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Preternatural #2
Preternatural Evolution: A Psychological Horror Book
It's been fifteen years since the vampire Blackheart was defeated, leaving Meadowsville desolate and broken.
Alexandra has returned to take over her father's church but is struggling to find her true purpose. Torn by her shaky loyalty to Christian Reed-the unstable town antihero who vanquished Blackheart years ago-and increasing efforts at seduction and manipulation from Blackheart himself, she is forced to face all her deepest traumas and insecurities.
As the town's only hope, Alexandra must gather her strength and transcend her terror in order to battle these adversities-or risk losing the very soul of Meadowsville.
Alexandra has returned to take over her father's church but is struggling to find her true purpose. Torn by her shaky loyalty to Christian Reed-the unstable town antihero who vanquished Blackheart years ago-and increasing efforts at seduction and manipulation from Blackheart himself, she is forced to face all her deepest traumas and insecurities.
As the town's only hope, Alexandra must gather her strength and transcend her terror in order to battle these adversities-or risk losing the very soul of Meadowsville.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2021
5 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Peter Topside
6 books1,451 followersI am an author, reviewer, and horror fanatic. I am also an accomplished, self-taught chef and baker, a proud father and husband, and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist by trade.
I had a rough upbringing, which bestowed many traumas on me, that remained in place for a long time. I spent years struggling with crippling anxiety and depression, but once I got to my lowest point, I made the difficult decision to fight for better mental health. I traveled to a lot of dark corners of my mind, confronting the deepest and scariest aspects of my PTSD, but was able to make it through successfully. Throughout my recovery process, I was able to funnel all of the energy, thoughts and feelings into my writing. My books are the culmination of my own personal, life-changing journey.
Follow me;
https://www.facebook.com/topsidepeter
https://www.instagram.com/ptopside/
https://twitter.com/PTopside
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peter...
I had a rough upbringing, which bestowed many traumas on me, that remained in place for a long time. I spent years struggling with crippling anxiety and depression, but once I got to my lowest point, I made the difficult decision to fight for better mental health. I traveled to a lot of dark corners of my mind, confronting the deepest and scariest aspects of my PTSD, but was able to make it through successfully. Throughout my recovery process, I was able to funnel all of the energy, thoughts and feelings into my writing. My books are the culmination of my own personal, life-changing journey.
Follow me;
https://www.facebook.com/topsidepeter
https://www.instagram.com/ptopside/
https://twitter.com/PTopside
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peter...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 1, 2022
Another 4.5 star read, rounded up to 5 stars. How Alex defeated the creature was brilliant!! I did not see that coming. I also appreciate the respect that is given to spirituality in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
Picking up the baton from the first installment of the Preternatural trilogy, Preternatural Evolution: A Psychological Horror Book focuses on the aftermath and on the survivors of the Blackheart vampire carnage in the fictional small town Meadowsville. Beside familiar characters such as the messed up anti-hero Christian, who vanquished the abuser Blackheart in the first book and Alexandra, the preacher's daughter, we get to meet some new faces like Adam, Christian's son who was a baby in the first book, and who turned out to be my favorite character here.
Even though the events of the first book are fifteen years past, the obtrusive impact they had on Meadowsville is still tangible and especially in the everyday lives of the people something is brewing – is it possible that Blackheart is behind it all, or is it even the town that's conjuring him?
Despite the obvious parallels to its predecessor like the intense Christian aspects and the extremely compelling antagonist, Preternatural Evolution strongly zooms in on the inner worlds, the thoughts and feelings of its characters and that is the main strength of this book. Topside's Meadowsville and its various inhabitants constitute a very successfully drawn picture of post-traumatic coping mechanisms. So clearly understandable and relatable are their reactions that even the most bonafide agnostics will have sympathy and understanding for the heavy religious undertones the book conveys.
This would also be the one critique point I have - I totally understand that especially with the vampire trope religion is indispensable and in order to end Preternatural Evolution the way it does even more so here. I don't mean to be judgy in any way, however, I'm not the kind of person who enjoys religious undertones in fiction very much and it took away a little from the joy I had reading this book.
My absolute highlight, on the other hand, is the baddie Blackheart and his development in this second installment!
The second book left me asking for more and I'm so happy there already is a third book to end the trilogy and I don't have to wait!
Even though the events of the first book are fifteen years past, the obtrusive impact they had on Meadowsville is still tangible and especially in the everyday lives of the people something is brewing – is it possible that Blackheart is behind it all, or is it even the town that's conjuring him?
Despite the obvious parallels to its predecessor like the intense Christian aspects and the extremely compelling antagonist, Preternatural Evolution strongly zooms in on the inner worlds, the thoughts and feelings of its characters and that is the main strength of this book. Topside's Meadowsville and its various inhabitants constitute a very successfully drawn picture of post-traumatic coping mechanisms. So clearly understandable and relatable are their reactions that even the most bonafide agnostics will have sympathy and understanding for the heavy religious undertones the book conveys.
This would also be the one critique point I have - I totally understand that especially with the vampire trope religion is indispensable and in order to end Preternatural Evolution the way it does even more so here. I don't mean to be judgy in any way, however, I'm not the kind of person who enjoys religious undertones in fiction very much and it took away a little from the joy I had reading this book.
My absolute highlight, on the other hand, is the baddie Blackheart and his development in this second installment!
The second book left me asking for more and I'm so happy there already is a third book to end the trilogy and I don't have to wait!
January 3, 2022
Great!
The first book in this series was really good. But this was so much better!
It did start out pretty slow for me, but literally half way through, Boom!!
It became an on the edge of your seat, can't put it down, wish there was more book!
Bravo Peter Topside!! Looking forward to hopefully more in this series!!
The first book in this series was really good. But this was so much better!
It did start out pretty slow for me, but literally half way through, Boom!!
It became an on the edge of your seat, can't put it down, wish there was more book!
Bravo Peter Topside!! Looking forward to hopefully more in this series!!
April 30, 2022
Four Preternatural Stars! ⚔️
I didn’t realize going into this book that this was book two of a trilogy. With that being said, I feel that everything was so detailed and explained that I was able to follow along with this story, and at no point did I ever feel lost or confused.
This book had everything that I enjoy in a book. There are short chapters, action to keep me turning the pages, and of course supernatural elements. The setting and characters were detailed so vividly, I felt as if I was there in the town of Meadowsville.
Because I am now so invested in this story, I will be going back to read book one, and then continuing on with book three! I also highly recommend this series if you are looking for a fast read (these books are under 200 pages- I checked and I love that!), and also if you love a thrilling, horror suspense story.
Also a big thank you to Goodreads and the author for this gifted copy. It was a pleasure to read and to find a new author worth reading!
I didn’t realize going into this book that this was book two of a trilogy. With that being said, I feel that everything was so detailed and explained that I was able to follow along with this story, and at no point did I ever feel lost or confused.
This book had everything that I enjoy in a book. There are short chapters, action to keep me turning the pages, and of course supernatural elements. The setting and characters were detailed so vividly, I felt as if I was there in the town of Meadowsville.
Because I am now so invested in this story, I will be going back to read book one, and then continuing on with book three! I also highly recommend this series if you are looking for a fast read (these books are under 200 pages- I checked and I love that!), and also if you love a thrilling, horror suspense story.
Also a big thank you to Goodreads and the author for this gifted copy. It was a pleasure to read and to find a new author worth reading!
October 13, 2021
Preternatural Book 2 Evolution is the sequel to Preternatural by Peter Topside.
I want to start by saying I was completely blown away by this story. It takes a 180 degree turn from the first book and maintains a level of interest and intrigue that not only adds to the first book, but creates an atmosphere all it's own and on top of that promises that Book 3 is going to be something worth waiting for.
The story takes place 15 years after the first story and the town of Meadowsville is beginning to rise from the ashes of the devastation wrought on it by Blackheart. This time the story tells the effects on the town and it's citizens. Happy that the nightmare has been over for some time, fear and resentment still dominates the atmosphere of the town. Some of the citizens are happy to pretend that life in their community is moving on while others are stuck in the loss they suffered.
The characters maintain the same characteristics as in the last story, but this time the author skillfully peals back the layers so that we get a wonderful sense of deeper more complicated people, whom in many ways share the same fears, hopes and faults we all share. The main characters Christian and Alex (Alexandra) move the story forward beautifully as Christian maintains a vigilance over the town that has long worn out the towns people appreciation (little do they know). His closest and dearest friend Alexandra (Alex) after the death of her father has replaced him as the town minister. They both have a feeling that something is not right, not just with the atmosphere but with the towns people. Christian must push past the devastation of his loss and Alex whom admits that her faith has been left weak and shaken must find the strength and the faith to face what comes.
The author (Mr. Topside) does a marvelous job of creating a town where hope is a disguise for the fear that festers under the surface. He also manages to create a diverse community of people who all have different feelings about what has happened and what needs to happen. From the town Deputy, it's Mayor and Christian's wife (Rebecca) and their son Adam the characters have a life that jumps off the page with their familiarity.
Preternatural Book 2 is not a stand alone, although I must say Peter (the author) does a great job of giving you just enough back story so that it all makes sense. At the same time creating curiosity if you haven't read the first book, which is very much worth reading on it's own merit. The end of the story while leaving no questions unanswered promises that the next and final story in the trilogy will be one no reader will want to miss.
There is a part in the story where Alex makes some very interesting observations about Blackheart and his place in the scheme of things. As a matter of fact it was so interesting I called my brother a minister himself and we got into a long discussion about this part of the story and it's possible validity.
There is so much more to say about this book, but the best thing I can say is that this is a real treat to read. Well paced, tied in with easy reading and the story takes on a life of it's own as you breeze through it. Books 1 and 2 have been worth every word of reading on several levels and I have nothing but high expectations for Book 3.
I want to start by saying I was completely blown away by this story. It takes a 180 degree turn from the first book and maintains a level of interest and intrigue that not only adds to the first book, but creates an atmosphere all it's own and on top of that promises that Book 3 is going to be something worth waiting for.
The story takes place 15 years after the first story and the town of Meadowsville is beginning to rise from the ashes of the devastation wrought on it by Blackheart. This time the story tells the effects on the town and it's citizens. Happy that the nightmare has been over for some time, fear and resentment still dominates the atmosphere of the town. Some of the citizens are happy to pretend that life in their community is moving on while others are stuck in the loss they suffered.
The characters maintain the same characteristics as in the last story, but this time the author skillfully peals back the layers so that we get a wonderful sense of deeper more complicated people, whom in many ways share the same fears, hopes and faults we all share. The main characters Christian and Alex (Alexandra) move the story forward beautifully as Christian maintains a vigilance over the town that has long worn out the towns people appreciation (little do they know). His closest and dearest friend Alexandra (Alex) after the death of her father has replaced him as the town minister. They both have a feeling that something is not right, not just with the atmosphere but with the towns people. Christian must push past the devastation of his loss and Alex whom admits that her faith has been left weak and shaken must find the strength and the faith to face what comes.
The author (Mr. Topside) does a marvelous job of creating a town where hope is a disguise for the fear that festers under the surface. He also manages to create a diverse community of people who all have different feelings about what has happened and what needs to happen. From the town Deputy, it's Mayor and Christian's wife (Rebecca) and their son Adam the characters have a life that jumps off the page with their familiarity.
Preternatural Book 2 is not a stand alone, although I must say Peter (the author) does a great job of giving you just enough back story so that it all makes sense. At the same time creating curiosity if you haven't read the first book, which is very much worth reading on it's own merit. The end of the story while leaving no questions unanswered promises that the next and final story in the trilogy will be one no reader will want to miss.
There is a part in the story where Alex makes some very interesting observations about Blackheart and his place in the scheme of things. As a matter of fact it was so interesting I called my brother a minister himself and we got into a long discussion about this part of the story and it's possible validity.
There is so much more to say about this book, but the best thing I can say is that this is a real treat to read. Well paced, tied in with easy reading and the story takes on a life of it's own as you breeze through it. Books 1 and 2 have been worth every word of reading on several levels and I have nothing but high expectations for Book 3.
February 1, 2022
Out of the first two books, released from this trilogy, Pretnernatural Evolution is by far my most favorite. Topside continued to take you deeper into the disturbing realities of what is happening in the town of Meadowsville. I liked how the story picks up 15 years later, but you don’t feel like your missing anything from that time span. I appreciated how Topside is able to present a more tactical but yet clear message of disturbing events that occurred in the main characters lives. I loved that the main protagonist is a female and she is not presented as frail, rather, it is her vulnerabilities that lead her to her strength. This book ends with you wanting more and looking for how this epic trilogy will end. After having the opportunity to see a very rough cut of the third book, I feel that this trilogy is well suited for those that want a story that takes you deeper than just a creature feature.
March 20, 2022
I'm giving this 4.5 stars! The book opens 15 years after the events of the first book. Meadowsville has found a tenuous peace, but is lacking the tourism perpetrated by the legend of the monster. As a result, it is struggling with an economic downturn that leaves some residents to wish for a return to those times. They really should be careful what they wish for...
It was great to reconnect with Alexandra and the Reed family. Their surviving son is a teenager, and are haunted by the trauma of the events before. The first half of the book follows the struggles of Alex and Christian and makes you wonder how the author fits these pieces together and then around the halfway mark it all comes together. And all hell breaks loose!
I won't tell you how the book ends, but I found it very satisfying. Peter's style is a kind of flowing narrative that works well for these books. I look forward to the conclusion of the trilogy!
It was great to reconnect with Alexandra and the Reed family. Their surviving son is a teenager, and are haunted by the trauma of the events before. The first half of the book follows the struggles of Alex and Christian and makes you wonder how the author fits these pieces together and then around the halfway mark it all comes together. And all hell breaks loose!
I won't tell you how the book ends, but I found it very satisfying. Peter's style is a kind of flowing narrative that works well for these books. I look forward to the conclusion of the trilogy!
June 18, 2023
We are back in Meadowsville years after Blackheart was taken down. Even though time has passed without the tourists the town has become run down and the residents feel like they would be better off if Blackheart was still there, little did they know their desire for his presence would bring him new life. Just like the first book this was well written. I enjoyed the second book more feeling there was more focus on the story now that we have met the main characters.
February 27, 2022
Welcome Back to Meadowsville
It’s now 15 years after Blackheart was defeated but the township is still not at peace. The good citizens jump at shadows as Christian still walks the streets trying to keep his town safe. Will evil return or has it been defeated for good?
This was another good instalment to the Preternatural Series and I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen in book 3.
It’s now 15 years after Blackheart was defeated but the township is still not at peace. The good citizens jump at shadows as Christian still walks the streets trying to keep his town safe. Will evil return or has it been defeated for good?
This was another good instalment to the Preternatural Series and I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen in book 3.
April 29, 2023
EVOLUTION – PRETERNATURAL Book Two – Welcome Back…
‘[F]ifteen years after Blackheart was defeated, the town still was under his control...Even the cool breeze on this early spring day felt like a monster breathing on someone's neck, preparing to feed on their body and soul, sending the uncertainty of their mortality into a tailspin.’
Though Blackheart the tangible figure lingers a bit in the latter part of book two—his mythical presence mocked by many a newb in the former—the bulk of the story centers around two of our main characters, Alexandra and Christian, who, due to the aftermath and internal turmoil in book one, must face their deepest traumas and insecurities.
Not the pulsating journey I experienced when reading PRETERNATURAL, but rather a character-building segue with a tinge of tension and a dash of closure leading into a possible resurrection, new beginning, and/or formidable foe in the last book in the trilogy, RECKONING? I can’t wait to find out.
Recommend!
Thank you, Peter Topside and Smith Publicity Inc., for providing me with a paperback copy of EVOLUTION at the request of an honest review.
‘[F]ifteen years after Blackheart was defeated, the town still was under his control...Even the cool breeze on this early spring day felt like a monster breathing on someone's neck, preparing to feed on their body and soul, sending the uncertainty of their mortality into a tailspin.’
Though Blackheart the tangible figure lingers a bit in the latter part of book two—his mythical presence mocked by many a newb in the former—the bulk of the story centers around two of our main characters, Alexandra and Christian, who, due to the aftermath and internal turmoil in book one, must face their deepest traumas and insecurities.
Not the pulsating journey I experienced when reading PRETERNATURAL, but rather a character-building segue with a tinge of tension and a dash of closure leading into a possible resurrection, new beginning, and/or formidable foe in the last book in the trilogy, RECKONING? I can’t wait to find out.
Recommend!
Thank you, Peter Topside and Smith Publicity Inc., for providing me with a paperback copy of EVOLUTION at the request of an honest review.
April 17, 2021
Alexandra returned to her home in Meadowsville. Her father has died. She intends to be the new minister for his church but has doubts about herself. Can she communicate and administer to those who attend the church? In the past Blackheart, a vampire-like being ruled over this town by slaughtering anyone who disagreed with him. Christian Reed was the man who vanquish Blackheart. However Blackheart is back and daylight doesn’t affect him. Christian has always took time to check the town everyday as he worried that Blackheart might come back or someone like him. When Blackheart comes back from the grave, the town asks for his help again. In the meanwhile, Blackheart almost has Alexandra under his control but she snaps out of it. She knows that Blackheart is truly evil. She decides she must get rid of Blackheart. Will Alexandra be successful or will it be ?Christian
A fascinating horror novel that kept my attention as the story has unexpected twists and turns in it. There is some exploration of true friendship, the love of a family, and communication. If you love horror, this novel is a must!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
A fascinating horror novel that kept my attention as the story has unexpected twists and turns in it. There is some exploration of true friendship, the love of a family, and communication. If you love horror, this novel is a must!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 1, 2022
As with the first book, this took a little time to gather steam, but I was fine with that. Book two finds us back in Meadowsville, but many years later. We have familiar characters still suffering the repercussions of Blackheart's last visit, and it was good to spend time in their environment before the shxt really hit the fan. Will this poor town ever find peace?
Some great twists, no spoilers here, and the story felt smoother than the first one. Perhaps just familiarity, but I feel it's more about Peter's writing style becoming better as we dig deeper into the misfortunes of Meadowsville. This is an excellent follow-up to the first book, and I'm certainly picking up the third!
Some great twists, no spoilers here, and the story felt smoother than the first one. Perhaps just familiarity, but I feel it's more about Peter's writing style becoming better as we dig deeper into the misfortunes of Meadowsville. This is an excellent follow-up to the first book, and I'm certainly picking up the third!
December 30, 2021
15 years later we are back in Meadowsville. A shell of the former town. It was great to see the character growth that happened over the 15 years and throughout the book. A big plus was that the author shows the lasting effects of the trauma that they experienced from the first book.
There is something big coming in the final part.
There is something big coming in the final part.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews