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Transitional Delusions #1
Shadow Out of the Sky
An evil entity invades and terrorizes a small town by possessing children, forcing their hands to kill and slaughter each and every adult, while a small group fight to survive in this apocalyptic tale.
The entity's plan is to shove the human race into extinction so a new world can Shift forward, a new world designed by four demons called The Reckoning that flying inside their own transparent spheres.
*
A scarecrow crucified on a wooden cross made from a pair of two-by-fours sits in a field of corn, placed there to frighten away birds and protect the crops. Under its straw hat large buttons pose as its eyes, placed there by child’s fingers, view something sinister in the grave sky, appearing in front of the full moon.
Twisting, it forms into a sleek black mass, peering down upon the town of Woodbury. Four demons called The Reckoning has pulled this shadow, this urban legend from the past, out of an unmarked grave to bring terror across the planet, shoving it toward an apocalypse.
Now it cuts through the air, as if it were opening wounds in flesh, peering down at the first house that it hovers over...
The entity's plan is to shove the human race into extinction so a new world can Shift forward, a new world designed by four demons called The Reckoning that flying inside their own transparent spheres.
*
A scarecrow crucified on a wooden cross made from a pair of two-by-fours sits in a field of corn, placed there to frighten away birds and protect the crops. Under its straw hat large buttons pose as its eyes, placed there by child’s fingers, view something sinister in the grave sky, appearing in front of the full moon.
Twisting, it forms into a sleek black mass, peering down upon the town of Woodbury. Four demons called The Reckoning has pulled this shadow, this urban legend from the past, out of an unmarked grave to bring terror across the planet, shoving it toward an apocalypse.
Now it cuts through the air, as if it were opening wounds in flesh, peering down at the first house that it hovers over...
- GenresHorror
254 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2014
457 people want to read
About the author
Brick Marlin
25 books148 followersAt an early age Brick Marlin was exposed to horror and science fiction. He soon became an avid reader and enjoyed stories written by Edgar Allen Poe and W. W. Jacobs. His other favorite tales were written by Stephen King, Clive Barker, Ray Bradbury, J. B. Stamper—which he still to this day recollects her terrifying tale “The Furry Collar”—Kurt Vonnegut, Dean Koontz, Charles Dickens, Harper Lee, H.G. Wells, etc. Not long after did he decide to write horror, sci-fi and dark fantasy he began scaring readers such as his parents, his friends, a handful of neighbors, and even leaving a few school teachers scratching their heads wondering if the boy should be committed or not. His very first book was written when he was 9—a mere 100 words, if that, written on index cards and bound together with yarn—which was a follow-up to the movie Rikki Tikki Tavi. From then on short story ideas continued to visit. A book idea or two sometimes stopped by for a sit. And gathering the craft of world building and characterization by posing as a Dungeon Master while playing hours and hours of the game Dungeons and Dragons fed his need. When 2007 arrived he decided to pursue writing professionally and was able to have The Darkened Image published. Brick Marlin is a member of the Horror Writers Association and has published 11 novels, over 25 short stories, including a few which has shown up in anthologies such as Dystopian Express released by Hydra Publications.
Nowadays Brick Marlin loves to cast himself as an introvert when writing, staving off the outside world by hiding out in his office. The only thing which sometimes break the invisible force field is the dreaded literary gremlin and its miserable clan of misfits. If you see one, you know there’s more around. Much like that cockroach you notice when you open the kitchen draw of utensils and find out that cockroach has just birthed cockroach babies.
And the best thing to do in those circumstances are to feed the literary creatures Extra Sour Apple-Flavored Fizzle, Pop & Explode Candies Extreme Fizz Series One.
Unless of course you have cockroaches. Then you’ll need an exterminator.
Nowadays Brick Marlin loves to cast himself as an introvert when writing, staving off the outside world by hiding out in his office. The only thing which sometimes break the invisible force field is the dreaded literary gremlin and its miserable clan of misfits. If you see one, you know there’s more around. Much like that cockroach you notice when you open the kitchen draw of utensils and find out that cockroach has just birthed cockroach babies.
And the best thing to do in those circumstances are to feed the literary creatures Extra Sour Apple-Flavored Fizzle, Pop & Explode Candies Extreme Fizz Series One.
Unless of course you have cockroaches. Then you’ll need an exterminator.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 27, 2015
A modern version of the story about the Pied Piper. The rat catcher.
It takes place in our day, but occasionally reverts to the past to give some back history.
This is a new author and I am surprised at how blown away I was with this book. Very well written, page one to the end - non-stop action. Has lots of gore which was perfect for my Halloween! I hope to read book 2 when it becomes available.
Really great book! Horror lovers will go "goo-goo for ga-ga"!
I won this book from Goodreads, a big thank you to the author for asking for my opinion!
It takes place in our day, but occasionally reverts to the past to give some back history.
This is a new author and I am surprised at how blown away I was with this book. Very well written, page one to the end - non-stop action. Has lots of gore which was perfect for my Halloween! I hope to read book 2 when it becomes available.
Really great book! Horror lovers will go "goo-goo for ga-ga"!
I won this book from Goodreads, a big thank you to the author for asking for my opinion!
February 28, 2015
Holy Heck this is some read! A word of warning first... If you cannot stomach blood guts and gore leave the building as this has all that and more - much more.
This isn't just another old horror story. Nor is it another one of those end of the world things. It's both of those and a whole heck of a lot more. We are given the unthinkable and left to try to make sense of the whole thing as, one by one, the children become the monsters and delight in the terror and despair they create. Adults are left bewildered and shocked to their cores as they attempt to process some of the most vile imagery created in words...and those words create an image that stays burned on the mind and soul.
This has been a truly gripping read for me...it uses some fantastic word play that takes the mind spinning off into an abyss that hopefully can never exist. The use of The Book of Revelations is an incredible approach to wrap such horrendous actions and events around and it has totally worked. If it leaves a reader able to sleep easy I would be surprised - yes the concept is that horrifying. I wonder how many readers will hear the words 'want to play with me?' and be able to suppress that shudder....
I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
This isn't just another old horror story. Nor is it another one of those end of the world things. It's both of those and a whole heck of a lot more. We are given the unthinkable and left to try to make sense of the whole thing as, one by one, the children become the monsters and delight in the terror and despair they create. Adults are left bewildered and shocked to their cores as they attempt to process some of the most vile imagery created in words...and those words create an image that stays burned on the mind and soul.
This has been a truly gripping read for me...it uses some fantastic word play that takes the mind spinning off into an abyss that hopefully can never exist. The use of The Book of Revelations is an incredible approach to wrap such horrendous actions and events around and it has totally worked. If it leaves a reader able to sleep easy I would be surprised - yes the concept is that horrifying. I wonder how many readers will hear the words 'want to play with me?' and be able to suppress that shudder....
I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
April 30, 2015
I received this book to give an honest review.
So if I was to pick this book because of the cover I would probably pass it up. For the amount of gore and amazing graphic stuff written within the book this cover doesn't do the book any type of justice. With that being said I have to review and rate the book and not the cover.
We have a small town who is going on about their daily lives that is until all of a sudden the kiddos start becoming murderers. Yes I know kids killing adults what is the world coming to?
Now the book gives you different narrators and as anyone knows I am not a big fan as at times it gets confusing as to who is who. Though I have to say in this story I wasn't confused I knew which character was who and I am thinking because of not only the personalities of the characters but the names were no where near being close to each other so it was easy to tell them a part.
What has turned these kids into killers you may ask? Well that all has something to do with the revenge that has been set into the town hundreds of years ago.
We watch as the adults fight for survival from an entity not of this world.
Now all the characters come together in some sort of way, but not in a good way. The one survivor that is at the end is someone I didn't even think would be a survivor.
The way scenes were described I literally was going OMG half the time, some of the kids asking "do you want to play" reminded me of the child in Pet Cemetery. See freaky right there. Now when the kid's transform into something else entirely I was kind of like whoa! Where in the hell did that come from, but it all goes back to the history of the town. It seemed way supernatural.
I have to say I was in awe of how good this book was. This story is what I look for when I read horror. The graphic and gory scenes are amazing and had me making sure my own kiddos weren't under demon possession lol.
I really enjoyed how the author used the old story of the pied piper and had it twisted in an amazing way the plot was unique and the characters were relatable in some way.
I honestly don't know how else to write this review but say get your copy if you are into horror and gore.
May 3, 2015
First this is one of the most gruesome books I have ever read. It was horrifying. I loved each page of it. I mean one of the few things people have trouble killing is children and you make them the evil entity it was genius. It literally gave me nightmares and made me look twice at my child. I loved all the different point of views. You knew what was happening all around town. I rutted for most of the main characters. Amazing
September 28, 2015
Just imagine…Children are changing. Changing into brutal, gleeful killers.
I’ve loved horror books and movies ever since I was young. Something about being scared by fiction gave me thrills. The creepy crawlie covers always jumped out at me from the shelves and I scoured libraries and book stores for the next big scare.
This one is disturbing. Just warning those of you who are sensitive about monster children doing terrible deeds. I often wonder, especially after watching my favorite TV show The Walking Dead, if I could pull the trigger and shoot a child. Even if I know it’s not really a child anymore and it will kill me.
Not to say these kids are zombies. Oh no. They’re something else. Something dark and evil has changed them.
You’ve seen those movies where you can hear a child giggling in the dark? Such a hair raising, evil thing. These kids not only giggle, they taunt, and then they attack. Not much can stop them either.
I didn’t have much time to care about most of the characters as they didn’t last long. The ones I did connect with? A couple I could care less about, not such good people anyway. I did feel sad about some that fell under the knives of the kids.
There were some fun illustrations in the book too. I always enjoy it when the author shares their view of things.
I’d recommend this to anyone looking for some old school, edgy horror.
I received this book for my honest review.
I’ve loved horror books and movies ever since I was young. Something about being scared by fiction gave me thrills. The creepy crawlie covers always jumped out at me from the shelves and I scoured libraries and book stores for the next big scare.
This one is disturbing. Just warning those of you who are sensitive about monster children doing terrible deeds. I often wonder, especially after watching my favorite TV show The Walking Dead, if I could pull the trigger and shoot a child. Even if I know it’s not really a child anymore and it will kill me.
Not to say these kids are zombies. Oh no. They’re something else. Something dark and evil has changed them.
You’ve seen those movies where you can hear a child giggling in the dark? Such a hair raising, evil thing. These kids not only giggle, they taunt, and then they attack. Not much can stop them either.
I didn’t have much time to care about most of the characters as they didn’t last long. The ones I did connect with? A couple I could care less about, not such good people anyway. I did feel sad about some that fell under the knives of the kids.
There were some fun illustrations in the book too. I always enjoy it when the author shares their view of things.
I’d recommend this to anyone looking for some old school, edgy horror.
I received this book for my honest review.
February 17, 2015
Shadow Out of the Sky is a skin crawling horror tale reminiscent of Stephen King's work, old sci-fi novels/movies mixed in with a scary twist on the piper of Hamelin tale. There is nothing quite as scary as a child gone evil.
The horror is all there, for sure. In that aspect, it's got to be one of the scariest things I have read in my life, so full on 5 stars. However, plotwise not so much. There is a lot that needs to be worked on. The book needs a lot of editing. Not just to correct all the misspellings but to rephrase certain sentences, to make them clearer and/or more appealing and have the narrative flow better, since I felt confused and disconnected from it several times.
Very few examples compared to what I came across:
Again, not a fan of the synopsis. No idea where the scarecrow part came from. I only remember reading about something that resembled a scarecrow and it wasn't depicted as the synopsis portrays it.
Even through the bumps in the road, the fact is it was a very scary read, so I am rounding the 3.5 stars up.
I honestly think that with proper editing and some sections rewritten, this book has the potential for the full 5 stars.
I do recommend it to all horror fans and am very curious about what will come next.
Brick Marlin is one author to watch.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The horror is all there, for sure. In that aspect, it's got to be one of the scariest things I have read in my life, so full on 5 stars. However, plotwise not so much. There is a lot that needs to be worked on. The book needs a lot of editing. Not just to correct all the misspellings but to rephrase certain sentences, to make them clearer and/or more appealing and have the narrative flow better, since I felt confused and disconnected from it several times.
Very few examples compared to what I came across:
Again, not a fan of the synopsis. No idea where the scarecrow part came from. I only remember reading about something that resembled a scarecrow and it wasn't depicted as the synopsis portrays it.
Even through the bumps in the road, the fact is it was a very scary read, so I am rounding the 3.5 stars up.
I honestly think that with proper editing and some sections rewritten, this book has the potential for the full 5 stars.
I do recommend it to all horror fans and am very curious about what will come next.
Brick Marlin is one author to watch.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2015
WOW! This has got to be one of the creepiest books I have ever read!
I got a pdf of the book when Brick Marlin (great name) offered me an e-version through firstreads. Unfortunately I don't have an e-reader so I had to read the pdf on my laptop.
This was probably good since I like to read in bed. I'd have never gotten to sleep! Or, would have had nightmares for sure.
Since this pdf was probably not the finished product, there were a few typos and such, but they did not detract from the overall effect. This is one seriously, grisly, horror filled story. A wide variety of characters to root for or against; some good, some, not so much. Intertwined through the terror was a thread of ultimate justice, but this did not read as the "message" of the book.
If you like your horror graphic, grisly and nonstop, This book is for you.
You've been warned!
Thanks Mr. Marlin, great book.
Mike Siedschlag
I got a pdf of the book when Brick Marlin (great name) offered me an e-version through firstreads. Unfortunately I don't have an e-reader so I had to read the pdf on my laptop.
This was probably good since I like to read in bed. I'd have never gotten to sleep! Or, would have had nightmares for sure.
Since this pdf was probably not the finished product, there were a few typos and such, but they did not detract from the overall effect. This is one seriously, grisly, horror filled story. A wide variety of characters to root for or against; some good, some, not so much. Intertwined through the terror was a thread of ultimate justice, but this did not read as the "message" of the book.
If you like your horror graphic, grisly and nonstop, This book is for you.
You've been warned!
Thanks Mr. Marlin, great book.
Mike Siedschlag
September 5, 2016
I must admit it's been quite a long time since I read any horror story. I've been fixed on reading fantasy and post-apo recently and just forgot what simple pleasure and thrill hack & slash books can bring into your life (so good it's only in the book).
I got the book as one of the giveaway contest winners. It took me some time to get to reading it cuz it's been quite a busy season back at my work there, but when I finally took it I just couldn't put it away. The tale is gripping and pretty fast, maybe it's not actually very surprising, but the plot is smooth and fluent. I really enjoyed it.
I truly recommend it to anyone who's not afraid of gore and mutilation.
A very big thank you, Marlin!
I got the book as one of the giveaway contest winners. It took me some time to get to reading it cuz it's been quite a busy season back at my work there, but when I finally took it I just couldn't put it away. The tale is gripping and pretty fast, maybe it's not actually very surprising, but the plot is smooth and fluent. I really enjoyed it.
I truly recommend it to anyone who's not afraid of gore and mutilation.
A very big thank you, Marlin!
January 30, 2016
I was sent this book by Brick Marlin in return for a honest review.
I can say that the book isn't one I would usually buy, as the cover doesn't appeal to me.
The book started off rather good, BUT by chapter 8 I was lost and didn't know what was happening where. The story changes so much that you have too much detail to remember from chapter to chapter. Therefore I couldn't continue the story and sadly this book will be one of the few added to my DNF list.
That however doesn't mean YOU won't enjoy it. This is only my personal thoughts and feelings. Others may feel very differently.
I can say that the book isn't one I would usually buy, as the cover doesn't appeal to me.
The book started off rather good, BUT by chapter 8 I was lost and didn't know what was happening where. The story changes so much that you have too much detail to remember from chapter to chapter. Therefore I couldn't continue the story and sadly this book will be one of the few added to my DNF list.
That however doesn't mean YOU won't enjoy it. This is only my personal thoughts and feelings. Others may feel very differently.
April 5, 2013
Once again Mr. Marlin has surprised me. I don't know why every time I read one of his books I think I know what is going to happen next. WRONG!!!!! It is truly amazing to find a writer that makes you want to not put a book a down because you can't wait to see what he has waiting just around the corner. An original, new voice that has given me new nightmares to look forward to. Thank you, Brick. Now onto Raising Riley.
December 23, 2016
I was given this book by the author, in exchange for my honest review. What did I think of this book? Honestly? It was too graphic for my tastes. Yes, I do like "dark and disturbing reads" but this was a gore-fest. It was not what I was expecting. That's not to say that others won't like this. Just not me. There were also quite a few mistakes that I couldn't help being distracted by. (I hope this is an advanced review copy and they will be corrected. )
September 27, 2012
If you like your horror high proof and without a mixer I would suggest you read Shadow Out of the Sky. The book starts out with horrific images & buckets of blood and never veers away except to occasionally flesh out the characters. Fans of the macabre will appreciate!
April 21, 2016
Horror…Gore…Terror!!!
The Shadow Out of the Sky has come. The children are
morphing into killers then turning into rats. What is happening?
Vivid description, vivid characters wrapped within an incredible
tale.
This is the first book in the Transitional Delusions Series
The Shadow Out of the Sky has come. The children are
morphing into killers then turning into rats. What is happening?
Vivid description, vivid characters wrapped within an incredible
tale.
This is the first book in the Transitional Delusions Series
November 18, 2015
From beginning to the want more ending I was hooked
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews