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The Awakening (The Darkness of Diggory Finch #1).
Diggory Finch had a mother that didn’t seem to want him, and a father that chose to run from every struggle the family ever had. Same father lied about the family fortune.
But now Grandma Beatrice is gone, and Diggory has inherited Finch Island in Twin Falls, as well as millions of dollars, a house, an old mill building, and the profound, evil darkness that dwells at the center of his family’s heart.
Diggory returns home, happy and comfortable for the first time in a home that’s not going anywhere, and starts the process of opening up a game store on his family’s property. He even meets a young lady that makes him want to stop sabotaging his relationships. Could it be love?
Or will the horror that unfolds undo all he’s ever wanted?
The Finch family is surrounded by people who want something from them. They want the dark power that Diggory has access to. They want the doorway only he can open to remain open forever, and if they have to lock him up so the ancient evil he can access can always flow to them, then so be it.
But for the first time, this Finch isn’t running, and isn’t content to be used to unleash evil on the world.
Can Diggory harness the great darkness within him, and defeat the monsters that feast on the people of Twin Falls, or will he lose control, and put the entire world at risk?
One part Stephen King, one part Kevin Smith. Twin Falls; a modern day Lovecraftian universe of ancient, eldritch evils, cults, monsters, and one very sarcastic young man that's just sick of being used, abused, and being self-destructive.
But now Grandma Beatrice is gone, and Diggory has inherited Finch Island in Twin Falls, as well as millions of dollars, a house, an old mill building, and the profound, evil darkness that dwells at the center of his family’s heart.
Diggory returns home, happy and comfortable for the first time in a home that’s not going anywhere, and starts the process of opening up a game store on his family’s property. He even meets a young lady that makes him want to stop sabotaging his relationships. Could it be love?
Or will the horror that unfolds undo all he’s ever wanted?
The Finch family is surrounded by people who want something from them. They want the dark power that Diggory has access to. They want the doorway only he can open to remain open forever, and if they have to lock him up so the ancient evil he can access can always flow to them, then so be it.
But for the first time, this Finch isn’t running, and isn’t content to be used to unleash evil on the world.
Can Diggory harness the great darkness within him, and defeat the monsters that feast on the people of Twin Falls, or will he lose control, and put the entire world at risk?
One part Stephen King, one part Kevin Smith. Twin Falls; a modern day Lovecraftian universe of ancient, eldritch evils, cults, monsters, and one very sarcastic young man that's just sick of being used, abused, and being self-destructive.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2021
104 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Chris Philbrook
81 books445 followers About Chris Philbrook
I am the creator and author of Tesser: A Dragon Among Us as well as Elmoryn's The Kinless Trilogy, Colony Lost, Adrian's Undead Diary and the Darkness of Diggory Finch.
I've gone to a LOT of college. I've got a Business degree as well as a Psychology degree, and I've done the full program at the school of hard knocks. I've been a printing press operator, bouncer, purchasing agent, bodyguard, customer service representative, mental health counselor, and more. I can write about weird shit because I've done weird shit. Trust me.
I call the wonderful state of New Hampshire my home, but I love to travel. I love to read, write, play role playing games, miniatures games, video games, and Magic: The Gathering. When I find the time to be active, I like to hike, play basketball, and play football. I am married to a wonderful woman, and together we have two wonderful daughters.
I am the creator and author of Tesser: A Dragon Among Us as well as Elmoryn's The Kinless Trilogy, Colony Lost, Adrian's Undead Diary and the Darkness of Diggory Finch.
I've gone to a LOT of college. I've got a Business degree as well as a Psychology degree, and I've done the full program at the school of hard knocks. I've been a printing press operator, bouncer, purchasing agent, bodyguard, customer service representative, mental health counselor, and more. I can write about weird shit because I've done weird shit. Trust me.
I call the wonderful state of New Hampshire my home, but I love to travel. I love to read, write, play role playing games, miniatures games, video games, and Magic: The Gathering. When I find the time to be active, I like to hike, play basketball, and play football. I am married to a wonderful woman, and together we have two wonderful daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 10, 2021
I loved this book! The characters are well developed and relatable. The story is an enthralling edge of your seat mystery waiting to see what happens next! I was on a family trip when the book was released and I legit was hiding in the bathroom at times so I could read more.
I read the audiobook version and the narrator is excellent.
I read the audiobook version and the narrator is excellent.
November 9, 2021
Let me start this off by saying, I am a gamer. I am theoretically this author's target audience. Maybe its because I'm female, but this book really missed the mark for me. The author framed it in mostly diary entries, which I guess was aupposed to be able to give him more depth as a character, but it just made me like him less and less. He doesn't act chauvinistic towards women for the most part, but he sure does speak like an overly "manly dude" who has to prove his manliness by randomly sexualizing things and throwing around swear words for literally no reason. It really seems at odds with his controlled and very particular disposition.
He isn't a likable main character, and the book takes too long to get where its going. I did finish this my book but wont be continuing the series.
He isn't a likable main character, and the book takes too long to get where its going. I did finish this my book but wont be continuing the series.
October 15, 2022
New author for me. Chapter one and I already love the main character! Medicated ADHD nerd with social awkwardness; like a male version of me 🥰 Well, this was definitely interesting and Cthulu-esque. Love all the pop culture references and sarcasm. Must get the next.
July 16, 2021
I literally could not put this down! Diggory draws you in from Entry#1 and from there you are hooked! The journal style writing gives the reader rare insights and is just fun as hell to read! Chris Philbrook does not disappoint with this new release! I'm already on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the 2nd installment. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
September 6, 2022
Philbrook continues to show that he's not just a writer of zombie stories. The Awakening is well written cosmic horror with a modern twist. The setting is a quiet little town with a terrible secret that some of the townsfolk have been doing their best to keep hidden for generations. Enter Diggory Finch, who is unknowingly the key to saving the town and the entire world. I had some trouble in the beginning relating to Diggory, a gen X type with no job or ambition, who has a lot of personal issues and spends his time playing RPG video games. Later, these details take a back seat to what is going on and it gets better. Philbrook weaves Lovecraftian cosmic horror into a modern setting and with modern characters to make an entertaining story. Good story, well written, highly recommend.
August 15, 2021
Diggory's parents showed little emotion or love towards him during his childhood and it has affected him in life. He's a loner, gamer, seeing a therapist and miserable. He inherits his grandmother's property and wealth on Finch Island in Twin Falls. He returns home becomes happy, comfortable and has made a lady friend he really cares about then the horror begins. The Finches are a big deal there and Diggory is horrified when he finds out why. This novel reads like a HP Lovecraft tale as only Philbrook could write. I highly recommend this book to any fan of the horror/sci-fi genres.
August 7, 2021
Chris Philbrook has written some amazing series’s. Adrian’s Undead Diary took us on an epic struggle of good vs evil during the Zombie Apocalypse. Tesser: A Dragon Among Us, kicked off a funny fantasy in the Reemergence Series. So I was excited to start The Awakening. This world building, Lovecraftian style, horror story is the perfect start to a promising series.
Filled with Heart, Humor, and Horror, this opening novel sets up everything we need to lose ourselves in a world full of monsters!
Filled with Heart, Humor, and Horror, this opening novel sets up everything we need to lose ourselves in a world full of monsters!
August 27, 2021
I loved this book! I love how it was written. I feel that diggory was very well developed. I can’t wait for more in the series!!
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January 4, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/4/2023)! 🎁
August 6, 2021
A quick but fun read. Chris Philbrook knows how to write a journal-based story and this is another that does not disappoint. Diggory Finch is a relatable character rife with insecurities. Lots of eldritch horrors, mystery, and shenanigans going on in Twin Falls leaving you with the constant desire to see what happens next. Can't wait for book 2!
December 31, 2021
There have been very few books I've read recently that I could not put down. I haven't read a horror novel in a very long time. The Awakening was so good I actually experienced anger and frustration when I had to stop reading to go do life stuff. Reminiscent of old-school, pre- The Tommyknockers Stephen King but without the gratuitous gore and over-wordiness that bogs down a King novel.
I enjoyed the diary entry format that created a likeable, sensitive and evolving main character that confronts his past and tends to his mental health in order to become able to step rather confidently into his role as the take command hero that understands the strength of his power and potential.
Well done, Chris Philbrook!
I enjoyed the diary entry format that created a likeable, sensitive and evolving main character that confronts his past and tends to his mental health in order to become able to step rather confidently into his role as the take command hero that understands the strength of his power and potential.
Well done, Chris Philbrook!
March 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
Looking forward to more!
Written in part as diary entries with more general narrative interludes. It worked very well especially since the main character's inner monologue felt really genuine with a good amount of self deprecation and humor that made the some times dark subject matter have some good lighter edges.
Looking forward to more!
Written in part as diary entries with more general narrative interludes. It worked very well especially since the main character's inner monologue felt really genuine with a good amount of self deprecation and humor that made the some times dark subject matter have some good lighter edges.
May 2, 2024
This was a very good Lovecraftian style story. Diggory, the MC, has quite a few problems. He is ADHD and anxious. His parents were barely tolerable, and suddenly, he found himself the inheritor of his grandmother's house and fortune. Too bad this inheritance came with a secretive town in which really weird incidents are happening. Was Diggory the reason why? As he tried to find the truth with the help of a town librarian, what started out as little incidents turned into a nightmare. This was a fun book. However, I did take off a star because it didn't end. It's book one a what looks to be a trilogy. Therefore, many of the answers I was hoping for were not divulged in this book. But I will continue on to find out what happens.
August 19, 2021
Awesome start to a new series!
This is so good! I loved Diggory on the first page - where the action and attitude start immediately. He is such a strong multi-dimensional character with such honest reactions and motivations. He’s super easy to relate to. The story is eerie with great world building and lore setup. I was so eager to see what happened, so I flew through the story - but now I’m having end-of-book remorse and cannot wait until the next is released! Not a copy of ADD, but similar awesome format of journal entries and lots of fun and awkward episodes, I just love The writing style and ease of dialogue. Thanks for another awesome series to keep on the watch for!
This is so good! I loved Diggory on the first page - where the action and attitude start immediately. He is such a strong multi-dimensional character with such honest reactions and motivations. He’s super easy to relate to. The story is eerie with great world building and lore setup. I was so eager to see what happened, so I flew through the story - but now I’m having end-of-book remorse and cannot wait until the next is released! Not a copy of ADD, but similar awesome format of journal entries and lots of fun and awkward episodes, I just love The writing style and ease of dialogue. Thanks for another awesome series to keep on the watch for!
September 2, 2021
Having followed Philbrook's career over the years, I'm constantly amazed how he reinvents himself. Nothing stale about this author. The dude always gives his fans something new to sink their fangs into. Diggory Finch is one of those multidimensional characters you want to know more about. I found myself quickly swiping to the next page to see what would happen next. I found all the characters relatable and the style of writing easy to digest. For those of us with a short attention span, Philbrook is our hook up. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down, so make sure you have a few hours to spare because you're in for a rare treat!
September 2, 2021
the Awakening will keep you awake
I first discovered this author with a free book from an email list. I’ve supported him ever since. It is a rare joy to watch someone grow their passion and talent as Mr. Philbrook is doing.
This book—have you ever put a book down before you finished, because you just didn’t want it to end yet? I can count on one hand how many times I have done that, and this book is one of them. Well crafted story, fleshed out characters, and a solid basis for another successful series. You won’t be disappointed.
I first discovered this author with a free book from an email list. I’ve supported him ever since. It is a rare joy to watch someone grow their passion and talent as Mr. Philbrook is doing.
This book—have you ever put a book down before you finished, because you just didn’t want it to end yet? I can count on one hand how many times I have done that, and this book is one of them. Well crafted story, fleshed out characters, and a solid basis for another successful series. You won’t be disappointed.
October 22, 2021
I knew very little about this novel prior to winning it in a Goodreads giveaway. I liked the idea of a modern Lovecraftian novel. What drew me in the most was the way we were told the story from several point of views. The main protagonist told his story in a first person diary format. In between entries we get the third person point of view from other characters that helps move the story along. I'm a sucker for supernatural stories and this novel delivers. As the first of a series, I hope to read more about Diggory Finch and see what the future has in store for him.
November 11, 2021
This is a “suck you in” thriller. You will be holding your breath waiting to know what’s going to happen next. All of the characters come to life and stay with you because Chris knows how to observe and delve into each persons psyche. The reader cannot help but to root for the safe passage of the main character Diggory Finch, through the darkness that awaits him in the atmospheric city of Twin Falls. Oh, did I mention that Chris has a wicked sense of humor and wit? If you appreciate smart atmospheric thrillers, this book is for you.
October 24, 2022
A young anxiety-ridden man, a loner playing video games inherits a spooky mansion and wealth from a little known relative. This sounds cliché. But the story doesn’t remain so. It’s full of monsters and works “beyond the pale”. Diggory Finch’s family is at the center (the cause of?) of the monstrous activities. And only he can make things right, I think. There were so many subplots that were introduced but not really explained. And enough loose ends to have a very frayed story.
I listened to the audio version and the narration was good.
I listened to the audio version and the narration was good.
August 20, 2021
Outstanding
I've read some of Chris's other books so I consider myself familiar with his writing style. This story grabbed me by the throat the moment i read its premise. I preordered quickly and waiting patiently for its release. Two days later I completed the book. It was an excellent original story and I can't wait to see how the story evolves. I highly encourage you to give this author a read.
I've read some of Chris's other books so I consider myself familiar with his writing style. This story grabbed me by the throat the moment i read its premise. I preordered quickly and waiting patiently for its release. Two days later I completed the book. It was an excellent original story and I can't wait to see how the story evolves. I highly encourage you to give this author a read.
May 9, 2022
Madness and Monsters
Solid start to what should be a cool horror series. Definitely glad I chose to read it during daylight hours only as it has so many little eerie things throughout. And one of the few protagonists I've ever read that had so many similar hobbies and obsessions... I felt like I knew him as he reminded me a lot of various friends I game with regularly.
I want to live in Twin falls... and I don't. Take thay how you will. :)
Solid start to what should be a cool horror series. Definitely glad I chose to read it during daylight hours only as it has so many little eerie things throughout. And one of the few protagonists I've ever read that had so many similar hobbies and obsessions... I felt like I knew him as he reminded me a lot of various friends I game with regularly.
I want to live in Twin falls... and I don't. Take thay how you will. :)
July 22, 2022
The book is well written. No gross sex scenes, or sexism, and some light cursing, but a fair amount of gore and scary for young people. I didn’t like the main character. I hate to say it but at the beginning at least he’s a tough putt. The book grew on me though as I hung in there. The narrator was good, no problem there. Since I like the author’s other work so much I’m going on to book two. Wish us luck!
October 14, 2024
I have loved every title I’ve listed to by Chris Philbrook. This of course was no exception. I loved it too. I can’t wait to get the next title in this series and explore this world some more. I hope to learn more about the 12, why Alicia is immune to changes & what powers Diggery has yet to discover. I’m imagining its heritage. So I need answers. Narration was excellent and really fit Diggery very
August 10, 2021
This book is incredible! So excited for Chris Philbrook because this book is definitely going to be a huge hit. Diggory is so relatable...Everyone is either a "Diggory" or knows someone close to them that is exactly the same. The characters are all well written and the story line hooks you in from the start.
August 20, 2023
I adore cosmic horror, and I love it even more when a book brings something new to the table. This book is seriously funny, with a lovable anti-hero. It is culty and set in a small town, with Eldritch abominations galore. The twists on the variation of what makes cosmic tales so great are what really caught my attention. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
November 8, 2023
Gamer with monsters
I enjoyed reading this when I would get myself to pick the book up. However it really wasn’t my typical read so I found myself putting it down a lot. It focused on the gaming world a lot which I can’t relate too. I did like the action and characters in this book.
I enjoyed reading this when I would get myself to pick the book up. However it really wasn’t my typical read so I found myself putting it down a lot. It focused on the gaming world a lot which I can’t relate too. I did like the action and characters in this book.
March 11, 2022
I'm not a fan of Lovecraftian settings so this was a chore for me. I also didn't find Diggory to have much agency for the first half of the book. And finally, most of the mysteries were left unresolved at the end. Sigh.
I'm sure others will enjoy it more than I, as it is well written.
I'm sure others will enjoy it more than I, as it is well written.
November 16, 2022
A pretty good read if you have some time to waste. The storyline is pretty good. Writing is light and easy to follow. The main character is pretty shallow and full of himself. The ending seemed rushed. I am not really a big fan of diary-style writing.
November 19, 2022
not bad; not great. The protagonist was a 20-something guy with an annoying tendency toward snark and sarcasm. It is a pretty good story told fairly well; would have benefitted from better editing. I won't read any more in the series.
November 23, 2022
Horror and suspense
This is a really enjoyable story. I liked how it was told in both first and third person. The world of Twin Falls is ripe with possibilities and I can't wait to read more.
This is a really enjoyable story. I liked how it was told in both first and third person. The world of Twin Falls is ripe with possibilities and I can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews