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AWAKENING
All souls feed the fire.
Special Agent Ted Kelwick is a man divided, a tortured soul playing both sides of a dangerous game. In this sequel to Affinity’s Window, old enemies re-emerge to carry on the deadly bidding of their dread master, and to conquer the mysterious power they sense hidden deep within Ted.
The Pez, a notorious serial killer that escaped capture, a murderer whose heinous crimes against humanity sent Ted’s life into a downward spiral, has returned to kill again.
Ted soon discovers that the Pez’s strings are being pulled by another, that his bloody killings are part of an ages old ritual to enslave human souls. Drawn into these ritualistic murders by the serial killer’s puppet master, Ted fights for his very survival, and his sanity, as the ancient power that lies within him begins its awakening.
Special Agent Ted Kelwick is a man divided, a tortured soul playing both sides of a dangerous game. In this sequel to Affinity’s Window, old enemies re-emerge to carry on the deadly bidding of their dread master, and to conquer the mysterious power they sense hidden deep within Ted.
The Pez, a notorious serial killer that escaped capture, a murderer whose heinous crimes against humanity sent Ted’s life into a downward spiral, has returned to kill again.
Ted soon discovers that the Pez’s strings are being pulled by another, that his bloody killings are part of an ages old ritual to enslave human souls. Drawn into these ritualistic murders by the serial killer’s puppet master, Ted fights for his very survival, and his sanity, as the ancient power that lies within him begins its awakening.
354 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2018
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 30, 2018
A blood curdling supernatural read.
Unsettling in an intriguing way with distinctive cast of characters from the previous volume, ‘Awakening’ is a standalone sequel to ‘Affiniity’s Window’ that will knit up the strands of a complex plot with extraneous subplots in a blood curdling tale of mayhem and mystery.
Author Douglas L. Wilson offers an engrossing prologue that helps the story move along rapidly unfolding the mysterious events, supplemented with well paced back story of special agent Ted Kelwick and his partner Stuczinski and their involvement in a bone chilling, horrendous murder case, five years ago.
The readers may feel bludgeoned by the horror as evil demonic entity and reappearance of a malevolent serial killer stirs a connection detective Ted Kelwick finds hard to resist. Relentlessly exciting from start to finish, ‘Awakening’ is a perfect blend of action, mystery and thrills that soars heights in the genre of supernatural, providing entertainment to readers with heart pounding twists.
Of enduring interest to the fans of the genre and highly recommended to those who prefer their novel narrated in an unpretentious style, ‘Awakening’ is a 5 star must read!
Unsettling in an intriguing way with distinctive cast of characters from the previous volume, ‘Awakening’ is a standalone sequel to ‘Affiniity’s Window’ that will knit up the strands of a complex plot with extraneous subplots in a blood curdling tale of mayhem and mystery.
Author Douglas L. Wilson offers an engrossing prologue that helps the story move along rapidly unfolding the mysterious events, supplemented with well paced back story of special agent Ted Kelwick and his partner Stuczinski and their involvement in a bone chilling, horrendous murder case, five years ago.
The readers may feel bludgeoned by the horror as evil demonic entity and reappearance of a malevolent serial killer stirs a connection detective Ted Kelwick finds hard to resist. Relentlessly exciting from start to finish, ‘Awakening’ is a perfect blend of action, mystery and thrills that soars heights in the genre of supernatural, providing entertainment to readers with heart pounding twists.
Of enduring interest to the fans of the genre and highly recommended to those who prefer their novel narrated in an unpretentious style, ‘Awakening’ is a 5 star must read!
June 13, 2018
This book is certainly the sequel of "Affinity's Window" and for starters, I'll say that if you thought it couldn't get better, well, it does.
The first page already made me clench my teeth (obviously I won't tell you why). Wilson shows, this time, a wide skill for the police and crime material, making it the main wire in the plot, dragging the characters in a storm of events they cannot control from minute one.
The author takes every single terrifying element from the first novel and makes them bloom in this piece. Little details sewing a complex web expose a deep hole where the characters fall, one after another, meeting their fatal fate.
There's something I love about Wilson's writing, and it's his capacity for making you smile in the oddest moment. This makes you feel a spiral of emotions which keeps you alert along the whole book.
I like how he plays with celestial and demonic entities, making them low enough to disguise between us, simple mortals. Would the Devil be scared of a human? If he was... then why?
I enjoyed the first book, but I have loved this second one. I appreciate when authors don't fall for average stereotypes as good/bad, hero/villain, weak/strong. Fate falls demolishing as gravity on every single character.
The end... something tells me this is not the last time we witness that bright blue... awakening.
I'm very happy with this two titles, and I will definitely grab them in paperback so I can add them to my "faves" shelf. Congratulations!
The first page already made me clench my teeth (obviously I won't tell you why). Wilson shows, this time, a wide skill for the police and crime material, making it the main wire in the plot, dragging the characters in a storm of events they cannot control from minute one.
The author takes every single terrifying element from the first novel and makes them bloom in this piece. Little details sewing a complex web expose a deep hole where the characters fall, one after another, meeting their fatal fate.
There's something I love about Wilson's writing, and it's his capacity for making you smile in the oddest moment. This makes you feel a spiral of emotions which keeps you alert along the whole book.
I like how he plays with celestial and demonic entities, making them low enough to disguise between us, simple mortals. Would the Devil be scared of a human? If he was... then why?
I enjoyed the first book, but I have loved this second one. I appreciate when authors don't fall for average stereotypes as good/bad, hero/villain, weak/strong. Fate falls demolishing as gravity on every single character.
The end... something tells me this is not the last time we witness that bright blue... awakening.
I'm very happy with this two titles, and I will definitely grab them in paperback so I can add them to my "faves" shelf. Congratulations!
August 9, 2018
An award winning Sequel! 5 Stars!
It's been a while since I can honestly say, a book scared me but, after the prequel Affinitys Window (recommend) and this book, that I devoured I one sitting today, all my lights are on in the house! Perfect Horror Genre content!!!! Thanks to this most talented Author. One-click today!
It's been a while since I can honestly say, a book scared me but, after the prequel Affinitys Window (recommend) and this book, that I devoured I one sitting today, all my lights are on in the house! Perfect Horror Genre content!!!! Thanks to this most talented Author. One-click today!
April 26, 2018
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Special Agent Ted Kelwick is suddenly drawn back into a horror he thought he put behind him years ago in Awakening by Douglas L. Wilson. With the reappearance of the Pez serial killer, Ted joins up with his Virginia State Police friend, Stu Czinski, who worked the last case of ritualistic murder five years earlier. Both men were changed by that case and did not keep in touch, trying to forget about what they experienced, but are now thrown back together to face their fears and confront true evil. Claire, a psychic who was involved with strange murders 40 years ago, was brought in on the Pez case in Virginia five years earlier. She, too, was changed in deep, disturbing ways. However, when the three of them meet again, things take on a strange, new outlook – there is something very special about Ted, but no one is ready to see what is really going on. The hunt for the murderer continues and Ted is pulled deeper into his own tragic past, wondering what the connection is to the present. With the help of Kathy, the Virginia Medical Examiner, as well as Claire and another psychic, Ted is finally able to stand up to his demons – figuratively and literally.
Fantastic read! I couldn't put it down. Awakening grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go! Douglas L. Wilson has masterfully built suspense into this intense horror story that delves deeply into human psychology as well as demonology, with characters that are real and action that drives the story to an amazing climax. Although Awakening is technically a sequel to Affinity’s Window, it works well as a stand-alone story – reading them in order, though, would provide a better understanding of some of the connections between characters and the links to the past. For first rate supernatural horror that has a deep driving force, Awakening by Douglas L. Wilson will not disappoint.
Special Agent Ted Kelwick is suddenly drawn back into a horror he thought he put behind him years ago in Awakening by Douglas L. Wilson. With the reappearance of the Pez serial killer, Ted joins up with his Virginia State Police friend, Stu Czinski, who worked the last case of ritualistic murder five years earlier. Both men were changed by that case and did not keep in touch, trying to forget about what they experienced, but are now thrown back together to face their fears and confront true evil. Claire, a psychic who was involved with strange murders 40 years ago, was brought in on the Pez case in Virginia five years earlier. She, too, was changed in deep, disturbing ways. However, when the three of them meet again, things take on a strange, new outlook – there is something very special about Ted, but no one is ready to see what is really going on. The hunt for the murderer continues and Ted is pulled deeper into his own tragic past, wondering what the connection is to the present. With the help of Kathy, the Virginia Medical Examiner, as well as Claire and another psychic, Ted is finally able to stand up to his demons – figuratively and literally.
Fantastic read! I couldn't put it down. Awakening grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go! Douglas L. Wilson has masterfully built suspense into this intense horror story that delves deeply into human psychology as well as demonology, with characters that are real and action that drives the story to an amazing climax. Although Awakening is technically a sequel to Affinity’s Window, it works well as a stand-alone story – reading them in order, though, would provide a better understanding of some of the connections between characters and the links to the past. For first rate supernatural horror that has a deep driving force, Awakening by Douglas L. Wilson will not disappoint.
December 24, 2019
So, Affinity's Window both terrified and delighted me. It also ended in a way that left me wanting for more, and the author certainly delivered on that count! This book, to me, is a hybrid between a crime story and a horror story. There's no way to extricate one from another.
April 24, 2018
Awakening is another amazing book written by Douglas L. Wilson. I was completely enthralled with his first book Affinity's Window and was curious how he could possible top that book with this second book but I am happy to report he did an incredible job with this second book. The two books are completely independent from each other and only overlay as much as they have a few characters that they have in common. The plot is very well developed and follows a perfect pace, never leaving you rushed through the story nor does it ever feel like the story is dragging on. There is always something happening and you can't wait to find out what is next. I am definitely becoming a fan of this author and can't wait what is in store next, and based on how this book ended I have a gut feeling there will be another story!
Our main character of this story, Ted, is an extremely likable character. He is in so many ways awkward, yet strong and you can't help but adore him and feel bad for what he went through when he was a child. That experience however made him stronger I think. He is supported by some other very strong characters like Stuart and Claire as well as Kathy and later on Elizabeth.
I for one loved this story. It had it all in my book and the author even managed to throw in some romance this time. The author knows how to make your skin crawl without having to describe the most gory scenes to you, yes there are a few gory details, but nothing like some horror movies do to cause a reaction. It's that subtlety, the suspense, which allows this author to draw you into his story and makes you glad to not be trapped in it!
LOVED this book and can't wait for more!
Our main character of this story, Ted, is an extremely likable character. He is in so many ways awkward, yet strong and you can't help but adore him and feel bad for what he went through when he was a child. That experience however made him stronger I think. He is supported by some other very strong characters like Stuart and Claire as well as Kathy and later on Elizabeth.
I for one loved this story. It had it all in my book and the author even managed to throw in some romance this time. The author knows how to make your skin crawl without having to describe the most gory scenes to you, yes there are a few gory details, but nothing like some horror movies do to cause a reaction. It's that subtlety, the suspense, which allows this author to draw you into his story and makes you glad to not be trapped in it!
LOVED this book and can't wait for more!
April 25, 2021
I absolutely loved Affinity's Window by Douglas Wilson, which I read last year. I knew I'd have to read the sequel, Awakening, but I was also aware that it had a lot to live up to...
Fortunately, I had nothing to fear. Awakening hooked me from the start and kept me turning page after page!
Once again, Wilson's brilliant writing shines through. Great characters, a compelling story and a peerless affinity (no pun intended!) with the supernatural horror genre are some of his easily recognisable hallmarks.
More 'human' than the previous book, Awakening follows a series of grisly murders which FBI agent Ted Kelwick soon discovers to be the work of something unearthly. As the supernatural elements begin to develop and grow, and the body count rises, it's a race against time to the solve this puzzle.
With subtle and clever references to some of the most memorable and unique aspects of Affinity's Window, and powerful use of repeated rhymes and imagery (just as in the former instalment), Douglas Wilson weaves an intriguing tale which really gets under your skin.
Definitely recommended for all horror readers. And if you've read and loved Affinity's Window, you'll love this too!
Fortunately, I had nothing to fear. Awakening hooked me from the start and kept me turning page after page!
Once again, Wilson's brilliant writing shines through. Great characters, a compelling story and a peerless affinity (no pun intended!) with the supernatural horror genre are some of his easily recognisable hallmarks.
More 'human' than the previous book, Awakening follows a series of grisly murders which FBI agent Ted Kelwick soon discovers to be the work of something unearthly. As the supernatural elements begin to develop and grow, and the body count rises, it's a race against time to the solve this puzzle.
With subtle and clever references to some of the most memorable and unique aspects of Affinity's Window, and powerful use of repeated rhymes and imagery (just as in the former instalment), Douglas Wilson weaves an intriguing tale which really gets under your skin.
Definitely recommended for all horror readers. And if you've read and loved Affinity's Window, you'll love this too!
May 26, 2019
Awakening is the sequel to Affinity’s Window.
I would strongly recommend you read the first book so you can be aware of the background to the second. But is not a requirement to enjoy the book.
The main character is Special Agent Ted Kelwick who turned out to be a very likable character. The reader leans early on that Ted has experienced a traumatic event in his childhood the plagues his dreams and effects his daily life. But what does this have to with a serial killer who escaped capture in past and the present,well I'm afraid no spoilers from me you have to read the book to find out.
The storyline is well constructed and is gripping from the first page to the last.Wilson does a wonderful job of pulling you into the story and makes you really feel the emotional rollercoaster ride the characters are taken on throughout the book.
The build-up towards the end leaves this reader wondering will there be another book in this wonderful series.
I would strongly recommend you read the first book so you can be aware of the background to the second. But is not a requirement to enjoy the book.
The main character is Special Agent Ted Kelwick who turned out to be a very likable character. The reader leans early on that Ted has experienced a traumatic event in his childhood the plagues his dreams and effects his daily life. But what does this have to with a serial killer who escaped capture in past and the present,well I'm afraid no spoilers from me you have to read the book to find out.
The storyline is well constructed and is gripping from the first page to the last.Wilson does a wonderful job of pulling you into the story and makes you really feel the emotional rollercoaster ride the characters are taken on throughout the book.
The build-up towards the end leaves this reader wondering will there be another book in this wonderful series.
July 27, 2019
This is a fantastic book, packed to the brim with horror and brilliantly written. Wilson has a wonderful knack for submerging you in each scene with his hypnotic writing style which breathes you through every intimate detail. And being a horror novel, this also sets you even more on edge throughout!
Several scenes, particularly protagonist Ted’s memory of child abuse, plus the hellish descent of John Tyler into a raging, demented maniac, are so absolutely horrific, visceral, disturbing and brutal that I had to take a break at one point...
As with his previous novel, ‘Affinity’s Window’, I could barely put this book down and finished it in only 2-3 days. Wilson’s storytelling will quicken your pulse, terrify, shock and exhilarate you.
Several scenes, particularly protagonist Ted’s memory of child abuse, plus the hellish descent of John Tyler into a raging, demented maniac, are so absolutely horrific, visceral, disturbing and brutal that I had to take a break at one point...
As with his previous novel, ‘Affinity’s Window’, I could barely put this book down and finished it in only 2-3 days. Wilson’s storytelling will quicken your pulse, terrify, shock and exhilarate you.
June 17, 2018
It is not often that I come across a book that has me speechless to the point where I'm not sure what to put in a review.
This book was an absolute masterpiece. I really enjoyed the first book but this one seems to have developed into something more than what plain words can describe. It took a hold of me and would not let go. I completely devoured this and would happily read it again and again. I experienced every gasp, every chill that crept into my spine as I lived the story through the main character. This book made me paranoid but at the same time I couldn't put it down as I had to know what had happened.
Absolutely first class. A must read of the year!!!
This book was an absolute masterpiece. I really enjoyed the first book but this one seems to have developed into something more than what plain words can describe. It took a hold of me and would not let go. I completely devoured this and would happily read it again and again. I experienced every gasp, every chill that crept into my spine as I lived the story through the main character. This book made me paranoid but at the same time I couldn't put it down as I had to know what had happened.
Absolutely first class. A must read of the year!!!
April 3, 2018
After reading Affinity's Window, I needed to know what came next.
In Awakenings Douglas takes some time to build up the characters, which is done really well.
Once I got to know them, the story deepened, and darkened.
I loved this book, in which friends and foes have some rough times. Although it didn't scare me as much as Affinity's Window, I find this book much more layered. What looks like an investigation of a gruesome murder, turns out to be so much more. The build-up towards the end... is a promise for the final sequel!
In Awakenings Douglas takes some time to build up the characters, which is done really well.
Once I got to know them, the story deepened, and darkened.
I loved this book, in which friends and foes have some rough times. Although it didn't scare me as much as Affinity's Window, I find this book much more layered. What looks like an investigation of a gruesome murder, turns out to be so much more. The build-up towards the end... is a promise for the final sequel!
June 9, 2018
No spoilers from me. Simply brilliant. Five stars.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews