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Black Tears: HAVI Virus Book 1
Black Tears. They are the tears of the dying and the first symptom of the new plague. The HAVI Virus was sneaky and more contagious than anything the world had ever seen. By the time the tears appear, you’ve already infected everyone around you for at least three days. HAVI devastated the world’s population before anyone knew something was wrong. It didn’t take long for every system to collapse. No more electricity. No more plumbing. No more government. Nothing but what you could create yourself. A perfect recipe for chaos and savagery.
For Paige, it all began in her best friend’s secluded cabin at Granby Lake. Paige was looking forward to a relaxing vacation with her friends. Three days into the vacation, they all wake up in the morning to news of a pandemic. One final message from the President and then the world goes dark. She thought they would be safe so far away from other people and the cities. It didn’t take her long to discover that there is no safe place. Not anymore.
For Paige, it all began in her best friend’s secluded cabin at Granby Lake. Paige was looking forward to a relaxing vacation with her friends. Three days into the vacation, they all wake up in the morning to news of a pandemic. One final message from the President and then the world goes dark. She thought they would be safe so far away from other people and the cities. It didn’t take her long to discover that there is no safe place. Not anymore.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2019
87 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Nicol Nightingale
3 books13 followersI have always loved to read. I've spent half of my life inside the fictional worlds of one book or another. What I loved most about reading was that it takes you to another place, where you can have adventures and experiences that real life sometimes makes impossible. Whenever I would finish a series, it was like I lost friends in real life.
I pursued a bachelor's degree in organismic biology with a minor in chemistry and a associate's degree in biotechnology. Everything was in place to become a scientist. After I graduated though, I felt lost. Six years of college education and I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. Apocalyptic and dystopian novels were my favorite thing to read, but I couldn't figure out what I wanted to read next either.
So, one day, I decided to simply write one instead. As soon as I started typing on the keyboard, I couldn't stop. Every day from the moment I got up in the morning, until late into the night, I would write. I realized that writing was even more fun than reading. Hours passed like minutes. The feeling of discontent and lack of purpose went away. I know this is what I meant to do. I'm just sad that it took me so long to find the courage to do it.
I pursued a bachelor's degree in organismic biology with a minor in chemistry and a associate's degree in biotechnology. Everything was in place to become a scientist. After I graduated though, I felt lost. Six years of college education and I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. Apocalyptic and dystopian novels were my favorite thing to read, but I couldn't figure out what I wanted to read next either.
So, one day, I decided to simply write one instead. As soon as I started typing on the keyboard, I couldn't stop. Every day from the moment I got up in the morning, until late into the night, I would write. I realized that writing was even more fun than reading. Hours passed like minutes. The feeling of discontent and lack of purpose went away. I know this is what I meant to do. I'm just sad that it took me so long to find the courage to do it.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 12, 2025
::sigh:: DNF (all caps)—and for good reason. Rather than regale you with witty repartee regarding this horrifying reading experience, I instead am choosing to allow this one to speak for itself. And so I present to you what I like to call “Cringe”—excerpts from the book that I painfully muddled through before finally deleting the whole mess from my Kindle (had it been a hard copy, I would have burned it and considered it a ceremonial sacrifice).
Excerpt 1:
“I let the water mist up into my face. The top water was warm, but the water still cooled my hot face. The wind whipped my hair around as a gust of wind hit the boat.”
I’m pretty sure this violates every Authorship101 rule. Water, water, water. The alliteration of “wind whipped”, followed by the redundant gust of wind nearly brought a tear to my eye.
Excerpt 2:
““We may have to ration it. I think later; I’ll go online and find out what we can scavenge around here while we still have internet.” I closed the door and walked over the fridge. I pulled out a pitcher of water and set it on the counter. “I’ll help if you want,” she said as she put a lid on the pot and turned down the burner.”
And whilst the first little ditty may have broken myriad rules of basic authoring, this one just breaks basic rules of grammar and punctuation, as well as basic human decency. No one should have to read this. When she walked over the fridge, something inside me died.
Excerpts 3, 4 and 5
“He was so covered in dirt; he could have he crawled out of grave instead of digging one.”
“Yes, I’m. I don’t know where to start though.”
“Would it still be the same, or will it really look the world has ended?”
These beauties should be tattooed somewhere on the body of whomever edited the book.
For the love of reading and all things holy, don’t approach this one. Allow it to die a slow death in isolation, where it can hurt no one else.
Excerpt 1:
“I let the water mist up into my face. The top water was warm, but the water still cooled my hot face. The wind whipped my hair around as a gust of wind hit the boat.”
I’m pretty sure this violates every Authorship101 rule. Water, water, water. The alliteration of “wind whipped”, followed by the redundant gust of wind nearly brought a tear to my eye.
Excerpt 2:
““We may have to ration it. I think later; I’ll go online and find out what we can scavenge around here while we still have internet.” I closed the door and walked over the fridge. I pulled out a pitcher of water and set it on the counter. “I’ll help if you want,” she said as she put a lid on the pot and turned down the burner.”
And whilst the first little ditty may have broken myriad rules of basic authoring, this one just breaks basic rules of grammar and punctuation, as well as basic human decency. No one should have to read this. When she walked over the fridge, something inside me died.
Excerpts 3, 4 and 5
“He was so covered in dirt; he could have he crawled out of grave instead of digging one.”
“Yes, I’m. I don’t know where to start though.”
“Would it still be the same, or will it really look the world has ended?”
These beauties should be tattooed somewhere on the body of whomever edited the book.
For the love of reading and all things holy, don’t approach this one. Allow it to die a slow death in isolation, where it can hurt no one else.
March 5, 2020
Black Tears offers a never-ending ride of emotions. From sadness to joy, and the excitement of a thriller, Black tears follows a group of friends fighting to survive through a deadly flu pandemic. Nicol Nightingale creates real characters so much that you can at least associate with them as one of your friends. The black tears released by the HAVI Virus seem associated with signs and symptoms of Ebola, but the unique take on this virus keeps the story fresh and enjoyable. With the flu being one of the most malleable diseases as of right now, it works that someone might create and distribute a virus to wipe out human-kind.
The book cover gives the reader a vague idea of what the book is about, and the contrast of the black, green, and red is a good draw of the eye.
Black Tears gives enough in the story to make a reader feel satisfied by the character and story arcs but ensures a desire to read the next installment.
In the end, I would highly recommend this book for people who love the suspense of viral outbreaks and people just trying to survive.
The book cover gives the reader a vague idea of what the book is about, and the contrast of the black, green, and red is a good draw of the eye.
Black Tears gives enough in the story to make a reader feel satisfied by the character and story arcs but ensures a desire to read the next installment.
In the end, I would highly recommend this book for people who love the suspense of viral outbreaks and people just trying to survive.
September 24, 2019
This book was so refreshing (new and different)! It was The Last of Us meets Outbreak.
This post apocalyptic novel follows young adult, Paige Anderson, a scientist who goes on a spar-of-the-moment summer vacation with her friends when a deadly and incredibly fast-moving pandemic breaks out worldwide practically overnight.
What starts out as a fun reunion of old friends, soon becomes a fight for her life as she tries to survive--attempting to avoid both the HAVI flu virus and the chaos of the world as they once knew it left in its wake--alongside romantic interest, swoony retired Navy S.E.A.L. Keith Reynolds.
I loved everything about this book. It was entertaining, heart-wrenching, funny, and down-right heart-pounding. I loved the connection between Paige and Keith, the friendship between Sarah and Paige, and the world building and character building in general. Ms. Nightingale did a fabulous job covering all the bases and describing both the virus and the state of the world in the days following the outbreak. She really knows her stuff!!!
It was realistic and well-written, and left me in both awe and intrigue.
If you’re looking for a page turner of viral proportions, grab this book today and get lost on the pages of Black Tears. You’ll soon see what I mean!
This post apocalyptic novel follows young adult, Paige Anderson, a scientist who goes on a spar-of-the-moment summer vacation with her friends when a deadly and incredibly fast-moving pandemic breaks out worldwide practically overnight.
What starts out as a fun reunion of old friends, soon becomes a fight for her life as she tries to survive--attempting to avoid both the HAVI flu virus and the chaos of the world as they once knew it left in its wake--alongside romantic interest, swoony retired Navy S.E.A.L. Keith Reynolds.
I loved everything about this book. It was entertaining, heart-wrenching, funny, and down-right heart-pounding. I loved the connection between Paige and Keith, the friendship between Sarah and Paige, and the world building and character building in general. Ms. Nightingale did a fabulous job covering all the bases and describing both the virus and the state of the world in the days following the outbreak. She really knows her stuff!!!
It was realistic and well-written, and left me in both awe and intrigue.
If you’re looking for a page turner of viral proportions, grab this book today and get lost on the pages of Black Tears. You’ll soon see what I mean!
March 25, 2021
The Virus is not Choosy
Nicole has laid a firm foundation for the Black Tears HAVI Pandemic.
First, the virus kills. Then humans keep effing up the lives that survived!
I'm looking forward to Book II.
It's time to fix-it or kill-it!
Our 2 main characters are a combo of Will Smith and Duane Johnson. The female is a combo of Wonder Woman 1984 and Black Widow!!
I'm thinking there are some giant conflicts coming. You know how the zombie apocalypse brings out the redneck idiots... the HAVI virus shows that man's brain has regressed!!
Thanks Nicole Nightingale!
#PickThisBook
#ReadThisSeries
Nicole has laid a firm foundation for the Black Tears HAVI Pandemic.
First, the virus kills. Then humans keep effing up the lives that survived!
I'm looking forward to Book II.
It's time to fix-it or kill-it!
Our 2 main characters are a combo of Will Smith and Duane Johnson. The female is a combo of Wonder Woman 1984 and Black Widow!!
I'm thinking there are some giant conflicts coming. You know how the zombie apocalypse brings out the redneck idiots... the HAVI virus shows that man's brain has regressed!!
Thanks Nicole Nightingale!
#PickThisBook
#ReadThisSeries
November 30, 2020
This was a fast and fun read, but you really have to have a lot of "suspension of disbelief" when it comes to the main character. With just a Bachelor degree in BioChem, she would not have had the experience the author gives her and that set me back a little - especially since I studied epidemiology at university. The other point of contention is the Navy SEAL. He would not have retired unless he had his 20 years in. He may have resigned, but at his age, not retired.
Other than those two minut points, I liked the book and will be reading the sequel.
Other than those two minut points, I liked the book and will be reading the sequel.
April 22, 2024
Quality outbreak fiction.
This is the first book by Nicole Nightingale I've read, and a couple minor typos aside, its a quality read. It stands out against other outbreak fiction in the speed and lethality of the virus. The world goes from normal to ending in 48 hours. The characters and dialog are well written and believable, always leaving the reader wondering when the other shoe will drop. 4/5 stars. On to Black Hearts!
This is the first book by Nicole Nightingale I've read, and a couple minor typos aside, its a quality read. It stands out against other outbreak fiction in the speed and lethality of the virus. The world goes from normal to ending in 48 hours. The characters and dialog are well written and believable, always leaving the reader wondering when the other shoe will drop. 4/5 stars. On to Black Hearts!
August 6, 2023
This was a good tale for Young Adults but could have used much more proofing for grammatical errors. They became so numerous by Chapter 9 that I had to stop reading.
February 2, 2025
great book
This book was more realistic than most of the books I read. I won’t say the reason because I don’t want to spoil the book. I recommend reading it.
This book was more realistic than most of the books I read. I won’t say the reason because I don’t want to spoil the book. I recommend reading it.
September 13, 2019
Black Tears: HAVI Virus Book 1 Kindle Edition
by Nicol Nightingale
I borrowed this book via the Kindle Unlimited program and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I would like to note there were a few technical issues, like names changing (reversing initials), failure to capitalize some words that begin dialogue and some non-sequesters. I am only noting this to state these will not affect my review or opinion.
This book reminded me a lot of Michael Crichton's medical thrillers with it intricate and excruciating detail. From the R=Naught value to the various weapon types, names and uses, Nightingale gives a depth to the story. At times, the depth can be a little overwhelming. Yet, that detail never overwhelms the plot or character development. Knowledge about virology and disease helps build the terror and determination to not only survive but help conquer the illness in Paige, our heroine. She is never weak willed. She wields her information and her background in biology as a weapon to protect the people she loves. Keith, who is the hero and the love interest, is a 'retired' SEAL. His military background keeps the story moving because he has the contacts and the training.
The plot is a little light. That might be because this is the series started and Nightingale has to lay down a lot of background for characters and the big bad disease. Dialogue is hit or miss in authenticity. It is stilted at times or just not quite right.
There is a nice romantic chemistry between Paige and Keith, everything beyond deep kisses occurs off screen.
The side characters, particularly those in the beginning and the cabin, are well filled out. I care about them deeply enough to be upset at what happens to most of them.
Men, in general and beyond out hero, the cabin characters and the military, fare badly in terms of their behavior. Much like many TEOTWAWKI novels, men apparently devolve quickly into rapists, killers and thieves. This is a touch of stereotype here, I would like to have seen something different.
All in all, it rates as not too bad. Not Swan Song/The Stand/The Book of the Unnamed Midwife awesome but not bad
3 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
by Nicol Nightingale
I borrowed this book via the Kindle Unlimited program and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I would like to note there were a few technical issues, like names changing (reversing initials), failure to capitalize some words that begin dialogue and some non-sequesters. I am only noting this to state these will not affect my review or opinion.
This book reminded me a lot of Michael Crichton's medical thrillers with it intricate and excruciating detail. From the R=Naught value to the various weapon types, names and uses, Nightingale gives a depth to the story. At times, the depth can be a little overwhelming. Yet, that detail never overwhelms the plot or character development. Knowledge about virology and disease helps build the terror and determination to not only survive but help conquer the illness in Paige, our heroine. She is never weak willed. She wields her information and her background in biology as a weapon to protect the people she loves. Keith, who is the hero and the love interest, is a 'retired' SEAL. His military background keeps the story moving because he has the contacts and the training.
The plot is a little light. That might be because this is the series started and Nightingale has to lay down a lot of background for characters and the big bad disease. Dialogue is hit or miss in authenticity. It is stilted at times or just not quite right.
There is a nice romantic chemistry between Paige and Keith, everything beyond deep kisses occurs off screen.
The side characters, particularly those in the beginning and the cabin, are well filled out. I care about them deeply enough to be upset at what happens to most of them.
Men, in general and beyond out hero, the cabin characters and the military, fare badly in terms of their behavior. Much like many TEOTWAWKI novels, men apparently devolve quickly into rapists, killers and thieves. This is a touch of stereotype here, I would like to have seen something different.
All in all, it rates as not too bad. Not Swan Song/The Stand/The Book of the Unnamed Midwife awesome but not bad
3 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews