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Chronicles of M #1
Chronicles of M
Samuel is a retired agent to the stars. During a bank deposit, a heist goes sideways, resulting in him saving the day. Due to Samuel's actions, a mysterous man offers him an oppurtunity - join an ex-governmental agency who's tasked with handling an unconventional and unpredictable man named "M" as he battles the paranormal. Will he join for the adventure of his life, or will he continue his retirement?
- GenresFantasyParanormal
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2012
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97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 10, 2015
Ok so what this story has going for it.
It is fresh and new and skirts around or go via continents to avoid the same-ole-same ole
That is the really cool part.
For in the end this is a zombie story. By the middle of the book the reader still does not know that but gets some hints that nothing is really what it should be.
However what the story lacked. The characters gave way to the plot. Their development, I think is left to as an evolving sub plot in what I figure is a series of books. This did not really go down that well for me but that said, the plot is strong. I did not love it neither did I wish to get to the end and be done with the story. Although I could put the book down without losing sleep I was never reluctant to pick it up again.
But hey, read it for yourself and make up your own mind.
WaAr
It is fresh and new and skirts around or go via continents to avoid the same-ole-same ole
That is the really cool part.
For in the end this is a zombie story. By the middle of the book the reader still does not know that but gets some hints that nothing is really what it should be.
However what the story lacked. The characters gave way to the plot. Their development, I think is left to as an evolving sub plot in what I figure is a series of books. This did not really go down that well for me but that said, the plot is strong. I did not love it neither did I wish to get to the end and be done with the story. Although I could put the book down without losing sleep I was never reluctant to pick it up again.
But hey, read it for yourself and make up your own mind.
WaAr
June 2, 2012
I received a free copy of this for review.
There was just enough of this story to make me want to read more. This is a super short read but very intriguing. Samuel Horn is an agent to the stars and has just retired when he find himself in the middle of a bank robbery. After talking the robbers into turning himself in he finds himself offered a new job.
Samuel Horn is a likeable character and the story definitely keeps your attention. However it feels like the first chapter in a much longer novel, which I would very much love to read.
If you enjoy short stories you should give this one a try. I can't wait for the next installment to see where this is going.
There was just enough of this story to make me want to read more. This is a super short read but very intriguing. Samuel Horn is an agent to the stars and has just retired when he find himself in the middle of a bank robbery. After talking the robbers into turning himself in he finds himself offered a new job.
Samuel Horn is a likeable character and the story definitely keeps your attention. However it feels like the first chapter in a much longer novel, which I would very much love to read.
If you enjoy short stories you should give this one a try. I can't wait for the next installment to see where this is going.
October 27, 2012
Chronicles of M Nicholas Forristal
I started Reading this in a very negative frame of mind. I don’t read about super heroes and their lives. This book changed my opinion, it really was fun, and the Zombies were new not the usual over used stereotypes, no, they had personalities. This is a good book.
If you want to try something a bit different, that’s fast and funny, thrilling and well written, perhaps a dip into the life of the super hero M would be up your street.
I got this on my kindle for free, but if I’d paid for it I would have been very satisfied. Nicholas Forristal can spin a tale.
I started Reading this in a very negative frame of mind. I don’t read about super heroes and their lives. This book changed my opinion, it really was fun, and the Zombies were new not the usual over used stereotypes, no, they had personalities. This is a good book.
If you want to try something a bit different, that’s fast and funny, thrilling and well written, perhaps a dip into the life of the super hero M would be up your street.
I got this on my kindle for free, but if I’d paid for it I would have been very satisfied. Nicholas Forristal can spin a tale.
December 11, 2012
I was sent a copy of this story by the author for a review, and I really enjoyed it. I liked the way it was so different and unexpected - and very well written.
Although a quirky and offbeat novel...and fantastical in many ways...the storyteller had a wonderful way of making it believable, with many twists, turns and surprises - just great.
I don't give spoilers, but will say that this book is definitely worth reading if you like the unusual - highly recommended.
I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Although a quirky and offbeat novel...and fantastical in many ways...the storyteller had a wonderful way of making it believable, with many twists, turns and surprises - just great.
I don't give spoilers, but will say that this book is definitely worth reading if you like the unusual - highly recommended.
I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
April 27, 2016
WHAT?!?!
I had high hopes for this book. It started out so interestingly. About half way through, I thought I had skipped a part so I kept going back, rereading only to find it was so choppy that I could hardly believe it was the story I started reading. I loved the hidden basement and all its levels and descriptions but then it got murky with too many unanswered questions, especially the ending!
I had high hopes for this book. It started out so interestingly. About half way through, I thought I had skipped a part so I kept going back, rereading only to find it was so choppy that I could hardly believe it was the story I started reading. I loved the hidden basement and all its levels and descriptions but then it got murky with too many unanswered questions, especially the ending!
November 24, 2012
Could not put it down. When's the next installment, I need more. Soon. Please!
December 1, 2012
In the Chronicles of M by Nicholas Forristal we meet Samuel Horn and M.
Samuel has just retired and is making his last deposit at the bank when it is held up by bank robbers. Going from paralyzed with fear to taking control of the situation, Samuel gets everyone out safe, and catches the attention of a government agency.
He is met by a man named Thomas who is convinced that the only way Samuel was able to do what he did was that he has some latent talent that lets him control people. His hope is that Samuel will be able to control M.
M is a superhero, but he is also filled with rage and usually causes more problems/harm when he is ‘saving’ the day.
Samuel doesn’t truly believe Thomas, or M for that matter. To him M just seems like a stuck up angry brat but decides to take the job of being M’s ‘manager’ and get him out into the public eye.
But the job that Thomas has sent Samuel out to ‘observe’ M take care of turns out to be a lot more than that and he is soon pulled into M’s life, one that may get him killed.
I really liked this—I was not sure what to expect honestly, I new it was about a superhero but other than that was pretty my blank on the actual plot.
The start was a little slow for me, but mostly because I had to get into the point-of-view and first person is always hard for me. But after I got used to the POV I could not put it down!
The book is mostly in Samuel’s POV, though we do get a chapter from M, Thomas and another man that is important to the plot as well.
I loved M. He is crazy and brutal and a whole bunch of other mean words but in a dark way he is funny and a very intriguing character, even if he was not a superhero. M is flawed, mostly by his bad attitude, but that bad attitude and lack of past we know abut him lends him a mysterious and intriguing air that makes me want to read on to find out more about him.
But M was not always the way he is now, we learn that pretty much at the beginning on the book, but we do not learn until the ending what happened to make him the way he is now.
The only problem that I really had with this book was that it ended! I got to the last page, read it and went to scroll down for more and was like what?! No!
We are left with a pretty big cliffhanger of finally finding out what made M how he is today and then—FIN! No more book. Okay, so from a reader stand point—the ending was horrible because I want more. But from a reviewer stand point I have to give the author KUDOS for the ending; it definitely leaves a reader wanting the second book as soon as possible!
Altogether the Chronicles of M is a fast paced paranormal/fantasy novel filled with dark humor that captures your attention and does not let go until the last page.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a little out of the ordinary (mostly because of the dark humor) but great read!
*I received a hardcover/paperback/eBook copy/ARC of this book for free to review from the author/publisher; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.
Samuel has just retired and is making his last deposit at the bank when it is held up by bank robbers. Going from paralyzed with fear to taking control of the situation, Samuel gets everyone out safe, and catches the attention of a government agency.
He is met by a man named Thomas who is convinced that the only way Samuel was able to do what he did was that he has some latent talent that lets him control people. His hope is that Samuel will be able to control M.
M is a superhero, but he is also filled with rage and usually causes more problems/harm when he is ‘saving’ the day.
Samuel doesn’t truly believe Thomas, or M for that matter. To him M just seems like a stuck up angry brat but decides to take the job of being M’s ‘manager’ and get him out into the public eye.
But the job that Thomas has sent Samuel out to ‘observe’ M take care of turns out to be a lot more than that and he is soon pulled into M’s life, one that may get him killed.
I really liked this—I was not sure what to expect honestly, I new it was about a superhero but other than that was pretty my blank on the actual plot.
The start was a little slow for me, but mostly because I had to get into the point-of-view and first person is always hard for me. But after I got used to the POV I could not put it down!
The book is mostly in Samuel’s POV, though we do get a chapter from M, Thomas and another man that is important to the plot as well.
I loved M. He is crazy and brutal and a whole bunch of other mean words but in a dark way he is funny and a very intriguing character, even if he was not a superhero. M is flawed, mostly by his bad attitude, but that bad attitude and lack of past we know abut him lends him a mysterious and intriguing air that makes me want to read on to find out more about him.
But M was not always the way he is now, we learn that pretty much at the beginning on the book, but we do not learn until the ending what happened to make him the way he is now.
The only problem that I really had with this book was that it ended! I got to the last page, read it and went to scroll down for more and was like what?! No!
We are left with a pretty big cliffhanger of finally finding out what made M how he is today and then—FIN! No more book. Okay, so from a reader stand point—the ending was horrible because I want more. But from a reviewer stand point I have to give the author KUDOS for the ending; it definitely leaves a reader wanting the second book as soon as possible!
Altogether the Chronicles of M is a fast paced paranormal/fantasy novel filled with dark humor that captures your attention and does not let go until the last page.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a little out of the ordinary (mostly because of the dark humor) but great read!
*I received a hardcover/paperback/eBook copy/ARC of this book for free to review from the author/publisher; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.
February 22, 2013
Book description
'Samuel is a retired Hollywood Agent who is offered a unique opportunity - join an ex-governmental agency who's tasked with handling an unconventional and unpredictable maniac named "M" as he battles the paranormal.
Their first task is to investigate the strange murder in a small town where nothing is what it seems.'
Now before I buy a book, I always check out a few reviews first. Although they seemed positive, I wasn't excited about reading this book. A book told from the point of view of an old retired man with zombies, demons and superheroes…yes it does sound odd. But I was very wrong, I loved it.
Good Points
-A great new take on zombies. They are a lot more then usual brain-dead and brain hungry type.
-M is a crazy bad-ass with an even worse attitude. At first I found him intriguing (why does he act like that?), then he was just dam annoying (why the hell does he act like that?!) but when N’s history is finally revealed, I loved the character (aahh that’s why he does that).
- Nearly every character has a great back story and it is often quite an unexpected one.
-With plenty of black humor, swear words and violence this is one for the adults but one I can highly recommend.
I have trawled through loads of cheap e-books and because of the price…you don’t really mind if they are a bit crappy. This isn't. It’s 77p but I would pay more for it and I can’t wait to read the rest in the trilogy.
Negative Points
-Like I said before…before N’s history is revealed right at the end and there may be pages were you want to kill him yourself!
-Giant cliff-hanger!!! OK this isn't a negative point lol I just have to get the next book!
*Cough cough* OK, I confess…I can’t think of any real negative points. I really like this book :)
Overall
If you are looking for a dark quirky read with lots of twists and unusual characters, give this a try. 4.5 stars out of 5.
http://thebookandblanket.blogspot.co.uk/
'Samuel is a retired Hollywood Agent who is offered a unique opportunity - join an ex-governmental agency who's tasked with handling an unconventional and unpredictable maniac named "M" as he battles the paranormal.
Their first task is to investigate the strange murder in a small town where nothing is what it seems.'
Now before I buy a book, I always check out a few reviews first. Although they seemed positive, I wasn't excited about reading this book. A book told from the point of view of an old retired man with zombies, demons and superheroes…yes it does sound odd. But I was very wrong, I loved it.
Good Points
-A great new take on zombies. They are a lot more then usual brain-dead and brain hungry type.
-M is a crazy bad-ass with an even worse attitude. At first I found him intriguing (why does he act like that?), then he was just dam annoying (why the hell does he act like that?!) but when N’s history is finally revealed, I loved the character (aahh that’s why he does that).
- Nearly every character has a great back story and it is often quite an unexpected one.
-With plenty of black humor, swear words and violence this is one for the adults but one I can highly recommend.
I have trawled through loads of cheap e-books and because of the price…you don’t really mind if they are a bit crappy. This isn't. It’s 77p but I would pay more for it and I can’t wait to read the rest in the trilogy.
Negative Points
-Like I said before…before N’s history is revealed right at the end and there may be pages were you want to kill him yourself!
-Giant cliff-hanger!!! OK this isn't a negative point lol I just have to get the next book!
*Cough cough* OK, I confess…I can’t think of any real negative points. I really like this book :)
Overall
If you are looking for a dark quirky read with lots of twists and unusual characters, give this a try. 4.5 stars out of 5.
http://thebookandblanket.blogspot.co.uk/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2012
Chronicles of M
Another reviewer has referred to this as a short story, but at 56,000 words it’s a very respectable novel. (Short stories are anything from a couple of thousand words to 10,000 or so and novellas generally come in at around 40,000.)
It’s this author’s debut novel and a very convincing, accomplished one. It’s a multi-genre story, touching sci-fi, fantasy, horror (light), mystery and paranormal. And I love it. Yes, I edited it, but I don’t feel motivated to write 5-star reviews for everything I work on.
Our somewhat unlikely hero is 50-year-old, recently retired publicity agent Samuel Horn. He’s looking forward to a quiet life but events conspire against that, starting with him caught in a bank raid, a dangerous situation that he defuses. Then the mysterious Thomas contacts him and offers him the job of working for M, who strikes Samuel as an obnoxious, anti-social psychopath. But there’s more than meets the eye and as he gets drawn into M’s world, Samuel gradually understands what’s gone on in his life. He bumps into zombies on the way and learns about the existence of demons and other supernaturals and generally has his eyes opened very wide.
It’s a gritty, gripping, very unique story. We get to see events from several viewpoints, and this is something Nicholas Forristal handles really well. There is nothing predictable in this novel and once you’ve started it, it’s hard to stop, not only because of the pace, but also because you begin to form your own suspicions of what’s going on and want to see if you’re right or not.
If you like something fresh and slightly challenging, in that this isn’t a smooth, cozy mystery, for your reading material, then this is one for you.
Another reviewer has referred to this as a short story, but at 56,000 words it’s a very respectable novel. (Short stories are anything from a couple of thousand words to 10,000 or so and novellas generally come in at around 40,000.)
It’s this author’s debut novel and a very convincing, accomplished one. It’s a multi-genre story, touching sci-fi, fantasy, horror (light), mystery and paranormal. And I love it. Yes, I edited it, but I don’t feel motivated to write 5-star reviews for everything I work on.
Our somewhat unlikely hero is 50-year-old, recently retired publicity agent Samuel Horn. He’s looking forward to a quiet life but events conspire against that, starting with him caught in a bank raid, a dangerous situation that he defuses. Then the mysterious Thomas contacts him and offers him the job of working for M, who strikes Samuel as an obnoxious, anti-social psychopath. But there’s more than meets the eye and as he gets drawn into M’s world, Samuel gradually understands what’s gone on in his life. He bumps into zombies on the way and learns about the existence of demons and other supernaturals and generally has his eyes opened very wide.
It’s a gritty, gripping, very unique story. We get to see events from several viewpoints, and this is something Nicholas Forristal handles really well. There is nothing predictable in this novel and once you’ve started it, it’s hard to stop, not only because of the pace, but also because you begin to form your own suspicions of what’s going on and want to see if you’re right or not.
If you like something fresh and slightly challenging, in that this isn’t a smooth, cozy mystery, for your reading material, then this is one for you.
December 25, 2012
This book was such a surprising read, and so much fun. Samuel is a new hire, tasked with a mandate to persuade his new obnoxious client to channel his all-consuming anger and high-handed arrogance in less destructive ways. Sam’s job is to encourage his client to behave better by utilizing his own formidable negotiation skills.
While the main story is told mostly from Samuel’s perspective, there are also several chapters given over to other voices as characters step forward with their own tales; providing background and color to the events currently transpiring. These clever sidebars help fill in some holes and add pizzazz to the amazing back story.
Like peeling layers of an onion, as the main story progresses, additional connections are revealed and motivations brought under scrutiny, until finally, the enigmatic and difficult client becomes slightly less mysterious, a little better understood.
Some questions are answered but others arise in their wake. The reader is challenged on multiple occasions to re-evaluate certain stale ideas and preconceptions; to think differently, if you will. It is such a unique story; action-packed with a bit of mystery, and a lot of profanity. By turns humorous, scary, and odd, this atypical story is never predictable.
It kept my full attention and compelled my eagerness to discover what the next page would bring. I love the premise and, the execution, flow and dialogue make this a delightfully quirky reading experience. I am looking forward to the next installment as this winning cast of characters continues their adventures, and the world in which they reside gets ever more complex.
I borrowed this book, in kindle format, through the Amazon Prime Lending Library.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
While the main story is told mostly from Samuel’s perspective, there are also several chapters given over to other voices as characters step forward with their own tales; providing background and color to the events currently transpiring. These clever sidebars help fill in some holes and add pizzazz to the amazing back story.
Like peeling layers of an onion, as the main story progresses, additional connections are revealed and motivations brought under scrutiny, until finally, the enigmatic and difficult client becomes slightly less mysterious, a little better understood.
Some questions are answered but others arise in their wake. The reader is challenged on multiple occasions to re-evaluate certain stale ideas and preconceptions; to think differently, if you will. It is such a unique story; action-packed with a bit of mystery, and a lot of profanity. By turns humorous, scary, and odd, this atypical story is never predictable.
It kept my full attention and compelled my eagerness to discover what the next page would bring. I love the premise and, the execution, flow and dialogue make this a delightfully quirky reading experience. I am looking forward to the next installment as this winning cast of characters continues their adventures, and the world in which they reside gets ever more complex.
I borrowed this book, in kindle format, through the Amazon Prime Lending Library.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
February 19, 2013
Wow!........ Brilliant story. Nicholas Forristal has created a masterpiece in the Chronicles of M.
A story that will run and run.
It's the day after you've retired. You've been working hard for 30 years. Putting up with primadonnas, egotistical celebrities but it's all over. You can settle down for a quiet life.
And then .......... BOOM!
You're caught up in bank robbery, which you somehow foil.
You meet a mysterious man named Thomas, who tells you that you have an amazing power of persuasion.
He wants you to work with him and his partner.
Then ..... he introduces you to M.
A superhero like no other.
This is exactly what happens to Samuel Horn. A retired agent for celebrities.
Just when you think that dealing with M, think Rorschach with attitude, is a tough deal, throw in mutilated bodies, Zombies and a demon .............. and you've got one hell of a read.
Strap in, sit tight as you go for an amazing journey with Samuel, Thomas ...... and M .... as your guides.
I can't wait to read Book 2 .... and Book 3 is almost ready too according to Nicholas on Twitter.
I feel it won't be long before we see M on the silverscreen.
A story that will run and run.
It's the day after you've retired. You've been working hard for 30 years. Putting up with primadonnas, egotistical celebrities but it's all over. You can settle down for a quiet life.
And then .......... BOOM!
You're caught up in bank robbery, which you somehow foil.
You meet a mysterious man named Thomas, who tells you that you have an amazing power of persuasion.
He wants you to work with him and his partner.
Then ..... he introduces you to M.
A superhero like no other.
This is exactly what happens to Samuel Horn. A retired agent for celebrities.
Just when you think that dealing with M, think Rorschach with attitude, is a tough deal, throw in mutilated bodies, Zombies and a demon .............. and you've got one hell of a read.
Strap in, sit tight as you go for an amazing journey with Samuel, Thomas ...... and M .... as your guides.
I can't wait to read Book 2 .... and Book 3 is almost ready too according to Nicholas on Twitter.
I feel it won't be long before we see M on the silverscreen.
November 20, 2012
I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting into when I started reading, and that was part of the fun. Chronicles of M is from the point of view of Samuel, a 50 year old agent who is retiring after too many years of dealing with spoiled celebrities. Samuel just wants a peaceful retirement but, because of a special talent he has, he ends up being recruited to handle the temperamental M. I enjoyed Samuel's commentary and observations. He is just a regular guy getting mixed up in the the supernatural world he had no idea existed. There are a couple of bonus chapters from the POV of other characters that gives us some of their back story. They were fun because the tone is so different, depending on the character. For example, M's chapter has swearing in at least every other sentence, because that's the way he talks. I enjoyed the writing and the hints dropped along the way made me want to keep reading to find out where the story was going. I definitely want to read the next book.
April 25, 2016
It's hard to have faith in a book when you begin reading and there are three to four editing issues on each page. Missing words, missing punctuation; ugh I wanted to quit. But the writing suckered me in.
Chronicles of M is the beginning of a long story arch. I knew this going in, and it felt like I was watching Star Wars I - you know there is more to the story, so you settle in to learn that story from the beginning. I found the premise to be intriguing. I liked the main character, Samuel, because he has nothing to lose and knows it. And this world that Samuel is living in is quite interesting.
But those editing issues - GAH! What a nightmare. If you can get past those, you can enjoy this book. Now to download Book 2...
Chronicles of M is the beginning of a long story arch. I knew this going in, and it felt like I was watching Star Wars I - you know there is more to the story, so you settle in to learn that story from the beginning. I found the premise to be intriguing. I liked the main character, Samuel, because he has nothing to lose and knows it. And this world that Samuel is living in is quite interesting.
But those editing issues - GAH! What a nightmare. If you can get past those, you can enjoy this book. Now to download Book 2...
June 16, 2013
An interesting tale though a little rough around the edges. A zombie which evolved to be more human than monster I found a distraction from the tale. I would have preferred that the story had centered more on M. Yes I know this was from Samuel's telling the story of how he comes to work as M's minder so to speak. This is still a great read though short. One which you could read a lot quicker than I did as I find little time to read these days. I suppose this is another reason that I didn't get carried away as much with this book as I like. Still this is a good read for those of you who enjoy a different take on the usual superhero, monster, zombie type of thing.
October 30, 2012
This had everything...zombies...demons... Magic spells...invincible M, what a character! It barreled over me like a steamroller. I never knew what was going to happen next. That doesn't happen very ofern believe me! I like being surprised by a story, not having a cookie cutter plot. This was one heck of a wild ride and I'm glad I put on my seat belt before I reading.
Thers so much going on here it was a task to keep up, but it was fun and scarey at the same time. Just the ticket for this time,of year! I hope there is more....?
Scrambled brain and all!
Thers so much going on here it was a task to keep up, but it was fun and scarey at the same time. Just the ticket for this time,of year! I hope there is more....?
Scrambled brain and all!
June 15, 2013
Chronicles of M is a fun read and very intriguing. Samuel Horn is an agent to the stars. He has just retired when he finds himself in the middle of a bank robbery after he talks the robbers into turning themselves into the police he is offered a new job. He meets Thomas a mysterious man who believes M has some amazing powers of persusion . Throw in Zombies , a dmon and multilated bodies and you have one fantastic read. I look forward to reading more books by Nicholas Ferristal
October 17, 2014
Good read
This is the first book of this type that I have read. it was fast paced, and it was very hard to put down.
This is the first book of this type that I have read. it was fast paced, and it was very hard to put down.
January 24, 2023
The set up for further books, lots of potential but I'm not convinced i want to bother to find out more as I really wasnt engaged by the writing or the characters.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews