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Medium Wave
Becky Moran has built a career claiming to talk to the dead. A successful clairvoyant medium, a Cambridge graduate with her own radio show ‘Medium Wave’ and a team dedicated to crafting the celebrity myth – because Becky Moran is a fake. Until, one night, something supernatural, inexplicable, breaks through live in air as she is broadcasting. Becky Moran discovers the paranormal is real, the dead can indeed speak and she is being pursued relentlessly towards a battle for her very survival.
‘This thing has no defined shape. Whatever energy exists within it, it cannot settle on a shape. The strands of darkness curl out and then wrap back inwards. The bulk of the shadow becomes concave, then bulbous, the height building in on itself but lacking any skeletal structure to wrap itself around. There are no eyes, no clearly defined head shape. It is creating itself from darkness, like a swirl of ebony ink dropped into a vat of putrid water, spreading silently….’
‘This thing has no defined shape. Whatever energy exists within it, it cannot settle on a shape. The strands of darkness curl out and then wrap back inwards. The bulk of the shadow becomes concave, then bulbous, the height building in on itself but lacking any skeletal structure to wrap itself around. There are no eyes, no clearly defined head shape. It is creating itself from darkness, like a swirl of ebony ink dropped into a vat of putrid water, spreading silently….’
- GenresParanormal
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2018
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Rose Zolock
1 book4 followersHer Irish grandmother first told Rose about the Banshee when she was just a small child. How the wailing sound of the spirit of the dead and dying could be heard when someone was about to pass.
It was family folklore that the women in the family had ‘the touch’, the ability to see spirits and other dimensions. Rose listened and grew up fascinated by those who claimed to have supernatural or psychic abilities.
Rose does not claim to have those powers. Take her to Venice in February when the mist swirls over the canals, walk by her side along the darkened streets of Greenwich Village in New York City in high summer, listening to a ghost walk tour guide tell the stories of death, murder and the unexplained – Rose would say those stories and our belief in them gives her a power to see into the shadows within our imagination.
As a journalist, Rose takes every opportunity to explore and investigate strange stories, myth and folklore. Living in rural Yorkshire, with a rich library of ghost stories and literary tradition, Rose also has a sceptical and forensic insight into those who peddle the stories which feed our imagination but of which we have yet found no proof. She has listened to the debunkers who argue against those believers who are convinced that sand the dark side exist.
Rose’s mind is open. Is yours?
It was family folklore that the women in the family had ‘the touch’, the ability to see spirits and other dimensions. Rose listened and grew up fascinated by those who claimed to have supernatural or psychic abilities.
Rose does not claim to have those powers. Take her to Venice in February when the mist swirls over the canals, walk by her side along the darkened streets of Greenwich Village in New York City in high summer, listening to a ghost walk tour guide tell the stories of death, murder and the unexplained – Rose would say those stories and our belief in them gives her a power to see into the shadows within our imagination.
As a journalist, Rose takes every opportunity to explore and investigate strange stories, myth and folklore. Living in rural Yorkshire, with a rich library of ghost stories and literary tradition, Rose also has a sceptical and forensic insight into those who peddle the stories which feed our imagination but of which we have yet found no proof. She has listened to the debunkers who argue against those believers who are convinced that sand the dark side exist.
Rose’s mind is open. Is yours?
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 27, 2018
Medium Wave is the authors debut novel and also the first book in, what I am assuming is, the Becky Moran series.
Part of the story is set in the radio station where the ‘supposed’ psychic, Becky hosts her show, Medium Wave. Even though Becky can sense and feel certain things, she is very much a fake, that is until something happens on her show and Becky’s psychic abilities come very scarily real.
I’m sure most people, me included, are quite skeptical when it comes to mediums. Some do seem to be scarily accurate whilst there is definitely a lot of scammers around who feed on people wanting to get in touch with loved ones. Readers I think will take to Becky though as she has no time for the fake ones either.
This is very much about good versus evil. Whilst I would say it’s mainly a paranormal novel, there are definitely elements of horror in it which make you want to have those lights turned on if you are reading it on a night time like I did.
Medium Wave is a stand out from the crowd debut from an author I will certainly be keeping my eye out for in the future. It would make a great series on the screen as well as on paper. The radio/presenter angle works especially well and I for one can’t wait to catch back up with Becky and the rest of the team again soon.
A dark and foreboding story and one you will want to read with the lights well and truly turned on!
My thanks to the author for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Part of the story is set in the radio station where the ‘supposed’ psychic, Becky hosts her show, Medium Wave. Even though Becky can sense and feel certain things, she is very much a fake, that is until something happens on her show and Becky’s psychic abilities come very scarily real.
I’m sure most people, me included, are quite skeptical when it comes to mediums. Some do seem to be scarily accurate whilst there is definitely a lot of scammers around who feed on people wanting to get in touch with loved ones. Readers I think will take to Becky though as she has no time for the fake ones either.
This is very much about good versus evil. Whilst I would say it’s mainly a paranormal novel, there are definitely elements of horror in it which make you want to have those lights turned on if you are reading it on a night time like I did.
Medium Wave is a stand out from the crowd debut from an author I will certainly be keeping my eye out for in the future. It would make a great series on the screen as well as on paper. The radio/presenter angle works especially well and I for one can’t wait to catch back up with Becky and the rest of the team again soon.
A dark and foreboding story and one you will want to read with the lights well and truly turned on!
My thanks to the author for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
May 10, 2018
Becky has no qualms about playing her part as a psychic. But one day the pretence becomes real, and she finds herself surrounded by spirits. Both benign, and evil.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, light little read. It's interesting to have our hero Becky. She has built a very successful career as a Psychic, and has her own radio show and live tours. But the truth is she's a fraud. She's excellent at reading people, and picking up information they are careless enough to drop, to make it sound like she is communicating with their dead relatives.
Despite this, Becky is quite a nice person. She might joke with her colleagues about some of the sillier guests and callers on her radio show, but she's never mean.
Then one day, whilst handling a "powerful artefact", Becky's psychic abilities kick in for real.
The story follows Becky as she goes about her routines, with a new understanding and passion for the otherworldly. She starts to communicate with spirits, and begins to feel a real purpose in what she's doing.
There are some dark clouds (literally), as not all spirits are good. Becky has unlocked the way for a few dark entities, that work in various ways.
This story is written with multiple POVs. It's well-written, but personally, I find it harder to engage when there are lots of narrators jumping in.
The good news is, all the narrators are focused on Becky and her story, which makes it easy to follow. The downside, is that these different people didn't really get time to have their own stories fleshed out. I never felt like any of these side characters (except for the unicorn dude) were important enough to carry the narrative.
Yes, I wrote unicorn. No, I'm not explaining.
This was a cute story, and felt surprisingly genuine in it's approach to the supernatural.
Overall, it was a 3.5 out of 5 for me, and I would be interested in continuing the rest of the series!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, light little read. It's interesting to have our hero Becky. She has built a very successful career as a Psychic, and has her own radio show and live tours. But the truth is she's a fraud. She's excellent at reading people, and picking up information they are careless enough to drop, to make it sound like she is communicating with their dead relatives.
Despite this, Becky is quite a nice person. She might joke with her colleagues about some of the sillier guests and callers on her radio show, but she's never mean.
Then one day, whilst handling a "powerful artefact", Becky's psychic abilities kick in for real.
The story follows Becky as she goes about her routines, with a new understanding and passion for the otherworldly. She starts to communicate with spirits, and begins to feel a real purpose in what she's doing.
There are some dark clouds (literally), as not all spirits are good. Becky has unlocked the way for a few dark entities, that work in various ways.
This story is written with multiple POVs. It's well-written, but personally, I find it harder to engage when there are lots of narrators jumping in.
The good news is, all the narrators are focused on Becky and her story, which makes it easy to follow. The downside, is that these different people didn't really get time to have their own stories fleshed out. I never felt like any of these side characters (except for the unicorn dude) were important enough to carry the narrative.
Yes, I wrote unicorn. No, I'm not explaining.
This was a cute story, and felt surprisingly genuine in it's approach to the supernatural.
Overall, it was a 3.5 out of 5 for me, and I would be interested in continuing the rest of the series!
May 4, 2018
Becky Moran has been a medium for a number of years, she has her own radio show, now a TV show is in the offing too. Only problem; Becky is a fake. During a live radio show, Becky touches an ancient crystal and suddenly her ability to see ghosts becomes real!
So I am a huge fan of all things ghostly so this book was right up my alley. It’s a fairly short yet creepy book with plenty of spooky goings on, that I suggest you read during the day in bright sunshine with a good duvet to hide under just in case.
The cast of characters is an interesting one as well. You’ve got Hugh Jolly, Becky’s greedy and slightly selfish manager, her assistant Stacey who loves to wear mothball scented vintage clothing and her producer Olly the complete and utter sceptic. I have to be honest it took me a little time to warm to Becky, because of her being essentially a con artist at the outset of the book, but as the story goes on you see her struggling with her new gift and you can’t help feeling for her.
My favourite part of the book was when Becky came into contact with a haunted mirror that chooses its owner and never lets them go! Safe to say I had the shivers when I went near any mirror in my house afterwards!
I have to be honest though, there was a tiny bit of repetition and the story didn’t quite flow as well as it should have and I found the ending a little over contrived but of course that is just my opinion.
This is a great start to a series and I’m interested to see what the writer does with Becky and her friends next.
So I am a huge fan of all things ghostly so this book was right up my alley. It’s a fairly short yet creepy book with plenty of spooky goings on, that I suggest you read during the day in bright sunshine with a good duvet to hide under just in case.
The cast of characters is an interesting one as well. You’ve got Hugh Jolly, Becky’s greedy and slightly selfish manager, her assistant Stacey who loves to wear mothball scented vintage clothing and her producer Olly the complete and utter sceptic. I have to be honest it took me a little time to warm to Becky, because of her being essentially a con artist at the outset of the book, but as the story goes on you see her struggling with her new gift and you can’t help feeling for her.
My favourite part of the book was when Becky came into contact with a haunted mirror that chooses its owner and never lets them go! Safe to say I had the shivers when I went near any mirror in my house afterwards!
I have to be honest though, there was a tiny bit of repetition and the story didn’t quite flow as well as it should have and I found the ending a little over contrived but of course that is just my opinion.
This is a great start to a series and I’m interested to see what the writer does with Becky and her friends next.
April 28, 2018
Wow! Where do I start! This book literally gave me goosebumps!
Becky the "Cambridge Medium" who can't actually see ghosts, has a successful well planned Friday night radio show called 'Medium Wave', with the support of her team. Her friend and business partner, a drunk gay playboy Hugh, the producer who is a non-believer Olly and the charity mothball smelling assistant Sarah. This is the family that keeps it all together. One Friday night all is going to plan on the radio show until Becky is introduced to a crystal which belongs to a Dr John Dee, who is thought to be a powerful alchemist. Once Becky touched the crystal everything she knows changes and her whole world is turned upside down, literally from page 1.
Once Becky touched the crystal she hears a thrum thrum thrum sound and an overwhelming smell of decay. No one just her. The description that Rose uses literally had me freaked out (plus I did read it in the dark - doh!) The dark entities that are trying to get to Becky, chanting, 'we are here' - I am sorry what?! I am out of there! As soon as it all started, it was over (thank god!), but now Becky can really see the ghosts and no one is particularly happy, especially Hugh as she tells him first and she can see his dad. (I want to meet Becky)
The story shifts on to one of it subplots - which are all amazing! - Max and this blasted mirror! He is an elder antique dealer who has a shipment from Poland and in it a mysterious mirror that no one knows where it came from. As you expect no one believes his claims of it being haunted, even when things happen. The scenes described are horrifying and that woman! I mean I would hate to see her at the end of my bed screaming at me! I was reading these bits eating my breakfast basking in the sunshine and I was covered in goosebumps! Safe to say I avoided mirrors for the rest of the day....just in case a handprint appeared.
We follow Becky further with her abilities, filming a pilot for her tv show, where other people experience what she does. An explosive interview with Bert where there is an evil entity attached to the "power of the unicorn" man (Dark entities and unicorns please no!). We watch her struggle to adjust, adapt and accept her new abilities. Some of these scenes were moving, warm and resolute, other bits were scary and damn right petrifying.
About 70% way through the book, it had all quietened down and we had a nice steady pace with not much going on as it became the norm, just preparing for her live theatre show. And then... I mean I felt like I had just been punched in the gut! Boy did Rose blindsight you. My jaw dropped, I mean did it just happen. What the hell Rose!!!!What an impact and a start of another turbulent journey. (I literally can not say anymore - SPOILERS!) When we got to the end of the book, I felt I could finally breathe, a sigh of relief. But no! It was short-lived, with a bloody huge cliffhanger (which I kind of suspected was coming and was so happy it did) of unfinished business.
When I finished reading the book, I took to Twitter to shout about this book, luckily Rose saw my tweet and replied. She made my day when she confirmed we had another 2 books in this series to come. Yay! More Becky and what a debut of a book.....until then I will be staying away from mirrors and radios! Don't forget to follow the rest of the tour!
Becky the "Cambridge Medium" who can't actually see ghosts, has a successful well planned Friday night radio show called 'Medium Wave', with the support of her team. Her friend and business partner, a drunk gay playboy Hugh, the producer who is a non-believer Olly and the charity mothball smelling assistant Sarah. This is the family that keeps it all together. One Friday night all is going to plan on the radio show until Becky is introduced to a crystal which belongs to a Dr John Dee, who is thought to be a powerful alchemist. Once Becky touched the crystal everything she knows changes and her whole world is turned upside down, literally from page 1.
Once Becky touched the crystal she hears a thrum thrum thrum sound and an overwhelming smell of decay. No one just her. The description that Rose uses literally had me freaked out (plus I did read it in the dark - doh!) The dark entities that are trying to get to Becky, chanting, 'we are here' - I am sorry what?! I am out of there! As soon as it all started, it was over (thank god!), but now Becky can really see the ghosts and no one is particularly happy, especially Hugh as she tells him first and she can see his dad. (I want to meet Becky)
The story shifts on to one of it subplots - which are all amazing! - Max and this blasted mirror! He is an elder antique dealer who has a shipment from Poland and in it a mysterious mirror that no one knows where it came from. As you expect no one believes his claims of it being haunted, even when things happen. The scenes described are horrifying and that woman! I mean I would hate to see her at the end of my bed screaming at me! I was reading these bits eating my breakfast basking in the sunshine and I was covered in goosebumps! Safe to say I avoided mirrors for the rest of the day....just in case a handprint appeared.
We follow Becky further with her abilities, filming a pilot for her tv show, where other people experience what she does. An explosive interview with Bert where there is an evil entity attached to the "power of the unicorn" man (Dark entities and unicorns please no!). We watch her struggle to adjust, adapt and accept her new abilities. Some of these scenes were moving, warm and resolute, other bits were scary and damn right petrifying.
About 70% way through the book, it had all quietened down and we had a nice steady pace with not much going on as it became the norm, just preparing for her live theatre show. And then... I mean I felt like I had just been punched in the gut! Boy did Rose blindsight you. My jaw dropped, I mean did it just happen. What the hell Rose!!!!What an impact and a start of another turbulent journey. (I literally can not say anymore - SPOILERS!) When we got to the end of the book, I felt I could finally breathe, a sigh of relief. But no! It was short-lived, with a bloody huge cliffhanger (which I kind of suspected was coming and was so happy it did) of unfinished business.
When I finished reading the book, I took to Twitter to shout about this book, luckily Rose saw my tweet and replied. She made my day when she confirmed we had another 2 books in this series to come. Yay! More Becky and what a debut of a book.....until then I will be staying away from mirrors and radios! Don't forget to follow the rest of the tour!
July 5, 2018
HO-LY CRAP! This book was so good! Like scary good. It had all the creepy darkness that makes a thriller so good. I love thrillers/paranormal/horror books and I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to read this one after dark. I didn't want these thoughts to be the last ones in my head right before bedtime. But I did pick it back up again first thing in the morning! I was absolutely riveted, like leaning forward in my chair so I could pay more attention to the book LOL, seriously!
"Becky knows they are here for her. They have always been here. Waiting. Now, she is being enveloped by something with a hunger, a deep hunger. She watches a shadow begin to push through the shifting floor, stretching the surface under her feet as if it is a rotting membrane. The mucous surface, organic, a thin embryonic sac, is being pushed, stretched, elasticized by a force that is determined to rip it, push it aside, split it open."
Great character development. Excellent attention to detail in the descriptions. I really could visualize everything (sometimes a little too much LOL).
And the ending... OH my gosh!!! All I can say is - Give me book 2 please!
This is a debut novel for this author but you would never know it! The author does a fantastic job. This is definitely and author I will want to read more of.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
"Becky knows they are here for her. They have always been here. Waiting. Now, she is being enveloped by something with a hunger, a deep hunger. She watches a shadow begin to push through the shifting floor, stretching the surface under her feet as if it is a rotting membrane. The mucous surface, organic, a thin embryonic sac, is being pushed, stretched, elasticized by a force that is determined to rip it, push it aside, split it open."
Great character development. Excellent attention to detail in the descriptions. I really could visualize everything (sometimes a little too much LOL).
And the ending... OH my gosh!!! All I can say is - Give me book 2 please!
This is a debut novel for this author but you would never know it! The author does a fantastic job. This is definitely and author I will want to read more of.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
May 10, 2018
Scientists will tell you there is a logical explanation for every unusual occurrence or events very often described as psychic, unexplained or mystical. The majority of us want to believe in entities beyond our reach or in a higher power we cannot see or hear, and yet feel as if we it-they-him-her is there with us. It’s what faith and most religions are based on.
Fact and logic based arguments will apply scientific knowledge to any experience termed as impossible or mystical in nature, but the truth is not even scientists know or can explain everything, so perhaps there is some small avenue for the unexplained or mysterious events none of us have stumbled upon as yet.
Mediums and so-called psychics make a profitable career out of scamming the vulnerable. Let me say this though, some of their clients want to believe the dead can speak through someone, despite knowing it isn’t true. They want to be comforted by the thought that their loved ones are at peace and happy on the supposed other side.
Becky Moran is one of the really experienced cold readers, who makes a lot of money and celebrity from her status as a medium. It is kind of ironic that she ends up connecting with the dark side that she has sneered at in the past, and doesn’t exist according to her.
The dark, the occult and the evil finds a path to her via an ancient object, and after that door is opened Becky finds herself inundated with visions, images and new perceptions. Suddenly she can pass on real messages and interact with the other side. Sounds like a good business venture right, except for the fact evil seems to be trying to find a way to take control of her.
Zolock combines a gothic horror vibe with a paranormal urban fantasy. She plays with the aspect of our hidden fears and shadows in the dark like a violin virtuoso. Do you believe in monsters in the dark? Have you ever invited them in to play? Well this author invites them in, plays with them, and then hands them back to the main character and asks her to deal with them instead.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher and author*
Fact and logic based arguments will apply scientific knowledge to any experience termed as impossible or mystical in nature, but the truth is not even scientists know or can explain everything, so perhaps there is some small avenue for the unexplained or mysterious events none of us have stumbled upon as yet.
Mediums and so-called psychics make a profitable career out of scamming the vulnerable. Let me say this though, some of their clients want to believe the dead can speak through someone, despite knowing it isn’t true. They want to be comforted by the thought that their loved ones are at peace and happy on the supposed other side.
Becky Moran is one of the really experienced cold readers, who makes a lot of money and celebrity from her status as a medium. It is kind of ironic that she ends up connecting with the dark side that she has sneered at in the past, and doesn’t exist according to her.
The dark, the occult and the evil finds a path to her via an ancient object, and after that door is opened Becky finds herself inundated with visions, images and new perceptions. Suddenly she can pass on real messages and interact with the other side. Sounds like a good business venture right, except for the fact evil seems to be trying to find a way to take control of her.
Zolock combines a gothic horror vibe with a paranormal urban fantasy. She plays with the aspect of our hidden fears and shadows in the dark like a violin virtuoso. Do you believe in monsters in the dark? Have you ever invited them in to play? Well this author invites them in, plays with them, and then hands them back to the main character and asks her to deal with them instead.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher and author*
April 2, 2018
Medium Wave A Paranormal Journey
By Rose Zolock
Review
By Larry Sells
Medium Wave is a book filled with relationships. Relationships people have with the living and with the dead and with each other. Becky Moran has this gift of being able to contact with the dead and act as the go between the living and the dead.
Throughout the book is a battle of light and darkness with Becky in the middle. Rose Zolock wrote a thriller and a page turner. It was difficult to put the book down.
Medium Wave is a wonderful book, and I recommend it. Medium Wave reaches a level of suspense and belief in the paranormal where all I have to do is take a step and fly toward the bright crystal in the sky.
By Rose Zolock
Review
By Larry Sells
Medium Wave is a book filled with relationships. Relationships people have with the living and with the dead and with each other. Becky Moran has this gift of being able to contact with the dead and act as the go between the living and the dead.
Throughout the book is a battle of light and darkness with Becky in the middle. Rose Zolock wrote a thriller and a page turner. It was difficult to put the book down.
Medium Wave is a wonderful book, and I recommend it. Medium Wave reaches a level of suspense and belief in the paranormal where all I have to do is take a step and fly toward the bright crystal in the sky.
June 24, 2018
From page 1 to the end this book captivated me. The characters are interesting and well rounded. The book gave me chills and Becky Moran was a great character. As I was reading this novel I kept thinking this would make an amazing movie. Totally loved it and can't wait for the sequel. Definitely one of the best first novels I have ever read. Well done Rose Zolock.
September 25, 2018
The single most important thing genre fiction should strive to do is to entertain.
Medium Wave kept me reading with just the right amount of creepy tension, always wanting more. I was supposed to be doing a million other things yesterday and ended up reading the entire book.
I am a big skeptic of TV and radio mediums, as most levelheaded people are and should be. Do I believe that anyone has the gift of mediumship? Perhaps I do. But it is rare and most unusual.
In the opening pages we are shown that the main character Becky has it all, except for someone to share it with. She’s young, gorgeous, and a successful businesswoman -- a Cambridge educated one, but she is also a terrible fraud.
Her popular radio show, Medium Wave is hosted in a modern, London building called “The Cube.” This supposedly real show about connecting with the dead is pre-conceived and totally planned out with vetted stories from fake callers talking about the “Great Beyond.” This exposure of lies at the expense of gullible people is also a clever way the author prepares the reader for what comes next.
There were grim details in the story that helped set the right mood, the many shades of red, teeth used as metaphor in a realization of fear and experiencing another realm, imagery of a membrane, etc. -- especially when speaking of the dark entity that emerges to torment her. The descriptions of haunted items rang true to things people have confided in me they have seen in their dark visions and dreams or in folklore passed on from generation to generation.
“Becky, you need to be very careful. Your gift is strong. Are you battling something dark?’ Becky nodded quietly. She trusted him. ‘Fight it, Ms. Moran. God, who or whatever that is, God help you.”
To speak of evil there must always be a comparison to goodness and the scenes during Becky’s greatest moments of struggle were in many ways similar to your worst nightmares. The one’s that wake you up with tears in your eyes and a hope that (you) the good guy wins.
“It was as if battle lines were being drawn. Becky looked at the On Air light as it flicked on. Then she saw what was standing behind Brookings. It took all her strength and professionalism not to stand up and run away, out of the studio and into the streets of Covent Garden.”
Although there wasn’t a lot of character development other than with Becky and Hugh, her flamboyant, alcoholic business partner, I didn’t really need it, because the story was always active and interesting when exploring changes in perception from the unseeing to all-seeing. I also enjoyed reading about Sarah in her strange thrift store outfits and appreciated the inclusion of Sarah and Olly as the friends Becky could count on.
I got a few belly laughs out of Brooking’s. The exposure of his ridiculous vanity along with his almost Freudian obsession with unicorns and the final, bizarre act in his race for cosmic greatness was dramatic and imaginative. His character was written so colorfully, weird and obsessive. I loved it. The end was ironic, darkly humorous and the perfect setup for a second book that I am looking forward to.
If you are a fan of well conceived, paranormal/supernatural stories with a splash of horror, you will totally love this one!
Medium Wave kept me reading with just the right amount of creepy tension, always wanting more. I was supposed to be doing a million other things yesterday and ended up reading the entire book.
I am a big skeptic of TV and radio mediums, as most levelheaded people are and should be. Do I believe that anyone has the gift of mediumship? Perhaps I do. But it is rare and most unusual.
In the opening pages we are shown that the main character Becky has it all, except for someone to share it with. She’s young, gorgeous, and a successful businesswoman -- a Cambridge educated one, but she is also a terrible fraud.
Her popular radio show, Medium Wave is hosted in a modern, London building called “The Cube.” This supposedly real show about connecting with the dead is pre-conceived and totally planned out with vetted stories from fake callers talking about the “Great Beyond.” This exposure of lies at the expense of gullible people is also a clever way the author prepares the reader for what comes next.
There were grim details in the story that helped set the right mood, the many shades of red, teeth used as metaphor in a realization of fear and experiencing another realm, imagery of a membrane, etc. -- especially when speaking of the dark entity that emerges to torment her. The descriptions of haunted items rang true to things people have confided in me they have seen in their dark visions and dreams or in folklore passed on from generation to generation.
“Becky, you need to be very careful. Your gift is strong. Are you battling something dark?’ Becky nodded quietly. She trusted him. ‘Fight it, Ms. Moran. God, who or whatever that is, God help you.”
To speak of evil there must always be a comparison to goodness and the scenes during Becky’s greatest moments of struggle were in many ways similar to your worst nightmares. The one’s that wake you up with tears in your eyes and a hope that (you) the good guy wins.
“It was as if battle lines were being drawn. Becky looked at the On Air light as it flicked on. Then she saw what was standing behind Brookings. It took all her strength and professionalism not to stand up and run away, out of the studio and into the streets of Covent Garden.”
Although there wasn’t a lot of character development other than with Becky and Hugh, her flamboyant, alcoholic business partner, I didn’t really need it, because the story was always active and interesting when exploring changes in perception from the unseeing to all-seeing. I also enjoyed reading about Sarah in her strange thrift store outfits and appreciated the inclusion of Sarah and Olly as the friends Becky could count on.
I got a few belly laughs out of Brooking’s. The exposure of his ridiculous vanity along with his almost Freudian obsession with unicorns and the final, bizarre act in his race for cosmic greatness was dramatic and imaginative. His character was written so colorfully, weird and obsessive. I loved it. The end was ironic, darkly humorous and the perfect setup for a second book that I am looking forward to.
If you are a fan of well conceived, paranormal/supernatural stories with a splash of horror, you will totally love this one!
May 6, 2018
*I received a free ARC of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Medium Wave blends the religio-spiritual with the paranormal in a fascinating exploration of the ‘more’ that could possibly be ‘in Heaven and Earth’ (Hamlet, William Shakespeare).
The insight into the chicanery of faking psychic powers is interesting, but even more so is the author’s forays into horror (that mirror! The mouth!), and the afterlife (Heaven? Hell? Limbo? Spirits walking the Earth as ghosts, watching over their loved ones?). There is much comfort here for those who have lost and long to feel their loved ones are not gone, but the reader cannot fall into reassured complacency as the author repeatedly reminds us that with the light must come the dark.
The tone of the story is quite detached, as if narrated by an omniscient third-party who had no personal connection to the characters, so although the plot engaged me mentally, I never quite felt an emotional pull towards the characters or their fate. I also found it hard to get a feel for the side-characters, despite their clear differentiation in terms of physical description and mannerisms, again, perhaps due to the separation of reader and character via the arm’s-length style.
I particularly enjoyed the mystery elements of the story: the crystal, the mirror and the ghostly messages from the dead to their descendants/relatives, and as this is the first in a planned series, I would love if this developed into a psychic-detective type series, such as we’ve seen on TV programmes like Medium or Angel. There is so much potential here for both ‘monster-of-the-week’ type stories and also a wider overarching good vs evil struggle!
Medium Wave is a promising series starter that would be great for those who like a good ghost story and/or are interested in what may await us once our connection to the wavelength of this life is over.
She frowned deeply, puzzled as to why the crystal was swinging like a pendulum. She glanced up at her team who were transfixed by the quartz hanging off her finger, watching her broadcast from the Ops centre through the internal glass wall that divided them. She looked again at the stone. ‘I can see…’ She stopped speaking.
For the briefest moment, the dim lights in the radio studio began to flicker. Becky Moran saw the swirling light within the crystal fade, bleaching the quartz to a dried husk, the colour of an empty wasps’ nest. The stone stopped swinging and, alarmed, she almost dropped the chain from her fingers, until she realised that it must be – it had to be – just a trick of the light.
– Rose Zolock, Medium Wave
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Medium Wave blends the religio-spiritual with the paranormal in a fascinating exploration of the ‘more’ that could possibly be ‘in Heaven and Earth’ (Hamlet, William Shakespeare).
The insight into the chicanery of faking psychic powers is interesting, but even more so is the author’s forays into horror (that mirror! The mouth!), and the afterlife (Heaven? Hell? Limbo? Spirits walking the Earth as ghosts, watching over their loved ones?). There is much comfort here for those who have lost and long to feel their loved ones are not gone, but the reader cannot fall into reassured complacency as the author repeatedly reminds us that with the light must come the dark.
The tone of the story is quite detached, as if narrated by an omniscient third-party who had no personal connection to the characters, so although the plot engaged me mentally, I never quite felt an emotional pull towards the characters or their fate. I also found it hard to get a feel for the side-characters, despite their clear differentiation in terms of physical description and mannerisms, again, perhaps due to the separation of reader and character via the arm’s-length style.
I particularly enjoyed the mystery elements of the story: the crystal, the mirror and the ghostly messages from the dead to their descendants/relatives, and as this is the first in a planned series, I would love if this developed into a psychic-detective type series, such as we’ve seen on TV programmes like Medium or Angel. There is so much potential here for both ‘monster-of-the-week’ type stories and also a wider overarching good vs evil struggle!
Medium Wave is a promising series starter that would be great for those who like a good ghost story and/or are interested in what may await us once our connection to the wavelength of this life is over.
She frowned deeply, puzzled as to why the crystal was swinging like a pendulum. She glanced up at her team who were transfixed by the quartz hanging off her finger, watching her broadcast from the Ops centre through the internal glass wall that divided them. She looked again at the stone. ‘I can see…’ She stopped speaking.
For the briefest moment, the dim lights in the radio studio began to flicker. Becky Moran saw the swirling light within the crystal fade, bleaching the quartz to a dried husk, the colour of an empty wasps’ nest. The stone stopped swinging and, alarmed, she almost dropped the chain from her fingers, until she realised that it must be – it had to be – just a trick of the light.
– Rose Zolock, Medium Wave
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
April 30, 2018
Becky Moran, a woman who leads her life as someone who can talk with the deceased. She has a great life. She works with Hugh Jolly, a man she met while still in college who was looking for his next star. Becky met Hugh at a party, and she was able to convince him that she was the right person for him to work with to get his life back on track and his producing career back in gear. Becky is very good at reading people and knowing what to say to get their attention. She has Sarah Jones who works for her now to do the research on the guest for her radio show, but before the radio gig, she was able to research people to know what to say to get their attention. Becky also has Olly Harvey, her producer who keeps her focused during her shows. Little does Becky know that her life is about to change forever, and she could be in danger because of it. Becky is doing her weekly talk show and she is describing a four hundred year old piece of supernatural history. It’s a crystal that was belonged to “Dr. John Dee, he was the Queens magician, a powerful alchemist and was the Royal Astronomer to Elizabeth the First.” This stone will change everything for Becky as well as those she works with.
Bert Brookings, a young man who sees Becky as a spiritual nemesis. He runs a YouTube channel for his Astral Enchantment fans. He runs workshops for his fans and he claimed he could heal the sick, he was guided by the unicorn, and that “Love Cured” him. He was making money off of his fans and he too was a fake. Bert came from the wrong side of the tracks and had a dark past. His new found life came to him while he was in prison. Bert’s life will change too, but not in the same way as Becky’s.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a big change from what I usually read. I read paranormal occasionally, but this was really different from what I am used to. I am very glad that I was chosen to be part of the tour for this book and was able to read it to review it as well. Most of the characters were likable in this story, of course there should always be one or two that are not to make a good story. Bert was that character for me. Even though Becky was not honest in the beginning, she was a woman trying to make a life and chose to go about it in a deceitful way, but eventually, she turned her life around. If you are looking for a book that will draw you in and keep you interested with some twists and surprises, then you should pick up Medium Wave. I give this book a 4 star review, and hope there will be more to read in the future about Becky and her new found life.
Bert Brookings, a young man who sees Becky as a spiritual nemesis. He runs a YouTube channel for his Astral Enchantment fans. He runs workshops for his fans and he claimed he could heal the sick, he was guided by the unicorn, and that “Love Cured” him. He was making money off of his fans and he too was a fake. Bert came from the wrong side of the tracks and had a dark past. His new found life came to him while he was in prison. Bert’s life will change too, but not in the same way as Becky’s.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a big change from what I usually read. I read paranormal occasionally, but this was really different from what I am used to. I am very glad that I was chosen to be part of the tour for this book and was able to read it to review it as well. Most of the characters were likable in this story, of course there should always be one or two that are not to make a good story. Bert was that character for me. Even though Becky was not honest in the beginning, she was a woman trying to make a life and chose to go about it in a deceitful way, but eventually, she turned her life around. If you are looking for a book that will draw you in and keep you interested with some twists and surprises, then you should pick up Medium Wave. I give this book a 4 star review, and hope there will be more to read in the future about Becky and her new found life.
September 23, 2018
3.5 stars
Despite being a confirmed sceptic I do enjoy reading paranormal fiction so was immediately drawn to Medium Wave and I wasn't disappointed. This is an engaging story with an intriguing plot which switches effortlessly between light and dark.
Becky Moran is a fake medium and as such would ordinarily be the villain of the piece but her empathetic nature means she retains her likeability even though she has spent years fooling the gullible or desperate. Her life takes a dramatic turn, however, when she touches a four hundred year old crystal which once belonged to Dr John Dee, Royal Astronomer to Elizabeth the First. Suddenly Becky really can see dead people - most just want her to pass messages on but there are also malevolent spirits whose simple phrase, "We are here", is utterly terrifying. Becky now has a gift which means she can bring comfort and hope to people - but she becomes increasingly aware that she may face a battle for her very soul...
Much of the book is concerned with Becky's efforts to adjust to her new awareness of the spirit world, and the reaction of her radio station colleagues to her revelations. As co-conspirators to her fakery, some are sceptical of her new-found abilities but others are convinced when she tells them things she couldn't possibly have known. This is just the first book in the series and I'm looking forward to seeing how some of the characters are developed in later books. I felt this was very much a plot driven novel and perhaps characters were described a little superficially - we read often that Becky wears her trademark Louboutins; Hugh drinks too much vodka; Aiden sports bow ties and a prodigious stomach and Sarah wears second-hand mismatched clothes (and clearly goes to the wrong shops, none of the used clothes I've bought have ever smelled of moth balls or mould!) - but don't necessarily learn what actually drives them. I'm sure there is more to come in later books though and it'll be fascinating to see beyond their physical traits and habits and to witness how the interactions between the team who work at Voice of Britain proceed following the shocking developments in Medium Wave.
Although the narrative is mostly quite light with a good mix of the humorous and poignant, there is an overlying sense of foreboding about the plot, and towards the end the tension increases dramatically as Medium Wave becomes a much more chilling book. I was genuinely surprised by the startling events that occur later in the novel and the little twist at the end means I'm intrigued to find out what will happen next. Medium Wave is a thoroughly enjoyable book which is a satisfying tale in its own right but also sets the scene well for further novels in the series and I look forward to even more paranormal excitement in the future.
Despite being a confirmed sceptic I do enjoy reading paranormal fiction so was immediately drawn to Medium Wave and I wasn't disappointed. This is an engaging story with an intriguing plot which switches effortlessly between light and dark.
Becky Moran is a fake medium and as such would ordinarily be the villain of the piece but her empathetic nature means she retains her likeability even though she has spent years fooling the gullible or desperate. Her life takes a dramatic turn, however, when she touches a four hundred year old crystal which once belonged to Dr John Dee, Royal Astronomer to Elizabeth the First. Suddenly Becky really can see dead people - most just want her to pass messages on but there are also malevolent spirits whose simple phrase, "We are here", is utterly terrifying. Becky now has a gift which means she can bring comfort and hope to people - but she becomes increasingly aware that she may face a battle for her very soul...
Much of the book is concerned with Becky's efforts to adjust to her new awareness of the spirit world, and the reaction of her radio station colleagues to her revelations. As co-conspirators to her fakery, some are sceptical of her new-found abilities but others are convinced when she tells them things she couldn't possibly have known. This is just the first book in the series and I'm looking forward to seeing how some of the characters are developed in later books. I felt this was very much a plot driven novel and perhaps characters were described a little superficially - we read often that Becky wears her trademark Louboutins; Hugh drinks too much vodka; Aiden sports bow ties and a prodigious stomach and Sarah wears second-hand mismatched clothes (and clearly goes to the wrong shops, none of the used clothes I've bought have ever smelled of moth balls or mould!) - but don't necessarily learn what actually drives them. I'm sure there is more to come in later books though and it'll be fascinating to see beyond their physical traits and habits and to witness how the interactions between the team who work at Voice of Britain proceed following the shocking developments in Medium Wave.
Although the narrative is mostly quite light with a good mix of the humorous and poignant, there is an overlying sense of foreboding about the plot, and towards the end the tension increases dramatically as Medium Wave becomes a much more chilling book. I was genuinely surprised by the startling events that occur later in the novel and the little twist at the end means I'm intrigued to find out what will happen next. Medium Wave is a thoroughly enjoyable book which is a satisfying tale in its own right but also sets the scene well for further novels in the series and I look forward to even more paranormal excitement in the future.
May 2, 2018
Becky Moran has made a living as a clairvoyant medium; the only problem is that although she might sense something she is a fraud. Her team helps research and puts together stories that she talks about on her radio show. But one night an ancient crystal is going to change her life. After touching the crystal she hears voices and sees things that she knows can’t be real, but they are. It seems she really is a psychic and the crystal has unlocked her abilities.
Becky is going to find herself involves with other fakes that are determined to stop her and keep their own fame going. But there is the paranormal side that is going to drag her into a battle of light and dark. Thank fully her team is there to help her. She might make it out of this battle alive, if she is lucky.
This is a beautifully written story of a non believer becoming a champion for the dead and the living. I love the artistic flow of description that Rose Zolock comes up to describe the environment and the evil lurking in the shadows. It draws you in and wraps you up in a colorful world.
I am on the fence when it comes to psychics and mediums. There are so many out there that are scam artists out for fame and money. But I also know that this world is a big place and anything can happen. I admit that I hated Becky for faking her abilities; she is just like those that I hate. But when she has her own abilities awakened I came around to her side of the fight.
This is a great story that will keep you on edge and creep you out. Yes, I made the mistake of reading part of the story at night. I have to say that my cat nearly gave me a heart attack. Be warned that this is also the first in a trilogy and the ending is one heck of a cliff hanger. Although I hate those, I love how it is executed in this story. This is a great story and one I recommend to paranormal lovers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Becky is going to find herself involves with other fakes that are determined to stop her and keep their own fame going. But there is the paranormal side that is going to drag her into a battle of light and dark. Thank fully her team is there to help her. She might make it out of this battle alive, if she is lucky.
This is a beautifully written story of a non believer becoming a champion for the dead and the living. I love the artistic flow of description that Rose Zolock comes up to describe the environment and the evil lurking in the shadows. It draws you in and wraps you up in a colorful world.
I am on the fence when it comes to psychics and mediums. There are so many out there that are scam artists out for fame and money. But I also know that this world is a big place and anything can happen. I admit that I hated Becky for faking her abilities; she is just like those that I hate. But when she has her own abilities awakened I came around to her side of the fight.
This is a great story that will keep you on edge and creep you out. Yes, I made the mistake of reading part of the story at night. I have to say that my cat nearly gave me a heart attack. Be warned that this is also the first in a trilogy and the ending is one heck of a cliff hanger. Although I hate those, I love how it is executed in this story. This is a great story and one I recommend to paranormal lovers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
May 4, 2018
Medium Wave is an enjoyable book from Rose Zolock, with elements of both paranormal and horror. Hard to believe that this is her first book, it was definitely a page turner and hard to put down.
We join 'fake' medium and radio show host, Becky Moran, as she touches an historical supernatural artefact which turns her life upside down.
Her friends and colleagues find it hard to believe that she can really talk to the dead, and are less than helpful as she struggles to deal with her new-found gift, and the darkness that threatens to overwhelm her.
The characters are reasonably well fleshed out, and I hope they continue to develop and grow as the series continues.
Medium Wave is well written, with a descriptive narrative, and skips along at good pace. There is a satisfying ending, which makes a good standalone read, with one thread left open to leave you wanting the next book in the series.
We join 'fake' medium and radio show host, Becky Moran, as she touches an historical supernatural artefact which turns her life upside down.
Her friends and colleagues find it hard to believe that she can really talk to the dead, and are less than helpful as she struggles to deal with her new-found gift, and the darkness that threatens to overwhelm her.
The characters are reasonably well fleshed out, and I hope they continue to develop and grow as the series continues.
Medium Wave is well written, with a descriptive narrative, and skips along at good pace. There is a satisfying ending, which makes a good standalone read, with one thread left open to leave you wanting the next book in the series.
October 29, 2024
Becky Moran is a beautiful, intelligent and well-educated woman who has found success as a fake Clairvoyant Medium. It is during her radio show ‘Medium Wave’ that an event occurs where she finds herself with the real ability to see and communicate with spirits. What follows is a fascinating story that has been creatively crafted and has a cast of well rounded characters. In particular, I thought the character Bert Brookings and his ‘Unicorn’ was brilliantly conceived.
There were some real ‘gasp-out-loud’ moments for me, and the unexpected twists kept me guessing – I certainly didn’t expect it to end the way it did! So much so I look forward to the next one.
This is an excellent debut novel for author Rose Zolock. It is very well written and although I am sceptical about such abilities – there were moments throughout the book that appeared so real...
There were some real ‘gasp-out-loud’ moments for me, and the unexpected twists kept me guessing – I certainly didn’t expect it to end the way it did! So much so I look forward to the next one.
This is an excellent debut novel for author Rose Zolock. It is very well written and although I am sceptical about such abilities – there were moments throughout the book that appeared so real...
May 23, 2020
I purchased this book after seeing the author on a writing community. I liked her style and so I figured why not? It took me a year to get it back after it passed through all 3 of my other best-friends' hands. They loved it.
I do not want to give much away, so I will be short and focus on the writing. I loved it, too. The way the author allows her characters to describe the situations and the settings is captivating beyond most of my reading. The tension and well..." the creep factor" of some of the scenes that will build - that is so very well done. It kept me coming back until I finished.
I do not want to give much away, so I will be short and focus on the writing. I loved it, too. The way the author allows her characters to describe the situations and the settings is captivating beyond most of my reading. The tension and well..." the creep factor" of some of the scenes that will build - that is so very well done. It kept me coming back until I finished.
May 7, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really enjoy books like this so I jumped straight in when it arrived on my Kindle.
I enjoyed the plot and whilst it wasn't as scary as I anticipated but there were certainly bits in the book that were creepy and I can see quite a few people reading it with the lights on!
I thought it was a really good debut - four stars from me, looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I really enjoy books like this so I jumped straight in when it arrived on my Kindle.
I enjoyed the plot and whilst it wasn't as scary as I anticipated but there were certainly bits in the book that were creepy and I can see quite a few people reading it with the lights on!
I thought it was a really good debut - four stars from me, looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
April 3, 2018
Full review to follow as part of blog tour at end of April 😊 but, spoilers, I loved it. Super creepy, oozing menace and just a little bit funny, too. A superb debut and highly recommended.
August 5, 2018
Short and simple review - amazing! This book stayed with me and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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