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Brightside #2
Beyond Brightside
The Exciting Conclusion to the Brightside Saga! In a World Where Mind Readers are Feared, Thought Thieves aren’t the Only Ones Being Tortured and Killed
Dive into the world where Joe Nolan and a group of mind readers have broken out of the beautiful mountain town of Brightside, the first internment camp for Thought Thieves.
Follow the compelling story of Joe Nolan whose actions have made him the number one most wanted man in America. Also high on the list are Joe’s father and a savvy and resourceful young Thought Thief named Becky.
Accompany Joe and his friends as they attempt to dismantle the system that has infiltrated the lives of every citizen, creating a society where neighbors turn in their neighbors and family members are pitted against each other.
Don’t let your guard down and trust no one.
Dive into the world where Joe Nolan and a group of mind readers have broken out of the beautiful mountain town of Brightside, the first internment camp for Thought Thieves.
Follow the compelling story of Joe Nolan whose actions have made him the number one most wanted man in America. Also high on the list are Joe’s father and a savvy and resourceful young Thought Thief named Becky.
Accompany Joe and his friends as they attempt to dismantle the system that has infiltrated the lives of every citizen, creating a society where neighbors turn in their neighbors and family members are pitted against each other.
Don’t let your guard down and trust no one.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
6 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Mark Tullius
63 books1,325 followersMy writing covers a wide range, with fiction being my favorite to create, with two dozen or so titles under my belt. There are 21 titles in my YA interactive Try Not to Die series and 30 more in the works. I also have two nonfiction titles, both inspired by a reckless lifestyle, playing Ivy League football, and battering the hell out of my brain as an unsuccessful MMA fighter and boxer. Unlocking the Cage is the largest sociological study of MMA fighters to date and TBI or CTE aims to spread awareness and hope to others that suffer with traumatic brain injury symptoms.
I live in sunny California with my wife, two kids, five cats, and one demon. Derek. He makes special appearance on my social media
You can also get your 3 free books by signing up to my newsletter. This letter is only for the brave, or at least those brave enough to deal with bad dad jokes, a crude sense of humor, and loads and loads of death.
Derek and I would love to have you join us!
Here are all my links -
Newsletter - https://subscribepage.io/TulliusNews
https://youcanfollow.me/MarkTullius
I live in sunny California with my wife, two kids, five cats, and one demon. Derek. He makes special appearance on my social media
You can also get your 3 free books by signing up to my newsletter. This letter is only for the brave, or at least those brave enough to deal with bad dad jokes, a crude sense of humor, and loads and loads of death.
Derek and I would love to have you join us!
Here are all my links -
Newsletter - https://subscribepage.io/TulliusNews
https://youcanfollow.me/MarkTullius
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 27, 2020
Q: ... Brightside ... a beautiful prison for telepaths, a power so great it made our lives worthless. (c)
Frankly, the half-assed plan from the book #1, becomes even more half-assed by the #2. And the Kill Bill style (they even refer to it in the text) didn't do much for it other than feel messt.
Poor Danny. Drat. The only likable MC and such an end. Dratt.
Sara - how did she get so unlikable? Well, yeah, we needed Becky to get to the front line. Nice touch with the necklace.
Becky - nice, even if her swordsy outings were sorta strange.
Love the cover.
How did the MC get over his penchant for thinking unfortunate things at people? How come he almost never things weird shit or random trash at Becky? Or the Underground pals?
Overall, a great concept but the delivery could probably have been a bit more sophisticated. The ending - nope, not what I usually prefer.
Q:
Becky blew out a breath, ran through her mantra. Unstoppable. Unstoppable. (c) Mantras seem to be quite popular with the crowd: first Sharon, now Becky.
Frankly, the half-assed plan from the book #1, becomes even more half-assed by the #2. And the Kill Bill style (they even refer to it in the text) didn't do much for it other than feel messt.
Poor Danny. Drat. The only likable MC and such an end. Dratt.
Sara - how did she get so unlikable? Well, yeah, we needed Becky to get to the front line. Nice touch with the necklace.
Becky - nice, even if her swordsy outings were sorta strange.
Love the cover.
How did the MC get over his penchant for thinking unfortunate things at people? How come he almost never things weird shit or random trash at Becky? Or the Underground pals?
Overall, a great concept but the delivery could probably have been a bit more sophisticated. The ending - nope, not what I usually prefer.
Q:
Becky blew out a breath, ran through her mantra. Unstoppable. Unstoppable. (c) Mantras seem to be quite popular with the crowd: first Sharon, now Becky.
December 2, 2020
If you thought the first book in this duology was crazy, get ready for things to get insane! This time we're following Joe as he, Becky, and the other escapees struggle to stay one step ahead of their former captors. Joe is the most wanted man in America and no where is safe for his group, plus he's hindered by wounds and struggling to keep everything together.
Joe and Becky really push boundaries in this and I was constantly on the edge hoping they weren't caught or killed. There is a lot of killing in this and the story is not for the faint of heart. Both our main characters have been through so much and they're constantly in danger, I just wanted them to get away and be happy.
The ending of this was not what I expected, though it fit the theme well. I'm glad I was able to check this duology out, I needed an action packed story to break up the monotony of my current reads!
I received this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Joe and Becky really push boundaries in this and I was constantly on the edge hoping they weren't caught or killed. There is a lot of killing in this and the story is not for the faint of heart. Both our main characters have been through so much and they're constantly in danger, I just wanted them to get away and be happy.
The ending of this was not what I expected, though it fit the theme well. I'm glad I was able to check this duology out, I needed an action packed story to break up the monotony of my current reads!
I received this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 15, 2020
I received this book as an ARC copy on NetGalley, and I had no knowledge of the Brightside saga before reading it. I got really excited about reading new books and kind of went on a frenzy of requesting titles, and I skipped over the part in the description of this one saying it was a sequel. (Sorry, Mark Tullius!) I found it wasn't hard to follow without reading the first book, but I will be picking it up when I'm able to. (I recently moved and don't have a job yet, so I'm trying to be financially responsible, and *not* spend all of my savings on new books. Trying.)
This book surprised me. Tullius paints a vivid picture in all of his descriptions. I was hooked on the storyline within the first chapter, and I love the inclusion of a character with disabilities. Thank you for allowing me to read a copy of this book! I look forward to reading more of Mark Tullius' work.
This book surprised me. Tullius paints a vivid picture in all of his descriptions. I was hooked on the storyline within the first chapter, and I love the inclusion of a character with disabilities. Thank you for allowing me to read a copy of this book! I look forward to reading more of Mark Tullius' work.
December 12, 2020
“That’s it?”
That was what popped on my head as the last word on the audiobook faded.
It is true it said on the book description that it’s a dark story but I read other ‘dark’ series or books where the main character I was rooting for from book one died - The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan is an excellent one. The main character died but he left a better world - that’s my take on dark stories.
In this book, however, all the characters I got familiar with and came to like died - suicided to be precise. I mean what is the purpose for the main character to mutilate himself from chapter one to death on the end only to die leaving his world as ugly as it was in the beginning?
To save a character we’ve only met at the last part of the second to last chapter?
Not a book for me. Or a book I would want my teenage son to read.
The good side. It’s thriller with lots of fighting and would definitely warm your blood - the fights I mean. Romance? Eh, the best I can say is an encounter. There definitely is a story in here, a good one even specially when the good guys rally with all their heart and might. It is told well, too. My take is that this book tells anyone different who was treated bad to fight back to the death even if you just scratch the big bad enemy.
Sigh, I really did not get what I expected from this audiobook conclusion-wise but it was not a hard listen for me because the created world was great and the good guys are worth rooting for.
Disclosure: Audiobook provided by netgalley for unbiased review.
That was what popped on my head as the last word on the audiobook faded.
It is true it said on the book description that it’s a dark story but I read other ‘dark’ series or books where the main character I was rooting for from book one died - The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan is an excellent one. The main character died but he left a better world - that’s my take on dark stories.
In this book, however, all the characters I got familiar with and came to like died - suicided to be precise. I mean what is the purpose for the main character to mutilate himself from chapter one to death on the end only to die leaving his world as ugly as it was in the beginning?
To save a character we’ve only met at the last part of the second to last chapter?
Not a book for me. Or a book I would want my teenage son to read.
The good side. It’s thriller with lots of fighting and would definitely warm your blood - the fights I mean. Romance? Eh, the best I can say is an encounter. There definitely is a story in here, a good one even specially when the good guys rally with all their heart and might. It is told well, too. My take is that this book tells anyone different who was treated bad to fight back to the death even if you just scratch the big bad enemy.
Sigh, I really did not get what I expected from this audiobook conclusion-wise but it was not a hard listen for me because the created world was great and the good guys are worth rooting for.
Disclosure: Audiobook provided by netgalley for unbiased review.
September 22, 2020
The long awaited sequel to Brightside is here, and about time! When we last left a Joe and Co they had broken out of the Brightside facility, what follows picks up immediately where Brightside left off. This book details what happens for the week after they broke out.
Joe is a bit of a mess physically from the escape and the gang are on the run. Joe is number one on the most wanted list with a price on his head. Things don’t go easy for anyone and there is more betrayal along the way. Joe and Becky stumble across an underground group who try to help “thought thieves” escape. What follows is a lot of violence, blood, pain, loss and some weird hallucinations from Joe.
Mark Has wrapped up what was started in the first book nicely. I had a few thoughts about the ending but won’t go into it as to not spoil things. He’s nailed this one and has delivered a dark twisted ending for a strange and original story.
Thanks to Mark for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Joe is a bit of a mess physically from the escape and the gang are on the run. Joe is number one on the most wanted list with a price on his head. Things don’t go easy for anyone and there is more betrayal along the way. Joe and Becky stumble across an underground group who try to help “thought thieves” escape. What follows is a lot of violence, blood, pain, loss and some weird hallucinations from Joe.
Mark Has wrapped up what was started in the first book nicely. I had a few thoughts about the ending but won’t go into it as to not spoil things. He’s nailed this one and has delivered a dark twisted ending for a strange and original story.
Thanks to Mark for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 30, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is clearly a dystopian book made for guys. The amount of gross out in it was over the top. The female leads one defining trait was that she's a girl. The characters gave me no reason to care about them at all. I dnfed at 72%, that far in and I can't remember the characters' names and I don't care if they complete their mission.
I listened to this on audio, and the narrator was so monotone I wasn't sure if it was even read by a real person.
This book is clearly a dystopian book made for guys. The amount of gross out in it was over the top. The female leads one defining trait was that she's a girl. The characters gave me no reason to care about them at all. I dnfed at 72%, that far in and I can't remember the characters' names and I don't care if they complete their mission.
I listened to this on audio, and the narrator was so monotone I wasn't sure if it was even read by a real person.
September 22, 2021
This is the second and last novel in the Brightside Series. I highly recommend the you read the first book in this dual series before reading this. Now if you thought in the first novel was crazy then this will really take you for a ride. This is the continuation of the story of telepaths Joe and Becky.after escaping from the Brightside Prison. This was a real nail biter. Telepaths are deemed criminals in their society, anyone they meet will be armed and ready to kill them. Joe has already been shot and they have no where they can go to seek medical help. Every page you wonder will they be killed now? Should I read on? Will I want to know? You ask those questions but you can’t put it down. The novel is too mesmerizing. You have to read to the end. And then end comes and it is a total surprise. You must read this duaolagy, They are just insane. Make sure you have enough time carved out of your busy life to read them straight thru! Mark Tullius is a talented and gifted writer. When he puts pen to paper something AMAZING happens. Mr. Tillus is absolutely notorious for her delightfully fleshed out protagonists, enticing and interactive concepts with engaging plot follow-through, and delightful arrays of inclusive side characters and visionary worldbuilding. I highly recommend this series. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book.
January 30, 2023
Review for Beyond Brightside: A Dark Science Fiction Adventure, by Mark Tullius.
I listened to this audiobook version of the second novel in the Brightside series on Spotify. Darren Eliker did a great job as the narrator.
This is the immediate follow-up on the original Brightside novel. The story is about the near dystopian future where some people can hear other’s thoughts. Every telepath, or Thought-thief as the government calls them, is different in their ability and range of hearing. All telepaths are considered dangerous and a threat to society. In the first novel, the telepaths are rounded up to an internment camp called Brightside. In this novel, our main characters Joe Nolan, Becky and their group escape the camp. Joe is now America’s most wanted fugitive. Nothing gets easier as they avoid capture.
Definitely Dark, not a happy or uplifting story. It is fast-paced, non-stop tension and danger as the group is hunted down. For Joe, it’s not just escape just for freedom, he wants to take down the system.
The government acts like Nazis to exterminate the Thought Thieves. There are lots of killing and violence with vivid descriptions. Almost a ‘Kill Bill’ mindset.
I recommend this as a good listen.
My only con is that some of the audio ‘effects’ were too pronounced.
-Randy L Scott
I listened to this audiobook version of the second novel in the Brightside series on Spotify. Darren Eliker did a great job as the narrator.
This is the immediate follow-up on the original Brightside novel. The story is about the near dystopian future where some people can hear other’s thoughts. Every telepath, or Thought-thief as the government calls them, is different in their ability and range of hearing. All telepaths are considered dangerous and a threat to society. In the first novel, the telepaths are rounded up to an internment camp called Brightside. In this novel, our main characters Joe Nolan, Becky and their group escape the camp. Joe is now America’s most wanted fugitive. Nothing gets easier as they avoid capture.
Definitely Dark, not a happy or uplifting story. It is fast-paced, non-stop tension and danger as the group is hunted down. For Joe, it’s not just escape just for freedom, he wants to take down the system.
The government acts like Nazis to exterminate the Thought Thieves. There are lots of killing and violence with vivid descriptions. Almost a ‘Kill Bill’ mindset.
I recommend this as a good listen.
My only con is that some of the audio ‘effects’ were too pronounced.
-Randy L Scott
February 12, 2021
This second book in the duology is definitely on the darker side. Having made a violent escaped from Brightside, Joe and his friends are on the run and are being hunted by everyone. Even though they are all in constantly in danger, Joe is determined to help destroy the corrupt system that created distrust and hate within their society. There is plenty of fighting, violence, betrayal, pain and anguish in this story. It is fast moving and the struggles the characters face pull at your heart. The narrator of the audiobook did a good job of bringing out the despair and desperation and made the characters easily distinguishable. Even though this story is well written and moves along at a good pace, I did find it a bit too depressing for my liking. If you are looking for a happy ever after type story then this book is definitely not for you. I received a copy of the audiobook from NetGalley with no obligation to review. This in no way influenced my review and all opinions expressed are solely my own
February 12, 2021
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook. This is book #2 and you must read #1 to get the proper story setting. Currently, you can download #1 for free from the author's website.
This story is the continuing tale of the aftermath of our hero's escape Beyond Brightside. This is a much darker and gorier storyline. I have been invested into our hero's plight so I am compelled to see how it ends. This book is less of a horror story than the first. It is jam packed with blood and gore. It is dark and bleak.
This conclusion if inevitable, but I was hoping that there might be some twist to surprise me. You could (and maybe should) just read book #1 and then let your own mind wander about what would happen next. I think some storylines actually work best if you leave the aftermath to the imagination of the reader.
This was a GoodReads.
This story is the continuing tale of the aftermath of our hero's escape Beyond Brightside. This is a much darker and gorier storyline. I have been invested into our hero's plight so I am compelled to see how it ends. This book is less of a horror story than the first. It is jam packed with blood and gore. It is dark and bleak.
This conclusion if inevitable, but I was hoping that there might be some twist to surprise me. You could (and maybe should) just read book #1 and then let your own mind wander about what would happen next. I think some storylines actually work best if you leave the aftermath to the imagination of the reader.
This was a GoodReads.
December 3, 2023
If you thought the first book in this duology was crazy, get ready for things to get insane! This time we're following Joe as he, Becky, and the other escapees struggle to stay one step ahead of their former captors. Joe is the most wanted man in America and no where is safe for his group, plus he's hindered by wounds and struggling to keep everything together.
Joe and Becky really push boundaries in this and I was constantly on the edge hoping they weren't caught or killed. There is a lot of killing in this and the story is not for the faint of heart. Both our main characters have been through so much and they're constantly in danger, I just wanted them to get away and be happy.
The ending of this was not what I expected, though it fit the theme well. I'm glad I was able to check this duology out
Joe and Becky really push boundaries in this and I was constantly on the edge hoping they weren't caught or killed. There is a lot of killing in this and the story is not for the faint of heart. Both our main characters have been through so much and they're constantly in danger, I just wanted them to get away and be happy.
The ending of this was not what I expected, though it fit the theme well. I'm glad I was able to check this duology out
December 27, 2020
This is the conclusion of the gritty Brightside Saga. The feared mind readers have broken out of Brightside.
Joe and his friends will try and bring down the establishment that encourages people to turn on each other.
But who can they trust?
I have to confess that I have not read this saga so far and it is out of my comfort zone. However I can see it is a well written and has a strong
I would recommend this saga to lovers of fast moving fantasy/utopian/action stories
Joe and his friends will try and bring down the establishment that encourages people to turn on each other.
But who can they trust?
I have to confess that I have not read this saga so far and it is out of my comfort zone. However I can see it is a well written and has a strong
I would recommend this saga to lovers of fast moving fantasy/utopian/action stories
September 8, 2021
I haven't read the first book in this series, so that may have been part of my problem. However, I never really got into this book. It's very dark, violent and action fueled. I've given it several tries and, while I think it is well written and probably well plotted, am finally tossing in the towel. If this is your genre, go for it.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
February 9, 2022
I couldn't stop reading this book. It's not only fast paced but also thought provoking. I wish I could say that our society would never behave like the society and government in the story, but history prevents me from being able to say or believe it.
I highly recommend this book as a good read and as a reason to think before we act.
I highly recommend this book as a good read and as a reason to think before we act.
April 8, 2021
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Interesting and fast paced with a unexpected ending, not really my cup of tea but not bad
January 21, 2022
Was a great book, sad but good ending! Mark is an excellent writer.
June 18, 2022
Not quite as good as the first one and ended too abruptly (similar the abruptness of how the first one ended, which felt a tad unsatisfying).
August 25, 2023
Page turning excitement
Book 2in the Bright side series is just as exciting as 1. Keeps your attention wondering what our Heroes will do next to save their kind.
Book 2in the Bright side series is just as exciting as 1. Keeps your attention wondering what our Heroes will do next to save their kind.
March 9, 2021
After reading Try not to Die: Brightside by Mark Tullius and Dawna Gonzales I was excited to see that Net Galley had Beyond Brightside by Mark Tullius available as an audiobook. This is the second full book in the Brightside Saga. I would highly recommend reading the first book before starting this one. The first book will give you a good amount of background. There were times when the story line dragged a bit and that is why I feel it was 3 stars. It is good, but not something you have to run out and read right away.
Mind readers are feared and placed into an encampment. Joe Nolan and a few other mind readers escape to try and find a better life. This book explores what happens next and if they can truly be free.
Thank you Net Galley, for my copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
#BeyondBrightside #TryNottoDieInBrightside #NetGalley
Mind readers are feared and placed into an encampment. Joe Nolan and a few other mind readers escape to try and find a better life. This book explores what happens next and if they can truly be free.
Thank you Net Galley, for my copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
#BeyondBrightside #TryNottoDieInBrightside #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews