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The Black
Before the sun rose over the town of Sisterville everything went black. A natural disaster of unknown origins takes the lives of every living creature and decimates the small town.
Disgraced NASA scientist and now Cleveland Weatherman, Hero Galanis knows he is more than a local celebrity on television. He recognizes the anomaly on the satellite image as a repeat of the event that cost him his career. Decades earlier, Hero made predictions about the devastation the anomaly would cause, but those predictions pale in comparison to the reality the world currently faces.
The mysterious events are no longer popping up years apart, but now hours apart with no signs of slowing down. Nature is cleaning house and the reset button has been pressed. The extinction clock is ticking and mankind races to beat it.
The Black is a standalone novel.
Disgraced NASA scientist and now Cleveland Weatherman, Hero Galanis knows he is more than a local celebrity on television. He recognizes the anomaly on the satellite image as a repeat of the event that cost him his career. Decades earlier, Hero made predictions about the devastation the anomaly would cause, but those predictions pale in comparison to the reality the world currently faces.
The mysterious events are no longer popping up years apart, but now hours apart with no signs of slowing down. Nature is cleaning house and the reset button has been pressed. The extinction clock is ticking and mankind races to beat it.
The Black is a standalone novel.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2021
305 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 18, 2022
Are there no editors for ebooks?
This started out so well, and I loved the premise of the book. But. So, so many glaring typos, chopped up sentences, paragraphs that made absolutely no sense even after several readings, really ruined it for me. A couple of typos I can sort of understand. But the editing (or lack thereof), just got progressively worse as the story went on. It may be that I overanalyze when I read, but I should hope any author worth their salt would put out their very best work for all their readers.
This started out so well, and I loved the premise of the book. But. So, so many glaring typos, chopped up sentences, paragraphs that made absolutely no sense even after several readings, really ruined it for me. A couple of typos I can sort of understand. But the editing (or lack thereof), just got progressively worse as the story went on. It may be that I overanalyze when I read, but I should hope any author worth their salt would put out their very best work for all their readers.
November 29, 2022
Again this author has a very unique type of apocalypse... refreshing. I liked most of the characters; the name Hero Galanis is so outrageous that it kind of worked. He was also a decently complex character for one that started out with the appearance of being very vain and shallow. Duke was another really strong character and the kind of person you would want around at the end of the world. Reese and Pam were good characters, but often paralyzed and erratic; the sons were good too, though a lot of hair on fire situations. It was a bit preposterous that someone in the Red Cross/FEMA camp would not have taken charge of the orphaned infant and instead allowed some teenage boys to take it with them. The Black itself was a very unique event, not the product of nefarious people etc. The science was a bit weak as to the cause as was the proposal that it had caused prior mass extinctions. If the trees and animals were also destroyed by it in this appearance of the phenomenon, the dropping oxygen levels alone would have cause most humans to just die. The revelation that the people engulfed actually died very slowly was quite horrifying. As with other of this author's book, the unique story was undercut by writing and editing issues (this was a 2.5 for editing, but a 4 for such a different apocalypse). I'm not a fan of religion in fiction, but the choice to have the final, uplifting scene in a church was fine. It was more about being with those you loved and not hope for a miracle.
January 17, 2022
Good idea
Good idea but nobody seemed to take it very seriously
Too many loose ends..
Why was the guy on the boat so happy when millions of people were in the process of dying an agonising death as the drones showed earlier on?
Good idea but nobody seemed to take it very seriously
Too many loose ends..
Why was the guy on the boat so happy when millions of people were in the process of dying an agonising death as the drones showed earlier on?
December 9, 2021
Jesus Christ, Jackie. That was BLEAK.
Of course, I plowed right through it in two nights and was then rewarded with nightmares, but such is life.
The mysterious black fog that sucks the life out of everything it touches may be completely made up and not something we'll ever have to actually worry about, but that doesn't make reading about it any less terrifying.
I had only a couple of issues with the book. One was the horrendous editing. Like, even worse than usual. I've come to expect a few errors in a Druga book, but this one had problems every few pages. So many words were missing or the wrong word was used (for instance, their instead of them...when instead of where that kind of thing). There's a character named Erik whose name went back and forth from Erik to Eric. It would be spelled differently within the same paragraph!
Also, Chip and Mark's father was used solely as a plot device, and I didn't like that. His only purpose was to get the boys to go into the city to look for him, which allowed Druga to build up the tension of whether or not they would get out alive. After Cleveland, he's never mentioned again. Neither Chip nor Mark tries to reach him by phone to see if he's okay, nor does dad call to check on them. He doesn't even call Reese to see if their sons are safe! I thought that was a little lazy.
That being said, one does not pick up a Jacqueline Druga book for the characters. You pick it up to see what type of apocalypse is annihilating us all this time, and 'The Black' does not disappoint.
Of course, I plowed right through it in two nights and was then rewarded with nightmares, but such is life.
The mysterious black fog that sucks the life out of everything it touches may be completely made up and not something we'll ever have to actually worry about, but that doesn't make reading about it any less terrifying.
I had only a couple of issues with the book. One was the horrendous editing. Like, even worse than usual. I've come to expect a few errors in a Druga book, but this one had problems every few pages. So many words were missing or the wrong word was used (for instance, their instead of them...when instead of where that kind of thing). There's a character named Erik whose name went back and forth from Erik to Eric. It would be spelled differently within the same paragraph!
Also, Chip and Mark's father was used solely as a plot device, and I didn't like that. His only purpose was to get the boys to go into the city to look for him, which allowed Druga to build up the tension of whether or not they would get out alive. After Cleveland, he's never mentioned again. Neither Chip nor Mark tries to reach him by phone to see if he's okay, nor does dad call to check on them. He doesn't even call Reese to see if their sons are safe! I thought that was a little lazy.
That being said, one does not pick up a Jacqueline Druga book for the characters. You pick it up to see what type of apocalypse is annihilating us all this time, and 'The Black' does not disappoint.
May 17, 2022
Although Jacqueline Druga is one of my most favorite authors There are areas that become pure black and these areas are scattered around the world.
The black kills without mercy. It ages things caught inside it. The book deals with various people, including a major weatherman, that go around the United States to areas that are hit by the black to try to figure out how fast it is spreading, what the exact effects are, find out if anyone at all has survived and desperately trying to find if there are any safe areas.
The way people die from it is particularly gruesome, by the way.
The characters are well done, the process of investigating the areas is well done and the question of what will happen to nuclear power plants and the people in them if they are hit by the black is an important point to bring up.
There are, though, two problems with the book.
The Black is figured to be something from the Earth but what exactly is it, why has it become real now and are there any historical events that would match up. None of these are answered or examined.
The other problem is that there is a way to save some people, at least, but one problem is not discussed: exactly where these people have taken shelter do not have an infinite supply of food so even though many people are temporarily kept safe it seems to me that they would eventually die of starvation.
Still, other then those two problems it was a good book.
The black kills without mercy. It ages things caught inside it. The book deals with various people, including a major weatherman, that go around the United States to areas that are hit by the black to try to figure out how fast it is spreading, what the exact effects are, find out if anyone at all has survived and desperately trying to find if there are any safe areas.
The way people die from it is particularly gruesome, by the way.
The characters are well done, the process of investigating the areas is well done and the question of what will happen to nuclear power plants and the people in them if they are hit by the black is an important point to bring up.
There are, though, two problems with the book.
The Black is figured to be something from the Earth but what exactly is it, why has it become real now and are there any historical events that would match up. None of these are answered or examined.
The other problem is that there is a way to save some people, at least, but one problem is not discussed: exactly where these people have taken shelter do not have an infinite supply of food so even though many people are temporarily kept safe it seems to me that they would eventually die of starvation.
Still, other then those two problems it was a good book.
June 2, 2023
The Black
Sci-Fi, Post-apocalyptic
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was curious about this book and what the extinction event could be, but I was actually a little disappointed.
There were multiple POVs but they were well done so it wasn't confusing and I never got the characters mixed up. I really liked Beverly's POV. It was interesting to see what happened to someone that was caught in the black mass
The characters were good. I didn't like Hero at first because of his stuck up attitude but as the book progressed, he got better.
I didn't like the ending. I was waiting for the cause to be revealed and then it never was. There's nothing about how many people survived, what they did after or if the mass was researched any more.
Sci-Fi, Post-apocalyptic
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was curious about this book and what the extinction event could be, but I was actually a little disappointed.
There were multiple POVs but they were well done so it wasn't confusing and I never got the characters mixed up. I really liked Beverly's POV. It was interesting to see what happened to someone that was caught in the black mass
The characters were good. I didn't like Hero at first because of his stuck up attitude but as the book progressed, he got better.
I didn't like the ending. I was waiting for the cause to be revealed and then it never was. There's nothing about how many people survived, what they did after or if the mass was researched any more.
January 30, 2022
Her best yet!
I've read a lot of Jacqueline Druga's books and always enjoy them. The Black for some reason really spoke to me. It is well written and edited, and the characters could be any number of people I have known. But there is something else about the storyline that spoke to me...moved me. The reality of uncertainty in our world is mirrored in The Black. Our roles as we know them may change daily. We just don't know so much about what is really happening, and what will happen. Wealth, status and even knowledge may not protect us. But, the beauty inspite all that is our compassion and love just might.
I've read a lot of Jacqueline Druga's books and always enjoy them. The Black for some reason really spoke to me. It is well written and edited, and the characters could be any number of people I have known. But there is something else about the storyline that spoke to me...moved me. The reality of uncertainty in our world is mirrored in The Black. Our roles as we know them may change daily. We just don't know so much about what is really happening, and what will happen. Wealth, status and even knowledge may not protect us. But, the beauty inspite all that is our compassion and love just might.
October 17, 2024
Still Alive In The Black?
The idea was great! The execution needed more development. Parts were amazing such as the scene where the boys were in the cooler while the woman outside was caught in the black and not dead! Dallas and the drone…not real believable that Charlotte got her Hero to let her dictate the next fly over.
The “premonitions” of Charlotte and David’s Mom, Lena?, were not well developed. It seemed some religious aspects were included as an after thought…again not deeply developed.
The Canadian mom that was trampled…
Just a bunch of disjointed scenes.
And Hero…his character was not well developed!
The idea was great! The execution needed more development. Parts were amazing such as the scene where the boys were in the cooler while the woman outside was caught in the black and not dead! Dallas and the drone…not real believable that Charlotte got her Hero to let her dictate the next fly over.
The “premonitions” of Charlotte and David’s Mom, Lena?, were not well developed. It seemed some religious aspects were included as an after thought…again not deeply developed.
The Canadian mom that was trampled…
Just a bunch of disjointed scenes.
And Hero…his character was not well developed!
July 28, 2025
I hav read so many of her books in the last 2 months...I seem to be addicted to them. Some have fantastic, and well researched storylines, but atrocious grammatical errors and other lack of editing errors, but I kept at them, because the stories were so good. This book, had fewer errors, but it might be my least favorite of the 10 or so I have just read. I thought from the beginning, that it was going to be a comedy dystopian book. The characters were more cartoon, campy characters. But, the subject was serious...scary, people dying, dystopia. but even then, I still couldn't tell if the grandmother, or Hero, of one of the grandsons, or the daughters, were funny.. I certainly laughed
November 9, 2025
End of the World Chick-Lit
Here be spoilers.
A casual read for those that want character-led stories rather than science-based, thoughtful dystopia. The characters are engaging enough, but I only kept reading out of curiosity about the cause, and was sadly disappointed. Was there no scientists who analysed a sample of the black? Did no military research fly more drones into it? Why did it happen? What actually happened to organisms and buildings? (Desiccation? Why?) why did water and cold/thinner atmosphere stop it?
I love the sound of Ms Druga’s other end-of-the-world stories but want more flesh on the bones.
Here be spoilers.
A casual read for those that want character-led stories rather than science-based, thoughtful dystopia. The characters are engaging enough, but I only kept reading out of curiosity about the cause, and was sadly disappointed. Was there no scientists who analysed a sample of the black? Did no military research fly more drones into it? Why did it happen? What actually happened to organisms and buildings? (Desiccation? Why?) why did water and cold/thinner atmosphere stop it?
I love the sound of Ms Druga’s other end-of-the-world stories but want more flesh on the bones.
February 10, 2022
Different world ending scenario
I like apocalyptic books and the premises are usually similar even if the stories change. I enjoyed this book because I have never read this type of extinction level event before and it captured my attention. The protagonists were all relatively normal people, no preppers, no soldiers, no know it all scientists. Just ordinary folks. Thank you for adding that last chapter cos I’m not sure how I’d feel if it ended at the church. I also liked that it was a standalone though I would be interested in a survival story of the aftermath.
I like apocalyptic books and the premises are usually similar even if the stories change. I enjoyed this book because I have never read this type of extinction level event before and it captured my attention. The protagonists were all relatively normal people, no preppers, no soldiers, no know it all scientists. Just ordinary folks. Thank you for adding that last chapter cos I’m not sure how I’d feel if it ended at the church. I also liked that it was a standalone though I would be interested in a survival story of the aftermath.
December 2, 2021
Another must read!
Every book of Jacqueline Druga always turns into a literary adventure. Where does she come up with these ideas???
This book is no exception to the adventure you will embark on. Once I got started I did not stop reading until 3 am. The thinking 'dead' to Sodom and Gomorrah to the rush at the gates going to the ships ....had me tapping my kindle until the very end.
Excellent storytelling. Definitely recommend.
Every book of Jacqueline Druga always turns into a literary adventure. Where does she come up with these ideas???
This book is no exception to the adventure you will embark on. Once I got started I did not stop reading until 3 am. The thinking 'dead' to Sodom and Gomorrah to the rush at the gates going to the ships ....had me tapping my kindle until the very end.
Excellent storytelling. Definitely recommend.
December 6, 2021
Mother Nature…
Reese and her family decide to take a family trip after the death in the family. At the same time nature decides to exterminate the human race. The anomaly brings agonizing death to all that are caught within it. The concept was new and brilliant. We always expect our demise to come from the sky; whether alien or asteroid etc. Reese, family and fellow survivors will have a life reset. The struggle for survival has just started.
Reese and her family decide to take a family trip after the death in the family. At the same time nature decides to exterminate the human race. The anomaly brings agonizing death to all that are caught within it. The concept was new and brilliant. We always expect our demise to come from the sky; whether alien or asteroid etc. Reese, family and fellow survivors will have a life reset. The struggle for survival has just started.
January 31, 2022
How did they die? His body was gray, no signs of decomposition. All the features were there, except drained of life and color. His skin had a pruned exterior, sort of dried out. His eyes wide open, lips slightly parted. The woman was nearly the same way. Paused in her pose at the moment of death. One hand on the dash, the other holding on to the ‘oh shit’ handle above the door. Her mouth was open.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
The Black
I gave this so few stars because.... Seriously get a PROOF READER! I did not like the e ding, it should have continued into life after the black, I mean...did it come back? Did the characters meet up again? I have read other books by this author and they had genuine endings and proof reading!
I just have more questions than were answered. Its like she got bored and just quit!
I gave this so few stars because.... Seriously get a PROOF READER! I did not like the e ding, it should have continued into life after the black, I mean...did it come back? Did the characters meet up again? I have read other books by this author and they had genuine endings and proof reading!
I just have more questions than were answered. Its like she got bored and just quit!
May 27, 2022
I read this book on assignment for a paranormal book club. I enjoyed the apocalyptic storyline and the different stories of the characters throughout. I overall enjoyed reading this book and it went rather quickly, although I did think it was a little too tidy at the end and will probably not continue on if there are any additional books in this series. I do enjoy the authors writing style and will give her another look!
August 3, 2022
While the concept of the story was really good, the execution was pretty bad. The editing was atrocious, which really pulled away from the story. The 'hero' literally named Hero was not by any means an engaging character; in fact, I found myself annoyed with him more often than not.
To be fair, I didn't finish reading since I couldn't get past the editing. Maybe it gets better past halfway through, but I can't bring myself to find out.
To be fair, I didn't finish reading since I couldn't get past the editing. Maybe it gets better past halfway through, but I can't bring myself to find out.
November 27, 2022
Jacqueline Druga writes, among other genres, to the side of us that is astonished by the unforeseen and unrevealed forces that only nature controls.
The story lines such as the one for "The Black" are written to be complex, yet once the subject is revealed, are understandable as being quite plausible.
This book is well-worth the read if finding out nature is indeed in charge is your cup of tea, and a good read overall. Well done!
The story lines such as the one for "The Black" are written to be complex, yet once the subject is revealed, are understandable as being quite plausible.
This book is well-worth the read if finding out nature is indeed in charge is your cup of tea, and a good read overall. Well done!
January 4, 2024
A race to save humanity from the blackness that overcomes them. What is this blackness? No one remembers the last blackness that happened centuries ago. Fear is the only thing keeping them alive. Will they make it to the end, or the suffering or death is the answer they need? A fast, thrilling sci-fi must-read, and what to talk about, it's the end of the world as we know it. I finished it in 2 days.
December 3, 2021
Loved it
It's not perfect. Just a few little editing mistakes but it doesn't take away from the story. Don't let those few things keep you from reading this book. There is so much meaning to it. It's a little story with a big heart that is perfect for this holiday season. I wish I could have it 10 stars.
It's not perfect. Just a few little editing mistakes but it doesn't take away from the story. Don't let those few things keep you from reading this book. There is so much meaning to it. It's a little story with a big heart that is perfect for this holiday season. I wish I could have it 10 stars.
December 4, 2021
Different take on a post apocalyptic event
The "Black" event is a nice change in the genre. MS Druga has such a good imagination and could probably write a wonderful story about having a family dinner at McDonald's. This story is, as usual, hard to put down as so much happens with interesting characters. Pick this one up - you will enjoy it.
The "Black" event is a nice change in the genre. MS Druga has such a good imagination and could probably write a wonderful story about having a family dinner at McDonald's. This story is, as usual, hard to put down as so much happens with interesting characters. Pick this one up - you will enjoy it.
January 15, 2022
Enjoyable
A great story. Nothing exceptionally exciting but an interesting read all the same. A major possible extinction event. Some gorey moments. Exciting moments when panic hits. The fight to survive. Family love, and new friends stick together to fight to survive. The black clouds are coming 'don't look behind you'
A great story. Nothing exceptionally exciting but an interesting read all the same. A major possible extinction event. Some gorey moments. Exciting moments when panic hits. The fight to survive. Family love, and new friends stick together to fight to survive. The black clouds are coming 'don't look behind you'
February 10, 2022
I love the story arc of this book. I never do spoilers. An extinction level event is crossing the Earth. Only so many places are safe. The Black covers cities and what it leaves behind is terrifying. I hope this never happens. Be prepared to be afraid because of the what if aspect of this story. I love the characters. On to her next book I haven’t read.
February 26, 2022
Just the black
Yep Jacqueline Druga just as good at writing a stand alone novel as to a series. These characters where fresh, feasible, and likeable. And just as I would ask myself. Why is this person entering the story. Is all came together rather quickly. The was a quick and enjoyable read.
Yep Jacqueline Druga just as good at writing a stand alone novel as to a series. These characters where fresh, feasible, and likeable. And just as I would ask myself. Why is this person entering the story. Is all came together rather quickly. The was a quick and enjoyable read.
May 12, 2024
A different apocalypse
The Black is a different kind if apocalypse, without an explanation of why the anomalies formed, or how. Reminiscent of The Mist by Stephen King, ironically referenced in the book. The Black has a different feel than most apocalyptic books, more hopeful than scary, though it was still unsettling. 4/5 stars
The Black is a different kind if apocalypse, without an explanation of why the anomalies formed, or how. Reminiscent of The Mist by Stephen King, ironically referenced in the book. The Black has a different feel than most apocalyptic books, more hopeful than scary, though it was still unsettling. 4/5 stars
December 6, 2021
But Our flag was still there
A cloud of black is coming and consuming everything in its path. There is nowhere to run, no place to hide and no way you'll be able to put this book down.
A cloud of black is coming and consuming everything in its path. There is nowhere to run, no place to hide and no way you'll be able to put this book down.
December 17, 2021
Go Higher!
I enjoyed the storyline of this book. Someday we may be looking at an apocalypse of our own. I hope we can act with courage and the faith that is shown in this tale of The Black.
I enjoyed the storyline of this book. Someday we may be looking at an apocalypse of our own. I hope we can act with courage and the faith that is shown in this tale of The Black.
December 28, 2021
Gripping tale of survival
This story has all the feels, love, hope, courage, compassion, loss, sadness, etc. You won't want to stop reading, you will want to know how the story ends.
This story has all the feels, love, hope, courage, compassion, loss, sadness, etc. You won't want to stop reading, you will want to know how the story ends.
January 12, 2022
great story
I love zombie stories but I enjoyed this storyline. Some made it and some did it. Loved the insertion of the baby and dog in story. Thanks Ms Druga. I really enjoy your books. Soooooooo glad you did not turn the story into 10 books. Yes!
I love zombie stories but I enjoyed this storyline. Some made it and some did it. Loved the insertion of the baby and dog in story. Thanks Ms Druga. I really enjoy your books. Soooooooo glad you did not turn the story into 10 books. Yes!
January 15, 2022
Another fantastic book
This is another fantastic apocalypse book. The author makes these books easy to read, and is now in fact the best author I read.
The last chapter was much appreciated, once you read this book you'll understand.
This is another fantastic apocalypse book. The author makes these books easy to read, and is now in fact the best author I read.
The last chapter was much appreciated, once you read this book you'll understand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews