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Under the Breaking Sky #4
Blind Pain
Stare at the dark too long, and you will eventually see what isn’t there.
In the wake of the catastrophic event known as the breaking sky, the survivors find themselves facing horrors much greater than the blind, mindless monsters roaming the cities.
Mark and John are trapped at the government facility, now in complete darkness. Only one of them seems to have the will to go on, but it will take a lot to make it out of there, through endless hallways and stairwells, in pitch blackness, with dozens of blind people lurking everywhere.
Tommy learns from his dead father things about his past he'd rather not have known. Sometimes, memories forgotten are best left that way, and he soon finds himself in an all-out fight for his life, where he can either kill or be killed.
Gina continues to spiral, coming closer to a complete breakdown. Having no choice left, she leaves the safe house and her boys, as her unstable condition proves a threat to them all. Now, alone in a broken world, her own, personal demon is watching her every step, edging still closer ...
Faced with ghosts bringing up crippling fear, some of our heroes resort to panic, while others make a stand. Still others can't seem to discern the dangers and descend only deeper into the grip of their inner tormentors. Who will make it and who will not?
After all, there's no cure. No prevention. Not even an explanation.
Only blind pain.
In the wake of the catastrophic event known as the breaking sky, the survivors find themselves facing horrors much greater than the blind, mindless monsters roaming the cities.
Mark and John are trapped at the government facility, now in complete darkness. Only one of them seems to have the will to go on, but it will take a lot to make it out of there, through endless hallways and stairwells, in pitch blackness, with dozens of blind people lurking everywhere.
Tommy learns from his dead father things about his past he'd rather not have known. Sometimes, memories forgotten are best left that way, and he soon finds himself in an all-out fight for his life, where he can either kill or be killed.
Gina continues to spiral, coming closer to a complete breakdown. Having no choice left, she leaves the safe house and her boys, as her unstable condition proves a threat to them all. Now, alone in a broken world, her own, personal demon is watching her every step, edging still closer ...
Faced with ghosts bringing up crippling fear, some of our heroes resort to panic, while others make a stand. Still others can't seem to discern the dangers and descend only deeper into the grip of their inner tormentors. Who will make it and who will not?
After all, there's no cure. No prevention. Not even an explanation.
Only blind pain.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2022
295 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Nick Clausen
74 books383 followersI write stories about the apocalypse so that I don't need to work a real job. I grew up reading Stephen King and still haven't fully recovered. I'm currently ending the world in my new series Under the Breaking Sky.
Join my reader club to be kept in the loop -> nick-clausen.com
Join my reader club to be kept in the loop -> nick-clausen.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 20, 2025
This series is so bingeable, on to book 5.
November 18, 2022
Title: Blind Pain
Author: Nick Clausen
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
As the sky continues to ‘break’ the survivors must continue to face the horrors of both the blind, aggressive monsters, and something a lot more sinister. Characters begin to break down, they have tough decisions to make such as kill or be killed and ghosts need to be faced. These ghosts cause crippling fear, resulting in panic, resulting in the heroes descending further into the depths of despair. We still don’t know who will make it through this Blind Pain.
Review:
This is book 4 in the Under the Breaking Sky series and it is safe to say, these books are gripping, post-apocalyptic survival thrillers. Nick really didn’t disappoint with the past 3 books, so I have high hopes for this one! I have to comment on the striking front covers too, they really are eye-catching!
I was eager to get stuck back into this series, and once again, I was delighted that once again the story instantly kicks back off and I was thrown straight back into the story. I was also pleased that the chapters were nice, short, and snappy again, it kept me engaged and made the read very pacy.
I wasn’t expecting Nick to have me feeling a range of emotions in just a few chapters, at times I was on a rollercoaster with this read. Nick is also a very descriptive writer; I could really picture some of his descriptions.
I enjoyed being back in the heads of some characters that I hadn’t for a while, I found I actually did miss hearing from them. Nick does a very good job of telling his stories through different characters’ perspectives.
I was kept on my toes throughout again, and once more I was left hanging at the end of certain chapters, which meant I had to read on and not put the book down. There were also quite a few meaningful moments in this book too, there was some advice to remember.
As well as plenty of action, I also found my heartstrings were often tugged on. Honestly, try not to get attached to too many characters, Nick is ruthless, and you may find yourself often feeling sad!
Book 4 plays with your head more so than the first 3 books, my head was messed with a few times. Things also seemed to escalate in book 4, at times there was a paranormal feel to it too, and there was also an impending sense of doom, was this really the end?
This was cleverly plotted, filled with suspense and action, I really admire Nick’s imagination and how he is able to keep you hooked. Bring on book 5!
Author: Nick Clausen
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
As the sky continues to ‘break’ the survivors must continue to face the horrors of both the blind, aggressive monsters, and something a lot more sinister. Characters begin to break down, they have tough decisions to make such as kill or be killed and ghosts need to be faced. These ghosts cause crippling fear, resulting in panic, resulting in the heroes descending further into the depths of despair. We still don’t know who will make it through this Blind Pain.
Review:
This is book 4 in the Under the Breaking Sky series and it is safe to say, these books are gripping, post-apocalyptic survival thrillers. Nick really didn’t disappoint with the past 3 books, so I have high hopes for this one! I have to comment on the striking front covers too, they really are eye-catching!
I was eager to get stuck back into this series, and once again, I was delighted that once again the story instantly kicks back off and I was thrown straight back into the story. I was also pleased that the chapters were nice, short, and snappy again, it kept me engaged and made the read very pacy.
I wasn’t expecting Nick to have me feeling a range of emotions in just a few chapters, at times I was on a rollercoaster with this read. Nick is also a very descriptive writer; I could really picture some of his descriptions.
I enjoyed being back in the heads of some characters that I hadn’t for a while, I found I actually did miss hearing from them. Nick does a very good job of telling his stories through different characters’ perspectives.
I was kept on my toes throughout again, and once more I was left hanging at the end of certain chapters, which meant I had to read on and not put the book down. There were also quite a few meaningful moments in this book too, there was some advice to remember.
As well as plenty of action, I also found my heartstrings were often tugged on. Honestly, try not to get attached to too many characters, Nick is ruthless, and you may find yourself often feeling sad!
Book 4 plays with your head more so than the first 3 books, my head was messed with a few times. Things also seemed to escalate in book 4, at times there was a paranormal feel to it too, and there was also an impending sense of doom, was this really the end?
This was cleverly plotted, filled with suspense and action, I really admire Nick’s imagination and how he is able to keep you hooked. Bring on book 5!
October 12, 2022
The tension is building as we continue to wonder what the end result is going to be in the lives of our main characters. Who or what is behind it all ? A very exciting, riveting and unique story. I can't wait to read the outcome.
June 22, 2025
I feel like I'm losing my mind along with all the characters. WHAT is going on 😭 I'm not sure what is real and what isn't. This feels like psychological warfare against me 😂
October 15, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 11, 2024
I got all four of these books and read them sequentially. Book one was interesting, wanted to know what the crack was. Good character development and enough information that you don’t get anyone mixed up.
Book two was less interesting, with the “ghosts” showing up. Stupid as every one is aware that these show up and get people to do “bad things” or look up, but every falls for it anyway. The immune gatherers get two of the characters
Book three gets stupid. More ghosts. Removing someone’s eyes to see if the immunity comes from there 🙄
Book four got worse and I skimmed through the last half.
Book two was less interesting, with the “ghosts” showing up. Stupid as every one is aware that these show up and get people to do “bad things” or look up, but every falls for it anyway. The immune gatherers get two of the characters
Book three gets stupid. More ghosts. Removing someone’s eyes to see if the immunity comes from there 🙄
Book four got worse and I skimmed through the last half.
November 12, 2025
Still only giving this a 3. It's keeping me involved, but I still have a lot of arguments on this one.
1) ANOTHER rape victim and a super in depth rape scene?? Come on, man. It's almost glorifying it and makes me feel like the author has a rape fetish at this point with how many of the female characters in this series have been raped. So far, we've got Phoebe, Gina, the middle eastern woman and now Melissa, and then we've got Gina getting raped again by a ghost. Like, really? This is getting to be too much.
2) You can definitely tell this was written by a man. How many times the males character's "balls clench" in response to a female character is honestly just weirdly thrown in there at this point.
3) When did Fritz get super powers? What? He can now use portals or something? And now the blind obey him? When did this happen? Did I miss something?? There are some serious plot holes happening.
4) We are now 4 books in and still no closer to finding out what's causing this. There's not even any characters looking into it. I guess the closest were getting to finding anything out is this Franz mentioned by John's ghost? But still... I feel like we should know a little bit more than we do when we're more than halfway through the series. You're just dragging it out at this point.
5) Mark... Really? You are AT the library and you SEE Camila and you're just going to trust a ghost of your ex fling and decide to abandon your kid?? These characters all know the ghosts are coming at this point and STILL are listening to them. Sigh. I feel like the non-stop stupid decisions of these characters are making me want to give up on this series. It honestly feels sometimes like the author picked the dumbest people experiencing the apocalypse and decided to follow their experiences.
I'm too far in at this point... So I'm going to finish it. But I'm starting to understand why they put this series as 7 books for one credit on audible.
1) ANOTHER rape victim and a super in depth rape scene?? Come on, man. It's almost glorifying it and makes me feel like the author has a rape fetish at this point with how many of the female characters in this series have been raped. So far, we've got Phoebe, Gina, the middle eastern woman and now Melissa, and then we've got Gina getting raped again by a ghost. Like, really? This is getting to be too much.
2) You can definitely tell this was written by a man. How many times the males character's "balls clench" in response to a female character is honestly just weirdly thrown in there at this point.
3) When did Fritz get super powers? What? He can now use portals or something? And now the blind obey him? When did this happen? Did I miss something?? There are some serious plot holes happening.
4) We are now 4 books in and still no closer to finding out what's causing this. There's not even any characters looking into it. I guess the closest were getting to finding anything out is this Franz mentioned by John's ghost? But still... I feel like we should know a little bit more than we do when we're more than halfway through the series. You're just dragging it out at this point.
5) Mark... Really? You are AT the library and you SEE Camila and you're just going to trust a ghost of your ex fling and decide to abandon your kid?? These characters all know the ghosts are coming at this point and STILL are listening to them. Sigh. I feel like the non-stop stupid decisions of these characters are making me want to give up on this series. It honestly feels sometimes like the author picked the dumbest people experiencing the apocalypse and decided to follow their experiences.
I'm too far in at this point... So I'm going to finish it. But I'm starting to understand why they put this series as 7 books for one credit on audible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
An episode that must be experienced!
While listening to Blind Fear sent me on an emotional roller-coaster ride, listening to Blind Pain, the fourth book in the Under the Breaking Sky made that rollercoaster feel like I hadn’t experienced anything yet. Following this cast of characters through all their trials and tribulations is a story unlike any other apocalyptic tale I’ve read or listened to. Once again Nick took me from the edge of my seat to being angry, bummed out and in some instances wanting to cheer. It is good to see some of these characters get what they deserve, and in some cases, you must wonder why it had to happen. Yep, once again vague statements, but any detail would spoil an excellent tale. So, if you want the details, it is up to you to read/listen to Blind Pain and find out what it is I’m talking about. Speaking of listening to Blind Pain, Spencer Dillehay does his usual excellent job of narration.
While listening to Blind Fear sent me on an emotional roller-coaster ride, listening to Blind Pain, the fourth book in the Under the Breaking Sky made that rollercoaster feel like I hadn’t experienced anything yet. Following this cast of characters through all their trials and tribulations is a story unlike any other apocalyptic tale I’ve read or listened to. Once again Nick took me from the edge of my seat to being angry, bummed out and in some instances wanting to cheer. It is good to see some of these characters get what they deserve, and in some cases, you must wonder why it had to happen. Yep, once again vague statements, but any detail would spoil an excellent tale. So, if you want the details, it is up to you to read/listen to Blind Pain and find out what it is I’m talking about. Speaking of listening to Blind Pain, Spencer Dillehay does his usual excellent job of narration.
January 13, 2024
Audiobook: This fourth book was as good as the others in the "Under The Breaking Sky" series. I have gotten so wrapped up in the characters that I find it difficult to pull myself away to do things that I should, such as going to work. The characters were all facing even greater odds than in the first books, and still more surprises kept coming. I can't wait to get started on the next book in the series. Spencer Dillehay's narration was great, and his performance continued to enhance my enjoyment of the tale. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
October 22, 2024
This installment was just OK for me as it leaned heavily into the “crazy” elements that I didn’t enjoy in the previous book. Fritz being framed as the “chosen one for evil” and the supernatural portals for rounding people up made the story feel disconnected from its original realistic appeal. Also I’m never a fan of rape or sexual violence against women being used as a plot device, especially by male authors— it seems unnecessary at times here .. it’s used at least four or five times in the series. On the plus side, I was relieved Nick survived though his revival felt a little like supernatural intervention. Overall, just okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
More suspense!
Our people are struggling to understand what caused all this and how to end the chaos. Each of them are haunted by the ghosts of their worst memories, seemingly come back to life. At the same time, they are trying to do the right thing by helping others whenever they can. We are learning more about backstories. I just hope some survive this whole apocalypse. Can't wait to read the next book!
Our people are struggling to understand what caused all this and how to end the chaos. Each of them are haunted by the ghosts of their worst memories, seemingly come back to life. At the same time, they are trying to do the right thing by helping others whenever they can. We are learning more about backstories. I just hope some survive this whole apocalypse. Can't wait to read the next book!
October 19, 2024
Not your typical zombie apocalypse story. But, The farther into this series I get, the more confusing it gets. Up until this book, the characters were pretty much kept in small groups. But as the story progresses, the groups are separated. And there are “ghosts” added to the list of characters. Some are previously introduced as living characters and some are brought in from the past. I’ll keep reading. I hope it will all come together soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
Lots of action and the same relatable but flawed characters whose journeys we followed in the first three books. The ghost entities don't really appeal to me, and they are playing a bigger and bigger role as the series progresses. I'm getting to the point where I think the series is long enough now, since the old elements are getting repetitive while the new ones aren't hugely appealing.
September 21, 2023
I'm done
While this series has contained references to previous intimate violence and various childho traumas, it wasn't until page 240 of this fourth book in which a violent, GRAPHIC, extremely detailed scene of intimate violence/sa occurs. I am done. I do not recommend this book. I will not read this author again.
While this series has contained references to previous intimate violence and various childho traumas, it wasn't until page 240 of this fourth book in which a violent, GRAPHIC, extremely detailed scene of intimate violence/sa occurs. I am done. I do not recommend this book. I will not read this author again.
April 17, 2024
Blind Pain
This is a really good series reminiscent of Stephen King's "The Stand". The characters are likeable and hateable in a good way. Well written to keep up with the various characters and keep your interest going. I love that this idea seems original compared to other "end of the world like" books. This is the 4th in the series.
This is a really good series reminiscent of Stephen King's "The Stand". The characters are likeable and hateable in a good way. Well written to keep up with the various characters and keep your interest going. I love that this idea seems original compared to other "end of the world like" books. This is the 4th in the series.
October 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ The constant ghosts really got on my tits in the last book and the first half of this book but as certain things come together a little towards the end & I sense they have a deeper purpose, I’ll soldier on. They do feel like a lazy/convenient plot device for the author though, so I’m hoping he’s going to pull out some big guns and loop everything in nicely.
December 1, 2024
The tension is building how this all will end. Maybe this book in the series gives us an idea of how to deal with the "ghosts" and that forgiveness is the key, if they have no hold over the characters because they either forgive the ghosts for what they did or they forgive themselves.
Nick has done it again leaving a massive cliffhanger at the end that messages you thirsty for the next book.
Nick has done it again leaving a massive cliffhanger at the end that messages you thirsty for the next book.
July 8, 2023
Awesome book
I loved reading this book amd can't wait to read the next one. I have already downloaded it! I'm very curious as to what is happening here in this story! Is it the apocalypse? GOD???!!
I loved reading this book amd can't wait to read the next one. I have already downloaded it! I'm very curious as to what is happening here in this story! Is it the apocalypse? GOD???!!
May 26, 2025
Wow…unlike any apocalypse novel before
Ok…book four continues the story of the blind gods and the crack in the Sky and….gets worse. I can’t believe I have to read four more books (and a novella) to get the whole story! Well played, Nick Clausen.
Ok…book four continues the story of the blind gods and the crack in the Sky and….gets worse. I can’t believe I have to read four more books (and a novella) to get the whole story! Well played, Nick Clausen.
July 17, 2025
Blind Pain
I got depressed and disappointed with these stories. Unfortunately they came with a lot of tragedies happening at the same time in our country. So I’m just going to stop reading. Others can make their own conclusions.
I got depressed and disappointed with these stories. Unfortunately they came with a lot of tragedies happening at the same time in our country. So I’m just going to stop reading. Others can make their own conclusions.
September 3, 2023
good!!
I’m really enjoying the series! The ghost part is a little much for me but I do want to find out what happens
I’m really enjoying the series! The ghost part is a little much for me but I do want to find out what happens
January 28, 2024
Great story, fantastic narrator. You have to keep going til book 8! Might as well get them all at once!
February 18, 2024
Good addition to the series. I can't think of what actually happened as they've all blended into one big story at this point! But I'm enjoying it.
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September 25, 2024Trigger warning ⚠️ sexual assault happens with Gina in chapter 49. It's a great story besides that.
October 26, 2024
This book was better than the last, but still not as good as the first couple. I'm completely over the "ghosts."
April 4, 2025
Loving this series
December 5, 2025
By far one of the best apocalyptic type series I’ve ever read. There’s 8 books in the series and I sped through them because I couldn’t get enough! Nicholas is an incredible story teller. His novels are full of substance and no fluff. I can’t think of one instance during this series or any of his others that I found myself skipping paragraphs because there was no purpose in them. No unnecessary details.
The character development in this series is surprising but makes sense. I love that no character is “safe” in his series. It makes the story unpredictable.
The character development in this series is surprising but makes sense. I love that no character is “safe” in his series. It makes the story unpredictable.
August 10, 2025
Didn't care for this one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews