While He Was Sleeping

by Chris Johnson

The new supernatural thriller from the author of Dead Cell and Demon Blade.

WHAT IF...

You were bullied constantly at school.
Now you're in hospital.
Comatose.

WHAT IF...

Your best friend and family discover your secret.
A girlfriend you never mentioned.

WHAT IF...

She is so loyal to you.
She hunts each bully.
Terrorises them.
Mutilates them.
Kills them.

One. By. One.

Until...

190 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2020

About the author

Chris Johnson writes high-stakes thrillers with a sci-fi and supernatural edge—think ancient secrets, time travel, and rogue agencies chasing ghosts.

When he’s not writing, Chris performs as a mentalist at private and corporate events, bending minds with psychology and sleight of hand. He lives in Brisbane, Australia, with his family, and still reads The Phantom when no one’s looking.

“Life’s an adventure. So are my books.”

Reviews

[Beaulah McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning story! Absolutely loved it all the way through

[Nick Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It had great twists and turns. I really liked the manifestations, nice and sinister, and actually surprised me a little. (Wont reveal too much) I also liked the quiet Aussie suburban realistic feel to the writing. It jumps very nicely from this to things going very supernatural!
A great read.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Big Thank You to Chris Johnson for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Apart from being a fast paced page turner, the story line was unique and enthralling. Who is the mysterious girlfriend of the comatose teenager, Norman? His family and friends feel uneasy and paralyzed by her controlling presence. Will they survive her malevolent motives? Her superhuman powers seem impregnable. The twist at the end is surprising.

[M.G. Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing read, delving into an area of the supernatural that I haven't read before. Certainly kept me engaged from start to finish.

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend tellin’ a story…

What I think this book reads like. I always thought it would be neat to be able to know what other people (other than my husband - got that one) thought. Well, this gives you an idea of what those thoughts can DO. Told by an adult as when he was teenage (I’m guessing 17-18) boy. And set, though not told, in what’s gotta be the early ‘90’s. All kinds of touchstones if you remember those days. It was just good, I read it pretty much in a day (and part of a night), but it didn’t feel abbreviated - just got the story told well. With a little dry humor as a bonus. Y’all are gonna like this one. ;)

[Wendy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin's best friend, Norman, is left comatose after an accident that Robin suspects may be the result of bullies who relentlessly tormented him. Robin regularly visits his friends hospital bedside regularly along with Norman's sister and mother, when one day a mysterious girl appears claiming to be Norman's girlfriend. Suddenly, one by one, each bully meets a mysterious fate.... what is happening in the town of Middleville??

Chris Johnson is a fantastic storyteller who weaves an engaging tale of thrills, paranormal mystery and intrigue that keeps you hooked until the very last page.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this YA fantasy. A different look into the undead. This story looks at how your mind can make things that seem impossible, possible. After his best friend, Norman has a bike accident that leaves him in a coma, Robin goes to visit him and meets his strange girlfriend for the first time. When some of their high school bullies start dying, Robin wonders if all is not as it seems with Maerie. If you enjoy YA fantasy, you will be captivated by While He Was Sleeping. I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kris Verity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Chris Johnson is a great story.