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Death Knocks #1
Death Knocks
Maverick Ash never expected death to literally come knocking at the door, but it does, and he has no way to stop it.
It’s Maverick’s senior year. He’s no longer stuck in the “friend zone” with the girl of his dreams. He’s looking forward to college and being on his own. And he plans to have a blast along the way. One knock at the door changes everything and thrusts Maverick into a world he never knew existed.
The Black-Eyed Kids don’t demand money…
… they want much more than that, they want his life.
Maverick needs answers, and to get them, he must join forces with the very creature who took away all that he cared about. But a mysterious party will do what it takes to keep their secrets hidden.
Now he must race to expose the truth or face a fate far worse than death itself.
You'll love this fast-paced YA Paranormal Thriller, because everyone enjoys a battle against evil. Fans of Stranger Things and Supernatural will love Death Knocks.
It’s Maverick’s senior year. He’s no longer stuck in the “friend zone” with the girl of his dreams. He’s looking forward to college and being on his own. And he plans to have a blast along the way. One knock at the door changes everything and thrusts Maverick into a world he never knew existed.
The Black-Eyed Kids don’t demand money…
… they want much more than that, they want his life.
Maverick needs answers, and to get them, he must join forces with the very creature who took away all that he cared about. But a mysterious party will do what it takes to keep their secrets hidden.
Now he must race to expose the truth or face a fate far worse than death itself.
You'll love this fast-paced YA Paranormal Thriller, because everyone enjoys a battle against evil. Fans of Stranger Things and Supernatural will love Death Knocks.
- GenresYoung AdultHorrorFantasy
323 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2014
3 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Hardy
28 books62 followersMiranda Hardy writes literature to keep the voices in her head appeased. When she's not in her fantasy world, she's canoeing in alligator infested waters or rescuing homeless animals. She resides in south Florida with her two wonderful children, and too many animals to mention.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 29, 2020
Well this didn't really do anything for me. It was a good idea but it just didn't grab me. I found it boring and it seemed like a lot of pages for not a lot of action. I did like the idea of the Aliens but we never really knew who they were, what they wanted or anything.
October 10, 2019
An interesting sci-fi thriller! I don't think I've read anything similar to this story before, and I'm happy I had the chance to read it. Thank you to the authors for giving me this book for free in exchange for a review.
I like that the story is told from two different point of views. The (often) short chapters, together with the dual POV, makes it very easy to keep reading! The fact that it has taken me about 10 days to finish the book has nothing to do with lack of interest, but everything to do with way too little reading time (work and preparing to move is taking most of my waking hours at the moment...).
The authors leave us hanging for quite some time before revealing what the BEKs really are. I keep thinking aliens, but no... I won't spoil anymore for those who haven't read it yet.
One thing that bugged me was that there were some misspellings and other mistakes. I lose my reading rhythm every time I discover inaccuracy.
I like that the story is told from two different point of views. The (often) short chapters, together with the dual POV, makes it very easy to keep reading! The fact that it has taken me about 10 days to finish the book has nothing to do with lack of interest, but everything to do with way too little reading time (work and preparing to move is taking most of my waking hours at the moment...).
The authors leave us hanging for quite some time before revealing what the BEKs really are. I keep thinking aliens, but no... I won't spoil anymore for those who haven't read it yet.
One thing that bugged me was that there were some misspellings and other mistakes. I lose my reading rhythm every time I discover inaccuracy.
July 28, 2018
I received a copy of this book for free from the author as an ARC and have voluntarily chosen to review it.
This story was based on the urban legend about the BEK's.I enjoyed the story written around this legend. You can hear stories, but until you can get your face into a well written one, it could be anything. The story us well written, creepy, and action packed. You can feel Maverick's terror, his mom's worry, and his friends confusion. This story will take you for a ride. I definitely recommend it to everyone that enjoys a good story.
This story was based on the urban legend about the BEK's.I enjoyed the story written around this legend. You can hear stories, but until you can get your face into a well written one, it could be anything. The story us well written, creepy, and action packed. You can feel Maverick's terror, his mom's worry, and his friends confusion. This story will take you for a ride. I definitely recommend it to everyone that enjoys a good story.
October 21, 2014
Enjoying a night playing video games with his best bud, Maverick is prepping for his senior year at high school and the girl he likes might like him too. One knock at the door changes everything. Maverick didn't want to let the strange kid with the black eyes in, but they couldn't stop. He then finds himself caught in a secret that is strange and frightening. And this is a secret many will kill to keep it so.
DEATH KNOCKS is a wonderfully written YA paranormal thriller about the Black-Eyed Kids (BEKs). It is a terrifying global phenomena that we are hearing more and more of these days. (If you don't know about BEKs, do an internet search. You'll be surprised at what you find!) The authors take this myth and give us a story that will have you on the edge of your seat. It certainly wasn't what I expected, and in a very good way!
Maverick is a highly likable character and I was rooting for him as soon as the knock came at the door. His friends had me laughing - Marcus especially! - and gasping at different points. But it was Astid that fascinated me.
Lock your doors and settle down for a fantastic read.
DEATH KNOCKS is a wonderfully written YA paranormal thriller about the Black-Eyed Kids (BEKs). It is a terrifying global phenomena that we are hearing more and more of these days. (If you don't know about BEKs, do an internet search. You'll be surprised at what you find!) The authors take this myth and give us a story that will have you on the edge of your seat. It certainly wasn't what I expected, and in a very good way!
Maverick is a highly likable character and I was rooting for him as soon as the knock came at the door. His friends had me laughing - Marcus especially! - and gasping at different points. But it was Astid that fascinated me.
Lock your doors and settle down for a fantastic read.
December 17, 2014
Black Eyed Children (or Black-Eyed Kids) is an urban legend of supposed paranormal creatures who resemble children between the ages of 6 and 16 with pale white skin and black eyes who are reportedly seen hitchhiking or panhandling, or are encountered on doorsteps of residential homes. Tales of black eyed children have appeared in pop culture since the late 1990s.
This was such a great story. It's well written with very likable characters. The story draws you in right away and makes it impossible to put down. I can't wait for book 2!
This was such a great story. It's well written with very likable characters. The story draws you in right away and makes it impossible to put down. I can't wait for book 2!
August 4, 2015
I need more!
August 1, 2017
I don't think I will ever open the door again without checking out someones eyes to make sure they are not black!! I wasn't sure what I would think of Death Knocks but I really enjoyed it.
Maverick was at his friends house when someone knocks on the door. Maverick has a bad feeling about it and tells his friend not to open the door but he does anyway and what happens sends Maverick on quite a rid. The kids at the door are not ordinary kids as they have black eyes and before he knows it he has been knocked out. He wakes up to find his friend is dead and they are somewhere but not at his friends house. One of the Black Eyed Kids (BEK's) helps him escape.
Astid is the BEK that helped Maverick and we get her POV as well. She doesn't like killing people and opts to save Maverick but now her brother is really mad at her. So she is running from him and Maverick tries to help her even though he is not sure he can trust her at first. His life is spiraling out of control. Everyone thinks he killed his friend and they can't find the body, he has people chasing after him and more BEK's trying to kill him.
I liked all the characters in this story and even though I liked Maverick I think my favorite is Marcus. He is Mavericks goofy friend who is kind of smarter than he lets on and just likes to let everyone think he is dumb.
Death Knocks starts out with some action and stays pretty face passed through the whole thing which I really enjoyed. I can't wait to try the next one to see what happens next.
Maverick was at his friends house when someone knocks on the door. Maverick has a bad feeling about it and tells his friend not to open the door but he does anyway and what happens sends Maverick on quite a rid. The kids at the door are not ordinary kids as they have black eyes and before he knows it he has been knocked out. He wakes up to find his friend is dead and they are somewhere but not at his friends house. One of the Black Eyed Kids (BEK's) helps him escape.
Astid is the BEK that helped Maverick and we get her POV as well. She doesn't like killing people and opts to save Maverick but now her brother is really mad at her. So she is running from him and Maverick tries to help her even though he is not sure he can trust her at first. His life is spiraling out of control. Everyone thinks he killed his friend and they can't find the body, he has people chasing after him and more BEK's trying to kill him.
I liked all the characters in this story and even though I liked Maverick I think my favorite is Marcus. He is Mavericks goofy friend who is kind of smarter than he lets on and just likes to let everyone think he is dumb.
Death Knocks starts out with some action and stays pretty face passed through the whole thing which I really enjoyed. I can't wait to try the next one to see what happens next.
June 28, 2017
Death Knocks by Miranda Hardy and Jay Noel takes a lesser known urban legend of Black Eyed Kids and turns it into a suspenseful, fun read. Maverick is about to start his senior year in high school and is spending the evening with his best friend playing video games when a knock at the door changes his whole life.
I thought that Hardy and Noel do a great job at writing characters that were likable, relatable, and yet flawed. Stakes are continuously raised throughout the story and the pacing was done well. The story kept moving forward at a good pace.
Memo from the nit-picking department: While this didn't bother me enough to diminish my enjoyment of this book, it did nag at me. The book seemed to take place in the modern time of 2017is (there were game consoles and cell phones), yet not once was the possibility that the black eyes were caused by special contacts which exist. It just felt this possibility was overlooked.
I listened to this book on audiobook narrated by Jeff Simpson. Simpson did a good job making each voice distinct and bringing the characters to life, using different inflections and accents in an enjoyable way. The quality of the recording was excellent as well.
**I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.**
I thought that Hardy and Noel do a great job at writing characters that were likable, relatable, and yet flawed. Stakes are continuously raised throughout the story and the pacing was done well. The story kept moving forward at a good pace.
Memo from the nit-picking department: While this didn't bother me enough to diminish my enjoyment of this book, it did nag at me. The book seemed to take place in the modern time of 2017is (there were game consoles and cell phones), yet not once was the possibility that the black eyes were caused by special contacts which exist. It just felt this possibility was overlooked.
I listened to this book on audiobook narrated by Jeff Simpson. Simpson did a good job making each voice distinct and bringing the characters to life, using different inflections and accents in an enjoyable way. The quality of the recording was excellent as well.
**I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.**
August 11, 2018
Death Knocks is what I would consider a young adult paranormal mystery and it's not something I normally read but I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. So here we go...I've read a few of Miranda Hardy's books already and really like her writing style and how she keeps you guessing, and this book was no exception. In the beginning it throws you right into the action by starting off with Maverick and his best friend, Tarick, planning video games and then they get a knock at the door. Based on the name of the book, I don't think I have to tell you what happens next. The beginning was a little confusing to me and I was a little lost to start off but everything started coming clear the more I read. I really like the main character of Maverick, even though he is 17 years old he seems like he is very level headed and aware of what's going on.
August 7, 2018
I wanted to give 4 1/2 stars because I feel that it warrants more than 4 but not quite 5.
Well, having read a couple of the authors other books I guess I was expecting something similar. I found myself struggling initially to get into the rythym of the story, it started slow. The pace unexpectedly quickens and I felt the compulsion to finish the book.
Brilliant character development. Astrid puzzled me so it was good to find out where she came from, I thought alien too. The direction each character was made to take kind of makes the reader need to read further and find out what happens next. Some of the scenes were mind blowing. Those eyes!! I will be wary answering a knock at the door.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and chose to leave this honest review.
Well, having read a couple of the authors other books I guess I was expecting something similar. I found myself struggling initially to get into the rythym of the story, it started slow. The pace unexpectedly quickens and I felt the compulsion to finish the book.
Brilliant character development. Astrid puzzled me so it was good to find out where she came from, I thought alien too. The direction each character was made to take kind of makes the reader need to read further and find out what happens next. Some of the scenes were mind blowing. Those eyes!! I will be wary answering a knock at the door.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and chose to leave this honest review.
December 3, 2018
FROM GOODREADS SITE: Who knew a knock at the door could rupture your entire world?
They don’t demand money or possessions…they want much more than that, they want your life.
Maverick is preparing for senior year: he’s no longer stuck in the “friend-zone” with the girl of his dreams, he’s looking forward to choosing the right college and being on his own, and he plans to have a blast along the way.
But a knock on the door changes all of that forever.
Maverick begins a mind-altering, life-changing journey to discover the truth—a truth that certain individuals will do anything to keep hidden.
Death Knocks is a Young Adult paranormal thriller about the strange global phenomenon known as the Black-Eyed Kids.
They don’t demand money or possessions…they want much more than that, they want your life.
Maverick is preparing for senior year: he’s no longer stuck in the “friend-zone” with the girl of his dreams, he’s looking forward to choosing the right college and being on his own, and he plans to have a blast along the way.
But a knock on the door changes all of that forever.
Maverick begins a mind-altering, life-changing journey to discover the truth—a truth that certain individuals will do anything to keep hidden.
Death Knocks is a Young Adult paranormal thriller about the strange global phenomenon known as the Black-Eyed Kids.
August 22, 2018
This is the first book in the Black Eyed Kids series. The book is very well written and very original. I have never heard of "BEKS" before. It's very creative. Mav's world keeps getting turned upside down as his life starts to unravel before his eyes. It's loss after loss and he can't seem to make it stop. A good quote to describe the book that I found inside the book is "One minute he's a normal teenager looking forward to normal teenage problems, and a week later, his world is shattered by a simple knock on the door." I am looking forward to book two to see what else is coming for Mav and his friends.
September 27, 2018
I received an advanced copy and volunteered to review.
Each time I read a YA book I am all the more surprised when I think about the target age. There weren't a lot of books like this when I was once part of that audience so they're never what I expect them to be. This one - I missed out on this urban legend - so reading Miranda Hardy's version was interesting. It took me some time to get fully into the story, and the twists were surprising. While it wrapped up its part nicely, I was still left feeling down. That's more about what happened by the end. I will be reading the next books because I have to know how this ends!
Each time I read a YA book I am all the more surprised when I think about the target age. There weren't a lot of books like this when I was once part of that audience so they're never what I expect them to be. This one - I missed out on this urban legend - so reading Miranda Hardy's version was interesting. It took me some time to get fully into the story, and the twists were surprising. While it wrapped up its part nicely, I was still left feeling down. That's more about what happened by the end. I will be reading the next books because I have to know how this ends!
August 14, 2022
This is an interesting sci-fi take on super soldiers. I enjoyed most of it a lot. Hardy is a good writer and conveys tension very well. For me personally, the novel lacks something. It kept me engaged, but I wasn't driven to know "what's next" which is common for me with books of this style. The ending, in particular, doesn't do it for me. It is slow, setting up for the next book and somehow redundant. The actual final sentence leaves you hanging which was weird for me. Otherwise, Death Knocks has a good premise and good implementation.
June 2, 2017
Death Knocks is a unique TA/YA telling of a an urban legend about black eyed kids (BEK). This was a good story. It's well written with likable characters. The story draws you and holds your attention with unexpected twists & turns. Maverick and his rag tag gang of friends take on the BEK and government agents just to survive at personal devastating consequences. The audio version of this story is very good. The narrator did a great job!
June 23, 2017
Death Knocks by Miranda Hardy and Jay Noel was a great Read. No one would ever guess that a knock at the door could cost someone their life. The people at the door don't want anything but to take your life. This was a good book about how drastically your life could change with a quick decision. I can't wait to read more by Miranda Hardy and Jay Noel.
November 12, 2017
This book was okay. The story has potential but it felt like it parts of it dragged on and on and on... Other parts felt like they progressed way too quickly. I did not like the pacing in this book. But it kept me interested the entire time. It's the first book in a series so not all of my questions were answered.
October 5, 2017
I read this as part of the Shattered Worlds anthology. While the story has potential, it just didn't click for me. It was a slow starter and I found it all too easy to put down throughout. While I'm sure others will enjoy the tale, it unfortunately just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 4, 2017
Enjoyed this quite a bit
Fast paces, descriptive, to the point. I finished this in about two days did not want to put it down.
Fast paces, descriptive, to the point. I finished this in about two days did not want to put it down.
January 25, 2018
Such tragedy begins with just a knock on the door. Instead of finishing their senior year of high school, they begin a crazy journey that threatens their lives.
July 6, 2018
Wow what a fantasy story from a first time author for me. Impossible to stop reading. Ready for another one.
March 28, 2017
Note: I received a review copy of this via Netgalley. This in no way influences my opinion.
I think the first thing that drew me toward requesting this book is the cover! It definitely sucked me in, and as soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to request it. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me and I ended up DNFing it.
I think, whilst the synopsis is definitely unique, the execution definitely lacked. I liked the idea of taken this particular urban legend because it's not particularly represented (as far as I have seen). I struggled to keep up with the idea of the kids being what they were and I felt like it didn't really fit into the urban legend scene itself in the sense of what it is.
I also found it difficult to connect to the characters. I felt like it was extremely choppy and it didn't leave much room to get to know the characters themselves. Without that connection, I didn't feel compelled to actually pick the book up and read it and often found myself doing something else.
Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me and I don't really have much else to say because I didn't get that far into it. I felt like the writing was pretty choppy and didn't allow connections to be made with main characters. I gave this book 1/5 star.
I think the first thing that drew me toward requesting this book is the cover! It definitely sucked me in, and as soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to request it. Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me and I ended up DNFing it.
I think, whilst the synopsis is definitely unique, the execution definitely lacked. I liked the idea of taken this particular urban legend because it's not particularly represented (as far as I have seen). I struggled to keep up with the idea of the kids being what they were and I felt like it didn't really fit into the urban legend scene itself in the sense of what it is.
I also found it difficult to connect to the characters. I felt like it was extremely choppy and it didn't leave much room to get to know the characters themselves. Without that connection, I didn't feel compelled to actually pick the book up and read it and often found myself doing something else.
Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me and I don't really have much else to say because I didn't get that far into it. I felt like the writing was pretty choppy and didn't allow connections to be made with main characters. I gave this book 1/5 star.
August 11, 2021
Full review on my blog: thebookishorca.wordpress.com :)
I’ll be honest: I liked this book much more than I thought I would!
I hardly ever read paranormal books, and don’t read too many male narrators either, so I wouldn’t have picked this book up on my own. I’m definitely not opposed to either of these, it’s just not what I typically gravitate to. But when this beautiful book arrived in the mail, I wasn’t going to let it sit around unread.
It hooked me from the first chapter, and I finished it the same day. So much for not enjoying paranormal books. 🙂
The whole premise of the book is fascinating. It revolves around the urban legend of Black-Eyed Kids, who basically knock on the door and steal your soul. (I tend to panic anyway when someone knocks on the door, so this probably isn’t going to do wonders for that.) I’d never read about this legend before, but I didn’t feel lost at all – in fact, now I want to do some more research on it.
I grew really fond of Astid. No, that’s not a typo…my brain keeps trying to auto-fill “Astrid,” but there’s no R in there. I’m also not sure how to pronounce it, but that’s a common concern in the books I like to read. Maybe an audiobook would help. She’s one of the Black-Eyed Kids, and I loved getting chapters from her point of view. In fact, I thought she was the most interesting character in the book.
I liked Maverick as a narrator; he seemed fairly sensible throughout the whole book. I also really liked his mom. I wish she had a bigger role in the book. That brings up the whole debate of how uninvolved parents are in YA books. I thought his mom was actually present for a fair deal of it, and they seemed to have a nice relationship, which was really refreshing. Not everyone despises their parents – I hate when characters are just plain rude to their parents. That’s not acceptable! I was happy that this book had a sweet relationship between Maverick and his mom.
One thing I did find problematic was
I ship Maverick and Astid. Also, I thought of a perfect ship name for them… Asterick! 🙂
I’ll be honest: I liked this book much more than I thought I would!
I hardly ever read paranormal books, and don’t read too many male narrators either, so I wouldn’t have picked this book up on my own. I’m definitely not opposed to either of these, it’s just not what I typically gravitate to. But when this beautiful book arrived in the mail, I wasn’t going to let it sit around unread.
It hooked me from the first chapter, and I finished it the same day. So much for not enjoying paranormal books. 🙂
The whole premise of the book is fascinating. It revolves around the urban legend of Black-Eyed Kids, who basically knock on the door and steal your soul. (I tend to panic anyway when someone knocks on the door, so this probably isn’t going to do wonders for that.) I’d never read about this legend before, but I didn’t feel lost at all – in fact, now I want to do some more research on it.
I grew really fond of Astid. No, that’s not a typo…my brain keeps trying to auto-fill “Astrid,” but there’s no R in there. I’m also not sure how to pronounce it, but that’s a common concern in the books I like to read. Maybe an audiobook would help. She’s one of the Black-Eyed Kids, and I loved getting chapters from her point of view. In fact, I thought she was the most interesting character in the book.
I liked Maverick as a narrator; he seemed fairly sensible throughout the whole book. I also really liked his mom. I wish she had a bigger role in the book. That brings up the whole debate of how uninvolved parents are in YA books. I thought his mom was actually present for a fair deal of it, and they seemed to have a nice relationship, which was really refreshing. Not everyone despises their parents – I hate when characters are just plain rude to their parents. That’s not acceptable! I was happy that this book had a sweet relationship between Maverick and his mom.
One thing I did find problematic was
I ship Maverick and Astid. Also, I thought of a perfect ship name for them… Asterick! 🙂
September 10, 2019
Very captivating!!
This book starts out so different from many other books (male perspective is the minority as far as I know). The opzning scene with two best friends playing xbox whilst babysitting one’s baby sister and have them atually actively tend to the baby was such a normal yet special thing that it was a pleasant start (although it’s not the instant thrilling start some might prefer). But the suspense doesn’t take long to arrive and when it comes, well, the suspense never really goes away. I think it could have been a little bit more fast-paced but honestly, that would’ve made the characters less alive sort of speak. It’s the little things that count afterall. And not too much either, just a hint so they’re characters, not empty shells. So I’d say it has a very nice balance between details and suspense. And the BEKs are interesting. Dreadfully scary but fascinating as well. Can’t wait to learn more about them! Sorry, I know it’s vague but I don’t want to spoiler anything so lets just say, they are the thing that go bump in the night that you wish you’ll never have to face. So yeah, they’re great providers for that thrill factor.
It is an easy to read, fast-paced book that keeps your eyes locked on the page until the end. I can’t wait for book two, to get some answers on a few questions that come to mind after finishing this book. Doesn’t really end with a cliffhanger (thank goodness) but the way it ends is a promise for book two and after the end it does list the titles for book two and three so that’s nice, might not be necessary but I appreciate the extra words so I can see that I can at least look forward to reading two more books in this series.
I guess this book is sort of a mix between Stranger Things and Supernatural so if you’re a fan, you’ll probably like this one!
This book starts out so different from many other books (male perspective is the minority as far as I know). The opzning scene with two best friends playing xbox whilst babysitting one’s baby sister and have them atually actively tend to the baby was such a normal yet special thing that it was a pleasant start (although it’s not the instant thrilling start some might prefer). But the suspense doesn’t take long to arrive and when it comes, well, the suspense never really goes away. I think it could have been a little bit more fast-paced but honestly, that would’ve made the characters less alive sort of speak. It’s the little things that count afterall. And not too much either, just a hint so they’re characters, not empty shells. So I’d say it has a very nice balance between details and suspense. And the BEKs are interesting. Dreadfully scary but fascinating as well. Can’t wait to learn more about them! Sorry, I know it’s vague but I don’t want to spoiler anything so lets just say, they are the thing that go bump in the night that you wish you’ll never have to face. So yeah, they’re great providers for that thrill factor.
It is an easy to read, fast-paced book that keeps your eyes locked on the page until the end. I can’t wait for book two, to get some answers on a few questions that come to mind after finishing this book. Doesn’t really end with a cliffhanger (thank goodness) but the way it ends is a promise for book two and after the end it does list the titles for book two and three so that’s nice, might not be necessary but I appreciate the extra words so I can see that I can at least look forward to reading two more books in this series.
I guess this book is sort of a mix between Stranger Things and Supernatural so if you’re a fan, you’ll probably like this one!
September 25, 2019
I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. This is simply my opinion on the book and is not influenced by any external factor.
It all starts with a knock on the door…
…Then everything goes under.
First, the Black Eyed Kids take Maverick’s friend, but they want more than that. They want him as well. There’s also a group of individuals who will do anything to keep the truth hidden and silence him.
This was a fast paced and exciting story which grips you from page one. The characters were all great and well developed. Maverick’s character especially. He starts as a happy adolescent suffering from mental illness controlled by medication, but things go downhill for him from there.
There isn’t any adult content apart from a few minor curse words and the romance is minimal. It’s a great paranormal thriller based on the legend of the Black Eyed Kids. The writing style was excellent, it keeps you hooked on the story and not want to put it down.
But it does serve as a life lesson in a way; not that the Black Eyed Kids are real, but how your plans can change in an instant. The change might not be as drastic as those Maverick experiences, but it still would disrupt everything you had planned.
Definitely one to reread in the future, look forward to reading the next book.
It all starts with a knock on the door…
…Then everything goes under.
First, the Black Eyed Kids take Maverick’s friend, but they want more than that. They want him as well. There’s also a group of individuals who will do anything to keep the truth hidden and silence him.
This was a fast paced and exciting story which grips you from page one. The characters were all great and well developed. Maverick’s character especially. He starts as a happy adolescent suffering from mental illness controlled by medication, but things go downhill for him from there.
There isn’t any adult content apart from a few minor curse words and the romance is minimal. It’s a great paranormal thriller based on the legend of the Black Eyed Kids. The writing style was excellent, it keeps you hooked on the story and not want to put it down.
But it does serve as a life lesson in a way; not that the Black Eyed Kids are real, but how your plans can change in an instant. The change might not be as drastic as those Maverick experiences, but it still would disrupt everything you had planned.
Definitely one to reread in the future, look forward to reading the next book.
September 29, 2019
Review by Shoshanahlila of Death Knocks (The Soul Hunters Book 1)
By Miranda Hardy, Dark Projects, and Jay Noel YA PN s/f Suspense, ethics. Warnings:M V L D
This is a somewhat dark character-driven story set in "vague location small town suburbs" as if this story could have happened anywhere a là Twilight Zone or X-files. It is an ethics story, cautionary tale, part coming of age and quest-mystery. The question of if this were possible also makes it a bit of a psychological horror, just in time for the Halloween season. Cue the goose-bumps. With an interesting premise, I found this a somewhat interesting read. The characters suffer and have to make hard decisions. In doing so, they learn and grow.
Kids are going missing. Is it a drug cult, beings from outer space, or some dark government project? The conspiracy theorists are having a field day on the web. What is real and what is cover-up?
Maverick Ash doesn't know what or who to believe after he and his best friend are attacked. The Authorities think he did it, but he is just as baffled as they seem to be. It's a mystery Mav feels compelled to solve!
Follow Maverick and his friends as they seek justice and answers. The next two books in the Soul Hunter’s Series are Death Arrives & Death Returns.
**I am voluntarily leaving a review of a BOOKSPROUT title.
By Miranda Hardy, Dark Projects, and Jay Noel YA PN s/f Suspense, ethics. Warnings:M V L D
This is a somewhat dark character-driven story set in "vague location small town suburbs" as if this story could have happened anywhere a là Twilight Zone or X-files. It is an ethics story, cautionary tale, part coming of age and quest-mystery. The question of if this were possible also makes it a bit of a psychological horror, just in time for the Halloween season. Cue the goose-bumps. With an interesting premise, I found this a somewhat interesting read. The characters suffer and have to make hard decisions. In doing so, they learn and grow.
Kids are going missing. Is it a drug cult, beings from outer space, or some dark government project? The conspiracy theorists are having a field day on the web. What is real and what is cover-up?
Maverick Ash doesn't know what or who to believe after he and his best friend are attacked. The Authorities think he did it, but he is just as baffled as they seem to be. It's a mystery Mav feels compelled to solve!
Follow Maverick and his friends as they seek justice and answers. The next two books in the Soul Hunter’s Series are Death Arrives & Death Returns.
**I am voluntarily leaving a review of a BOOKSPROUT title.
November 7, 2019
Maverick Ash never expected death to literally come knocking at the door, but it does, and he has no way to stop it.
It’s Maverick’s senior year. He’s no longer stuck in the “friend zone” with the girl of his dreams. He’s looking forward to college and being on his own. And he plans to have a blast along the way. One knock at the door changes everything and thrusts Maverick into a world he never knew existed.
The Black-Eyed Kids don’t demand money…
… they want much more than that, they want his life.
Maverick needs answers, and to get them, he must join forces with the very creature who took away all that he cared about. But a mysterious party will do what it takes to keep their secrets hidden.
Now he must race to expose the truth or face a fate far worse than death itself.
This is a slow starter but an excellent adventure once it starts flowing.
Well written plot and story line that is engaging and adventurous.
Suspense with some twists and turns that keep you wondering.
Well written and fleshed out characters that was fun to read about.
Will be looking for more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s Maverick’s senior year. He’s no longer stuck in the “friend zone” with the girl of his dreams. He’s looking forward to college and being on his own. And he plans to have a blast along the way. One knock at the door changes everything and thrusts Maverick into a world he never knew existed.
The Black-Eyed Kids don’t demand money…
… they want much more than that, they want his life.
Maverick needs answers, and to get them, he must join forces with the very creature who took away all that he cared about. But a mysterious party will do what it takes to keep their secrets hidden.
Now he must race to expose the truth or face a fate far worse than death itself.
This is a slow starter but an excellent adventure once it starts flowing.
Well written plot and story line that is engaging and adventurous.
Suspense with some twists and turns that keep you wondering.
Well written and fleshed out characters that was fun to read about.
Will be looking for more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2016
A suspense filled, exciting and unusual audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This paranormal thriller takes the creepy urban myth of Black-Eyed-Kids and weaves it into a scary, well written story that holds you captivated to the very end. The characters are likeable and fascinating and you soon become invested in their lives. The narration was great, he brought the characters to life and gave each individual personalities. His voice changes were excellent, especially his female voices, they were very believable and I had to look twice to see if there wasn't a second female narrator. Threads of humour, conspiracy and romance are interweaved with the eerie tension in this story and in the future you will definitely think twice before answering a knock at your door at night. I look forward to hearing the next in the series. I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review
July 7, 2017
Who knew that a simple knock at the door could change ones life forever? Unfortunately, Maverick knows that all to well now that everything he has known and loved has changed, his world is figuratively and literally upside down, and he doesn't even know where to start to try and put some of the pieces back together, but he knows he has to do something or the black eyed kids will tear some other kids world up like they did his.
I don't want to say to much for fear of giving to much away but this is a really awesome book, and the narrator, Jeff Simpson, really makes the book come alive with his voices for every different character and the way he pulls you into the story you are there living it with Maverick and his friends. This is a really awesome action packed, twists and turns, kind of book by Ms. Hardy and I can't wait to see what happens to Maverick and his friends, because there must be more?
I don't want to say to much for fear of giving to much away but this is a really awesome book, and the narrator, Jeff Simpson, really makes the book come alive with his voices for every different character and the way he pulls you into the story you are there living it with Maverick and his friends. This is a really awesome action packed, twists and turns, kind of book by Ms. Hardy and I can't wait to see what happens to Maverick and his friends, because there must be more?
July 24, 2019
Well wasn't this a wonderfully creepy read 😈
Think a mix of Stranger Things, X-Files and Supernatural and you have a good basis for understanding the vibes of this book 💪
Death Knocks is superbly creepy and had a nice balance of darkness and humor to keep me reading. 😊 there are moments when the darker vibes can get under your skin and other moments I snorted laughing at a certain characters antics 😂
If you're a lover of dark fiction, sci-fi and urban fantasy/sci-fi this will likely be a great, quick read ❤
Also if you wanted a book that felt like it could chronicle the mishaps of Eleven (from Stranger Things) and her other child experiments but using original characters then that's another good way to describe this 👌
Overall, initially a little full on to the point I was wondering WTF is going on here BUT it works perfectly with the plot line so if you feel that way try to hang on cause it gets fast paced and thrilling 🙌
Think a mix of Stranger Things, X-Files and Supernatural and you have a good basis for understanding the vibes of this book 💪
Death Knocks is superbly creepy and had a nice balance of darkness and humor to keep me reading. 😊 there are moments when the darker vibes can get under your skin and other moments I snorted laughing at a certain characters antics 😂
If you're a lover of dark fiction, sci-fi and urban fantasy/sci-fi this will likely be a great, quick read ❤
Also if you wanted a book that felt like it could chronicle the mishaps of Eleven (from Stranger Things) and her other child experiments but using original characters then that's another good way to describe this 👌
Overall, initially a little full on to the point I was wondering WTF is going on here BUT it works perfectly with the plot line so if you feel that way try to hang on cause it gets fast paced and thrilling 🙌
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