expense of others, all the playing around with the minds and insecurities of others had me cringing. But I enjoyed reading it, it was gripping from the get go. I found the first few chapters a little slow and difficult to follow, but what it lacked in pace, made it up in excellent writing. I just loved the writing style and the writing itself, it's so decent and charismatic, almost poetic. Especially the parts about the cult leader were just top notch, and so chilling, I was actually able to imagine him in my mind's eye. Also, it'd be wrong not to mention all the made up, fascinating, and creative art works that were mentioned in the story, it was probably my favorite part of it all.
Thanks to the author for sending me an e-copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
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November 4, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/4/2020)! 🎁
October 3, 2019
Gave me chills!
Totally surprising and I'm not easily surprised. I fell into this story after it grabbed me by the shirt and and yanked me!
Totally surprising and I'm not easily surprised. I fell into this story after it grabbed me by the shirt and and yanked me!
August 27, 2019
This was a very original and creative story! I thoroughly enjoyed this story, particularly how the story was told. The story about the Cult and the Cult Leader, Karl, is told through Ray’s novel. It was interesting to read Ray’s point of view about the events that happened in the cult. Especially, why he originally joined the cult, why he stayed and how he got out. During the story, you could definitely tell that Ray struggled between the love of his former cult-leader but also the hate he had for him. I was really intrigued to know what happened and where was Karl now?
Cult stories are always fascinating to me! It actually kind of scares me to read and hear stories about people who lived or are currently living a similar (ish) situation and what psychosocial and physical damages they are enduring. It’s all very crazy to me.
In terms of characters, I really loved Bodine’s character, Ray’s friend, he seemed extremely interesting and mysterious! Also, I want to know more about Jo, Ray’s friend from the coffee shop near Ray’s house. I would be interested in reading more about their dynamic.
It was at times very disturbing and dark, but I liked it! It started out being slow, but it picked up near the end, which was a very satisfying ending in my book.
Cult stories are always fascinating to me! It actually kind of scares me to read and hear stories about people who lived or are currently living a similar (ish) situation and what psychosocial and physical damages they are enduring. It’s all very crazy to me.
In terms of characters, I really loved Bodine’s character, Ray’s friend, he seemed extremely interesting and mysterious! Also, I want to know more about Jo, Ray’s friend from the coffee shop near Ray’s house. I would be interested in reading more about their dynamic.
It was at times very disturbing and dark, but I liked it! It started out being slow, but it picked up near the end, which was a very satisfying ending in my book.
July 30, 2019
Ray Watts has just hit rock bottom. His girlfriend broke up with him, he owes a ton of money on a mortgage, and his artistic creative juices are no longer flowing. When Ray’s ex-wife, Susan, suddenly dies in a car crash, he remembers when the last time he hit rock bottom: when he and his wife were members of a cult. Ray managed to escape the cult’s wrath, but Susan never did. He decides that he will publish a book about this cult, only someone finds out and is after him to stop Ray’s new project.
Rarely do I read about cults, so I was super excited to pick up NEVER SPEAK by John Manchester. The book is composed of Ray’s experience writing his book, along with bits and pieces of his drafts. Manchester himself has had experience participating in a cult, making Ray’s narrative even more fascinating. I don’t have any knowledge of cults, so NEVER SPEAK is both a fantastic, page-turning thriller and an informative piece of writing. Manchester’s novel leaves you constantly guessing who is targeting Ray and his work, and I could have in no way predicted the ending. NEVER SPEAK is the first in a series of books, although I’m not sure how the ending of NEVER SPEAK will set up the rest of the series.
Thank you John Manchester for providing me with a copy of your novel!
Rarely do I read about cults, so I was super excited to pick up NEVER SPEAK by John Manchester. The book is composed of Ray’s experience writing his book, along with bits and pieces of his drafts. Manchester himself has had experience participating in a cult, making Ray’s narrative even more fascinating. I don’t have any knowledge of cults, so NEVER SPEAK is both a fantastic, page-turning thriller and an informative piece of writing. Manchester’s novel leaves you constantly guessing who is targeting Ray and his work, and I could have in no way predicted the ending. NEVER SPEAK is the first in a series of books, although I’m not sure how the ending of NEVER SPEAK will set up the rest of the series.
Thank you John Manchester for providing me with a copy of your novel!
May 30, 2019
I was sent Never Speak by the author to read and review on my blog and while stories about cults aren't usually my prefered go-to types of stories, I really enjoyed this one. The plot was suspenseful and action packed. It grabbed my interest and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.
Through this story, the reader can learn about the psychological damages a cult can have on someone, whether it be the members of the cult or the leader himself. The story is told between the present and Ray's book narrations. I thought the author did a phenomenal job in keeping a good fluidity of the story.
The twists and turns in the story kept me engaged from beginning to end and I am looking forward to read more from this series.
Through this story, the reader can learn about the psychological damages a cult can have on someone, whether it be the members of the cult or the leader himself. The story is told between the present and Ray's book narrations. I thought the author did a phenomenal job in keeping a good fluidity of the story.
The twists and turns in the story kept me engaged from beginning to end and I am looking forward to read more from this series.
May 9, 2020
His ex-wife's death and his sudden need for money propel a man to revisit his experiences in a cult run by a reclusive and charismatic former rock star. Ray is a musician turned artist turned writer. It is a tale of innocence turned by manipulation and evil. Ray finally recognizes the nightmare that it was and the human cost. He embarks on a journey to find the leader.
This is an engrossing book. Ray and his pal Bodine are likeable. It is told in flashbacks and the depictions of the cult are realistic and creepy. I wasn't crazy about the ending but overall a great read.
This is an engrossing book. Ray and his pal Bodine are likeable. It is told in flashbacks and the depictions of the cult are realistic and creepy. I wasn't crazy about the ending but overall a great read.
March 21, 2019
I was fortunate enough to be contacted by author John Manchester who provided a free copy of his debut novel "Never Speak" to review on my blog. I am so thankful he did because I LOVED this book.
Ray is a starving artist living in his ex-girlfriend's home that doubles as a gallery to sell his art pieces. After hearing news about his ex-wife, he turns to google for more information. One search turned into many and soon, Ray was revisiting his past that he wished he could tuck away.
One search turns up an article about a man from Ray's past, Karl, and of theories many people have about what ever happened to Karl. Ray soon realizes that he doesn't just know what happened after the band, he lived it, and he is probably one of the only people willing to talk about it. With the help of Ray's friend, Bodine, Ray gets in touch with an editor. The editor is eager to publish a book by Ray and his first-hand experiences with Karl after Karl's disappearance from the music industry, but what about Karl's strict instructions all those years ago to "NEVER SPEAK"?
With every submission and email to the editor, scary things start to happen. Ray receives threatening emails and even a brick thrown through his window, but the perpetrator only wants one thing - for Ray to stop writing. With every submission and every page he completes, the threats get more serious.. Ray is faced with the decision to keep on writing, which soon becomes like therapy to him, or to stop writing and lose out on a book deal and the satisfaction of the cult being exposed for what it was. Is the risk worth the reward?
John Manchester does an amazing job switching perspective and using typography to do so. I really enjoyed reading what Ray was writing for his book and it was almost like reading a book within a book. Some books struggle with switching perspectives and narrators and even times, but Manchester makes the switches between present and Ray's book fluid and easy. The feelings that Manchester was able to evoke with details and backstory when talking about the cult and Karl was amazing and as a thriller, it was really powerful.
Overall, I was really impressed with this debut and am eager to see where Manchester goes from here!
Ray is a starving artist living in his ex-girlfriend's home that doubles as a gallery to sell his art pieces. After hearing news about his ex-wife, he turns to google for more information. One search turned into many and soon, Ray was revisiting his past that he wished he could tuck away.
One search turns up an article about a man from Ray's past, Karl, and of theories many people have about what ever happened to Karl. Ray soon realizes that he doesn't just know what happened after the band, he lived it, and he is probably one of the only people willing to talk about it. With the help of Ray's friend, Bodine, Ray gets in touch with an editor. The editor is eager to publish a book by Ray and his first-hand experiences with Karl after Karl's disappearance from the music industry, but what about Karl's strict instructions all those years ago to "NEVER SPEAK"?
With every submission and email to the editor, scary things start to happen. Ray receives threatening emails and even a brick thrown through his window, but the perpetrator only wants one thing - for Ray to stop writing. With every submission and every page he completes, the threats get more serious.. Ray is faced with the decision to keep on writing, which soon becomes like therapy to him, or to stop writing and lose out on a book deal and the satisfaction of the cult being exposed for what it was. Is the risk worth the reward?
John Manchester does an amazing job switching perspective and using typography to do so. I really enjoyed reading what Ray was writing for his book and it was almost like reading a book within a book. Some books struggle with switching perspectives and narrators and even times, but Manchester makes the switches between present and Ray's book fluid and easy. The feelings that Manchester was able to evoke with details and backstory when talking about the cult and Karl was amazing and as a thriller, it was really powerful.
Overall, I was really impressed with this debut and am eager to see where Manchester goes from here!
March 9, 2019
"Original story from a masterful writer"
When you are starting out in this uncertain world of a writer, experts often suggest you write about something you know. 'Never Speak' is unlike any book you're likely to have come across before. That's because it's writer has a history that enables him to write with authority on the three crucial elements to this tale - music, art and the damage that can be inflicted by cults. Ray's story and that of ex-wife Susan, cult leader Karl and several other fascinating characters who survived the mayhem of the Seventies is developed in clearly defined elements of past and present.
I urge you to immerse yourself in this gripping tale. The word craft of an accomplished composer echoes through every paragraph. The descriptive passages of places and people are bitingly accurate and mark this down as a work of a far higher quality than the majority of writers out there. I review hundreds of books in a year. I'm not sure I'll read a better one than this for many a month. I highly recommend this book to you.
(Ted Tayler: Author of 'The Phoenix Series')
When you are starting out in this uncertain world of a writer, experts often suggest you write about something you know. 'Never Speak' is unlike any book you're likely to have come across before. That's because it's writer has a history that enables him to write with authority on the three crucial elements to this tale - music, art and the damage that can be inflicted by cults. Ray's story and that of ex-wife Susan, cult leader Karl and several other fascinating characters who survived the mayhem of the Seventies is developed in clearly defined elements of past and present.
I urge you to immerse yourself in this gripping tale. The word craft of an accomplished composer echoes through every paragraph. The descriptive passages of places and people are bitingly accurate and mark this down as a work of a far higher quality than the majority of writers out there. I review hundreds of books in a year. I'm not sure I'll read a better one than this for many a month. I highly recommend this book to you.
(Ted Tayler: Author of 'The Phoenix Series')
June 3, 2019
Never speak is a psychological fiction thriller. This is book one of the Murderous arts series. It is about Ray watts, a New York artist who is struggling with keeping his head above the waters. Things aren’t going very well for him, but when he decides to change things around by writing about a cult he used to be part of with his ex-wife, things change for the worse. The book he wants to write is to save him from the situation he is in. However, it comes with consequences.
What I liked about the book was that an author was writing about a writer trying to save his life through his skill. The protagonist’s character was funny and exciting to read. The pace picked up as you read along and became more intense towards the end.
The literature was intriguing. The plot in its entirety was suspenseful and had you follow to the end however since it is to be a continuation of a series, I was expecting a little more foundation and groundwork for the possible future series yet, what did exist was well written for the book.
I recommend this book to fiction fans and to people who like thriller stories. Written by Jeyran main
What I liked about the book was that an author was writing about a writer trying to save his life through his skill. The protagonist’s character was funny and exciting to read. The pace picked up as you read along and became more intense towards the end.
The literature was intriguing. The plot in its entirety was suspenseful and had you follow to the end however since it is to be a continuation of a series, I was expecting a little more foundation and groundwork for the possible future series yet, what did exist was well written for the book.
I recommend this book to fiction fans and to people who like thriller stories. Written by Jeyran main
April 19, 2019
Never speak by john Manchester @johnkmanchester
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Publication date: 29 Jan,2019
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Publisher: @tckpublishing
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Publishing Language: English
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Rating 4.5/5
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What i liked ? Smoothly switching perspective
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Overall view : impressedI have never been part of cult nor i have met someone who have been a part of it,but i have read about them and seen documentaries and stuff and this book made me wonder more about the long-lasting, damaging psychological effects of cult memberships.
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Summary : Ray is a struggling artist living in his ex-girlfriend's home that also work as his studio to sell his art. After hearing news about his ex-wife's death, he turns to google for more information and falls into the rabbit hole of information,layer by layer he discovers an article about another artist named Karl, who seemed to be someone who vanished into thin air and people have various theories about what happened to Karl.But Ray definitely know something about the whole thing and probably one of the only people willing to talk about it. With the help of Ray's friend, Bodine, Ray gets in touch with an editor. The editor is eager to publish a book by Ray and his first-hand experiences with Karl after Karl's disappearance from the music industry, but what about Karl's strict instructions all those years ago to "NEVER SPEAK"?
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Publication date: 29 Jan,2019
.
Publisher: @tckpublishing
.
Publishing Language: English
.
Rating 4.5/5
.
What i liked ? Smoothly switching perspective
.
Overall view : impressedI have never been part of cult nor i have met someone who have been a part of it,but i have read about them and seen documentaries and stuff and this book made me wonder more about the long-lasting, damaging psychological effects of cult memberships.
.
Summary : Ray is a struggling artist living in his ex-girlfriend's home that also work as his studio to sell his art. After hearing news about his ex-wife's death, he turns to google for more information and falls into the rabbit hole of information,layer by layer he discovers an article about another artist named Karl, who seemed to be someone who vanished into thin air and people have various theories about what happened to Karl.But Ray definitely know something about the whole thing and probably one of the only people willing to talk about it. With the help of Ray's friend, Bodine, Ray gets in touch with an editor. The editor is eager to publish a book by Ray and his first-hand experiences with Karl after Karl's disappearance from the music industry, but what about Karl's strict instructions all those years ago to "NEVER SPEAK"?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
John Manchester’s ”Never Speak” is a dark thriller about an aging artist reflecting on his life, specifically his time in a cult. After main character Ray makes the decision to document his experience, a brick with the cult’s ”Never Speak” mantra crashes through his window-literally. Despite continuing to receive ominous threats, Ray presses on and continues to write his story and better understand the lasting effects of that time period in his life. The race to find who is threatening him as he tries to finish his book is a thrilling journey, filled with twists and turns.
Manchester’s characters and imagery came to life through his writing. The story flowed at a consistent pace and was entertaining. Having Ray’s story within ”Never Speak” was like having a bonus read.
Admittedly, this genre is not my usual read but I enjoyed ”Never Speak.” While the story is a thriller, I was still able to enjoy reading it before bed without having to watch something to calm my nerves before going to bed. (don't judge me)
Manchester’s characters and imagery came to life through his writing. The story flowed at a consistent pace and was entertaining. Having Ray’s story within ”Never Speak” was like having a bonus read.
Admittedly, this genre is not my usual read but I enjoyed ”Never Speak.” While the story is a thriller, I was still able to enjoy reading it before bed without having to watch something to calm my nerves before going to bed. (don't judge me)
March 13, 2019
Never Speak takes us on a suspenseful journey through time and reveals the long-lasting, damaging psychological effects of cult membership. Through Ray, the author exposes how the charismatic, messianic, spiritual pretentions of a personality disordered leader intercepts and interacts with the drive for belonging, purpose, protection, validation, answers and most importantly, the hunger for spiritual communion and growth. And how, even when the veil of illusion is lifted, poison remains in the form of self-doubt.
Manchester is an artful storyteller. The gripping twists and turns of plot kept me fully engaged. I look forward to reading more of the Murderous Arts Series.
Manchester is an artful storyteller. The gripping twists and turns of plot kept me fully engaged. I look forward to reading more of the Murderous Arts Series.
June 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It was very well written, with very detailed writings that allow for you to actually picture the scene as if you are standing there with the character, feeling the wind on your face - without being too overly descriptive & long winded, taking you too far away from the actual point of the story itself. I love that it was written so well that at points I wondered if I was even reading fiction! This is not usually the genre I get into, but as an eclectic reader- I will give any genre a try & if the book captures my interest @ the time, I keep reading & this one kept my interest piqued until the very end! Would definitely recommend! 👍👍
August 24, 2021
Wow. 40 years ago I was involved with EST and Synanon, and irrevocably changed by the emotional trauma: fear/worry worship/love -- feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, you name it, they are all in this story. Thank heaven Ray had Bodine to balance his emotions and thoughts. Terrifying story, but well-written and a good slow unfolding. Lots of surprises. Very surprising ending. Just wow.
January 6, 2022
It took me some time to get into this book. I have never read a book about someone being in a cult. It’s mind blowing what people would do for the cult leader ! I did skim over some details that I didn’t feel I needed. I did start really liking it and wanting to see what would happen next. Very talented author.
June 2, 2019
Never Speak is unlike any other book I have ever read. For that I give it tremendous credit. Unlike most "suspense" novels I have read it is a bit more of a "slow burn."
Oh and Karl Maxwell is a bit of a tosser or wanker... that's not really a spoiler as its revealed pretty early in the novel.
Oh and Karl Maxwell is a bit of a tosser or wanker... that's not really a spoiler as its revealed pretty early in the novel.
May 11, 2020
The aftermath of being in a cult.
Ray, his ex wife and some friends were in a cult. The leader was crazy, and a junkie. Up to present day. Ray decided to write a book about the cult. All kinds of harassment followed. Leading to the ending.
Ray, his ex wife and some friends were in a cult. The leader was crazy, and a junkie. Up to present day. Ray decided to write a book about the cult. All kinds of harassment followed. Leading to the ending.
July 22, 2020
Really enjoyed this book,characters were interesting and you can visualize them and there looks
Kind of eiry reading about a cult but you can imagine how young people would be drawn to them
Looking forward to reading Bodine story
Mary
Kind of eiry reading about a cult but you can imagine how young people would be drawn to them
Looking forward to reading Bodine story
Mary
May 9, 2020
Pretty thrilling
I like the way this man writes, I can see it in my head. He is very descriptive. Ray is quite the guy, Ray of Darkness.
I like the way this man writes, I can see it in my head. He is very descriptive. Ray is quite the guy, Ray of Darkness.
June 22, 2020
Interesting and unique storyline
I loved this book! It was packed with twists, interesting characters, and a unique story. It left me wanting more.
I loved this book! It was packed with twists, interesting characters, and a unique story. It left me wanting more.
September 27, 2020
Confusing
I was really confused reading this wasn't sure what it was really about his ex died in a crash but he thought suspicious he was an artist turned into a writer sorry I didn't like it
I was really confused reading this wasn't sure what it was really about his ex died in a crash but he thought suspicious he was an artist turned into a writer sorry I didn't like it
November 7, 2020
Original and well developed.it will keep you awake.great read.
March 27, 2023
Kept me intrigued
Good story. The ending was kinda stink~a~roo, but the premise and the characters were great. Will definitely look for more from this author!
Good story. The ending was kinda stink~a~roo, but the premise and the characters were great. Will definitely look for more from this author!
December 30, 2019
This is definitely a page turner of a thriller. It’s also a really creative and original plot story. I’ve never read anything like it. It’s a psychological thriller, but it wasn’t too freaky for me (thankfully!). Some parts of the plot lingered with me a bit and left me thinking, even after I had put the book down for the night.
The pace of the story flowed very well and wasn’t too fast or too slow. Totally kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. It also made me want to keep watching my back for Ray! What I enjoyed most was being able to visual the story in my mind as it unfolded. Beautiful and methodical writing does that. Overall, an awesome read that will leave you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book from John Manchester to review.
The pace of the story flowed very well and wasn’t too fast or too slow. Totally kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. It also made me want to keep watching my back for Ray! What I enjoyed most was being able to visual the story in my mind as it unfolded. Beautiful and methodical writing does that. Overall, an awesome read that will leave you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book from John Manchester to review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews