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The Miracle Sin
Have you ever wondered if there’s more to life? If we are destined for something great, part of a divine plan rather than just subjects of random chaos? Mason Cole has wondered these things. And he has the answer… No. How could that be when his parents were killed in an earthquake that destroyed the city of Jerusalem, yet he alone survived? How could he be destined for great things when he’s stuck in a town-shaped reststop where nothing he does makes a difference? And why would God do this to him in the first place?Then one day a stranger passes through town, bringing with him a unique explanation of his past, one he never could have imagined, and wishes he could forget. It sounds like something from one of his books, only this time it’s happening to him, and it becomes clear that not every miracle is a blessing. Now, with a red-haired devil hell bent on possessing him for his own sinister gains, Mason must discover the answers to these questions if he ever hopes to survive in a world where the dark no longer hides that which dwells within.“A rollercoaster of horror and tension.”
-Michael Benavidez, author of When Angels As The Shadows Grow“This book does not hold back, it does not shy away from the nitty-gritty, and certainly keeps you coming back for more.”
-Sabrina Voerman, author of Red“A tragic, grueling journey of self-reflection, with beloved characters who now hold a special place in my heart. Mason is a relatable MC, and I felt like a part of the story as I joined him in his endeavors. Marcus is one incredible writer. His attention to detail is something to be admired, and I thoroughly enjoyed the flow, structure, and pace of The Miracle Sin. Profound themes, charming characters, and a lot of great laughs await you! One of my favorite reads of 2021.”
-Shannon Lane, author of Soul on Fire“I can’t say enough for this masterwork. It’s clever and funny as hell while being torturously terrifying.”
-Caleb Ryan, @the_bookeyman“Marcus does great work in this book, he has an eye for character and writes with wit and elegant style. He can brutal yet tender at once. I can’t wait to read what he does next.”
-Jamie Stewart, author of The House That Bleeds“This is exactly the kind of story that I live for; something deep enough to get lost in, a world created and unveiled for me to explore, to find wonder and horror alike. A story that makes me think, makes me ask questions and makes me wonder at what else this world may hold.”
-Candace Nola, author of Breach“I found this to be absolutely wonderful in every way possible. The prose is stunning, the characters are well developed, and the themes are a medley, filled with some brutal moments, and yet there is a tenderness that is heartfelt. Religious undertones that makes the mind question, loss of human life, human suffering and questioning faith…I just love the depth of this and it has nestled itself into my soul.”
-Karla Peterson, Amazon review“The Miracle Sin is unique and I never knew which direction it would take. At times, horror -- other times comedy, other times a thriller…It is hard to describe it in detail since it is so vast and broad. I will simply say that reading this will not disappoint! Something for everyone!”
-Billy Ray Middleton Jr.
-Michael Benavidez, author of When Angels As The Shadows Grow“This book does not hold back, it does not shy away from the nitty-gritty, and certainly keeps you coming back for more.”
-Sabrina Voerman, author of Red“A tragic, grueling journey of self-reflection, with beloved characters who now hold a special place in my heart. Mason is a relatable MC, and I felt like a part of the story as I joined him in his endeavors. Marcus is one incredible writer. His attention to detail is something to be admired, and I thoroughly enjoyed the flow, structure, and pace of The Miracle Sin. Profound themes, charming characters, and a lot of great laughs await you! One of my favorite reads of 2021.”
-Shannon Lane, author of Soul on Fire“I can’t say enough for this masterwork. It’s clever and funny as hell while being torturously terrifying.”
-Caleb Ryan, @the_bookeyman“Marcus does great work in this book, he has an eye for character and writes with wit and elegant style. He can brutal yet tender at once. I can’t wait to read what he does next.”
-Jamie Stewart, author of The House That Bleeds“This is exactly the kind of story that I live for; something deep enough to get lost in, a world created and unveiled for me to explore, to find wonder and horror alike. A story that makes me think, makes me ask questions and makes me wonder at what else this world may hold.”
-Candace Nola, author of Breach“I found this to be absolutely wonderful in every way possible. The prose is stunning, the characters are well developed, and the themes are a medley, filled with some brutal moments, and yet there is a tenderness that is heartfelt. Religious undertones that makes the mind question, loss of human life, human suffering and questioning faith…I just love the depth of this and it has nestled itself into my soul.”
-Karla Peterson, Amazon review“The Miracle Sin is unique and I never knew which direction it would take. At times, horror -- other times comedy, other times a thriller…It is hard to describe it in detail since it is so vast and broad. I will simply say that reading this will not disappoint! Something for everyone!”
-Billy Ray Middleton Jr.
- GenresHorror
482 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2021
35 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Hawke
16 books121 followersMarcus Hawke is a writer primarily of horror and dark fiction, some fantasy and sci-fi, and a few things that defy categorization. He was born in Toronto, moved around quite a bit during the dreaded formative years, and finally settled in Calgary where he studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design.
Many moons before that, he had aspirations of becoming a filmmaker and......well......a long story short, that didn't happen. But one thing that wasn't curtailed in that time was his love for stories and the written word. Starting with the likes of R.L. Stein in childhood, it grew into a full-fledged possession thanks to the works of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Ray Bradbury, and JRR Tolkien.
After years worth of rejections, he finally had a short story called Bump in the Night published in Jitter magazine in 2016. Since then his work has appeared in a number of publications from Dark Pine Publishing, Jitter Press, Lunatics Magazine, Strange Elf Press as well as his first full-length novel, The Miracle Sin, the award-winning collection, Acts of Violence: Twelve Tales of Terror, Grey Noise, The Axe Remembers, You Can't Take It With You, and most recently the follow up to The Miracle Sin: The Trouble With Faith and Other Stories. He also edited the October Blood and Dead of Night anthologies under his imprint, Hawke Haus Books. He lives with his feline overlord in an apartment building haunted by the type of neighbors that make a person wish a ghost would come to visit in the cold, often gloomy great white North.
In his spare time he reads, draws, paints, plays Dungeons & Dragons, and rambles in third person while writing website bios.
Many moons before that, he had aspirations of becoming a filmmaker and......well......a long story short, that didn't happen. But one thing that wasn't curtailed in that time was his love for stories and the written word. Starting with the likes of R.L. Stein in childhood, it grew into a full-fledged possession thanks to the works of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Ray Bradbury, and JRR Tolkien.
After years worth of rejections, he finally had a short story called Bump in the Night published in Jitter magazine in 2016. Since then his work has appeared in a number of publications from Dark Pine Publishing, Jitter Press, Lunatics Magazine, Strange Elf Press as well as his first full-length novel, The Miracle Sin, the award-winning collection, Acts of Violence: Twelve Tales of Terror, Grey Noise, The Axe Remembers, You Can't Take It With You, and most recently the follow up to The Miracle Sin: The Trouble With Faith and Other Stories. He also edited the October Blood and Dead of Night anthologies under his imprint, Hawke Haus Books. He lives with his feline overlord in an apartment building haunted by the type of neighbors that make a person wish a ghost would come to visit in the cold, often gloomy great white North.
In his spare time he reads, draws, paints, plays Dungeons & Dragons, and rambles in third person while writing website bios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 13, 2021
I’m right in the middle with this one, I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either. Some parts were incredibly interesting and at times I was thoroughly enjoying this novel and convinced it would be a five star read because there’s nothing I enjoy more than a good creepy novel! This one had some original and unique ideas that I really did enjoy but then certain elements got thrown in and it threw me off and suddenly made me unsure of what I was reading and how I felt about it. There’s some disturbing things that happen that I really enjoyed and made me excited for the story but then the religious overtones just got overwhelming and those parts just didn’t work for me and dialed down my enthusiasm for the story. I did enjoy the mercilessness of certain characters, there was lots of it and I thought it was brilliant! So you see what I mean, I’m just right in the middle with this one!
December 31, 2021
I need to be clear that this review is written with no anger toward the author. I simply believe the issues with this book need to be discussed. Because this sort of thing isn’t talked about enough, and it can lead to constructive conversation.
The Miracle Sin by Marcus Hawke and Blood Rites Horror starts out with a solid first 100 pages or so. Then, about 300 pages of this 500-page book are dedicated to backstory, information, and introductions to a host of wildly stereotypical characters:
An Irish priest drinking booze in nearly every scene he’s in, even though this has nothing to do with the plot.
Because Irish = drunk.
Two Hispanic characters who are supposed to be military professionals fighting for a greater good are portrayed as constantly hostile. And are often described as drinking either Spanish coffee (an alcoholic drink) or tequila.
And they continually do the thing you see on TV where the fiery Spanish person who can speak perfect English always throws in words like “chica”, “loco”, etc. I’ve known a lot of bilingual Hispanic people in my life. This isn’t a thing that happens often in real life. But it happens all the time in this book.
The male Hispanic character has tattoos, and, because of this, the main character describes him as looking like “a former gang member who had found Jesus”.
Because Hispanic + tattoos = thug. Because Hispanic = alcoholic, angry, and unreasonable.
The one Asian character is unable to speak and communicates via sign language. He is used as the butt of the joke in a room full of people when the main character, knowing the Asian character can’t speak, asks him to sing during karaoke night. The entire room roars with laughter as a result.
Because having a disability = being an easy joke.
There are two Black characters, one who I thought was pretty solid, except it seemed odd to me that he was the only one in the book who referred to the white main character as ‘Master’ when there was no reason for that at all given their relationship and respective statuses.
And the other Black character, another military professional, started okay, but by the end of the book he could barely utter a sentence without the stereotypical “Yo” or “Homie”. Also “What up, Money?”, in addition to, “She wants the D, yo”.
When the 18-year-old white main character uses the word ‘salacious’, this Black man is far too dumb to know what the word means. He repeats it in bewilderment despite the context clues around it. Then the white kid goes on to explain what salacious means. And has a hearty laugh at the Black man’s expense.
Because Black = stupid, basic, and ignorant. Because Black = punchline.
All of these characters are gathered together to protect and serve a literal Biblical white savior.
What happens when the same tired tropes are recycled is that people who don’t know better read these stereotypes and believe that this is how these respective minorities typically behave, causing the stereotypes to be further perpetuated. So, what starts out as what may be a well-intentioned attempt at representation ends up being something that can be damaging to many groups of people.
I want to state clearly that I don’t need you to hate this author.
I don’t need you to lash out at this author
I just need you to consider the words of every author you read, including my own, and carefully think about how we are portraying certain groups of people. And if it isn’t right, we should be able to maturely speak about it until we make honest efforts to do better.
The Miracle Sin by Marcus Hawke and Blood Rites Horror starts out with a solid first 100 pages or so. Then, about 300 pages of this 500-page book are dedicated to backstory, information, and introductions to a host of wildly stereotypical characters:
An Irish priest drinking booze in nearly every scene he’s in, even though this has nothing to do with the plot.
Because Irish = drunk.
Two Hispanic characters who are supposed to be military professionals fighting for a greater good are portrayed as constantly hostile. And are often described as drinking either Spanish coffee (an alcoholic drink) or tequila.
And they continually do the thing you see on TV where the fiery Spanish person who can speak perfect English always throws in words like “chica”, “loco”, etc. I’ve known a lot of bilingual Hispanic people in my life. This isn’t a thing that happens often in real life. But it happens all the time in this book.
The male Hispanic character has tattoos, and, because of this, the main character describes him as looking like “a former gang member who had found Jesus”.
Because Hispanic + tattoos = thug. Because Hispanic = alcoholic, angry, and unreasonable.
The one Asian character is unable to speak and communicates via sign language. He is used as the butt of the joke in a room full of people when the main character, knowing the Asian character can’t speak, asks him to sing during karaoke night. The entire room roars with laughter as a result.
Because having a disability = being an easy joke.
There are two Black characters, one who I thought was pretty solid, except it seemed odd to me that he was the only one in the book who referred to the white main character as ‘Master’ when there was no reason for that at all given their relationship and respective statuses.
And the other Black character, another military professional, started okay, but by the end of the book he could barely utter a sentence without the stereotypical “Yo” or “Homie”. Also “What up, Money?”, in addition to, “She wants the D, yo”.
When the 18-year-old white main character uses the word ‘salacious’, this Black man is far too dumb to know what the word means. He repeats it in bewilderment despite the context clues around it. Then the white kid goes on to explain what salacious means. And has a hearty laugh at the Black man’s expense.
Because Black = stupid, basic, and ignorant. Because Black = punchline.
All of these characters are gathered together to protect and serve a literal Biblical white savior.
What happens when the same tired tropes are recycled is that people who don’t know better read these stereotypes and believe that this is how these respective minorities typically behave, causing the stereotypes to be further perpetuated. So, what starts out as what may be a well-intentioned attempt at representation ends up being something that can be damaging to many groups of people.
I want to state clearly that I don’t need you to hate this author.
I don’t need you to lash out at this author
I just need you to consider the words of every author you read, including my own, and carefully think about how we are portraying certain groups of people. And if it isn’t right, we should be able to maturely speak about it until we make honest efforts to do better.
December 30, 2022
While I say I'm not generally into vampire fiction, this is the second 'vampire' book I've read this month. What wins me over is the dedication to 'character'. In this instance, Mason Cole.
Mason is a young man living in quiet Stonehill, Ohio. He resides with his relative, Rose, and occupies his time working down at the local gas station (and maybe its aisle of skin mags when he needs to pass time). In all truth, he is bored out of his brain. Everything changes when he meets a stranger at the gas station, a man who offers Mason a Bible. He refuses, for he has no belief in God. How can he, when his life has seen tragedy? Tragedy soon strikes again, and he is shunted off into a world he never asked for, and a destiny with far-reaching consequences.
Mason is the survivor of a horrible earthquake, an event that decimated the city of Jerusalem, wiping it off the earth, and killing his parents, along with thousands of others. This, and other secret history elements in the book (dating back to the time of Christ and earlier) are what drew me in. Religious themes are heavy in this book, but that does not mean anything is preachy. This book is simply set in a world of a violent God, and vampires, ghosts, and spiritual reincarnation, and historical figures merge with fictional characters.
The way this book started off like a small-town drama and a character's yearning for change and escape reminded me of some of Stephen King's books, and it was great to read that kind of slow burn beginning to what became a book about a widespread yet hidden metaphysical war. Some of the middle section did drag on a little for me, and because of the large cast of characters, I didn't connect with a lot of them, but I was always eager to keep going, thanks to Hawke's prose, which, despite being a dark fantasy/horror book, was filled with wit. Its ending promises a book 2, and I look forward to it. It hurts me to give this 3 stars and not higher, but while I enjoyed the book and think that Marcus Hawke is a powerhouse and a writer to watch, I just didn't personally connect with the plot on a deep level.
Mason is a young man living in quiet Stonehill, Ohio. He resides with his relative, Rose, and occupies his time working down at the local gas station (and maybe its aisle of skin mags when he needs to pass time). In all truth, he is bored out of his brain. Everything changes when he meets a stranger at the gas station, a man who offers Mason a Bible. He refuses, for he has no belief in God. How can he, when his life has seen tragedy? Tragedy soon strikes again, and he is shunted off into a world he never asked for, and a destiny with far-reaching consequences.
Mason is the survivor of a horrible earthquake, an event that decimated the city of Jerusalem, wiping it off the earth, and killing his parents, along with thousands of others. This, and other secret history elements in the book (dating back to the time of Christ and earlier) are what drew me in. Religious themes are heavy in this book, but that does not mean anything is preachy. This book is simply set in a world of a violent God, and vampires, ghosts, and spiritual reincarnation, and historical figures merge with fictional characters.
The way this book started off like a small-town drama and a character's yearning for change and escape reminded me of some of Stephen King's books, and it was great to read that kind of slow burn beginning to what became a book about a widespread yet hidden metaphysical war. Some of the middle section did drag on a little for me, and because of the large cast of characters, I didn't connect with a lot of them, but I was always eager to keep going, thanks to Hawke's prose, which, despite being a dark fantasy/horror book, was filled with wit. Its ending promises a book 2, and I look forward to it. It hurts me to give this 3 stars and not higher, but while I enjoyed the book and think that Marcus Hawke is a powerhouse and a writer to watch, I just didn't personally connect with the plot on a deep level.
September 1, 2022
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS ONE! It mixes horror with kind of a fantasy vibe. It has funny moments, sad moments, intense moments - it literally has everything you could want in a book! At 450 pages, it’s may seem intimidating to some horror readers who are used to a more novella size, but the whole book keeps you hooked and it’s impossible to put down!!
February 24, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of ‘The Miracle Sin’ by Marcus Hawke just before Christmas in exchange for an honest review. It has taken me a while to read because it’s one big hunk of a book and also because I’ve had several books on the go (being a slow reader doesn’t help either).
Now that I’ve finally finished it I can give a little insight into the story for those who haven’t read it yet - I’m not going to give anything away, but I’m mainly just going to focus on Marcus’s quality of writing.
Right from the first few pages I fell in love with Marcus’s writing style - there was a particular scene where he is describing the sky and I really felt like I was actually there. I don’t know why but I also got a feeling of nostalgia while reading this book. Maybe because Mason, the focal character, is a young guy dreaming of bigger and better things. Marcus added a lot of detail on what people were wearing - not in a tedious way - and the type of vehicles that they were driving, too, which again, made it really easy for me to picture in my mind what was going on.
One other thing that I really liked about this story is that Marcus’s sense of humour and quirkiness is dappled throughout his writing. This really helped to keep some parts of the story light and to give the characters depth.
‘The Miracle Sin’ unfolds in various directions which I didn’t see coming and touches upon several horror/supernatural/religious topics, but in a unique way.
I have given this story 4 out of 5 stars.
Now that I’ve finally finished it I can give a little insight into the story for those who haven’t read it yet - I’m not going to give anything away, but I’m mainly just going to focus on Marcus’s quality of writing.
Right from the first few pages I fell in love with Marcus’s writing style - there was a particular scene where he is describing the sky and I really felt like I was actually there. I don’t know why but I also got a feeling of nostalgia while reading this book. Maybe because Mason, the focal character, is a young guy dreaming of bigger and better things. Marcus added a lot of detail on what people were wearing - not in a tedious way - and the type of vehicles that they were driving, too, which again, made it really easy for me to picture in my mind what was going on.
One other thing that I really liked about this story is that Marcus’s sense of humour and quirkiness is dappled throughout his writing. This really helped to keep some parts of the story light and to give the characters depth.
‘The Miracle Sin’ unfolds in various directions which I didn’t see coming and touches upon several horror/supernatural/religious topics, but in a unique way.
I have given this story 4 out of 5 stars.
February 4, 2021
The debut novel from Marcus Hawke is a big ambitious novel that features a whole host of supernatural factions - primarily vampires but also ghosts, witches & the organisation that is tasked with keeping them in check.
After a traumatic event as a child, 18 year old Mason Cole has grown to be an ordinary kid in an ordinary town with little prospects - or so he thinks. Fate & destiny have big plans for him which will see him recruited into the Church’s Militia Dei & develop the Force-like powers that have been bestowed upon him to fight a clan of vampires lead by Novak, who was responsible for the deaths of people close to him.
Hawke has built a large world with a complicated mythology, but thanks to strong writing & memorable characters, it’s a world you will enjoy spending time in & leaves plenty of room for more stories to be told.
Mason is a likeable protagonist, a smart, bookish Luke Skywalker type, yearning for something more & getting his wish. The team of Militia Dei soldiers reminded me favourably of the Marines from Aliens - tough hombres who use rough humour to deal with their vamp killing dayjob (nightjob).
I get the sense that Hawke has been thinking about this world & mythology for a long time as it is dense & well thought out. The second act of the story does slow down a bit as we spend a lot of time getting to know the members of the Militia Dei group & Mason’s training. But like all training stories we know the skills learnt will be put to good use in the 3rd act which does happen & is a welcome expansion of the story & scope. The aforementioned humour helps alleviate the dense exposition & even Novak the villain is given some choice lines instead of just the expected foreboding threats.
Themes of loss, religion, destiny & family are threaded throughout the vamp slaying action & Mason has to make some tough choices before the story is through. This feels like book 1 in an ongoing series & I’m eager to see how Hawke will expand on this solid first entry (the origin story if you will) into the next step of Mason’s journey.
After a traumatic event as a child, 18 year old Mason Cole has grown to be an ordinary kid in an ordinary town with little prospects - or so he thinks. Fate & destiny have big plans for him which will see him recruited into the Church’s Militia Dei & develop the Force-like powers that have been bestowed upon him to fight a clan of vampires lead by Novak, who was responsible for the deaths of people close to him.
Hawke has built a large world with a complicated mythology, but thanks to strong writing & memorable characters, it’s a world you will enjoy spending time in & leaves plenty of room for more stories to be told.
Mason is a likeable protagonist, a smart, bookish Luke Skywalker type, yearning for something more & getting his wish. The team of Militia Dei soldiers reminded me favourably of the Marines from Aliens - tough hombres who use rough humour to deal with their vamp killing dayjob (nightjob).
I get the sense that Hawke has been thinking about this world & mythology for a long time as it is dense & well thought out. The second act of the story does slow down a bit as we spend a lot of time getting to know the members of the Militia Dei group & Mason’s training. But like all training stories we know the skills learnt will be put to good use in the 3rd act which does happen & is a welcome expansion of the story & scope. The aforementioned humour helps alleviate the dense exposition & even Novak the villain is given some choice lines instead of just the expected foreboding threats.
Themes of loss, religion, destiny & family are threaded throughout the vamp slaying action & Mason has to make some tough choices before the story is through. This feels like book 1 in an ongoing series & I’m eager to see how Hawke will expand on this solid first entry (the origin story if you will) into the next step of Mason’s journey.
May 13, 2022
I've had this on my shelf for a good long while now. I think I was a little intimidated by the sheer size of it.
The Miracle Sin follows Mason Cole as his life gets flipped upside down when vampires come after him and those he loves. Why? Well it all has something to do with his miraculous survival after a city-destroying earthquake.
To say more would be to give it all away.
Marcus is a skilled writer, crafting engaging scenes with vivid description and convincing dialogue. There was never a moment where I grew tired of his style, and every word felt deliberately chosen.
The story does slow down a lot during the centre third. Act Two feels almost like a different book from Acts One and Three, and whilst I still enjoyed it, I did find my reading was slower here.
It is a book that opens strong, with great characters and relationships, loses its feet a little throughout the middle - I can't say I really connected with many of the characters here, and some of them have blurred together now I look back on it - but then truly delivers in its finale (though there's a lot left unresolved, so bring on book two).
Marcus always played into certain aspects of "cheese" with this one (hopefully intentionally, as I don't want to offend the man and be offered up as vampire chow in his next offering). He takes tropes from 80s horror movies that were actually just action flicks with monsters and uses them to mould his characters, whilst also countering those tropes with subtle twists and subverted expectations. One moment there's a hint of cliché or stereotype, but then the character reveals a side of themself that shatters it.
At least that's how I felt.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel. It has its flaws, and I wouldn't say it had much in the way of scares (for me), but I'm certainly glad I finally read it.
The Miracle Sin follows Mason Cole as his life gets flipped upside down when vampires come after him and those he loves. Why? Well it all has something to do with his miraculous survival after a city-destroying earthquake.
To say more would be to give it all away.
Marcus is a skilled writer, crafting engaging scenes with vivid description and convincing dialogue. There was never a moment where I grew tired of his style, and every word felt deliberately chosen.
The story does slow down a lot during the centre third. Act Two feels almost like a different book from Acts One and Three, and whilst I still enjoyed it, I did find my reading was slower here.
It is a book that opens strong, with great characters and relationships, loses its feet a little throughout the middle - I can't say I really connected with many of the characters here, and some of them have blurred together now I look back on it - but then truly delivers in its finale (though there's a lot left unresolved, so bring on book two).
Marcus always played into certain aspects of "cheese" with this one (hopefully intentionally, as I don't want to offend the man and be offered up as vampire chow in his next offering). He takes tropes from 80s horror movies that were actually just action flicks with monsters and uses them to mould his characters, whilst also countering those tropes with subtle twists and subverted expectations. One moment there's a hint of cliché or stereotype, but then the character reveals a side of themself that shatters it.
At least that's how I felt.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel. It has its flaws, and I wouldn't say it had much in the way of scares (for me), but I'm certainly glad I finally read it.
April 2, 2023
Mason Cole is a miracle, the sole survivor of a cataclysmic earthquake as a child, he now lives in a boring town with his grandmother who is strangely adamant he does not leave. Only his friends keep him from mind numbing boredom. One day a stranger comes to town and what follows makes him question his existence, what he believes, why is evil allowed in God’s world, what is destiny, why are we here? With a demon of pure evil in pursuit of him Mason needs to understand what he believes to survive, helped by a group of religious soldiers who believe him to be their destiny.
Exceptional, read it! End of review!
But seriously this is incredible, viscerally dark and disturbing, in the best way. A true religious horror, rarer than hens teeth! The story starts so sedately getting to know Mason, his family, his friends, his story and then plunges into jaw dropping evil with things that the world believes are myths, turns out these ones have very sharp teeth.
The characters are so real, Mason is so relatable. There is kindness and brutality, the righteous and flawed, the blessed and cursed, whose to say who is good and who is evil but everyone has to take a side.
The story explores real human emotions of loss, trauma, faith alongside a world filled with vampires, ghosts and witches. It is blended so well you don’t even notice, you just enjoy the ride.
This is soaked in religious mysticism with a dark humour that makes the characters experiences so real. This is an epic tale of good versus evil, a fight to the death that no-one comes out of the same. The insidious way this worms into your brain should be illegal but I loved it! Someone make this into a TV series!
Exceptional, read it! End of review!
But seriously this is incredible, viscerally dark and disturbing, in the best way. A true religious horror, rarer than hens teeth! The story starts so sedately getting to know Mason, his family, his friends, his story and then plunges into jaw dropping evil with things that the world believes are myths, turns out these ones have very sharp teeth.
The characters are so real, Mason is so relatable. There is kindness and brutality, the righteous and flawed, the blessed and cursed, whose to say who is good and who is evil but everyone has to take a side.
The story explores real human emotions of loss, trauma, faith alongside a world filled with vampires, ghosts and witches. It is blended so well you don’t even notice, you just enjoy the ride.
This is soaked in religious mysticism with a dark humour that makes the characters experiences so real. This is an epic tale of good versus evil, a fight to the death that no-one comes out of the same. The insidious way this worms into your brain should be illegal but I loved it! Someone make this into a TV series!
February 16, 2021
The Miracle Sin by Marcus Hawke
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5)
I bought this book not really knowing much besides the synopsis and the general good reviews on GoodReads. Plus was looking to support up and coming horror fiction writer Marcus Hawke.
I thought the writing style was very good, something that suits my tastes and kept my interest. The overall story line was good. I’m just not sure this book was really meeting the expectations I was developing along the way. I am not a religious person at all. And while the religious tone had its function as a huge part of the story, it became a bit overwhelming to me. It dominated the story and caused the horror elements to be more like supporting characters rather than equal players.
I did like the development of the characters and how they interacted with each other, very believable and worked for the story. And the last hundred pages or so were so action packed I couldn’t put the book down.
Would have loved to have Novak the Vampire get as much story time as Mason Cole as his rival. I really enjoyed his character.
The ending was quite anti-climactic, I guess by design? Not sure if a sequel is in the works or if my vision of this huge battle ending was not appropriate. The build up throughout the novel convinced me that an epic battle between “good” and “evil” is the only way this ends. When that didn’t happen, I felt lost and like I was missing something.
Despite my feeling-on-the-fence about this book I would definitely read more of Marcus Hawke’s work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5)
I bought this book not really knowing much besides the synopsis and the general good reviews on GoodReads. Plus was looking to support up and coming horror fiction writer Marcus Hawke.
I thought the writing style was very good, something that suits my tastes and kept my interest. The overall story line was good. I’m just not sure this book was really meeting the expectations I was developing along the way. I am not a religious person at all. And while the religious tone had its function as a huge part of the story, it became a bit overwhelming to me. It dominated the story and caused the horror elements to be more like supporting characters rather than equal players.
I did like the development of the characters and how they interacted with each other, very believable and worked for the story. And the last hundred pages or so were so action packed I couldn’t put the book down.
Would have loved to have Novak the Vampire get as much story time as Mason Cole as his rival. I really enjoyed his character.
The ending was quite anti-climactic, I guess by design? Not sure if a sequel is in the works or if my vision of this huge battle ending was not appropriate. The build up throughout the novel convinced me that an epic battle between “good” and “evil” is the only way this ends. When that didn’t happen, I felt lost and like I was missing something.
Despite my feeling-on-the-fence about this book I would definitely read more of Marcus Hawke’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
This book does not hold back, it does not shy away from the nitty-gritty, and certainly keeps you coming back for more.
Following Mason Cole and company, readers are quickly drawn to the characters presented in this book. From the perfection of how they are all introduced, woven into the story in such a way, it makes them truly pop off the page. Each character had their own pattern of speech, their own quirky ways that made them stand out from one another. It was done so well, that one would not guess this is a debut.
The first act, I was absolutely submerged in the story. The way the tale is told is superbly done, there is not denying that. I enjoyed how really, anything could happen in this book, and there was no way to predict what was going to come next - but nothing felt left field or out of place.
The growth of Mason is tremendous, and absolutely believable. Not just his growth, but everything about Mason. He was relatable on various levels, making him a character you root for, because you can see yourself in him. On the flip side, you can also see yourself in the villain. A villain with charisma, a villain with just enough good peppered in so readers can understand and sympathize - that's the perfect villain.
I got a little bit lost here and there, but nothing major that deterred my enjoyment of the book. There was just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek humour, as well as laugh-out-loud humour. I find laughability a staple in a good book. Overall, I really enjoyed "The Miracle Sin", and am looking forward to more by the author.
Following Mason Cole and company, readers are quickly drawn to the characters presented in this book. From the perfection of how they are all introduced, woven into the story in such a way, it makes them truly pop off the page. Each character had their own pattern of speech, their own quirky ways that made them stand out from one another. It was done so well, that one would not guess this is a debut.
The first act, I was absolutely submerged in the story. The way the tale is told is superbly done, there is not denying that. I enjoyed how really, anything could happen in this book, and there was no way to predict what was going to come next - but nothing felt left field or out of place.
The growth of Mason is tremendous, and absolutely believable. Not just his growth, but everything about Mason. He was relatable on various levels, making him a character you root for, because you can see yourself in him. On the flip side, you can also see yourself in the villain. A villain with charisma, a villain with just enough good peppered in so readers can understand and sympathize - that's the perfect villain.
I got a little bit lost here and there, but nothing major that deterred my enjoyment of the book. There was just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek humour, as well as laugh-out-loud humour. I find laughability a staple in a good book. Overall, I really enjoyed "The Miracle Sin", and am looking forward to more by the author.
October 26, 2021
This book will have you tight roping the thin line between fate and coincidence, faith and facts, belief and heresy! The author poses scientific plausibilities leading to alternative views of religious beliefs and seemingly applicable knowledge on supernatural forces!
If that’s not enough to pull you in, the characters are to die for, to kill for, and to cry for! The character development has me invested and hoping there’s more to come for the crew and for the villainous clan! The introduction of the characters did make for a slow start, however, the stories needed to be told for you to fully appreciate the plot!
Which brings me to the intricacy of the plot…occult horror was the genre and this storyline did not disappoint! The protagonist Mason Cole was the sole survivor of a massive quake in the Holy Land. His life becomes pretty rote, but at least he reads, so there’s that, and he has a forbidden crush on his best friend. Everything in his life seems like a big yawn until he becomes the target of the fight between good and evil! Will he find the adventure he needs?
Marcus Hawke made the unbelievable (to some) a tangible idea and the kill scenes left me in awe! With all of the action you are still invested in getting answers, and did I mention vampires? A secret religious organization? No? I guess I was saving the best for last!
If that’s not enough to pull you in, the characters are to die for, to kill for, and to cry for! The character development has me invested and hoping there’s more to come for the crew and for the villainous clan! The introduction of the characters did make for a slow start, however, the stories needed to be told for you to fully appreciate the plot!
Which brings me to the intricacy of the plot…occult horror was the genre and this storyline did not disappoint! The protagonist Mason Cole was the sole survivor of a massive quake in the Holy Land. His life becomes pretty rote, but at least he reads, so there’s that, and he has a forbidden crush on his best friend. Everything in his life seems like a big yawn until he becomes the target of the fight between good and evil! Will he find the adventure he needs?
Marcus Hawke made the unbelievable (to some) a tangible idea and the kill scenes left me in awe! With all of the action you are still invested in getting answers, and did I mention vampires? A secret religious organization? No? I guess I was saving the best for last!
August 6, 2021
Although The Miracle Sin is a debut, its clear the author put a lot of thought and detail into the world he created. The protagonist Mason Cole is a young man with a traumatic past. His focus in life is what you would expect of an 18 year old about to graduate. He is smart, likeable and ready to make some new moves. Then his life takes an unexpected and devastating turn when he encounters the villain Novak. Never much of a believer in anything, Mason must face the reality of the supernatural world, the people who keep it hidden and his own faith. Awakened from recent events, Mason finds himself and his faith as you get deeper into the story. His character arc is fantastic.
I really loved the antagonist Novak. There is nothing like a well written savage with personality. For me Novak was pure entertainment and so perfectly terrible. Between him and Mason you get both humor and the gritty descriptive scenes that do not hold back. Novak was my favorite character so I would have liked a little more of him. What can I say, I am drawn to the danger. I hear of a book two in the works so I will definitely grab a copy upon release.
I really loved the antagonist Novak. There is nothing like a well written savage with personality. For me Novak was pure entertainment and so perfectly terrible. Between him and Mason you get both humor and the gritty descriptive scenes that do not hold back. Novak was my favorite character so I would have liked a little more of him. What can I say, I am drawn to the danger. I hear of a book two in the works so I will definitely grab a copy upon release.
August 10, 2021
I finally had a chance to read The Miracle Sin and it was WOW just WOW. This is my 2nd read of Marcus Hawke I loved his story also in Parasite Gods: Zombie.com definitely check this out. If you are someone that is into religious horror, vampires, ghosts, demons and witches then this book is definitely for you. I loved the main character Mason Cole he was very well developed and funny at times also. I loved all the nostalgic mentions throughout and his cat Bossy 🐈 The other characters that Mason comes across through out were super interesting and I was captured every time he met someone new along his journey. What a world that was created by Marcus! Cant wait to read more from this author.
December 28, 2021
I really wasn’t a fan of this book. It was very religious and in my opinion, came across preachy. At 500 pages, that gets pretty old quick. I also feel there were some issues with the way some of the characters are represented. Black characters are portrayed as uneducated, Spanish characters as rude, making fun of deaf/mute characters, etc. I feel like that’s just not ok to do these days.
July 2, 2024
Over the last few years, I’ve read a number of Hawke’s books and really enjoyed everything I’ve read. But up until now, I’ve not managed to read ‘The Miracle Sin,’ his major novel he’s known for. Everything about this novel had me excited and intrigued, yet it still managed to stay slightly away from the top of my TBR over and over.
But no longer! I made sure to get this to the top, wanting to get it read over the summer months, and help celebrate Canadian horror throughout the month of July.
What I liked: The novel itself reminded me a lot of elements from Clive Barker’s ‘Next Testament,’ and I say that in the best way possible. The story focuses on teenager, Mason. He’s been through a lot, his parents dying in one of the biggest natural disasters ever, one in which Mason himself was the only survivor.
Things take a turn when he finds out that all sorts of the things that are not supposed to be ‘real’ are. And with that, Mason also finds out he just might be the chosen one, the savior descended. While none of this makes sense to Mason or Grim, the stranger who takes him under his wing, it seems to be the truth, when a sinister evil wants to use Mason’s abilities for its own gain.
Hawke takes us on a rollercoaster ride of action/adventure and introspective reflection. Mason works to understand why the events took his parents from him, where he sits within those events and what it means for his current situation. His survival depends on his acceptance of his place in history as well as working with those around him.
The final quarter of this novel works to bring those storylines together and set up an explosive finale. Hawke seems to take special glee in how these things wrap up as even the prose feels heavier with action but weightier with passion.
What I didn’t like: There are a few points where the novel meanders away from its main narrative and at times there’s a few spots where I had to go back and reread the events of a singular scene to follow along, but overall the story is fantastic.
Why you should buy this: Dripping with darkness and some moments of terrific evil, Hawke’s definitively weaved a tale that walks that line between religious possibility and narrative fiction. In the battle between good and evil, our main character takes an all or nothing approach and its this character that really hammers home the depth of Hawke’s convictions for this novel.
I had a blast with this one and see why so many people have recommended it to me over the years.
But no longer! I made sure to get this to the top, wanting to get it read over the summer months, and help celebrate Canadian horror throughout the month of July.
What I liked: The novel itself reminded me a lot of elements from Clive Barker’s ‘Next Testament,’ and I say that in the best way possible. The story focuses on teenager, Mason. He’s been through a lot, his parents dying in one of the biggest natural disasters ever, one in which Mason himself was the only survivor.
Things take a turn when he finds out that all sorts of the things that are not supposed to be ‘real’ are. And with that, Mason also finds out he just might be the chosen one, the savior descended. While none of this makes sense to Mason or Grim, the stranger who takes him under his wing, it seems to be the truth, when a sinister evil wants to use Mason’s abilities for its own gain.
Hawke takes us on a rollercoaster ride of action/adventure and introspective reflection. Mason works to understand why the events took his parents from him, where he sits within those events and what it means for his current situation. His survival depends on his acceptance of his place in history as well as working with those around him.
The final quarter of this novel works to bring those storylines together and set up an explosive finale. Hawke seems to take special glee in how these things wrap up as even the prose feels heavier with action but weightier with passion.
What I didn’t like: There are a few points where the novel meanders away from its main narrative and at times there’s a few spots where I had to go back and reread the events of a singular scene to follow along, but overall the story is fantastic.
Why you should buy this: Dripping with darkness and some moments of terrific evil, Hawke’s definitively weaved a tale that walks that line between religious possibility and narrative fiction. In the battle between good and evil, our main character takes an all or nothing approach and its this character that really hammers home the depth of Hawke’s convictions for this novel.
I had a blast with this one and see why so many people have recommended it to me over the years.
February 12, 2021
‘You’re an autumn child. You’re meant to have a touch of woe. You don’t feel right without it.’
The Miracle Sin by Marcus Hawke.
Mason Cole had a rocky start to his life, as the sole survivor of a cataclysmic earthquake when he was a mere six years old - his grief forced him to ask God the question. Why?
After moving to Stonehill Ohio and growing up with his Grandmother Rose his life, at eighteen years of age seemed pretty ordinary and mundane until one fateful late summers day when all hell broke loose...
I dived into this book not knowing much else other than the synopsis and I am going to leave it the same way for this review as it was true joy to discover the new world that Marcus Hawke has created first hand.
What I will say though is one of my favourite things about this book was the religious overtones and following Mason in his journey with Militia Dei, a special branch of the Vatican that investigates the occult and the training Mason takes to master his new found skills.
There are some absolutely unforgettable characters and relationships that you truly feel a part of, for me personally I felt a strong connection with Mason and felt that I related to him on more than one occasion.
This is a must for book nerds as there are some amazing bookish references throughout!
Marcus Hawke’s descriptive passages were a true joy to read, and always helped me picture the surroundings perfectly. One of my favourite descriptions early on in the book really gave me that nostalgic feeling of late summer days
‘Soon it would all be a memory, another summer gone before a long winter. Sprinklers taken off the lawns, chalk drawings on the sidewalks wiped away and covered by snow.’
Perfect!
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Miracle Sin by Marcus Hawke.
Mason Cole had a rocky start to his life, as the sole survivor of a cataclysmic earthquake when he was a mere six years old - his grief forced him to ask God the question. Why?
After moving to Stonehill Ohio and growing up with his Grandmother Rose his life, at eighteen years of age seemed pretty ordinary and mundane until one fateful late summers day when all hell broke loose...
I dived into this book not knowing much else other than the synopsis and I am going to leave it the same way for this review as it was true joy to discover the new world that Marcus Hawke has created first hand.
What I will say though is one of my favourite things about this book was the religious overtones and following Mason in his journey with Militia Dei, a special branch of the Vatican that investigates the occult and the training Mason takes to master his new found skills.
There are some absolutely unforgettable characters and relationships that you truly feel a part of, for me personally I felt a strong connection with Mason and felt that I related to him on more than one occasion.
This is a must for book nerds as there are some amazing bookish references throughout!
Marcus Hawke’s descriptive passages were a true joy to read, and always helped me picture the surroundings perfectly. One of my favourite descriptions early on in the book really gave me that nostalgic feeling of late summer days
‘Soon it would all be a memory, another summer gone before a long winter. Sprinklers taken off the lawns, chalk drawings on the sidewalks wiped away and covered by snow.’
Perfect!
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 14, 2022
Action Packed Terror!
“Let me tell you something. God is neither loving nor kind. He doesn’t want to see evil undone by good. He created evil. He is vengeful and spiteful and cruel. He did this to me. If you’re looking for a creature made in His image, look no further."
Hawke delivers an adventurous work of art; there may be more action than the reader expects to encounter. To me, the terror aspect of this novel was more towards the end. But reading a scene in particular actually bothered me... this is a good thing!
I want to feel something! I want to cringe and I would love to feel angry above the page! I felt something! It's why I choose to write this review while at the 87 percent mark. I wanted to tell readers that they will definitely FEEL SOMETHING at the very least. So why not give this one a chance?
The action sequences are cinematic, I really dig the warrior priests and Hawke's take on different theologies. NOVAK!!! That's all I'll say
Something else to be admired is the author's ability to switch the pace up. There were a few moments when I thought I figured out what kind of book I was reading... just for certain scenes to abruptly take me by surprise!
This was a fun read for me. A lot of work must have been put in for it to run over 500 pages. There's enough time to pick your favorite characters, question the goodness of God, enjoy a few bloody surprises, and to not mind at all that this is only the beginning...
That's right! Another book is on the way! Fans of this novel should be super excited and readers may want to catch up on the craziness before it's too late!
An eerie ending to shut the door for now... oh, how I love it when the author isn't afraid to do so.
“Let me tell you something. God is neither loving nor kind. He doesn’t want to see evil undone by good. He created evil. He is vengeful and spiteful and cruel. He did this to me. If you’re looking for a creature made in His image, look no further."
Hawke delivers an adventurous work of art; there may be more action than the reader expects to encounter. To me, the terror aspect of this novel was more towards the end. But reading a scene in particular actually bothered me... this is a good thing!
I want to feel something! I want to cringe and I would love to feel angry above the page! I felt something! It's why I choose to write this review while at the 87 percent mark. I wanted to tell readers that they will definitely FEEL SOMETHING at the very least. So why not give this one a chance?
The action sequences are cinematic, I really dig the warrior priests and Hawke's take on different theologies. NOVAK!!! That's all I'll say
Something else to be admired is the author's ability to switch the pace up. There were a few moments when I thought I figured out what kind of book I was reading... just for certain scenes to abruptly take me by surprise!
This was a fun read for me. A lot of work must have been put in for it to run over 500 pages. There's enough time to pick your favorite characters, question the goodness of God, enjoy a few bloody surprises, and to not mind at all that this is only the beginning...
That's right! Another book is on the way! Fans of this novel should be super excited and readers may want to catch up on the craziness before it's too late!
An eerie ending to shut the door for now... oh, how I love it when the author isn't afraid to do so.
March 31, 2021
*I received free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Young Mason Cole has had some tragedy in his life and it is only about to get worse for him. The Miracle Sin is the story of Mason’s righteous fight against unutterable evil, a path that he didn’t choose, but was chosen for him, and now he has to decide whether he stays on that path, or abandons it entirely.
A story of epic proportions that deals with the monumental battle of good and evil, The Miracle Sin is a rich tapestry of themes including religion, philosophy, faith, fate, and loss. Born of a miracle, that definitely doesn’t feel one, Mason Cole is an average teenager who just wants to get out of his small town and maybe ask his friend on a proper date. But he soon wishes that he never wished that, and is pulled into an underground Catholic Church offshoot that have been tasked with defending the world from evil for centuries, and they want him to join their team. No longer average, and imbued with the Holy Spirit itself, Mason takes in the familiar position of the chosen one who must train to fight the evil that started his journey and protect his new found family as well.
Hawke writes knowledgably about the growing pains of a teenager, about the crisis of faith that trauma and grief can bring, and even about this fictional team of Holy assassin’s keeping the darkness at bay. His writing is witty and at times poignant, and gives The Miracle Sin the grand scope that the story needed to be told.
This is a story of paradoxes, oxymorons, and vicious monsters that fans of the likes of Constantine will definitely enjoy.
Young Mason Cole has had some tragedy in his life and it is only about to get worse for him. The Miracle Sin is the story of Mason’s righteous fight against unutterable evil, a path that he didn’t choose, but was chosen for him, and now he has to decide whether he stays on that path, or abandons it entirely.
A story of epic proportions that deals with the monumental battle of good and evil, The Miracle Sin is a rich tapestry of themes including religion, philosophy, faith, fate, and loss. Born of a miracle, that definitely doesn’t feel one, Mason Cole is an average teenager who just wants to get out of his small town and maybe ask his friend on a proper date. But he soon wishes that he never wished that, and is pulled into an underground Catholic Church offshoot that have been tasked with defending the world from evil for centuries, and they want him to join their team. No longer average, and imbued with the Holy Spirit itself, Mason takes in the familiar position of the chosen one who must train to fight the evil that started his journey and protect his new found family as well.
Hawke writes knowledgably about the growing pains of a teenager, about the crisis of faith that trauma and grief can bring, and even about this fictional team of Holy assassin’s keeping the darkness at bay. His writing is witty and at times poignant, and gives The Miracle Sin the grand scope that the story needed to be told.
This is a story of paradoxes, oxymorons, and vicious monsters that fans of the likes of Constantine will definitely enjoy.
September 3, 2021
This is a story about loss, religion, destiny, family and personal growth but it's also about vampires, ghosts and witches. I must confess that I didn't read the synopsis and I was expecting something entirely different but the story suprised me in a good way. I was intruiged from the very first part and I really enjoyed the story.
The pace was perfect and the story was full with action. There was never a dull moment. Hawke's ability to describe the surroundings is impeccable and helped with imagining the world that he has created. I enjoyed reading the beautiful and detailed descriptions in this book and it felt like being there.
The characters are memorable with their own personality and quirkiness, which made it easy to keep the characters apart. I liked seeing, the main character, Mason, finding himself and his faith throughout the book. Mason is a very relatable character and you end up rooting for him. I loved his personality and wittiness.
The supporting characters are also well-written and the interactions between the characters are really good. You see that Hawke has put in a lot of effort writing unforgettable characters and their interactions. I like the humour and quirkiness in the dialogues and throughout the story. It made it easy to like the characters and felt like you were a part of the book. Oh, and don't even get me started on the antagonist, Novak, I just loved him. A weirdly disturbing savage with a personality. I wished there was more of him in the book. That's my only complaint if you even can call it that.
Enjoyable read!
The pace was perfect and the story was full with action. There was never a dull moment. Hawke's ability to describe the surroundings is impeccable and helped with imagining the world that he has created. I enjoyed reading the beautiful and detailed descriptions in this book and it felt like being there.
The characters are memorable with their own personality and quirkiness, which made it easy to keep the characters apart. I liked seeing, the main character, Mason, finding himself and his faith throughout the book. Mason is a very relatable character and you end up rooting for him. I loved his personality and wittiness.
The supporting characters are also well-written and the interactions between the characters are really good. You see that Hawke has put in a lot of effort writing unforgettable characters and their interactions. I like the humour and quirkiness in the dialogues and throughout the story. It made it easy to like the characters and felt like you were a part of the book. Oh, and don't even get me started on the antagonist, Novak, I just loved him. A weirdly disturbing savage with a personality. I wished there was more of him in the book. That's my only complaint if you even can call it that.
Enjoyable read!
February 18, 2022
“That is the true horror of this world. Not that bad things exist, but the level of willful blindness we show to them.”
Sometimes, it takes losing everything to see the light, as was the case with Mason. Accepting the truth, as it stares you dead in the eye, is another story. Sometimes it takes an extra push or two for one to accept the world for what it is, and to embrace your calling as it has been designed for you.
What felt like change in the blink of an eye was truly a lifelong journey to this very moment for Mason. There are things that go bump in the night. There is a higher power. Fate, destiny, God’s will… the real deal.
This is a story of a reluctant hero, thrown into a world he never believed in while being supported by an eclectic group of people he’d never met.
Truths are revealed. Common knowledge is flipped on its head. Darkness is brought to light. Monsters reveal their sinister faces.
The prose, the depth, and the creativity in this book truly captivated me. The relatability blew my mind. I cannot put into words what this entertaining, yet thought-provoking story did for my soul.
If you like religious horror, vampires, and epic modern-day quests, read this book. It has found its rightful spot on my list of all-time favorites. 🖤
Well done, Marcus. Well done. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Sometimes, it takes losing everything to see the light, as was the case with Mason. Accepting the truth, as it stares you dead in the eye, is another story. Sometimes it takes an extra push or two for one to accept the world for what it is, and to embrace your calling as it has been designed for you.
What felt like change in the blink of an eye was truly a lifelong journey to this very moment for Mason. There are things that go bump in the night. There is a higher power. Fate, destiny, God’s will… the real deal.
This is a story of a reluctant hero, thrown into a world he never believed in while being supported by an eclectic group of people he’d never met.
Truths are revealed. Common knowledge is flipped on its head. Darkness is brought to light. Monsters reveal their sinister faces.
The prose, the depth, and the creativity in this book truly captivated me. The relatability blew my mind. I cannot put into words what this entertaining, yet thought-provoking story did for my soul.
If you like religious horror, vampires, and epic modern-day quests, read this book. It has found its rightful spot on my list of all-time favorites. 🖤
Well done, Marcus. Well done. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
January 15, 2021
So, first off, I’m not usually a reader of vampire books. I think I have only read two before The Miracle Sin, one was Dracul and the other, that shall remain nameless, was quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. I’ll be the first to acknowledge that I’m not familiar with vampire tropes, conventions, or how Lycans factor into it all. However, my ignorance did not hinder me whatsoever with the enjoyment of this book.
We follow Mason Cole at the beginning of his hero’s journey as he comes to terms with his place in a world full of vampires and vampire hunters. Along the way we’re treated to interesting conflicts, interesting plot points, and interesting interactions with characters and villains.
It feels as though you’re in good hands when reading The Miracle Sin. The character’s motivations are clear, the supernatural elements are varied and intriguing, and it is all delivered through clear prose that makes you feel as though the author really cares for the story.
Some personal highlights were a scene involving catapulted pumpkins and the last scene in the book which created an excellent dark ending that reminded me of Hellraiser a little. I wouldn’t say I’m a convert to the vampire genre, but definitely a convert to Marcus’ work.
We follow Mason Cole at the beginning of his hero’s journey as he comes to terms with his place in a world full of vampires and vampire hunters. Along the way we’re treated to interesting conflicts, interesting plot points, and interesting interactions with characters and villains.
It feels as though you’re in good hands when reading The Miracle Sin. The character’s motivations are clear, the supernatural elements are varied and intriguing, and it is all delivered through clear prose that makes you feel as though the author really cares for the story.
Some personal highlights were a scene involving catapulted pumpkins and the last scene in the book which created an excellent dark ending that reminded me of Hellraiser a little. I wouldn’t say I’m a convert to the vampire genre, but definitely a convert to Marcus’ work.
August 24, 2021
Solid debut from Marcus Hawke - in more ways than one. A mighty tome filled with tons of vivid characters, led by one of the most relateable main protags I've seen in a long time, Mason Cole.
Steeped in religious mysticism, this book packs a punch, Hawke unafraid to ramp up the horror when it's needed. I like the idea of a holy militia. Its a useful plot device to explain the concept behind Mason's newly-realised power. Grim also is an excellent character, acting as a mentor as Cole comes to terms with his losses and begins to understand his new role, preparing him for the final confrontation with the Big Bad and setting us up for what I hope is a sequel.
The writing is confident, witty and impressive. Versatile. That said, at times it has a tendency to ramble - often an issue when deep concepts have to be explained - so I think that in places the novel would have benefitted from a tighter structure with less tendency to throw us (me, lol) out of the narrative. However, now that the premise has been fully grounded, if there is to be a sequel, I'd expect it to be full sail ahead for an even more brilliant read.
Steeped in religious mysticism, this book packs a punch, Hawke unafraid to ramp up the horror when it's needed. I like the idea of a holy militia. Its a useful plot device to explain the concept behind Mason's newly-realised power. Grim also is an excellent character, acting as a mentor as Cole comes to terms with his losses and begins to understand his new role, preparing him for the final confrontation with the Big Bad and setting us up for what I hope is a sequel.
The writing is confident, witty and impressive. Versatile. That said, at times it has a tendency to ramble - often an issue when deep concepts have to be explained - so I think that in places the novel would have benefitted from a tighter structure with less tendency to throw us (me, lol) out of the narrative. However, now that the premise has been fully grounded, if there is to be a sequel, I'd expect it to be full sail ahead for an even more brilliant read.
September 8, 2021
The opening of this drew me in because I could sympathize with high school senior, Mason Cole. He's ready to break out of his small town. But one night all that changes when he goes out with his two best friends (one his forever crush), and they're pulled over by some odd cops. The events that follow just don't make logical sense from everything Mason has been raised to believe. What happens leaves him unbelievably unscathed, and causes him to recall a childhood trauma he survived against all odds that seems to be linked.
As he comes to learn more about himself, he makes new friends bound by some pretty damn unique knowledge that even if they'd try and share would be laughed off.
So I have to say I really enjoyed the alternative religious ideology for the explanation of supernatural beings. Personally, I always wondered about all the texts that haven't been accessible. Marcus does a phenomenal job mixing in vampires-- even giving a scientific explanation for why/how they are the way they are. I can't wait for the sequel!
As he comes to learn more about himself, he makes new friends bound by some pretty damn unique knowledge that even if they'd try and share would be laughed off.
So I have to say I really enjoyed the alternative religious ideology for the explanation of supernatural beings. Personally, I always wondered about all the texts that haven't been accessible. Marcus does a phenomenal job mixing in vampires-- even giving a scientific explanation for why/how they are the way they are. I can't wait for the sequel!
October 30, 2021
This book is simply...*chef's kiss*
Did this story break my heart? Absolutely. Did it nestle itself within my brain, challenging my every notion about life with its beautiful, awakening prose? You bet!
.
This book sat in my kindle for months, mostly because I was in a reading slump, but also because I was afraid of what it contained. While there are religious themes woven into the story, it is so much more than that. A tragic, grueling journey of self-reflection, with beloved characters who now hold a special place in my heart. Mason is a relatable MC, and I felt like a part of the story as I joined him in his endeavors.
.
Marcus is one incredible writer. His attention to detail is something to be admired, and I thoroughly enjoyed the flow, structure, and pace of The Miracle Sin. Profound themes, charming characters, and a lot of great laughs await you! 5 stars, without a doubt. One of my favorite reads of 2021.
Did this story break my heart? Absolutely. Did it nestle itself within my brain, challenging my every notion about life with its beautiful, awakening prose? You bet!
.
This book sat in my kindle for months, mostly because I was in a reading slump, but also because I was afraid of what it contained. While there are religious themes woven into the story, it is so much more than that. A tragic, grueling journey of self-reflection, with beloved characters who now hold a special place in my heart. Mason is a relatable MC, and I felt like a part of the story as I joined him in his endeavors.
.
Marcus is one incredible writer. His attention to detail is something to be admired, and I thoroughly enjoyed the flow, structure, and pace of The Miracle Sin. Profound themes, charming characters, and a lot of great laughs await you! 5 stars, without a doubt. One of my favorite reads of 2021.
May 4, 2022
Have you ever wondered if there’s more to life? If we are destined for something great, part of a divine plan rather than just subjects of random chaos? Mason Cole has wondered these things. And he has the answer…
I finally got around to this one and it was rather enjoyable. It was a bit slow for me, then it would be fast paced...it was a bit too much at times. But to be fair, that's just my thing...nothing to knock it for. The writing was done incredibly well, and the story itself was very original and unique. However, there were times I struggled to get through it and the religious aspects were a bit much for me (I had a feeling there would be a religious theme/feel based on the title and cover alone...). I did finish it and for a debut novel, it's decent. Consider giving it a read!
I finally got around to this one and it was rather enjoyable. It was a bit slow for me, then it would be fast paced...it was a bit too much at times. But to be fair, that's just my thing...nothing to knock it for. The writing was done incredibly well, and the story itself was very original and unique. However, there were times I struggled to get through it and the religious aspects were a bit much for me (I had a feeling there would be a religious theme/feel based on the title and cover alone...). I did finish it and for a debut novel, it's decent. Consider giving it a read!
July 1, 2024
The miracle sin was an amazing well crafted horror novel, and out of the many horror books I’ve read it stands out because I found myself rooting for the hero and not the villain. I couldn’t help myself. Mason makes for a phenomenal protagonist and I was also quite fond of Grim.
Horror is a favourite of mine, but I also appreciate a touch of philosophy thrown into the mix.
A lot of people think horror is just death and gore and while there are these elements in the book, I think it also defies the horror stereotypes. This book is incredibly well written. I recommend it to people who already love the genre and who think horror might not be for them
Horror is a favourite of mine, but I also appreciate a touch of philosophy thrown into the mix.
A lot of people think horror is just death and gore and while there are these elements in the book, I think it also defies the horror stereotypes. This book is incredibly well written. I recommend it to people who already love the genre and who think horror might not be for them
April 20, 2021
Just finished this, and I was so impressed with it! I am in love with the world and characters built! I really hope to see more of Mason Cole’s life in the future! I would highly recommend checking this out 🙂
March 19, 2021
Great urban fantasy–type vampire novel! Hyped for the sequel.
September 29, 2024
3,5*
Mason is a miracle. He was the only survivor of an earthquake that took many lives, including his parents. He has a very normal life and lives with his grandma in a small town. That is until a stranger comes to town and will make him question everything he believes in.
At its core this is a book about This is a story about loss, religion, destiny, family and personal growth.
All the characters had their own personalities and Mason, our main character, is very easy to relate to and we care for him and want him to succeed in his mission.
The book was very entertaining. There was always some action, something going on and that makes you fly through the book.
If you enjoy religious horror, then this book is for you. But fear not, this book is so much more. Apart from the classic battle between good and evil, the book offers so much character growth and includes so many human emotions.
Even though this story is very dark, there were many funny moments and some touching conversations between characters.
Miracle Sin has a very strong opening. The middle can drag a bit since it resembles the typical training montage from movies but longer and in written form. Then it picks up again and delivers a very strong finale.
Mason is a miracle. He was the only survivor of an earthquake that took many lives, including his parents. He has a very normal life and lives with his grandma in a small town. That is until a stranger comes to town and will make him question everything he believes in.
At its core this is a book about This is a story about loss, religion, destiny, family and personal growth.
All the characters had their own personalities and Mason, our main character, is very easy to relate to and we care for him and want him to succeed in his mission.
The book was very entertaining. There was always some action, something going on and that makes you fly through the book.
If you enjoy religious horror, then this book is for you. But fear not, this book is so much more. Apart from the classic battle between good and evil, the book offers so much character growth and includes so many human emotions.
Even though this story is very dark, there were many funny moments and some touching conversations between characters.
Miracle Sin has a very strong opening. The middle can drag a bit since it resembles the typical training montage from movies but longer and in written form. Then it picks up again and delivers a very strong finale.
June 15, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2 Stars to The Miracle Sin by Marcus Hawke
Mason Cole, the only survivor of a tragic earthquake that rendered the city of Jerusalem to a hole in the ground, wonders if there some divine plan to this life, or is it all just random. He gets his answer one evening while out with his school friends Dale and Julie as they suddenly find themselves being arrested and placed in the back of a police car by cops that aren’t cops. What follows next is a rollercoaster ride into religious horror, vampires, ghosts and a young man acceptance of a power that hides inside him.
The Miracle Sin is split into three parts and I was immediately sucked straight away into the first section, that of Cole’s home town in Ohio. His relationship with his friends Dale and Julie comes across as true and well captured by the author. I practically liked how there are hints at Cole and Julie having a romantic relationship. Rose, Cole’s grandmother, stands out as a quirk supporting character that any reader can fall in love with. Unfortunately, it isn’t long until Cole’s world is flipped upside down with very Stranger Things vibes.
The second section involves Cole learning that he is a descendant of Saint Philip, a person that a section of the Catholic Church believed was graced with the power of an Archangel. As such he has this potential inside himself, granting him abilities beyond mortal beings. I got a distinct Alex Rider vibe from the middle of portion of this story, particular in the training sequences as Cole learns to master his abilities and learn to defend himself. For those not in the know the Alex Rider series is about a fourteen year old recruited by MI6 to become a spy, it’s a fantastically witty and engaging series written by Anthony Horowitz. This is equally entertaining, though there are at times moments were it gets bogged down slightly by conversation about religion. That being said I appreciated that Marcus choose to go down the avenue of Cole’s abilities being divine, it is a bold and refreshing choice.
I won’t spoil part three, which has some great twists and turns that leave the reader gobsmacked. Marcus does great work in this book, he has an eye for character and writes with wit and elegant style. He can brutal yet tender at once. I can’t wait to read what he does next.
Mason Cole, the only survivor of a tragic earthquake that rendered the city of Jerusalem to a hole in the ground, wonders if there some divine plan to this life, or is it all just random. He gets his answer one evening while out with his school friends Dale and Julie as they suddenly find themselves being arrested and placed in the back of a police car by cops that aren’t cops. What follows next is a rollercoaster ride into religious horror, vampires, ghosts and a young man acceptance of a power that hides inside him.
The Miracle Sin is split into three parts and I was immediately sucked straight away into the first section, that of Cole’s home town in Ohio. His relationship with his friends Dale and Julie comes across as true and well captured by the author. I practically liked how there are hints at Cole and Julie having a romantic relationship. Rose, Cole’s grandmother, stands out as a quirk supporting character that any reader can fall in love with. Unfortunately, it isn’t long until Cole’s world is flipped upside down with very Stranger Things vibes.
The second section involves Cole learning that he is a descendant of Saint Philip, a person that a section of the Catholic Church believed was graced with the power of an Archangel. As such he has this potential inside himself, granting him abilities beyond mortal beings. I got a distinct Alex Rider vibe from the middle of portion of this story, particular in the training sequences as Cole learns to master his abilities and learn to defend himself. For those not in the know the Alex Rider series is about a fourteen year old recruited by MI6 to become a spy, it’s a fantastically witty and engaging series written by Anthony Horowitz. This is equally entertaining, though there are at times moments were it gets bogged down slightly by conversation about religion. That being said I appreciated that Marcus choose to go down the avenue of Cole’s abilities being divine, it is a bold and refreshing choice.
I won’t spoil part three, which has some great twists and turns that leave the reader gobsmacked. Marcus does great work in this book, he has an eye for character and writes with wit and elegant style. He can brutal yet tender at once. I can’t wait to read what he does next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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