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The Darkness: Giger, Texas
When night falls in Giger, Texas, shadows gather as they always do in dim corners and other areas bereft of light. But this time they consolidate and attack any who tread too close. Michael Warren, a twenty-four-year-old resident of Giger, finds himself at the epicenter of this horror and is stunned by the losses suffered overnight. Then the sun sets and the shadows again coalesce, growing more aggressive, the darkness eviscerating anyone it touches.
His only weapon light, Michael struggles to survive and searches frantically for his girlfriend, aiding friends along the way. When Hurricane Daniel roars ashore, wind gusts shred trees and tear down power lines, plunging all of Southeastern Texas into blackness that only feeds and strengthens the encroaching darkness. Rising floodwater provides easy thoroughfares from which the darkness can strike as Michael and his friends contend with the elements, clash with criminals, and battle their way to his residence where they will stand against the darkness and fight to survive.
His only weapon light, Michael struggles to survive and searches frantically for his girlfriend, aiding friends along the way. When Hurricane Daniel roars ashore, wind gusts shred trees and tear down power lines, plunging all of Southeastern Texas into blackness that only feeds and strengthens the encroaching darkness. Rising floodwater provides easy thoroughfares from which the darkness can strike as Michael and his friends contend with the elements, clash with criminals, and battle their way to his residence where they will stand against the darkness and fight to survive.
- GenresHorror
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
65 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Joe M. Solomon
2 books194 followersJoe Solomon earned both master’s and doctoral degrees from Rice University and is a writer, a director, an independent filmmaker, and a composer. His first novel—a supernatural thriller entitled The Darkness: Giger, Texas—reached #2 on Amazon's Best Seller list and is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook. His next novel—The Light: Houston, Texas—will release in late summer 2019. He has also completed a collection of short stories that arose from the macabre and will release next year.
An award-winning screenwriter, Joe has completed many screenplays and nine stage plays. He has also been very active in the independent film industry, directing four short films, one feature film (post production), and six music videos. His screenplays have won Best Screenplay at the Mediterranean Film Festival (Cannes, France), been Official Selections at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, been a Finalist in the American Movie Awards, won the Final Draft Screenwriters Award, won the Screenwriting Showcase Award, reached the Second Round in The Sundance Feature Film Program, and been a Finalist in the Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Competition. His music videos have won Best Music Video at the Honolulu Film Awards, the Silver Remi Award for Creative Excellence at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, won the Maple Leaf Award at the Canada International Film Festival, been an Official Selection of the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema—Milan, been an Official Selection of the Switzerland International Film Festival, won Best Director—Music Video in the Honolulu Film Awards, and been a Finalist in the American Movie Awards. They have also been Official Selections of many additional international film festivals.
For the latest news on upcoming releases and more, visit the author’s website:
www.JoeMSolomon.com
Connect Online:
Website — www.JoeMSolomon.com
Facebook — www.facebook.com/AuthorJoeMSolomon
Twitter — twitter.com/JoeMSolomon
Goodreads — www.goodreads.com/Joe_M_Solomon
An award-winning screenwriter, Joe has completed many screenplays and nine stage plays. He has also been very active in the independent film industry, directing four short films, one feature film (post production), and six music videos. His screenplays have won Best Screenplay at the Mediterranean Film Festival (Cannes, France), been Official Selections at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, been a Finalist in the American Movie Awards, won the Final Draft Screenwriters Award, won the Screenwriting Showcase Award, reached the Second Round in The Sundance Feature Film Program, and been a Finalist in the Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Competition. His music videos have won Best Music Video at the Honolulu Film Awards, the Silver Remi Award for Creative Excellence at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, won the Maple Leaf Award at the Canada International Film Festival, been an Official Selection of the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema—Milan, been an Official Selection of the Switzerland International Film Festival, won Best Director—Music Video in the Honolulu Film Awards, and been a Finalist in the American Movie Awards. They have also been Official Selections of many additional international film festivals.
For the latest news on upcoming releases and more, visit the author’s website:
www.JoeMSolomon.com
Connect Online:
Website — www.JoeMSolomon.com
Facebook — www.facebook.com/AuthorJoeMSolomon
Twitter — twitter.com/JoeMSolomon
Goodreads — www.goodreads.com/Joe_M_Solomon
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 30, 2021
What In The World Is Going On? 🤷🏽♀️
A horror thriller like none I’ve ever encountered. What in the world is happening?
This story takes place in a small Texas town, but what’s happening in Giger is also happening all over the world.
The “darkness” is killing people! Yes, that’s what I said. The dark has become an entity; an evil presence; a living mass of horror!
A group of young people are fighting back, trying to live, but the darkness is determined to kill the whole human race-animals are not in danger.
Will anyone survive this nightmare?
A horror thriller like none I’ve ever encountered. What in the world is happening?
This story takes place in a small Texas town, but what’s happening in Giger is also happening all over the world.
The “darkness” is killing people! Yes, that’s what I said. The dark has become an entity; an evil presence; a living mass of horror!
A group of young people are fighting back, trying to live, but the darkness is determined to kill the whole human race-animals are not in danger.
Will anyone survive this nightmare?
October 15, 2017
Between the great cover art and thrilling blurb, I knew this could be a good book, and it was.
It seems like an ordinary night. Well, aside from the hurricane that’s blowing in, ready to devastate everything in its path. Power will go out, leaving all in darkness. But it’s no ordinary darkness. It’s taken on a life of its own. Forms attack, killing millions. The only weapon is light. And with the storm, there won’t be any once the power grids go down.
Michael isn’t prepared. How could he be? And his girlfriend is out there somewhere. He has to find her. Save her. So he heads out into the dark. Along the way, he hooks up with some friends and strangers. None of them know what’s happening. They just know the darkness kills. What caused it? Why? They may not live to find out.
I was reading this book while tracking Hurricane Irma, watching Florida get hammered by the very conditions described in it. It sure did make my imagination run wild. The lights go out. The wind howls. Things start crashing into your house. You can’t see what’s coming. And then it starts to flood. The water rises. That’s truly scary. Even scarier is the darkness becoming corporeal. being able to touch you. To hurt and kill you.
And, as with all things human, when disaster strikes the good come together and help each other, and the bad crawl out from under their rocks to wreak havoc. As bands of survivors struggle to stay alive, to keep some form of light on to ward off the things in the dark, they also have to contend with others who want what they have.
I think the author did a good job of giving us realistic characters and came up with some twisted scenarios that were believable. It was easy to picture and made things edgy, creepy.
Definitely a book I recommend you read at night. If you aren’t afraid of the dark now, you could be once you’ve read it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
It seems like an ordinary night. Well, aside from the hurricane that’s blowing in, ready to devastate everything in its path. Power will go out, leaving all in darkness. But it’s no ordinary darkness. It’s taken on a life of its own. Forms attack, killing millions. The only weapon is light. And with the storm, there won’t be any once the power grids go down.
Michael isn’t prepared. How could he be? And his girlfriend is out there somewhere. He has to find her. Save her. So he heads out into the dark. Along the way, he hooks up with some friends and strangers. None of them know what’s happening. They just know the darkness kills. What caused it? Why? They may not live to find out.
I was reading this book while tracking Hurricane Irma, watching Florida get hammered by the very conditions described in it. It sure did make my imagination run wild. The lights go out. The wind howls. Things start crashing into your house. You can’t see what’s coming. And then it starts to flood. The water rises. That’s truly scary. Even scarier is the darkness becoming corporeal. being able to touch you. To hurt and kill you.
And, as with all things human, when disaster strikes the good come together and help each other, and the bad crawl out from under their rocks to wreak havoc. As bands of survivors struggle to stay alive, to keep some form of light on to ward off the things in the dark, they also have to contend with others who want what they have.
I think the author did a good job of giving us realistic characters and came up with some twisted scenarios that were believable. It was easy to picture and made things edgy, creepy.
Definitely a book I recommend you read at night. If you aren’t afraid of the dark now, you could be once you’ve read it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
October 15, 2017
A total scarefest! Definitely not for the squeamish. This takes place right before a hurricane is about to hit. Those of us who have dealt with a hurricane or are afraid of the dark, will experience real terror among these pages. Michael Warren and his friends have no idea why there are mass murders taking place at night, not just in Giger, Texas, but all over the world. You won't believe what they encounter. Many of you may want to sleep with the lights on after this.
We have a very plausible scenario here that switches to the viewpoint of the characters throughout. If you live in the Houston area, you can really visualize this taking place which makes it all the more terrifying. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but it was worth the ride. Seasoned horror fans will be glued to their seats as a new terror takes shape.
We have a very plausible scenario here that switches to the viewpoint of the characters throughout. If you live in the Houston area, you can really visualize this taking place which makes it all the more terrifying. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but it was worth the ride. Seasoned horror fans will be glued to their seats as a new terror takes shape.
October 4, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
First off, let me just say WOAH! The creep factor is strong in this one! When the author lists Stephen King as one of his inspirations, you can definitely tell. You can feel the horror that the characters are going through. I mean, SPOILER ALERT—EVERYBODY DIES! Ok, ok, not everybody, but pretty damn close!
A funny little side note—I told my fiance that this story reminded me of Stephen King before I even knew that the author was inspired by him!
There are a lot of characters. Most are insignificant, and many meet their doom. All of them make you feel for them. Even the tidbits of background that we get on these minor characters make their demise that much more horrific. Not only are these characters battling this strange darkness, but they are also battling each other and mother nature. A lot happens in this book, but it works. And the twist when we find out what the darkness really is—WOW!
I did have one issue. Many of the main characters are running around in a hurricane. A HURRICANE! That was just a little unbelievable to me as the winds can get very strong and streets can become rivers. Now, the author does have characters wading through rapidly rising waters, but with rapidly rising waters often comes swift currents, and none of our characters are swept away.
If life weren’t so hectic, I can guarantee you I would have finished this in a day! It is a horror novel worthy of Mr. King, and I give it 4 flashlights!
First off, let me just say WOAH! The creep factor is strong in this one! When the author lists Stephen King as one of his inspirations, you can definitely tell. You can feel the horror that the characters are going through. I mean, SPOILER ALERT—EVERYBODY DIES! Ok, ok, not everybody, but pretty damn close!
A funny little side note—I told my fiance that this story reminded me of Stephen King before I even knew that the author was inspired by him!
There are a lot of characters. Most are insignificant, and many meet their doom. All of them make you feel for them. Even the tidbits of background that we get on these minor characters make their demise that much more horrific. Not only are these characters battling this strange darkness, but they are also battling each other and mother nature. A lot happens in this book, but it works. And the twist when we find out what the darkness really is—WOW!
I did have one issue. Many of the main characters are running around in a hurricane. A HURRICANE! That was just a little unbelievable to me as the winds can get very strong and streets can become rivers. Now, the author does have characters wading through rapidly rising waters, but with rapidly rising waters often comes swift currents, and none of our characters are swept away.
If life weren’t so hectic, I can guarantee you I would have finished this in a day! It is a horror novel worthy of Mr. King, and I give it 4 flashlights!
October 25, 2017
I dont know how to review this book. In a lot of ways I felt like it was two books.
The first part of the book felt like a mess. The author introduced what felt like 20 characters; some dead fast and others lived through the book.
It also had so much sex, I felt like I was reading a porn. I get it if theres a mood to be set or a plot purpose, but this book overdid it for sure.
The second part of the book was actually pretty good. It felt like I could settle into the story with the characters and figure out what was happening. The characters and action fighting the darkness was practically a movie in my head.
The ending felt something to be desired also. It was over the top and for all we know, the darkness can rage on. I feel confused.
If I had five star chart, I would give it middle of the road 3 stars. An okay read, but not my favorite.
The first part of the book felt like a mess. The author introduced what felt like 20 characters; some dead fast and others lived through the book.
It also had so much sex, I felt like I was reading a porn. I get it if theres a mood to be set or a plot purpose, but this book overdid it for sure.
The second part of the book was actually pretty good. It felt like I could settle into the story with the characters and figure out what was happening. The characters and action fighting the darkness was practically a movie in my head.
The ending felt something to be desired also. It was over the top and for all we know, the darkness can rage on. I feel confused.
If I had five star chart, I would give it middle of the road 3 stars. An okay read, but not my favorite.
December 5, 2017
Gruesomely, edge of your seat thriller!
WOW! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. This is a definite 5 out of 5 stars book.
I have to commend the author he does an amazing job at writing a story that is thrilling, it keeps you on the edge of your seat, keeps your heart pumping and your mind constantly going trying to figure out what the "darkness" is that is killing everyone. There are so many characters in this book, and he is able to make each one dynamic and to weave each of their stories in to one cohesive storyline, without anything being lost. I also never felt any lag in the story, it was constant and fast paced. Also, this book and its characters will take you through the wringer, you will hate them, love them, fear for them, and unfortunately for most you will mourn them or mourn with them. I will also say that this book is not for the squeamish, the "darkness" really does some awful damage to the peoples bodies, they are torn, burned, and even blown up and the author will describe each gory little detail of it in great detail.
This for me was a very quick read, since I did not want to put it down, I just really just have to figure what is going on, who if anyone would survive. As I stated above the author does do a fantastic job a weaving multiple people storylines together to create one, there are some characters and their stories that I did feel did not really add anything to the book, they definitely did not take anything away from the story or weight it down any, but I felt if they were not in the story nothing would have changed.
So in conclusion, if your squeamish and tender heart I might not read this, but if you love horror filled, psychological thrillers that will keep you on your feet, then this is definitely the book for you. I will say there is a cliffhanger, by the end of the book things are not resolved, but thankfully the author in his endnotes does say there will be a part 2 coming soon, which I personally can not wait!
WOW! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. This is a definite 5 out of 5 stars book.
I have to commend the author he does an amazing job at writing a story that is thrilling, it keeps you on the edge of your seat, keeps your heart pumping and your mind constantly going trying to figure out what the "darkness" is that is killing everyone. There are so many characters in this book, and he is able to make each one dynamic and to weave each of their stories in to one cohesive storyline, without anything being lost. I also never felt any lag in the story, it was constant and fast paced. Also, this book and its characters will take you through the wringer, you will hate them, love them, fear for them, and unfortunately for most you will mourn them or mourn with them. I will also say that this book is not for the squeamish, the "darkness" really does some awful damage to the peoples bodies, they are torn, burned, and even blown up and the author will describe each gory little detail of it in great detail.
This for me was a very quick read, since I did not want to put it down, I just really just have to figure what is going on, who if anyone would survive. As I stated above the author does do a fantastic job a weaving multiple people storylines together to create one, there are some characters and their stories that I did feel did not really add anything to the book, they definitely did not take anything away from the story or weight it down any, but I felt if they were not in the story nothing would have changed.
So in conclusion, if your squeamish and tender heart I might not read this, but if you love horror filled, psychological thrillers that will keep you on your feet, then this is definitely the book for you. I will say there is a cliffhanger, by the end of the book things are not resolved, but thankfully the author in his endnotes does say there will be a part 2 coming soon, which I personally can not wait!
December 30, 2017
When I first happened upon this book I was initially intrigued by the idea of a killer darkness. The author does a great job of keeping the story interesting and making you want to continue reading. It can get pretty gruesome in the descriptive, but I think that helped to give the story character. You are never sure about a characters fate and no one is safe. But be warned, If you are looking for a happy ending, this is not the book for you.
Even with the dreary ending, I found that I thoroughly enjoyed the story with the sole exception of the stereotypical roles the characters took on and some of the demeaning commentaries made when describing characters (usually women) which were a poor execution in an otherwise interesting and unique story. The character development for those ‘important characters we the readers are introduced to is pretty spot on and I found it truthful, or as truthful as a Supernatural fictional can get, so do not expect to like every character, whether they are main characters or not. But once again, I felt like this added to the story rather than took away from it. There were a few passages that the story could have done without since they do nothing to help the story along or pertain to any of the characters introduced nor do they help with character development. Luckily, these passages were minimal and relatively short, so they can be easily overlooked
With minimal grammatical errors and a solid plot, I would rate this book a 3.5/4.
Even with the dreary ending, I found that I thoroughly enjoyed the story with the sole exception of the stereotypical roles the characters took on and some of the demeaning commentaries made when describing characters (usually women) which were a poor execution in an otherwise interesting and unique story. The character development for those ‘important characters we the readers are introduced to is pretty spot on and I found it truthful, or as truthful as a Supernatural fictional can get, so do not expect to like every character, whether they are main characters or not. But once again, I felt like this added to the story rather than took away from it. There were a few passages that the story could have done without since they do nothing to help the story along or pertain to any of the characters introduced nor do they help with character development. Luckily, these passages were minimal and relatively short, so they can be easily overlooked
With minimal grammatical errors and a solid plot, I would rate this book a 3.5/4.
October 7, 2017
This book will intensify your fear of the dark
Joe M. Solomon's novel, The Darkness: Giger, Texas was a nail biting thrill ride. Each character ripe with their own ghosts and demons as they battled the darkness among other things. This was a thrilling read which had me captivated from the spirited beginning to the heart-pounding chilling end. Fighting a gruesome enemy who takes advantage of the very thing you can't combat was hard enough, but the gang had the added pressure of a Hurricane Daniel threatening to take away their only source of weaponry light. Things get hairy. Michael Warren is a well rounded character you can't help but root for as he struggles with his balance to do the right thing against saving those around him. Joe M. Solomon injected the exact amount of tension, blended with creepy connotations about what the darkness was and its purpose to make a this a blissfully suspenseful thriller of a read. Fair warning if you are afraid of the dark this book will intensify that fear ten-fold.
Joe M. Solomon's novel, The Darkness: Giger, Texas was a nail biting thrill ride. Each character ripe with their own ghosts and demons as they battled the darkness among other things. This was a thrilling read which had me captivated from the spirited beginning to the heart-pounding chilling end. Fighting a gruesome enemy who takes advantage of the very thing you can't combat was hard enough, but the gang had the added pressure of a Hurricane Daniel threatening to take away their only source of weaponry light. Things get hairy. Michael Warren is a well rounded character you can't help but root for as he struggles with his balance to do the right thing against saving those around him. Joe M. Solomon injected the exact amount of tension, blended with creepy connotations about what the darkness was and its purpose to make a this a blissfully suspenseful thriller of a read. Fair warning if you are afraid of the dark this book will intensify that fear ten-fold.
December 18, 2017
This read presented a lot of challenges, but facing them paid off in the end: the first third of the book offered a lot of unlikable characters (and some likeable ones) and a (for me) uncomfortable amount of sex. Once the story found its way and the monster started to reveal itself (as much as shadowy, amorphous creatures that coalesce from the very substance of the darkness can be said to reveal themselves), the story started to grab my interest by both ears. And then it gets worse in the best way possible, when a hurricane bears down on the city of Giger, Texas, threatening the availability of one of the weapons vital to fighting back the shadows: electricity powering the lights.
Also, as a horror writer who works in grocery retail, the several freakish scenes playing out in the local grocery store pleased me immensely: so many monsters, of the supernatural and human varieties here. I'm always saying we need more horror stories with scenes in a grocery store, and this filled the bill nicely!
Also, as a horror writer who works in grocery retail, the several freakish scenes playing out in the local grocery store pleased me immensely: so many monsters, of the supernatural and human varieties here. I'm always saying we need more horror stories with scenes in a grocery store, and this filled the bill nicely!
October 16, 2017
A total scarefest! Definitely not for the squeamish. This takes place right before a hurricane is about to hit. Those of us who have dealt with a hurricane or are afraid of the dark, will experience real terror among these pages. Michael Warren and his friends have no idea why there are mass murders taking place at night, not just in Giger, Texas, but all over the world. You won't believe what they encounter. Many of you may want to sleep with the lights on after this.
We have a very plausible scenario here that switches to the viewpoint of thecharacters throughout. If you live in the Houston area, you can really visualize this taking place which makes it all the more terrifying. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but it was worth the ride. Seasoned horror fans will be glued to their seats as a new terror takes shape. - Reviewed by Janet
We have a very plausible scenario here that switches to the viewpoint of thecharacters throughout. If you live in the Houston area, you can really visualize this taking place which makes it all the more terrifying. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but it was worth the ride. Seasoned horror fans will be glued to their seats as a new terror takes shape. - Reviewed by Janet
May 21, 2018
The darkness..
Ok, no zombies, no apocalypse. Just darkness. It's a weird kind of darkness. People are mumbling, there is a funky smell & I believe there are shapes in that darkness!
This book is kinda of scary...lots & lots of action though. Not only is the darkness descending on them, they are also in the middle of a class 3 hurricane!
The author has written some really good characters, good & Bad..but that doesn't mean all the good people are going to survive this night!
I like this author...😉
Ok, no zombies, no apocalypse. Just darkness. It's a weird kind of darkness. People are mumbling, there is a funky smell & I believe there are shapes in that darkness!
This book is kinda of scary...lots & lots of action though. Not only is the darkness descending on them, they are also in the middle of a class 3 hurricane!
The author has written some really good characters, good & Bad..but that doesn't mean all the good people are going to survive this night!
I like this author...😉
March 31, 2018
Fantastic! Hard to believe it's the author's first book!
I enjoyed this book immensely. I started reading around dinnertime and finished before bed. No stilted dialog or one-dimensional characters here. I'm an avid reader, but this kind of binge reading is normally inspired by my favorite seasoned authors. I had trouble keeping the characters straight at first, so i had to backtrack a few times. But that might be because i was in such a hurry to find out what would happen next! Can't wait for the next one!
I enjoyed this book immensely. I started reading around dinnertime and finished before bed. No stilted dialog or one-dimensional characters here. I'm an avid reader, but this kind of binge reading is normally inspired by my favorite seasoned authors. I had trouble keeping the characters straight at first, so i had to backtrack a few times. But that might be because i was in such a hurry to find out what would happen next! Can't wait for the next one!
March 7, 2018
Makes you want more stories like this!
This book is impossible to put down once you start reading it. It's filled with twists and turns to the characters, and you never know who will make it to the end of the story. Excellent read!
This book is impossible to put down once you start reading it. It's filled with twists and turns to the characters, and you never know who will make it to the end of the story. Excellent read!
April 13, 2018
A captivating book
Good book, very enthralling, with constant action and suspense. Very good character development, with heroes, heroines and people that are quite believable. The author really knows his locations and makes the most of them.
Good book, very enthralling, with constant action and suspense. Very good character development, with heroes, heroines and people that are quite believable. The author really knows his locations and makes the most of them.
July 23, 2018
Mayhem
I gave it 4 stars because of the crude language, and sex. Also it left questions open.
It did hold my attention. I wanted to know what would happen next. I did almost quit on the first couple of chapters, but then it started making sense.
I gave it 4 stars because of the crude language, and sex. Also it left questions open.
It did hold my attention. I wanted to know what would happen next. I did almost quit on the first couple of chapters, but then it started making sense.
November 2, 2019
👍
Very good story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Very hard to drop reading after every chapter. I will definitely read other books from this Author. Waiting for next book. Thumbs up.👍
Very good story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Very hard to drop reading after every chapter. I will definitely read other books from this Author. Waiting for next book. Thumbs up.👍
January 11, 2018
H. G. Wells short story collection
April 2, 2018
Slow but worth the read
It took me longer than usual to finish this book. It was too slow moving and not as exciting as expected.
It took me longer than usual to finish this book. It was too slow moving and not as exciting as expected.
March 24, 2018
Fast paced and gory..I liked it!!!
February 24, 2019
Poorly written. It’s the end of the world but all males notice a girls physical attributes and want sex? WTH!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews