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Event: A Dystopian Apocalyptic Horror Novel
For Mike and Hattie Hayes, their cabin on a pristine Colorado lake has always been a refuge, a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Denver. Both are particularly excited their daughter and her husband have joined them for a weekend away. Their time with her is rare and precious.
Long walks, fishing, and lunch in the nearby historic town of Rustic are all a part of the allure.
The star-filled night sky viewed from their small boat is the clearest they have ever seen.
The heavenly views offer a glimpse of other worlds, of faraway places not seen from the city.
Their private mountain retreat is their slice of paradise. It is perfect, until…
Until the night a blinding light sweeps over them, the lake, and the surrounding forests.
Until their daughter subsequently vanishes.
Until their cabin is trashed, and a mysterious note is left behind.
Until an unknown beast stalks them through the woods that surround their cabin.
Until they discover the terrible truth behind the light that drastically changes their world.
Until they understand the blazing light wasn’t a shooting star or a falling satellite, it was the EVENT.
Long walks, fishing, and lunch in the nearby historic town of Rustic are all a part of the allure.
The star-filled night sky viewed from their small boat is the clearest they have ever seen.
The heavenly views offer a glimpse of other worlds, of faraway places not seen from the city.
Their private mountain retreat is their slice of paradise. It is perfect, until…
Until the night a blinding light sweeps over them, the lake, and the surrounding forests.
Until their daughter subsequently vanishes.
Until their cabin is trashed, and a mysterious note is left behind.
Until an unknown beast stalks them through the woods that surround their cabin.
Until they discover the terrible truth behind the light that drastically changes their world.
Until they understand the blazing light wasn’t a shooting star or a falling satellite, it was the EVENT.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2022
161 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Charles Welch
100 books47 followersCharles Welch has been a home designer and builder, a middle school and high school teacher, education administrator, corporate learning and development professional and writer, previously publishing the spiritual book Walking Softly. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Teaching, a Master of Education in Learning and Technology, and an Educational Doctorate in eLearning.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 20, 2026
I’ve been reading so many new authors lately and having a blast. This made me reminiscent of Hunter Shea’s Creature (Another great book!), but there was no sasquatch here. No, we got something much, much worse. And on a bigger scale. Oh yeah, you’re curious now. But I ain’t spoiling a thing. Almost the entire story is a glorified chase scene, mainly involving Mike and his darling wife Hattie. They’re so sweet together and have an awesome dynamic throughout. For a couple on their late fifties, they sure as hell had a lot of energy to run and flee for as long as they did. Put me to shame. But the story’s quick pace was balanced out with a very small cast of characters, and a very simple premise. The ending was left open, which usually bothers me, but I didn’t dislike it completely here. I don’t think a sequel is on the horizon, but I definitely would have liked a little more explanation as to why everything was happening. Again, I’m choosing my words wisely here to not ruin any surprises. Now I enjoyed Charles Welch’s book quite a bit and it had me glued to my Kindle, not stopping once. There are some questionable chapters here, in some instances there were several in a row that were only a paragraph or two, and could have easily been blended into one another. I was also taken aback when I thought that I had twenty pages left and the storg suddenly ended, with what I assume is an extended preview of Welch’s book Laughers. It started with no prompt on the same page as Event ended, and had a totally different format. So that was a little confusing. There were some other formatting issues, as well, which stuck out. But beyond those minor issues. the book as a whole was a really fun adventure that fans as science fiction and horror can enjoy equally.
November 4, 2024
This was a really nice, if bleak, little read.
I liked that the main characters were a well-established still in love older couple (in their 50s so not old old), their care for one another, the inconveniences and challenges of aging bodies in a crisis situation it just made them feel so very real.
The pacing was snappy and things were rarely convenient for Mike and Hattie and we truly got to feel for them.
The creature feature aspect and how things started were also interesting and well used.
I liked that the main characters were a well-established still in love older couple (in their 50s so not old old), their care for one another, the inconveniences and challenges of aging bodies in a crisis situation it just made them feel so very real.
The pacing was snappy and things were rarely convenient for Mike and Hattie and we truly got to feel for them.
The creature feature aspect and how things started were also interesting and well used.
July 13, 2023
I'm not sure what to say about this story. I almost stopped reading, but I hate to give up on a book. The book was not in any way badly written, nor was it uninteresting...I just didn't quite get it. I didn't feel that I could relate to the characters plights or to the characters themselves and it really ended without a real ending. The description of the book did more to sell it to me than the actual story...but as I have said before...my name is not, nor has ever been on the cover of a book so I can't be too critical of anyone's efforts until I have tried to sell something I've written to a million different people with so many different tastes. If you like horror or fantasy.... give it a try.
September 30, 2024
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
This was so, SO good for a variety of reasons:-
• Really well written with good pacing.
• An apocalyptic read with a brilliant choice of "baddies". (no zombies here!) Also a rather "X-Files" reason for how the event comes about. I look forward to finding out more about this in following books of the series.
• Our antagonists are middle aged! Makes for great thrills as older bodies try to keep up with the challenges of escaping.
This was so, SO good for a variety of reasons:-
• Really well written with good pacing.
• An apocalyptic read with a brilliant choice of "baddies". (no zombies here!) Also a rather "X-Files" reason for how the event comes about. I look forward to finding out more about this in following books of the series.
• Our antagonists are middle aged! Makes for great thrills as older bodies try to keep up with the challenges of escaping.
June 29, 2024
**Book Review: *Event* by Charles Welch**
Charles Welch’s *Event* is a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural that grips the reader from the very first page. Set against the serene backdrop of a secluded Colorado lake, the novel explores how an idyllic retreat can swiftly transform into a harrowing nightmare.
For Mike and Hattie Hayes, their cabin is a sanctuary, a place where they can unwind from their hectic lives in Denver and reconnect with nature. This particular weekend is special as their daughter and her husband join them, making the moments shared even more precious. Welch’s vivid descriptions of long walks, tranquil fishing, and star-gazing transport the reader to this picturesque haven, making the subsequent descent into chaos all the more jarring.
The narrative takes a sharp turn when an inexplicable blinding light engulfs the lake and its surroundings, initiating a series of terrifying events. Welch masterfully builds tension as the Hayes family’s peaceful retreat unravels. Their daughter’s sudden disappearance and the discovery of their trashed cabin and a cryptic note heighten the suspense, leaving both the characters and readers questioning the reality of what they are facing.
As the story progresses, the true nature of the light—the “Event”—is revealed, and the Hayes family must confront a chilling new reality. Welch’s portrayal of the unknown beast stalking them through the woods adds an element of primal fear, while the mysterious note introduces a psychological edge to their ordeal.
Welch’s writing shines in the way he balances the serene beauty of the Colorado wilderness with the creeping dread of the unfolding mystery. The detailed descriptions of the star-filled sky and the pristine lake juxtaposed with the eerie light and subsequent terror create a powerful contrast that enhances the story’s impact. His characters are well-drawn, particularly Mike and Hattie, whose love and determination to protect their family drive the narrative forward.
The novel’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter peeling back layers of the mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The revelations about the Event are both surprising and thought-provoking, adding depth to the story and inviting readers to ponder the broader implications of such an occurrence.
In conclusion, *Event* by Charles Welch is a captivating read that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. It’s a story that not only entertains but also challenges the reader to consider the fragility of our perceived reality. For those who enjoy a well-crafted thriller with a touch of the otherworldly, *Event* is a must-read. Welch’s ability to weave a tale that is both grounded in human emotion and elevated by its fantastical elements makes this novel a standout in the genre.
Charles Welch’s *Event* is a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural that grips the reader from the very first page. Set against the serene backdrop of a secluded Colorado lake, the novel explores how an idyllic retreat can swiftly transform into a harrowing nightmare.
For Mike and Hattie Hayes, their cabin is a sanctuary, a place where they can unwind from their hectic lives in Denver and reconnect with nature. This particular weekend is special as their daughter and her husband join them, making the moments shared even more precious. Welch’s vivid descriptions of long walks, tranquil fishing, and star-gazing transport the reader to this picturesque haven, making the subsequent descent into chaos all the more jarring.
The narrative takes a sharp turn when an inexplicable blinding light engulfs the lake and its surroundings, initiating a series of terrifying events. Welch masterfully builds tension as the Hayes family’s peaceful retreat unravels. Their daughter’s sudden disappearance and the discovery of their trashed cabin and a cryptic note heighten the suspense, leaving both the characters and readers questioning the reality of what they are facing.
As the story progresses, the true nature of the light—the “Event”—is revealed, and the Hayes family must confront a chilling new reality. Welch’s portrayal of the unknown beast stalking them through the woods adds an element of primal fear, while the mysterious note introduces a psychological edge to their ordeal.
Welch’s writing shines in the way he balances the serene beauty of the Colorado wilderness with the creeping dread of the unfolding mystery. The detailed descriptions of the star-filled sky and the pristine lake juxtaposed with the eerie light and subsequent terror create a powerful contrast that enhances the story’s impact. His characters are well-drawn, particularly Mike and Hattie, whose love and determination to protect their family drive the narrative forward.
The novel’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter peeling back layers of the mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The revelations about the Event are both surprising and thought-provoking, adding depth to the story and inviting readers to ponder the broader implications of such an occurrence.
In conclusion, *Event* by Charles Welch is a captivating read that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. It’s a story that not only entertains but also challenges the reader to consider the fragility of our perceived reality. For those who enjoy a well-crafted thriller with a touch of the otherworldly, *Event* is a must-read. Welch’s ability to weave a tale that is both grounded in human emotion and elevated by its fantastical elements makes this novel a standout in the genre.
July 10, 2023
A Creature Feature
Mike and his wife Hattie invite their daughter and her husband to their summer retreat a "cabin in the wood" for the weekend. Mike and Hattie decide late the first night to row out to the middle of the small lake to stargaze. A very bright light erupts and recedes. When they return to their cabin, their daughter and son-in-law are gone and the place has been trashed.
What ensues is their attempts to find their daughter after finding a cryptic note while avoiding a large creature that is trying to kill them.
This is a relatively short book and a fast read. There isn't much character development since the book primarily focuses on the action. Warning, there is a cliffhanger at the end and a second book. Unlike some horror stories (or budget movies), the couple's behavior and actions are pretty much what you would expect - like no hiding from Jason in an abattoir - LOL.
This is a good, quick little horror novel that relies more on tension than gore. I am off to book two.
Mike and his wife Hattie invite their daughter and her husband to their summer retreat a "cabin in the wood" for the weekend. Mike and Hattie decide late the first night to row out to the middle of the small lake to stargaze. A very bright light erupts and recedes. When they return to their cabin, their daughter and son-in-law are gone and the place has been trashed.
What ensues is their attempts to find their daughter after finding a cryptic note while avoiding a large creature that is trying to kill them.
This is a relatively short book and a fast read. There isn't much character development since the book primarily focuses on the action. Warning, there is a cliffhanger at the end and a second book. Unlike some horror stories (or budget movies), the couple's behavior and actions are pretty much what you would expect - like no hiding from Jason in an abattoir - LOL.
This is a good, quick little horror novel that relies more on tension than gore. I am off to book two.
September 14, 2023
Nice surprise.
I love stories that seem to originate in the woods with wood’s descriptions making me feel I’m there. This story does that. When the monsters began appearing I was certain this was going to be another Bigfoot adventure. Thankfully it wasn’t. Then the never ending chase was on. I found myself mentally exhausted as much as the characters were physically.I like stories that make me want to keep reading just to get to the end for relief. Enjoyed this very much and will be reading Event 2
I love stories that seem to originate in the woods with wood’s descriptions making me feel I’m there. This story does that. When the monsters began appearing I was certain this was going to be another Bigfoot adventure. Thankfully it wasn’t. Then the never ending chase was on. I found myself mentally exhausted as much as the characters were physically.I like stories that make me want to keep reading just to get to the end for relief. Enjoyed this very much and will be reading Event 2
November 15, 2022
Event
Interesting story but no real ending. Unless this is the beginning of a series, and I saw nothing stating that, a little more info would have been nice. I don't need it all tied up in a pretty package, but it would have been nice to have some idea of what was happening and why. I don't want to include spoilers, so that's all I'll say.
Interesting story but no real ending. Unless this is the beginning of a series, and I saw nothing stating that, a little more info would have been nice. I don't need it all tied up in a pretty package, but it would have been nice to have some idea of what was happening and why. I don't want to include spoilers, so that's all I'll say.
September 3, 2022
Good book, I would read it again if it didn't have a couple of typos. The story was good and the scare was great. Loved the ending but I was already really tired from wanting to help the characters... Lol. The fun just seems to never end in this creature feature.
January 9, 2024
Good story
This book was really terrifying. A family goes on a vacation together only to be separated after a strange light appears in the sky. Non stop action and terror take over their lives from that point on. Looking forward to the next book.
This book was really terrifying. A family goes on a vacation together only to be separated after a strange light appears in the sky. Non stop action and terror take over their lives from that point on. Looking forward to the next book.
January 21, 2024
Well written. Fun read. Didn't like the main characters at first, but they kind of grew on me. Full of adventure and mystery. After all, who are these monsters. Kind of had an abrupt ending, obviously wanting the reader to buy the next book in the series. Which I will likely buy. Highly recommend.
February 15, 2025
Great story
It was fast paced and intriguing. I don't usually go for supernatural stuff but I needed something different. Finished it in one day and now I'm looking forward to the next two in this series.
It was fast paced and intriguing. I don't usually go for supernatural stuff but I needed something different. Finished it in one day and now I'm looking forward to the next two in this series.
July 28, 2025
Coming up with original stories these days is a hard thing to do but despite borrowing heavily from the stories from my childhood, I think this author got it about right. The elements were put together in a way that kept me going and I enjoyed the story he had to tell.
August 25, 2022
Creepy read
April 12, 2023
Scary!
Liked the story, nicely done. Had some surprises. Would like if there is another book. I would like to see this couple make it to another place!
Liked the story, nicely done. Had some surprises. Would like if there is another book. I would like to see this couple make it to another place!
June 17, 2023
Nerve wracking
This Dystopian book is different from your stand EMP or Zombie book. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.
Planning to read more of this Author.
This Dystopian book is different from your stand EMP or Zombie book. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.
Planning to read more of this Author.
July 7, 2023
Aped ???
Not really my kind of book but it got me interest enough to finish it. It was well written and I enjoyed it. !
Not really my kind of book but it got me interest enough to finish it. It was well written and I enjoyed it. !
September 2, 2023
Different type of apocalyptic horror
Is it a little bit zombie, little bit EMP, something else entirely? I'm not exactly sure....on to the next book to find out more.
Is it a little bit zombie, little bit EMP, something else entirely? I'm not exactly sure....on to the next book to find out more.
November 21, 2023
It was OK
Predictable, kinda dragged for only 200 pages. It was ok at best. Might read the second one but probably not
Predictable, kinda dragged for only 200 pages. It was ok at best. Might read the second one but probably not
December 16, 2024
good first book. i enjoyed the difference in creatures that he gave us. easy read,
January 24, 2026
This was a rollercoaster ride! I thought the plot was interesting, though I guessed the ending right after they found the note. While this was a bit disappointing and I found the relationship between the characters to be a bit meh, I still thought the descriptions and imagery of the creatures and the horror elements to be quite entertaining! 3.5/5 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews