Oblivion Black

by Darren Floyd

A post apocalyptic horror novel. In 1968, eccentric billionaire Joseph Jennings builds a nuclear bunker deep within a mountain in Alaska. The caverns have been used by humans ancient paintings depict figures surrounding an altar, worshipping a dark, monstrous creature. Jenning's behaviour becomes increasingly he never leaves the bunker, and becomes obsessed with the paintings and the creature. He disappears. The cavern is abandoned. The project aborted. Fifty years later, the bunker has been transformed into the Sanctuary - an exclusive retreat for the world’s wealthiest elite. War looms, and the elite flee to the Sanctuary as a nuclear apocalypse unfolds. Then the killings begin. Something else is in there. It always has been.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Ebooks, Amazon, Apocalyptic

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2020

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A boring, tedious book, with absolutely no character worth rooting for. And I am sick of “ calm, calm, calm,” and the sound of meat being torn from the bone and “Do you think there is something in here besides us? “ “With us?” Hidden here? “ Bats?

[Otis Doss III · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard book to rate. A three star rating is too low, but there are a couple issues that make a four star rating too high. I believe a 3.8 star rating would be appropriate. One issue is that the writing at times seemed amateurish, more so early on in the book. At other times, however, the writing was truly absorbing. The other issue is that the book was too ambitious, in that too much was packed into one book. I think the story would have been better served if it were spread over two books, or maybe a trilogy. Despite these issues, there is a lot to like about this book. I do recommend it.

[Calvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea that quickly falls apart

When I first read the synopsis for thr book, I was excited. It sounded awesome. Survival horror, doomsday bunker, creature feature. And then I started reading it and realized my expectations were way too high.

I'm not sure if this was the author's first novel, but holy crap there was a lot of problems. First off, the editing was bad. Tons of spelling and grammar errors. One character kept getting called she and it, instead of just one. Secondly, the author is clearly from the UK writing a novel that takes place in America with American characters, but keeps using UK verbiage. Tyres, petrol, lifts, notes, and a variety of other word are used by American characters. This was a huge mistake and kept taking me out of the story. Third, the non-linear story telling was as easy to follow as quantum string theory aka not at all. It seemed like the author took stories from different time periods, tossed them in a cup, shook it up, and whatever story got pulled out first got written down. The book could have been way better, even with the time jumps, but they were so sporadic and not clearly labeled that it was confusing. It was like Quentin Tarantino wrote the script, tore it up, and then tried to glue it back together.

I had really high hopes for this book, but I was definitely let down. Hopefully the author learns from his mistakes on this book and does way better next time.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a nice sized read this book seems to move along very fast so that before I realized it, I had read it cover to cover. I was drawn into the book from the get-go and then it held me hostage by its superb plot, characters and its well written details. This is a truly brilliant post-apocalyptic read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tameka Estridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story Bad grammar

I truly enjoyed this story that had elements of monsters, history, tech, espionage and so much more. But the missing words or incorrect words had me reading the same sentences over and over, just so I could understand. If editing issues don't bother you, I definitely suggest you read it.

[Michelle Troutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Could not put this book down and I was so sad when it ended!
Such a good read. Not too violent. It’s just enough!

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, while this book had an interesting concept, numerous editing errors took away from the story.
Parts of sentences were missing, characters and situations became jumbled up. At one point Oblivion Black was being chased by early humans but then the sentence was randomly mentioning lizard breathe as she fell. As though the author changed the scene but left behind parts from different ideas.

The characters were meh, and the story jumps a lot randomly from past to present.
Annoyed that the “American” characters used so much UK slang.

The creature itself…. The whole premise was confusing? Was this a supernatural bear? How and why? The only weakness it has is the crystals, it was never really explained…
The final confrontation was a let down and barely described in detail.

[Gladys Olmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Unusual apocalyptic story with a mystical theme. No perfect heroes in this book, just flawed people doing the best they can.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a really quite cool read. The grammar, some of the pacing, and much of the dialogue felt very repetitive and at times it felt like the book hadn’t been edited, and the first draft had been published as is. But! I really loved how it was set it. Going backwards and forwards in time was at first confusing, but made it quite fun to read and a nice ‘mystery’. I adore how Oblivion Black was portrayed! Definitely a nice twist from the usual evil bad deity thing. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

[jeremy dierst · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad read, I just can't give a higher rating. The plot was sub-standard and jumped around a lot. The characters were a little flat and non detailed. The suspense was half-assed and overall the novel seemed rushed. And if I read the phrase, sounds like pulling meat from a bone, one more time, I am going to pull my hair out. The only reason I finished it was just to see how it ended, no more interest than that?

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by the combination of apocalypse and "trapped in with a monster" themes, and I really enjoyed it.
The creature has enough mystery so it doesn't become ridiculous, but there's also enough information to create effective horror and a great backstory. The setting of an apocalypse bunker is very effective and I loved the duel timelines. There was quite a few characters in this book but I think it's written well enough that there's a good focus on the main group and I enjoyed all the little backstories.
The atmosphere in the book is great and I think the author has put a lot of world building into quiet a short book.
Overall, a great horror read.

[E. S. Charree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What?!??!!

Loved the book! Have a couple comments: found it a bit difficult to keep up with all the characters; a bit too many back and forths in time to follow everything; AND a big one---what's with the abrupt ending!!!!! Want to read more about the last characters!!! Please?

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great horror novel, the characters were great and it was a wonderfully done spooky atmosphere. The cover was what drew me in and I really enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael J. Kevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will want to keep reading!

One of the best stories I have read in a.long time. Very well told and constantly keeps you guessing what is next. Two thumbs up and a double whoop tee do!

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oblivian Black: Post-apocalyptic horror

This was a unique post-apocalyptic adventure for me that never got boring. What seemed to be just a wealthy eccentric's version of extreme prepping, became an obsession that swept up anyone in his orbit. The search for a suitable location - a sanctuary, is found. This is when it gets complicated. The author does an excellent job of developing a variety of characters as well as the interactions and emotions of each as they work to create an ideal environment to match the vision of their employers. No spoilers, but the book's name gives it away. Horror does indeed become the unspoken thought that haunts everyone in the Sanctuary, but what is it? I look forward to reading the follow-up novel by Darren Floyd.

[Alan Loewen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fantastic Tale

An eccentric billionaire creates the ultimate sanctuary in an Alaskan mountain and disappears into its maze of caverns. Decades later, it is purchased by a secret organization and they turn it into a playground for the rich and famous when the world ends.

When that happens, it all goes downhill from there due to lunatic traitors in their midst to something that is best called a supernatural horror.

I did find a few grammatical errors but not enough to take me from the story that gripped me and did not let go. These are not the most heroic people you will ever meet, but many of them leave their lifestyle of being the idle rich and adapt to the life of true survivalists making sure that not only they survive, but the remaining survivors of The Sanctuary.

[Gareth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and I don't want anyone to think it's bad, but it took a very long time to get going. I think it was somewhere around 40% where things started to actually happen! The story is good and is a nice twist on the post apocalypse theme, a "rich kid" underground bunker to protect against a nuclear war but something weird is lurking inside. Nicely done.

However, it did have some grammatical errors and for some reason genders kept changing, but it wasn't a lot. Once it got going I did enjoy it, especially the whole cult theme and the cave network.

[Beverley Bacinski-Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing Information Spoiled the Story

Floyd’s work is a flawed rendition of the supernatural monster tale; the characters are seemingly nonplussed about the terror which awaits them from an unknown source which was known by builders of the place known as the Sanctuary. But information on what this entity was could have aided the reader in understanding what was going on. Little however was forthcoming in this cliched look at the monster supernatural and the ending felt a bit rushed.

[Dorothy Picard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

I bought this book because of the picture on the cover and the description of the book. It was a huge disappointment. 90% of the book is just confusing, nonsense that was too boring. I kept reading waiting for this horrible creature to make an appearance. It wasn't till the end that the creature finally makes an appearance, but I won't go into the details. This is one of the dumbest books I have read in a long time. I don't recommend it.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with another reviewer, tough to get through. Far too many editing errors which always makes the reading slow. Take the time to edit, please!! The characters weren’t very thoroughly fleshed out and the evil thing “oblivion black” just wasn’t interesting enough to feel dangerous. The last part of the book felt rushed, and so much was easily predictable. I think this could be good with professional editing and input.

[Tony Gaglio]

Good book about human nature and man's untameable heart

I bought this book based on reviews. It held my interest and did contain some minor typos. No big deal unless your a snob - give the author a break. Overall good book and didn't see what was coming until 2/3 way through. Nice ending and makes one understand the bond between mother and child.

[Remmy700P · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrid. Flashbacks, flash forwards, even a couple flashes sideways. Rambling storyline, no background on the creature, why it was there, etc. The overall plot framework had potential but the author just destroyed it. And the editing was a mess. Almost as bad as the abrupt and stunted ending. Save yourself the disappointment. Don't bother with this amateur pile of wandering nonsense.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the Contrary Apocalyptic Read

We’ve all read bunker stories where people are trying to get in, well, how about one where they don’t know if they should stay. This story covers a long time in its telling, from breaking ground to ground breaking up. They were never really alone and the dark was absolute. So, take a candle because flashlights don’t work, and keep a light on.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was bad. So so so so bad. The dialogue was awful, characters poorly written, timelines and continuity made no sense. There were an UNBELIEVABLE amount of typos, as if not a single soul proofread this before it went to print. I wanted to quit reading it so many times. Save yourselves and don't even bother picking it up.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and unusual novel. Highly recommended

I'm not sure what I expected when I bought this, but I am so glad I did! Compelling story with interesting characters. Kept me fully interested. An unexpected and very intriguing twist at the end. I would recommend this to anyone.

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended

Pretty different for a monster story. It jumped around a bit in the middle. But it was pretty exciting for sure.

[Terri Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful post apocalyptic story

Suspenseful post apocalyptic story and the frightening reality of trying to survive while being hunted by more than just other humans

[HOLLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book a lot. Good story to it. Living in an underground cave and people going missing made it a very different type of story.

[David Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read.

Hard to put down, an interesting premise. Give a try. You will not be disappointed. Excellent. Glad to have read it.

[Joe Pappalardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Good book. Interesting characters and a good plot.
A little slow at times, but the plot keeps it interesting.
I would recommend this book.