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The small town of Elliot Lake will never be the same again.

Caught in a sudden thunderstorm, Zoe, a high school senior from Elliot Lake, and five of her friends take shelter in an abandoned uranium mine. Over the next few days, Zoe’s hearing sharpens drastically, beyond what any normal human being can detect. She tells her friends, only to learn that four others have an increased sense as well. Only Kieran, the new boy from Scotland, isn’t affected.

Fashioning themselves into superheroes, the group tries to stop the strange occurrences happening in their little town. Muggings, break-ins, disappearances, and murder begin to hit too close to home. It leads the team to think someone knows about their secret – someone who wants them all dead.

An incredulous group of heroes. A traitor in the midst. Some dreams are written in blood.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2014

171 people are currently reading
896 people want to read

About the author

W.J. May

235 books1,185 followers
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.

Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ).

After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.

She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.

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5 stars
171 (31%)
4 stars
145 (26%)
3 stars
150 (27%)
2 stars
63 (11%)
1 star
20 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for J. Nicole.
171 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2014
Radium Halos is a different kind of superhero story, but it is definitely just as enjoyable as all of your favorites. Maybe the whole group of friends being accidentally exposed to a strange matter that gives them super abilities plot isn't exactly new, but the way that May tells it keeps the story fresh and exciting.

I loved that the abilities were derived from the senses, as it seems more likely to actually happen. Amplifying what is already present makes a lot more sense than powers just being developed out of thin air. Having the group learn more about their powers and slowly come to realize how they can push themselves really added to the pacing of the novel.

Besides, who doesn't love a good Origins story?

The characters of Radium Halos are excellent as they all have their unique personalities. Both Zoe and Brett proved to be interesting narrators that were able to keep the attention of the reader. They managed to have different voices that still transitioned smoothly. Kieran is a perfectly mysterious character. It's hard not to make some predictions about him, just as it's difficult to determine a solid opinion of the guy. I'd love to learn more about Rylee, Heidi and Seth in the future.

Radium Halos has moments that will make you laugh and even more moments that will keep you at the edge of your seat, waiting to find out what will happen next. From the very beginning, readers are drawn into the story of these six teens, all the way to the sharp cliff of an ending. I enjoyed reading Radium Halos and cannot wait until the release of part two.
Profile Image for Jada Ryker.
Author 29 books51 followers
August 10, 2014
Young Adult Superhero Story (Ends on a Cliffhanger)

Zoe is a senior in high school. She and her group of five friends are having fun at the school bonfire, held at a long-closed uranium mine.

When a freak storm hits, Zoe, Brent, Heidi, and Rylee decide to take refuge in the abandoned mine. Seth and a new guy from Scotland, Kieran, do their best to scare the others in the creepy tunnels.

Getting lost, attacked by rabid animals, or drowning are the least of their worries.

Brilliant author W. J. May's Radium Halos Part One is an excellent young adult superhero story. The characters were well defined, and the story is interesting and moves along at a great pace. It does end on a cliffhanger, but thank goodness Part Two is available.
Profile Image for Brenda Demko.
269 reviews61 followers
March 5, 2014
I read part one which is FREE!!! It was a very short story which gives us just enough of a taste to make us hunger for part two.

Six teens get caught in a storm and take refuge in a cave. Some super freaky things happen as a result.

I won't say what happens just that the kids receive more than they bargained for and leave the cave with more than they went in with.

It is Free so try it for yourself and see why I liked it so much.

I'm eager for part two. This series is going to be great!
Profile Image for Auntie K.
42 reviews41 followers
August 16, 2015
Title: Radium Halos

Author: WJ May

Publisher: Dark Shadows Publishing

Published Date: March 1 2014

Pages: 154

Summary: Everyone needs to be a hero at one point in their life.

The small town of Elliot Lake will never be the same again after Zoe, a high school senior from Elliot Lake, and five of her friends take shelter in an abandoned uranium mine during a violent thunderstorm. Over the next few days, Zoe’s hearing sharpens drastically… to supernatural levels. She tells her friends, only to learn that four others have an increased sense as well. Zoe is determined to use her new power for good, while trying to keep her growing feelings for Kieran, the new Scottish boy from their group, under control.

Fashioning themselves into superheroes, the group tries to stop the strange occurrences happening in their little town. Muggings, break-ins, disappearances, and murder begin to hit too close to home. It leads the team to think someone knows about their secret – someone who wants them all dead.

An incredulous group of heroes. A traitor in the midst. Some dreams are written in blood.

Join Zoe in this free paranormal suspense book. It is part one of the Senseless Series dealing with supernatural powers and first love. With it's comic book appeal, you can't help but try to figure out who the murderer is.

Sometimes following your heart and following your gut don't always give you the answer you want.

About The Author: Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy. The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life. At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more. But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time. Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ). After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off. Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - is available now, along with Dark Nebula - the second book in the series. She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.

Main Character(s):
Zoe, Seth, Brent, Kieran, Rylee, Heidi

Favorite Character:
All- because they have more guts to deal with what has happened. If it were me I'd be freaking out.

Least Favorite Character:
Rylee- she's more worried about herself than others.

Book Crush:
All the guys. Brent because he's the gentleman, Seth because he's the funny one and Kieran because he's mysterious and had an accent.

Relate to Character:
None

Rate:  5
800 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2014
Very interesting

I can totally get into this series. Love the idea of powers that enhance their lives. Totally awesome. Friends this close are blending their abilities to become a team of supernatural heroes. Keep writing W.J. May. Loving it.
Profile Image for Kaitie.
28 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2015
Pleasantly surprised. I didn't have such high hopes when I read the synopsis, but figured I'd give it a go. Although it was short, it packed a decent punch, at least enough to make me want to read part two. Not as silly as I thought it may be.
452 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2015
Really good fun book for young adults! I can't wait to see where this series goes! High School kids get trapped in a mine during an awful storm! After being rescued, their lives change when they find out all but one of them have supernatural powers!
Profile Image for Gemma Lewis.
11 reviews
September 13, 2014
The story was just developing nicely then it ended on a cliffhanger.. Hopefully book 2 won't be so short.
2,866 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2022
A well-orchestrated, superhero mutation story. Zoe and her friends get trapped in an abandoned uranium mine during a thunderstorm. Freaky situations ensue. The next day, five of the six trapped high school seniors begin manifesting superhero abilities. Soon, they recognize they have a responsibility to use these powers for the greater good. Through a collection of bizarre experiences, they begin developing into a team.

This story details the early stages of the mutations as the group of kids struggle to live with their changes. The whole process is well thought out. The teen attitudes of invincibility come front and center as they challenge each other to outlandish events. Overall, a fun read.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Stacy.
915 reviews17 followers
August 13, 2017
I have this categorized as a short story, but it's more like the start of a book than a standalone short story. I remember when Stephen King released Green Mile as a 6 part story and it irritated me. I have the same feeling about it today...let me buy a single book, or release a standalone prequel or side story that will draw me into the story, but don't chop off a book.

I would read part 2, but not unless reviews include mentions of "great ending" or "nice closure" - I want to know that there is an actual end before I invest more time.
Profile Image for Charles Daniel.
581 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2020
One third of this e-book is advertisements for other works.

I would have rated the book higher, if so much of it weren't ads. The characters are interesting and what plot exposition there is; is well done, but there is not enough book to qualify as a novella. I'm not impressed enough to pay for any future short stories disguised as novels.
Profile Image for Bigbear Woolliscroft.
351 reviews
October 13, 2017
Some kids get trapped in a lightning storm in a radioactive mine and start to develop superpowers. IF you like marvel stories or X-men, you might want to find out, what happens next. I was less than enthused.
Profile Image for Zahra.
76 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2018
Interesting build up to a series. Looking forward to the rest. Just little typos here and there as with a few of the other series of WJ that I’ve read so far but I think the storyline and delivery makes up for it.
Profile Image for Brittany Goodman.
919 reviews127 followers
December 12, 2018
Good start

This was shorter than I first thought it would be. Kind of episodic. There is some strong lsnguage otherwise nothing objectionable. Just not complete. Feels like a tv episode may be. Stopped at 59% of the book with the rest being excerpts.
408 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2019
Interesting idea

I did not like the changing POV’s, but the plot is really cool and I like the idea of it, unfortunately I didn’t get the full book for whatever reason so that’s disappointing but I’ll deathly be checking it out sometime in the future
Profile Image for Andrea Simon.
73 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2017
It was really well written and the storyline itself is great, but it feels like this first part was too short and there was almost no conflict.
Profile Image for Jeannie.
1,022 reviews30 followers
December 13, 2018
The story cut off so I felt it wasn’t a complete story.
Profile Image for CheyAnn Robin ·ᴥ· .
131 reviews65 followers
June 16, 2019
All I'm going to say for this book:

❌spoiler alert❌:
I want to warm people of the content in the book first
⭕ There's a lot of cussing.

⭕ And a lady gets raped in the book to.
Profile Image for Mandy Sawyer.
4,999 reviews41 followers
January 10, 2021
I’m so looking forward to the next book. This storyline is very unique. With good characters and a brilliant storyline it’s one I’m going to love. Good performance from Joette.
Profile Image for Becky.
41 reviews
August 28, 2023
Good first bit of the story but once you take out the sample at the end it's only 67 pages long.
Profile Image for Jagadeeshwari.
117 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2017
The plot was kinda ok. The characters were pretty good. It just felt like a short story. It was sooo small. And the end as unfavourable,too
Profile Image for Joan.
400 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2015
YA Mystery Novel

Zoe is a senior in high school and she and her group of five friends, Brent, Heidi, Rylee and Seth plus a new guy from Scotland, Kieran, are having fun at the school bonfire. A freak storm hits and the teenagers decide to take refuge in a long-closed uranium mine. It has warning signs that it was a uranium mine and has a barrier, but the teenagers don’t want to get any wetter, so the boys manage to get in. It is cold and the only light they have is from a cell phone and Seth and a new guy from Scotland, Kieran, do their best to scare the others in the creepy tunnels. Because of the intensity of the storm, there is like a creek running through it and finally they find a dry chamber, which they hole up in.

During the storm, a huge tree falls across the entrance and they can no longer get out. Eventually Zoe is able to get her cell phone to work and she calls her father who is a doctor. The doctor rousts out firemen, one of whom is a father of one of the boys, and eventually with machinery, they are able to get the tree moved and the kids out. While they were still inside, they noticed that they all looked very white and sort of sparkled. Zoe’s father is worried about whether they have been contaminated and takes a blood sample from Zoe. Immediately Zoe realizes that her hearing is extremely acute, one of the other teens can see through walls, and each teen seems to have a faculty that is way beyond normal, except for Kieran.

The teens decide that since they have these super powers, they should use them to benefit others and the plot moves on while they experiment. This book ends with a cliffhanger for the second book in the series. This is a simple story, but a good one for young adult superheros. The story has some new ideas and moves along at a good pace.
I was given a complimentary copy of the e-book for an honest review.



Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,799 reviews29 followers
August 9, 2015
What would you do if you were a normal high school student, getting ready to enter your Sr. year of High School and you went to the end of the summer fling with all the others? What would you do if you were out by a lake, there was an old, closed and abandoned Uranium mine there when a storm hits? Do you run the 1 KM to your car, or do you run to the boarded up entrance of the mine? That's what Brent, Rylee, Hailey, Set, Kieran, and Zoe do. They seek shelter in the mine. When the storm gets worse, blows down a tree, preventing their escape from the mine, the group goes further in, finding an odd room where they can watch the storm. What happens when they're in that room? What happens as the storm gets worse, blowing off the dome that covers the room for them to watch the storm in safety? When they're trapped inside the room, with no way out, what happens? How do they get out? What happens the next day, how do their lives change? These are all very important questions to figure out the answers to. I'm hoping for more information in Part 2 of Radium Halos.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
Profile Image for Melissa.
652 reviews18 followers
September 11, 2015
Awesome Beginning to a YA Superhero Series
This is book #1 in The Senseless Series and is totally captivating and intriguing, I loved it from cover to cover. It was short and I wasn't ready for it to end when it finally did. I absolutely got into the premise of the teens and how the acquired these powers. The characters are all very interesting and each has their own unique personality and really adds their own special something to the story. I can't wait to learn more about them especially the new and mysterious Kieran who somehow didn't get any powers, which makes me pretty suspicious of him. There is a cliffy ending and I can't wait to read more of this series. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review and I loved it so much that I went to purchase it, and was surprised to find that as of the writing of this review it is currently free on Amazon. I also found that books two and three are currently available for cheap so I will be diving in asap!
Profile Image for Jamie.
329 reviews48 followers
April 29, 2014
Radium Halos is a short and sweet read. It left me wanting more from this story and the characters.

Zoe and her friends take cover in an old mine when a sudden thunderstorm hits. The next day they each realize that they have some kind of supernatural sense. Each one is different from the others. The only one who did not receive any kind of supernatural sense is the new guy Kieran. They all decide for now that they are going to keep this all between them and not tell anyone else. They want to learn and develop their new senses more.

Since this is a short book we only get a glimpse of what is to come. I liked the characters and the plot is interesting. It is just starting to develop. I'm excited to read more and see what the author does with this story. This e-book was provided to me by the author for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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