#EOTW

by Jonathan Maas

AJ’s podcast, named #EOTW, is really starting to take off. Granted, she still does most of her recording in her closet, but still, she’s discussing interesting things and getting a few listeners, and that’s what matters to her. EOTW stands for End of the World, and that’s what she talks about on her podcast. She speaks with military experts who believe WWIII is right around the corner, with epidemiologists who believe a plague is coming, and astrophysicists who believe the asteroid that ended the dinosaurs might be a fly on the windshield compared to what can really happen. Despite the apocalyptic themes, AJ’s podcast is fun. There’s no doom or gloom, instead, her guests and her audience have a good time speculating about what might happen, and try to figure out what steps we can take to avoid our own destruction. But then AJ’s boyfriend disappears, and strange things start happening to her. Strange, unexplainable things that portend a real #EOTW is right around the corner.

Genres: Science Fiction

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2020

About the author

Jon Maas was born in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Stanford University with degrees in Biology and History, he's earned a living as a Musician, Peace Corps Volunteer, Standup Comedian, TV Producer and Web Designer.

He has published ten books, and has more on the way.

He has also directed the movie 'Spanners' starring Shawn Christian and Eric Roberts, and wrote its sequel book - 'Spanners: The Fountain of Youth.'

He writes on his bus commute to and from work, and has a soft spot in his heart for all types of Public Transportation.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 1 out of 5]

#EOTW by Jonathan Maas is about a podcaster named AJ whose podcast is designed to explore End of The World scenarios. She gets drawn into a Lovecraftian type story encapsulating the subgenre in horror titled the Weird where learning forbidden knowledge may trigger a cataclysmic event. It is written within a podcast type framework, but I did not find the story sufficiently compelling. (Or compelling, at all.)

I read the entire story because I never DNF, (and it was short) but certainly not fast-paced. I admit that I did not get the payoff that is so essential to these stories. I apologize to all those who enjoyed this story and gave it a high rating, but I do not see it. (With apologies to Maas, who I have grown to like as an author and GR friend, but I call it as I see it.) If you respect my opinion and follow my reviews, do not waste your time. There is little joy to find here.

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, even more than The Grelnocks (which I still always want to say "Grenlocks"!). This book covered so many things I have been interested in, dark matter, Mandela effect, even the Bloop! I've got God's Debris and Conscience of the Machine on my Kindle to read in the future and all thanks to this book. A story that makes you think about it afterwards is always worth it! I really liked the style of a tale with interspersed podcast episodes. They built up in a way that was interesting and didn't tease you too much by cutting away at pivotal moments.
My only complaint is that I wish the horrid truth was explained and explored more thoroughly. The entire story built up to that, and while I was necessarily disappointed by it I do wish it was explored a lot more.
That said, a really good read that makes you think about all kinds of things! Last to go is Year of the Spider.
PS- it is really cool to see things come together from the last book.
PSS- Yes I bought and downloaded the Universe Splitter. I hope the author gets a commission, lol

[D. Thrush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is about A.J. whose podcasts cover End Of The World topics. The chapters about her programs are interesting and food for thought. Then her journalist boyfriend tells her he’s discovered a “horrid truth” and disappears as in his very existence seems to have been erased. As she searches for him, unexplainable events occur. The book delves into mind bending scenarios and postulations that blew my mind. I wanted this book to be longer. Highly recommended for those who like to speculate about the meaning of life and our place in the universe.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this quick story interesting, thought-provoking and out-of-the-ordinary. Maybe not riveting, but suspenseful enough to make me want to find out what was going to happen. Excellent writing and research by the author.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This innovative story kept me turning pages as A.J., a podcaster with a show called #EOTW (End of the World), pursues a mystery about a horrid truth. Like a podcast, this is quick and interesting. The writing is short and easily moves from idea to idea. It's not that it's not deep for it is. Besides my being brought up to speed with various 'how the world could end' theories, I found engaging ideas introduced in this story. My rating is 5 stars for this was a lot of fun to read. I'm now thinking about some of the ideas in this tale for this is really a story about a quest to know more - even that which should be hidden.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct as a podcast, a lot of unique concepts in science and philosophy came out while reading this book. Some actually made me look up and verify references to schools of thought I hadn't previously known existed.

The chief mystery driving the narrative is the pursuit of the question, "Is there some fact that is too dangerous to divulge?" Can there be a truth that is better left secret, hidden from the public? I'm sure for many of us, we can find we think of cases where we'd say yes. The answer in this case will be likely quite a surprise, something you likely have never imagined.

The whole of the novel is brief, and I found it easy and enjoyable to read it all in one sitting.

[Patricia A Spring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal

It's hard for me to judge this book. I didn't enjoy it. I think perhaps it is just my personal taste. It's an art form, writing. Art is subjective to the viewer so it's hard to give it a bad review when the author has done his/her job the reader did not find it for them is all.

[Elisetrimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of conspiracy, podcasts and alternative lifestyles.

[Sherie Miklas · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this book couldn’t have come at a better time. Since the start of a second Kafkaesque administration, I find myself spiraling a bit. Jonathan Maas always reminds me, in a good way, how insignificant we are. As a bonus, he packs this short story with ideas that are so thought provoking that I have to share them with whoever is in the room with me.