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Midas
Hearing voices when no one is talking to you is a bad sign right? When twelve year old Tyler follows the calls of his name into the burnt out house on the roundabout, and finds Midas, his luck appears to have changed for the better. Right?
115 pages, Hardcover
Published August 7, 2020
4 people want to read
About the author
Alan Meredith
6 books5 followersHi! I’m Alan Meredith, CFA Spooky Shorts Winner 2024! I like to write books where you are never quite sure whether the events of the story are actually happening, or whether they are the main character’s delusion. Mark Twain did say, “Write what you know.” Shimmer, Midas and my latest book Valhalla, fall into this self-styled genre I’m titling ‘Delusional Fantasy’. Sometimes I slip into my first love, Horror. Lucas, Father’s Day and Self Defence all fall into this well-established genre. For those who want to know more you can find me on Facebook & Good Reads.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 30, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Midas' by Alan Meredith.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours and Alan Meredith.
Publication date 26th March 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Shimmer' which I also enjoyed and would recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I have also read 'Shimmer' by Alan which I enjoyed and am hoping this is just as good.
This novel consists of 19 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Tyler. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
This book is very well written and takes you into the mind of a 12 year old boy who got what he wished for. The vivid descriptions left you hearing the laughter and feeling the thrill of the chase.
This is the second book I have read by Alan. The first was 'Shimmer' which I enjoyed but would also be suitable for younger children. I was expecting this book to be similar but was quite surprised to find it wasn't. This book was quite fast paced from beginning to end and I read it in a couple of hours between getting on with the housework. It tells the tale of a 12 year old boy who lives with his mum and are struggling for money. Tyler is a sweet boy who always wanted a pet and saves up the very small amount her gets from doing odd jobs for elderly neighbours. He has a beautiful relationship with his mum and they both work together to get through their many struggles. Alan paints a picture of an authentic mum and son relationship where either will give their all for the other. Tyler wishes for a pet and that they didn't have to struggle so much. However, as we are warned as children you should be careful what you wish for. I won't say too much as not to spoil it for future readers but this tale does go to the darker side at approximately 50%. I started off thinking my 9 year old son would enjoy this book and even at the first disturbing scene I still thought it would be OK but it took a darker turn very quickly and would only recommend it for 10 years plus. Although this book has a lot of fantasy aspects I found that there was realism at play in the fact that actions do have consequences. I absolutely loved the newspaper articles and found 2 in particular to be hilarious making me laugh out loud so they were definitely a great addition to lighten the mood. I also enjoyed the mythological play on Midas and what I know of the Midas from Greek mythology. The ending left me with goosebumps as it could mean several things. I like that Alan leaves the reader make their own mind up. A great mix of horror, mythology and fun! I'm looking forward to seeing what Alan is planning next.
Congratulations Alan on one of the creepiest fantasy horror yet comedy I have ever read!!! A complete mash up of genres that had me laughing one minute and goosebumps on my arms the next!!
Overall a unique read filled with comedy, horror, mythology and so much more!!
Genres covered in this book include Children & Young Adults, Fantasy, Middle Grade and Urban Fantasy amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of books with unexpected twists and turns!
101 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) from myself on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#Midas #AlanMeredith #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours
@AlanMeredith @ZooLoosBT @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...)
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
Review for 'Midas' by Alan Meredith.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours and Alan Meredith.
Publication date 26th March 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Shimmer' which I also enjoyed and would recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I have also read 'Shimmer' by Alan which I enjoyed and am hoping this is just as good.
This novel consists of 19 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Tyler. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
This book is very well written and takes you into the mind of a 12 year old boy who got what he wished for. The vivid descriptions left you hearing the laughter and feeling the thrill of the chase.
This is the second book I have read by Alan. The first was 'Shimmer' which I enjoyed but would also be suitable for younger children. I was expecting this book to be similar but was quite surprised to find it wasn't. This book was quite fast paced from beginning to end and I read it in a couple of hours between getting on with the housework. It tells the tale of a 12 year old boy who lives with his mum and are struggling for money. Tyler is a sweet boy who always wanted a pet and saves up the very small amount her gets from doing odd jobs for elderly neighbours. He has a beautiful relationship with his mum and they both work together to get through their many struggles. Alan paints a picture of an authentic mum and son relationship where either will give their all for the other. Tyler wishes for a pet and that they didn't have to struggle so much. However, as we are warned as children you should be careful what you wish for. I won't say too much as not to spoil it for future readers but this tale does go to the darker side at approximately 50%. I started off thinking my 9 year old son would enjoy this book and even at the first disturbing scene I still thought it would be OK but it took a darker turn very quickly and would only recommend it for 10 years plus. Although this book has a lot of fantasy aspects I found that there was realism at play in the fact that actions do have consequences. I absolutely loved the newspaper articles and found 2 in particular to be hilarious making me laugh out loud so they were definitely a great addition to lighten the mood. I also enjoyed the mythological play on Midas and what I know of the Midas from Greek mythology. The ending left me with goosebumps as it could mean several things. I like that Alan leaves the reader make their own mind up. A great mix of horror, mythology and fun! I'm looking forward to seeing what Alan is planning next.
Congratulations Alan on one of the creepiest fantasy horror yet comedy I have ever read!!! A complete mash up of genres that had me laughing one minute and goosebumps on my arms the next!!
Overall a unique read filled with comedy, horror, mythology and so much more!!
Genres covered in this book include Children & Young Adults, Fantasy, Middle Grade and Urban Fantasy amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of books with unexpected twists and turns!
101 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) from myself on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#Midas #AlanMeredith #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours
@AlanMeredith @ZooLoosBT @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...)
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
January 3, 2025
When I say unique and quirky I really mean it for this book!
Tyler finds a lizard and calls it Midas and soon finds out Midas can talk….and also then finds out he can steal and then discovers he can turn his enemies to gold….as I say unique and quirky
I quicky read this short story and found had a smile on me throughout, it’s very different but was different enough to be enjoyable, if taken in the right spirit
A good couple of mentions of delicious cake displays, randomly, added to the altogether surreal nature of this very unusual book 😎
Tyler finds a lizard and calls it Midas and soon finds out Midas can talk….and also then finds out he can steal and then discovers he can turn his enemies to gold….as I say unique and quirky
I quicky read this short story and found had a smile on me throughout, it’s very different but was different enough to be enjoyable, if taken in the right spirit
A good couple of mentions of delicious cake displays, randomly, added to the altogether surreal nature of this very unusual book 😎
May 26, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Listed as being middle-grade upwards, I will confess that parts of this novel had me – a grown adult – unnerved!
Tyler, the main character, lives alone with his mum and all he wants is a pet lizard, but they are struggling for money and have to dumpster-dive to make ends meet as it is. So when he finds a strange little golden lizard, Tyler thinks his luck has changed. But you remember that saying about being careful what you wish for?!
The author paints an authentic and moving picture of the relationship between Tyler and his mum from the start, showing how they work as a team and support each other through all of their hardships and struggles, so it is both fascinating and heart-breaking to see how quickly the advent of Midas and the ‘blessings’ he brings can tear that relationship apart and bring it to breaking point. I felt all of Tyler’s anxiety as things began to inexorably go wrong and just couldn’t see how he would ever be able to put things right or get out of the mess he had (inadvertently) made.
The eventual conclusion is not just satisfying in terms of plot, but retains an underlying realism too, as the consequences for Tyler’s actions remained for him to deal with, and relationships still needed to be rebuilt after the broken trust. The whole story is an excellent analogy for the pulling-away from parents and external pressures from friends that come with adolescence, especially when said friend/s could definitely be considered ‘a bad crowd’!
Fans of teen/YA horror-fantasy (Point Horror, Goosebumps etc) will enjoy this dark tale of the dangers of taking the – apparently – easy route to your heart’s desire!
‘Basking on the windowsill of the unboarded rear window is a lizard. A golden lizard. It looks like an adult bearded dragon except the extrusions which should point down from its chin and neck are on its head, pointing upwards making it look like it is wearing a crown. Its scales are a pure gold colour like it has been painted or covered in gold leaf. Maybe they were reflecting the sun? Every few seconds or so it seems to disappear, leaving only a golden outline of its form before winking completely out of sight. It then reappears in full, scale by scale, starting from the tip of its stout snout to the end of its long whip like tail. The tail twitches when in full view which seems to communicate a low level of annoyance.'
– Alan Meredith, Midas
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Listed as being middle-grade upwards, I will confess that parts of this novel had me – a grown adult – unnerved!
Tyler, the main character, lives alone with his mum and all he wants is a pet lizard, but they are struggling for money and have to dumpster-dive to make ends meet as it is. So when he finds a strange little golden lizard, Tyler thinks his luck has changed. But you remember that saying about being careful what you wish for?!
The author paints an authentic and moving picture of the relationship between Tyler and his mum from the start, showing how they work as a team and support each other through all of their hardships and struggles, so it is both fascinating and heart-breaking to see how quickly the advent of Midas and the ‘blessings’ he brings can tear that relationship apart and bring it to breaking point. I felt all of Tyler’s anxiety as things began to inexorably go wrong and just couldn’t see how he would ever be able to put things right or get out of the mess he had (inadvertently) made.
The eventual conclusion is not just satisfying in terms of plot, but retains an underlying realism too, as the consequences for Tyler’s actions remained for him to deal with, and relationships still needed to be rebuilt after the broken trust. The whole story is an excellent analogy for the pulling-away from parents and external pressures from friends that come with adolescence, especially when said friend/s could definitely be considered ‘a bad crowd’!
Fans of teen/YA horror-fantasy (Point Horror, Goosebumps etc) will enjoy this dark tale of the dangers of taking the – apparently – easy route to your heart’s desire!
‘Basking on the windowsill of the unboarded rear window is a lizard. A golden lizard. It looks like an adult bearded dragon except the extrusions which should point down from its chin and neck are on its head, pointing upwards making it look like it is wearing a crown. Its scales are a pure gold colour like it has been painted or covered in gold leaf. Maybe they were reflecting the sun? Every few seconds or so it seems to disappear, leaving only a golden outline of its form before winking completely out of sight. It then reappears in full, scale by scale, starting from the tip of its stout snout to the end of its long whip like tail. The tail twitches when in full view which seems to communicate a low level of annoyance.'
– Alan Meredith, Midas
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 25, 2022
It was a great read, watching a boy get what he always wanted. However, it came at a great cost! The ending was slightly chilling and I do wonder what the ending could mean. I mean, is it as straightforward as we think?
Tyler lives with his mum, and life is very simple until Tyler sees the house. The house infiltrates his dreams and causes him more problems than he expected.
I love the play on Midas and the mythology of Midas, huge fan as I love Greek Mythology. There is an air of mystery about Midas and his backstory but if you are Tyler you just want the headlines. The bond they had was touching to see….until it wasn’t. A boy who just wants more from life, and with a touch of greed, we see this play out very quickly and so every word matters on the pages to drive the story home.
A clever story with a twist to chill you at the end.
Tyler lives with his mum, and life is very simple until Tyler sees the house. The house infiltrates his dreams and causes him more problems than he expected.
I love the play on Midas and the mythology of Midas, huge fan as I love Greek Mythology. There is an air of mystery about Midas and his backstory but if you are Tyler you just want the headlines. The bond they had was touching to see….until it wasn’t. A boy who just wants more from life, and with a touch of greed, we see this play out very quickly and so every word matters on the pages to drive the story home.
A clever story with a twist to chill you at the end.
January 26, 2025
A short, quirky read that at times managed to create a bit of an uneasy feeling. Tyler is a 12 year-old who is desperate for a pet...& he gets one in the form of Midas, a golden chameleon. Midas? Golden? If you know your Greek mythology you might guess at how things are going but you are still going to be surprised.
Overall a slightly dark but at times funny fantasy that I found rather compelling (read it in one go!). Reminds you to be careful what you wish for....
Overall a slightly dark but at times funny fantasy that I found rather compelling (read it in one go!). Reminds you to be careful what you wish for....
May 26, 2022
Despite the slightly dark look of the cover, and the techno author photo, this is actually a really sweet childrens story.
Midas is a chameleon that only Tyler can see. He and his mother live in a small flat and barely get by. They skip dive, and make the most of the reduced section at the supermarket. He longingly looks at the cream cakes that he knows he can never have, and most of all wants a pet. He doesnt want a boring pet, he wants a reptile.
Every day they drive past a burnt out house, and he feels like it is calling to him, and he can hear it talking to him inside his head. He even dreams about it.
One day he finds himself there and finds Midas. They become friends, but Midas is no ordinary lizard, he can only eat gold, and can only communicate via thoughts.
As the book continues it turns a little darker, and Midas isnt all as he seems. He thrives on power, and is manipulative and doesnt tolerate the nasty people.
Tylers mum starts to wonder about the change in her son.
At the base it of it the love of family, and the special bond between mother and son. It also is an interesting reflection of living in poverty.
Tyler is a fairly standard kid, nice, and despite enjoying some of the spoils of Midas, but eventually realising there is something more important.
This is a short book, I think i read it in around an hour.
Midas is a chameleon that only Tyler can see. He and his mother live in a small flat and barely get by. They skip dive, and make the most of the reduced section at the supermarket. He longingly looks at the cream cakes that he knows he can never have, and most of all wants a pet. He doesnt want a boring pet, he wants a reptile.
Every day they drive past a burnt out house, and he feels like it is calling to him, and he can hear it talking to him inside his head. He even dreams about it.
One day he finds himself there and finds Midas. They become friends, but Midas is no ordinary lizard, he can only eat gold, and can only communicate via thoughts.
As the book continues it turns a little darker, and Midas isnt all as he seems. He thrives on power, and is manipulative and doesnt tolerate the nasty people.
Tylers mum starts to wonder about the change in her son.
At the base it of it the love of family, and the special bond between mother and son. It also is an interesting reflection of living in poverty.
Tyler is a fairly standard kid, nice, and despite enjoying some of the spoils of Midas, but eventually realising there is something more important.
This is a short book, I think i read it in around an hour.
June 2, 2022
My Thoughts: well for a middle grade book there were parts of this that made me feel uneasy and I’m a 31 year old woman so I can only imagine what a child would feel.
We’re following Tyler a 12 year old boy who lives with his mum. they don’t have a lot of money and all he wants is a lizard, so when his mum does the weekly shop he goes to the exotic pet shop and looks at all the lizards and other animals before meeting his mum on the bakery aisle looking at all the treats they can’t afford.
To make ends meet they dumpster dive & Tyler finds a glass cage perfect for a lizard, when his mum lets him take it home he feels like his luck has turned.. then he finds Midas a gold lizard who makes himself invisible any time anyone else appears.
There’s a well known saying if something seems too good to be true it normally is and Tyler will soo learn just how right that is..
This was brilliant. A powerful, impactful story with a very important message. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to the younger generation particularly those just starting secondary school
🐧❤️
We’re following Tyler a 12 year old boy who lives with his mum. they don’t have a lot of money and all he wants is a lizard, so when his mum does the weekly shop he goes to the exotic pet shop and looks at all the lizards and other animals before meeting his mum on the bakery aisle looking at all the treats they can’t afford.
To make ends meet they dumpster dive & Tyler finds a glass cage perfect for a lizard, when his mum lets him take it home he feels like his luck has turned.. then he finds Midas a gold lizard who makes himself invisible any time anyone else appears.
There’s a well known saying if something seems too good to be true it normally is and Tyler will soo learn just how right that is..
This was brilliant. A powerful, impactful story with a very important message. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to the younger generation particularly those just starting secondary school
🐧❤️
December 31, 2023
12 year old Tyler badly wants a pet. When he finds a mysterious golden lizard in a burnt out house he thinks all his wishes have come true. As the lizard reveals its supernatural abilities, it seems Tyler and his mother’s prayers of having a better life might be answered, but what does the lizard really want?
This is the second of Alan's books I have read. He skillfully blends reality and magical realism to create a world that is both familiar and not. You feel as if you are right in the lives of Tyler and his mother, and I found myself sharing their triumphs and challenges, every twist and turn their lives took. Very few writers draw you into a world so completely, and if you are a Stephen King fan then you should add Alan Meredith to your list of writers to check out, preferably at the top
This is the second of Alan's books I have read. He skillfully blends reality and magical realism to create a world that is both familiar and not. You feel as if you are right in the lives of Tyler and his mother, and I found myself sharing their triumphs and challenges, every twist and turn their lives took. Very few writers draw you into a world so completely, and if you are a Stephen King fan then you should add Alan Meredith to your list of writers to check out, preferably at the top
July 15, 2021
“It's an excellent book - amusing and terrifying at the same time. And it would make a great film too.” Justin, West Sussex.
“I really loved it! The concept was fantastic and the character of Midas is so sinister. I also loved the relationship between Tyler and his mum.” Esther, South Wales.
Not my review but some readers who aren't on goodreads.
“I really loved it! The concept was fantastic and the character of Midas is so sinister. I also loved the relationship between Tyler and his mum.” Esther, South Wales.
Not my review but some readers who aren't on goodreads.
December 31, 2024
An excellent read. Two strong characters in Tyler and Midas supported by a great plot. Midas is a chameleon in more than one sense of the word. Could work to have his own series if you like anti-heroes. Loved it and a great start to my reads of books by this author.
March 17, 2024
Haunting and engaging
I just finished Midas, yet I feel like this story is likely to stay with me. This tale is at various times endearing, mesmerizing, and chilling. The author has a compelling voice, and I found the young (unreliable) narrator engaging.
I just finished Midas, yet I feel like this story is likely to stay with me. This tale is at various times endearing, mesmerizing, and chilling. The author has a compelling voice, and I found the young (unreliable) narrator engaging.
July 29, 2023
“It's an excellent book - amusing and terrifying at the same time. And it would make a great film too.” Justin, West Sussex.
“I really loved it! The concept was fantastic and the character of Midas is so sinister. I also loved the relationship between Tyler and his mum.” Esther, South Wales.
Not my views but some readers aren't on goodreads.
“I really loved it! The concept was fantastic and the character of Midas is so sinister. I also loved the relationship between Tyler and his mum.” Esther, South Wales.
Not my views but some readers aren't on goodreads.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews