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readyourworriesaway's review
2.0
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Jon Barnes, a college student who is focused on his studies while also thinking about his crush, who is out of his league. A night of rioting at his college quickly turns darker. People are dying and there is no end in sight for the violence that is happening across the country. Jon has to be brave in order to make it back to his family.
I prefer fast-paced thrillers with a lot of suspense; however, this one was a slower-burn. I didn’t quite click with the writing style. An overwhelming number of words were capitalized in order to emphasize the point, but I found it distracting. In addition, the novel was very dialogue-heavy. I enjoyed the apocalyptic element to the story because it was different from what I typically read. Jon was also a well-developed character and I liked the chapters that flashed back to his childhood. Seneca is a new writer with a lot of promise. I will keep an eye out for what he writes next!
The story follows Jon Barnes, a college student who is focused on his studies while also thinking about his crush, who is out of his league. A night of rioting at his college quickly turns darker. People are dying and there is no end in sight for the violence that is happening across the country. Jon has to be brave in order to make it back to his family.
I prefer fast-paced thrillers with a lot of suspense; however, this one was a slower-burn. I didn’t quite click with the writing style. An overwhelming number of words were capitalized in order to emphasize the point, but I found it distracting. In addition, the novel was very dialogue-heavy. I enjoyed the apocalyptic element to the story because it was different from what I typically read. Jon was also a well-developed character and I liked the chapters that flashed back to his childhood. Seneca is a new writer with a lot of promise. I will keep an eye out for what he writes next!
hwalk91's review
4.0
When The Sky Goes Dark is an apocalyptic horror story about a mysterious disease that causes people to become enraged and violent. It seems to be most threatening at night (hence the title). Jon witnesses Hell break loose on his college campus, and these occurrences are being reported all over the country. He's fighting for survival and a chance to see his parents again... if they haven't gone insane or been beaten to death yet
sheepyreads's review
3.0
**This is a book review for When the Sky Goes Dark by @olivercseneca. **
This post-apocalyptic story begins at one of the scariest places in existence: a college campus. *cue recurring nightmare of forgetting to do an assignment the day of graduation.*
Our protagonist Jon is simply trying to finish his semester out strong and hopefully find a girlfriend in the process. One night changes everything and final papers go from life or death to seeming much less important all of a sudden.
This post-apocalyptic story begins at one of the scariest places in existence: a college campus. *cue recurring nightmare of forgetting to do an assignment the day of graduation.*
Our protagonist Jon is simply trying to finish his semester out strong and hopefully find a girlfriend in the process. One night changes everything and final papers go from life or death to seeming much less important all of a sudden.
jerryroth's review
5.0
Oliver C. Seneca is like a childhood friend telling you a story around a campfire. Taking his time to let the characters develop, and the story unfold, Oliver’s descriptive style wraps you within his world, making you fear the turn of each page. With a writing style reminiscent of authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz, When the Sky Goes Dark, throws the reader into situations they pray will never happen. With the threat of pandemics and the fear our civilization could spiral out of control, this book is a timely read and a great escape. The only thing I wanted after this book was to know when his next one will arrive!
meagjeanreads's review
5.0
Well I was pleasantly surprised with this book, I actually really loved it! I felt the character development was great the pace of the story was great, how the apocalypse started, when John learns how it started, and the ending was spot on. I look forward to reading another by Oliver he really put did him self on this one. I just felt like everything was so believable and well written there wasn’t a point I was bored or lost and I flew through it too!
readbyashleyd's review
4.0
I’ve always been a huge fan of apocalyptic horror so I was over the moon when the author offered me a copy in exchange for my honest review. This is one hell of an apocalyptic horror novel, made even more impressive by the fact that it’s that authors first published work. I was instantly gripped from the first page, even more so because we’re currently in the middle of a global pandemic and it felt surreal to be reading a story so eerily similar to current events. The pace starts off a bit slow but it quickly ramps up and then doesn’t let up until the end. I absolutely loved this all too plausible horror story and the only reason it gets four stars and not five is that I’m big on characters when reading and I didn’t particularly connect to any of the characters in the story.
erinxmegan's review
4.0
*Rating: 4.5
I was sent the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jonathan Barnes is a pretty average guy. He’s a college student who studies psychology and is just trying to navigate life like any other student.
His only real issue is that he can’t seem to start a conversation with the opposite sex. Skylar is a girl in his psych class that he has a major crush on, but she’s about to graduate and he hasn’t even been able to say a “hello” to her.
This turns out to be the least of his problems when things at White Haven College start getting strange..
First, a girl gets taken away by EMTs for randomly passing out in the bathroom. She wasn’t responsive or even breathing when she was found. Everyone suspects a drug over dose of some kind.
Then, one night, after a super late class, Jon decides to grab dinner at the cafeteria.
What was supposed to be an innocent dinner, turns into much more.
A group of people outside start fighting each other. Hitting, punching, swinging things, etc. It’s full on chaos.
The police show up and the people fighting even try to attack the officer. The fight finally gets broken up because the officer starts tasing them.
Jon doesn’t know what to think, maybe the students are becoming too riled up by finals and the end of the semester?
Of course, that’s not it.
Then, when things can’t possibly get any worse, Jon’s roommate, Brandon, invites Jon to a little get together one night. Jon is hesitant because it’s already late and he has a paper to finish, but lo and behold, Jon is golf Skylar will be there.
This motivates Jon to ditch his paper for a night with her.
However, the innocent fun night is cut short by bloodshed.
Outside on campus, students are fighting each other, the cops get called, people get shot, people die. It’s pure insanity.
Almost everyone on campus ends up dead and Jon has no idea what has caused everyone to turn into these crazed maniacs.
With only a vague voicemail from his parents, Jon is left with more questions than answers.
First off, I’m usually not a “apocalypse” type horror kinda person. I’ve mentioned that before, I don’t know why, but it’s not something that I reach for. I like to give them a try though, hopefully to find ones I do like.
However, this plot is very different and I felt that it was more realistic than others that I have read, and we all know that I love realistic horror.
The beginning was a tad slow, I was worried I wasn’t going to enjoy it because it did take a second to get into, but as soon as things started happening I was hooked.
It felt kind of surreal to read since we are in the middle of a pandemic, I couldn’t help but relate a little bit.
It’s not exactly the same as a virus, but it gives you that same feeling of being trapped, loss of control, and helplessness... at least it did for me.
You also get chapters where Jon talks about his relationship with his dad, which ties in very nicely with what’s already happening/ is about to happen in the book.
It depicts family relationships very realistically as well. It shows the bad and the hardships, but also how you would do anything for them.
Family relationships will always look different to different people, but this is a very classic example for a more average family in my opinion.
I always felt myself rooting for the characters as well. I felt slightly more connected to Jon because I also studied psychology in college.
Jon did irritate me a few times, he was so consumed with finding his family, that he lost some rationality at times.
The ending was sad, but also made sense for the type of book it was. I didn’t expect anything less, but it was still sad. I’m a sucker for a happy ending, (I know..it’s an unpopular opinion), but this one did work for the book.
Overall, I was really pleased with this book. The plot was cool and different, it made me want to keep reading and find out what was going to happen next.
I was sent the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jonathan Barnes is a pretty average guy. He’s a college student who studies psychology and is just trying to navigate life like any other student.
His only real issue is that he can’t seem to start a conversation with the opposite sex. Skylar is a girl in his psych class that he has a major crush on, but she’s about to graduate and he hasn’t even been able to say a “hello” to her.
This turns out to be the least of his problems when things at White Haven College start getting strange..
First, a girl gets taken away by EMTs for randomly passing out in the bathroom. She wasn’t responsive or even breathing when she was found. Everyone suspects a drug over dose of some kind.
Then, one night, after a super late class, Jon decides to grab dinner at the cafeteria.
What was supposed to be an innocent dinner, turns into much more.
A group of people outside start fighting each other. Hitting, punching, swinging things, etc. It’s full on chaos.
The police show up and the people fighting even try to attack the officer. The fight finally gets broken up because the officer starts tasing them.
Jon doesn’t know what to think, maybe the students are becoming too riled up by finals and the end of the semester?
Of course, that’s not it.
Then, when things can’t possibly get any worse, Jon’s roommate, Brandon, invites Jon to a little get together one night. Jon is hesitant because it’s already late and he has a paper to finish, but lo and behold, Jon is golf Skylar will be there.
This motivates Jon to ditch his paper for a night with her.
However, the innocent fun night is cut short by bloodshed.
Outside on campus, students are fighting each other, the cops get called, people get shot, people die. It’s pure insanity.
Almost everyone on campus ends up dead and Jon has no idea what has caused everyone to turn into these crazed maniacs.
With only a vague voicemail from his parents, Jon is left with more questions than answers.
First off, I’m usually not a “apocalypse” type horror kinda person. I’ve mentioned that before, I don’t know why, but it’s not something that I reach for. I like to give them a try though, hopefully to find ones I do like.
However, this plot is very different and I felt that it was more realistic than others that I have read, and we all know that I love realistic horror.
The beginning was a tad slow, I was worried I wasn’t going to enjoy it because it did take a second to get into, but as soon as things started happening I was hooked.
It felt kind of surreal to read since we are in the middle of a pandemic, I couldn’t help but relate a little bit.
It’s not exactly the same as a virus, but it gives you that same feeling of being trapped, loss of control, and helplessness... at least it did for me.
You also get chapters where Jon talks about his relationship with his dad, which ties in very nicely with what’s already happening/ is about to happen in the book.
It depicts family relationships very realistically as well. It shows the bad and the hardships, but also how you would do anything for them.
Family relationships will always look different to different people, but this is a very classic example for a more average family in my opinion.
I always felt myself rooting for the characters as well. I felt slightly more connected to Jon because I also studied psychology in college.
Jon did irritate me a few times, he was so consumed with finding his family, that he lost some rationality at times.
The ending was sad, but also made sense for the type of book it was. I didn’t expect anything less, but it was still sad. I’m a sucker for a happy ending, (I know..it’s an unpopular opinion), but this one did work for the book.
Overall, I was really pleased with this book. The plot was cool and different, it made me want to keep reading and find out what was going to happen next.
enchantressreads's review
4.0
When the Sky Goes Dark is an apocalyptic tale where, when the sun goes down, people display crude rage. Students tear each other to pieces, bite people trying to help them, and commit unspeakable acts of road rage. After a horrific brawl on his university campus, Jon realizes he needs to leave and search for his family, whoever may be left.
This is Oliver’s debut novel, and the premise was amazing! I loved seeing an atypical view of the apocalypse, especially during a pandemic.
I gave When the Sky Goes Dark 4 stars for its plot and character development. Some of the writing was off, character descriptions needed some improvement, but overall I enjoyed this story. I can’t wait to see what else Oliver has in store!
This is Oliver’s debut novel, and the premise was amazing! I loved seeing an atypical view of the apocalypse, especially during a pandemic.
I gave When the Sky Goes Dark 4 stars for its plot and character development. Some of the writing was off, character descriptions needed some improvement, but overall I enjoyed this story. I can’t wait to see what else Oliver has in store!
spookyoctopusreads's review
3.0
Jon is a college student who begins to witness strange, unexplained happens all around him. People are turning violent and easily provoked at night and spend each day in a deep sleep. There are riots, plane crashes, and the deaths are mounting. News outlets report that these events are happening all around the world, but no one can explain why. Jon receives a message from his parents that worries him, and his worry grows when he tries to contact them and they cannot be reached. He decides his best option is to travel back to his home town to be with his loved ones. He doesn't know if his family is hiding out somewhere, if they are dead, or if they have turned into the violent individuals that seem to be everywhere.
The premise of this story was original, eerie, and almost plausible. I enjoyed this take on a apocalyptic horror, as the cause behind the sudden chaos and violence was something that seemed conceivable (especially given some of the issues in our world today). Throughout most of the book, I felt a sense of unease and a "loss of control" as I plunged deeper and deeper into the chaos. I appreciated the steady pacing of the book and the gradual layering in of new elements in the story, but then it just seemed to wrap up rather hurriedly. However, I thought the choice of an open-ended conclusion left room for hope in this world that seems to have lost all hope. I felt like this book read a lot like a YA horror, mainly due to the more simplistic vocabulary used and the characters who seemed like they would appeal to a younger audience.
I have to admit that I was disconcerted by the author's choice of descriptive terminology use when referring to certain characters, and I think this is worth noting. Some of the words chosen were derogatory or stereotypical in nature towards certain groups. I feel that any traits that he wanted to attribute to the characters could have been better accomplished through dialogue or development of their personality and mannerisms. After a conversation with the author, I do not feel that this was intentional, and I am happy that the author was very open to the feedback. As a new author, being open to feedback for improvement is admirable. I am excited to see him grow as a writer, and I will be looking for his future releases.
If you want a quick apocalyptic read, I would urge you to give this one a try. Although I did point out some issues I had with the terminology, I think that this is an original story idea that deserves a read.
**I want to thank to author, Oliver C. Seneca, for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.**
The premise of this story was original, eerie, and almost plausible. I enjoyed this take on a apocalyptic horror, as the cause behind the sudden chaos and violence was something that seemed conceivable (especially given some of the issues in our world today). Throughout most of the book, I felt a sense of unease and a "loss of control" as I plunged deeper and deeper into the chaos. I appreciated the steady pacing of the book and the gradual layering in of new elements in the story, but then it just seemed to wrap up rather hurriedly. However, I thought the choice of an open-ended conclusion left room for hope in this world that seems to have lost all hope. I felt like this book read a lot like a YA horror, mainly due to the more simplistic vocabulary used and the characters who seemed like they would appeal to a younger audience.
I have to admit that I was disconcerted by the author's choice of descriptive terminology use when referring to certain characters, and I think this is worth noting. Some of the words chosen were derogatory or stereotypical in nature towards certain groups. I feel that any traits that he wanted to attribute to the characters could have been better accomplished through dialogue or development of their personality and mannerisms. After a conversation with the author, I do not feel that this was intentional, and I am happy that the author was very open to the feedback. As a new author, being open to feedback for improvement is admirable. I am excited to see him grow as a writer, and I will be looking for his future releases.
If you want a quick apocalyptic read, I would urge you to give this one a try. Although I did point out some issues I had with the terminology, I think that this is an original story idea that deserves a read.
**I want to thank to author, Oliver C. Seneca, for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.**