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Run
What do you do when you wake up one morning and everyone you know - friends, family, everyone - is trying to kill you? you RUN.***RUN is a #1 horror and sci-fi thriller, and has spent time in the top 100 overall bestsellers on Kindle . It is written by the bestselling novelist Michaelbrent Collings, whose other books include THE HAUNTED, THE LOON, RISING FEARS, THE MERIDIANS, and MESSENGER OF POWERS.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2010
172 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Michaelbrent Collings
92 books660 followersOne of the most versatile writers around, Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally bestselling novelist, produced screenwriter, and multiple Bram Stoker Award finalist. While he is best known for horror (and is one of the most successful indie horror authors in the United States), he has also written bestselling thriller, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, humor, young adult, and middle grade works, and Western Romance.
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 15, 2013
I liked this sci-fi tale: Kind of like the movie Dark City. Nothing is what it appears to be. Might be confusing, but hang in there, the story is worth it (and I really like the movie Dark City.....it's only problem was that it came out about the same time as The Matrix). I liked "Run" so much I decedied to keep on reading more books by Collings: I am reading another couple of Michaelbrent Collings's books right now:
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. January 26, 2011
The book was fast paced and fun to read. The characters were not deep but it's not that important in a book like this. The plot was interesting and the revelations were good.
Overall it is definitely a worthwhile read.
Overall it is definitely a worthwhile read.
February 28, 2011
Overall pretty good. The story kept me reading, mostly because I wanted to see how the characters would get out of their situation, but also to see what the heck was going on.
March 10, 2011
this story reminds me of Steven King and Dean Koontz
with a little science fiction thrown in
keeps you interested and hard to put down
very good
with a little science fiction thrown in
keeps you interested and hard to put down
very good
October 20, 2021
crazy
Loved this, I’ve sat here and wondered myself about the world we live in!
This puts a whole new spin on them thoughts, won’t say to much here as don’t want to give anything away as I hate spoilers in reviews, but wow this book certainly plays with your head lol
Also so many emotions, parts of this book made me laugh, some parts shocked me and one part nearly made me cry!!
I for one am glad you made that trip to the silver mine and got your inspiration keep up the good work!
If you haven’t read anything by this author check him out I haven’t read a book of his that I haven’t enjoyed!
Loved this, I’ve sat here and wondered myself about the world we live in!
This puts a whole new spin on them thoughts, won’t say to much here as don’t want to give anything away as I hate spoilers in reviews, but wow this book certainly plays with your head lol
Also so many emotions, parts of this book made me laugh, some parts shocked me and one part nearly made me cry!!
I for one am glad you made that trip to the silver mine and got your inspiration keep up the good work!
If you haven’t read anything by this author check him out I haven’t read a book of his that I haven’t enjoyed!
July 23, 2019
I really good premise. I kept guessing as to what was really going on. It took a while to set up and I was a bit let down by the "everyone you know - friends, family, everyone - is trying to kill you?" as the protagonist was a bit introverted. By the time I got 2/3's into the book, I was only reading to find out why he was on the "Run". By the time it I finished, I was satisfied with the conclusion. It was an enjoyable read. For me it wasn't a page turner or a couldn't put down. It was a "I have some down time, let me read for a bit."
January 6, 2022
I must admit Michaelbrent Collings book “Run” took quite a bit of time to “Get Into” . Perhaps perseverance is possibly the wrong word to use but it’s how I felt at the time, and that’s why I chose to give it 4 stars instead of 5, the reader (Well me anyway) was also left in confusion almost to the end of this story as to what was actually going on. No spoilers here but the very end of this book didn’t sit comfortably with me either. This work could have been easier to read and left me slightly unsettled.
August 21, 2018
A chilling sci fi mindbender
MbC is one of my favorite horror authors, and now I find he spins a hell of a science fiction yarn. I couldn't wait to find out the answers to the many questions that kept me hanging through most of the book, and they blew my mind when they were revealed. Michaelbrent Collings tosses out tiny treats every so often to keep you tantalized, then throws the whole bag at your face and runs away laughing. What a story!
MbC is one of my favorite horror authors, and now I find he spins a hell of a science fiction yarn. I couldn't wait to find out the answers to the many questions that kept me hanging through most of the book, and they blew my mind when they were revealed. Michaelbrent Collings tosses out tiny treats every so often to keep you tantalized, then throws the whole bag at your face and runs away laughing. What a story!
September 26, 2018
Run to pick up this book!
Good, good story. Unusual and interesting and didn't lag anywhere. Main characters were ones you cared about. Nice little twist at the end which was a pleasant surprise. It is not often that I am surprised as I usually can see it coming. Strongly recommend.
Good, good story. Unusual and interesting and didn't lag anywhere. Main characters were ones you cared about. Nice little twist at the end which was a pleasant surprise. It is not often that I am surprised as I usually can see it coming. Strongly recommend.
March 17, 2019
Run is an exciting sci-fi thriller! It starts with a bang and ends with a bang! I was engaged throughout the entire book. There are plot twists and surprises. You never know what to expect next. The characters are well developed and I found myself feeling worried and empathetic towards them, even some of the minor characters (Dallas). This is a fast-paced, fun read!
December 12, 2020
Love Michael rent Collins!
So I'm reading this book Run and I have no idea what it's about or where it's going but I keep reading because I love the character's and the descriptions of the landscape and the general flow. I really didn't guess correctly where it was going (and I tried) until it was explained and I do have a couple of questions, but it was a fun book to read
So I'm reading this book Run and I have no idea what it's about or where it's going but I keep reading because I love the character's and the descriptions of the landscape and the general flow. I really didn't guess correctly where it was going (and I tried) until it was explained and I do have a couple of questions, but it was a fun book to read
September 23, 2019
fascinating mix of concepts. interesting, even in absurdity. pulls from many places for a recipe that seems unique. captivating as it becomes even more absurd. awesome toward the end, where it hits the more truth in fiction level(painful, even)
November 29, 2019
A decent story. A bit experimental which may put people off, but I found it fun and enjoyable. The first part was a bit slow to get through but it kicked up afterward (which is much better than the opposite.)
April 3, 2020
Gruesome and depressing
Everyone is trying to kill everyone. After they torture them. It must be about zombies, but I only got to 42% before I bailed. I checked the last page just to be sure and there's a woman screaming. Not the sort of thing I need to waste time on.
Everyone is trying to kill everyone. After they torture them. It must be about zombies, but I only got to 42% before I bailed. I checked the last page just to be sure and there's a woman screaming. Not the sort of thing I need to waste time on.
October 10, 2020
Definitely a page turner!
I am a big fan of his books and this book was another great one. It kept you guessing until the end and the ending was very good and I couldn't put it down.
I am a big fan of his books and this book was another great one. It kept you guessing until the end and the ending was very good and I couldn't put it down.
August 15, 2021
Got to sleep now
Darn you mgb.have a cramp in my neck. My eyes ache. If you would just print the last two pages first I would not have spent three hours unable to extract myself from your very dammed good book
Darn you mgb.have a cramp in my neck. My eyes ache. If you would just print the last two pages first I would not have spent three hours unable to extract myself from your very dammed good book
September 3, 2018
Clever, very clever
It took a bit of time to get into, but it the read rapidly built up steam. There is a constant level of intrigue and mystery and tie up well.
It took a bit of time to get into, but it the read rapidly built up steam. There is a constant level of intrigue and mystery and tie up well.
April 30, 2020
Run is the first book I have read by Michaelbrent Collings. Very well written, good story line. A little more sci-fi than I generally read but definitely will read more by this author.
May 28, 2020
WOW!
This is a Twilight Zone movie. 👍 Excellent story, very well told. This was my first book from Mr. Collings. Definitely looking forward to reading ALL of his books.
This is a Twilight Zone movie. 👍 Excellent story, very well told. This was my first book from Mr. Collings. Definitely looking forward to reading ALL of his books.
October 31, 2020
EPIC
I love books that have a plethora of twists and turns. This book is one of those. Buckle up and enjoy!
I love books that have a plethora of twists and turns. This book is one of those. Buckle up and enjoy!
November 10, 2020
Thrilling
Fast paced thriller. Full of twists and turns. What do you do when everyone wants you dead. You go on the Run.
Fast paced thriller. Full of twists and turns. What do you do when everyone wants you dead. You go on the Run.
November 26, 2020
Great story! I have read a lot of his books and this is one of my favorite!
March 22, 2021
Love all MBC books
Loved the story and the fast pace. A few typos but nothing that takes the fun out of reading. Very enjoyable
Loved the story and the fast pace. A few typos but nothing that takes the fun out of reading. Very enjoyable
October 27, 2022
“Book good. Me like words in book. More words!”
Wow! Just WOW! Definitely a page turner. Fast thrilling action and a story that keeps you glued to the page. Highly recommend!!!
Wow! Just WOW! Definitely a page turner. Fast thrilling action and a story that keeps you glued to the page. Highly recommend!!!
March 25, 2015
ABR's full RUN audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
A deeply evolving story about a man confused by one detail that keeps recurring time and again – that event is seeing the skunk man over the course of 40 years. Skunk man never ages, never changes. But he is there during major events of Johnny’s life.
After the leaving the Green Berets, Johnny becomes a teacher and widower in his hometown. He meets Franny, a woman who captures his heart so thoroughly that he would die for her.
In the blink of an eye, the townsfolk who have known Johnny since birth turn on him; hunting both him and Franny. Add in a group of people who are hunting Johnny and Franny for their own agenda – assassins.
Johnny soon learns that not everything is as it appears now or ever. His life has been turned upside down and inside out.
MichaelBrent Collings writes an excellent and complex novel. The plot is solidly organized. Run is a futuristic apocalyptic novel that leaves one’s head spinning with unexpected twists and turns. The dialog is well written. Readers can’t help but connect with Johnny.
Action packed and fast moving, Run is an excellent book for anyone – there are pieces that will appeal to most everyone as it includes romance, action, thriller, high-tech sci-fi, military, etc.
While listening to this audiobook, I kept comparing it to the Terminator, Matrix and the 1989 Millennium movie. I believe it is an excellent mixture of all the best parts of the three told in a fresh style. It was an excellent book – and in reflection there are things that keep coming into mind – “Oh, duh. I see the connection now!” This is not a book you can read and forget about. It will keep coming back into your mind and revealing little things.
I listened to other books written by MichaelBrent Collings and I would be remiss if I didn’t say he’s done it again. Twists and turns, and an out-come that will leave one saying, “I so did not see that coming.
The narrator, George Kuch, did an excellent job narrating and keeping the rhythm of the book going strong. His tone and voices were captivating.
I had no issues with the production of the audio version of Run. It was smooth and flawless.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
A deeply evolving story about a man confused by one detail that keeps recurring time and again – that event is seeing the skunk man over the course of 40 years. Skunk man never ages, never changes. But he is there during major events of Johnny’s life.
After the leaving the Green Berets, Johnny becomes a teacher and widower in his hometown. He meets Franny, a woman who captures his heart so thoroughly that he would die for her.
In the blink of an eye, the townsfolk who have known Johnny since birth turn on him; hunting both him and Franny. Add in a group of people who are hunting Johnny and Franny for their own agenda – assassins.
Johnny soon learns that not everything is as it appears now or ever. His life has been turned upside down and inside out.
MichaelBrent Collings writes an excellent and complex novel. The plot is solidly organized. Run is a futuristic apocalyptic novel that leaves one’s head spinning with unexpected twists and turns. The dialog is well written. Readers can’t help but connect with Johnny.
Action packed and fast moving, Run is an excellent book for anyone – there are pieces that will appeal to most everyone as it includes romance, action, thriller, high-tech sci-fi, military, etc.
While listening to this audiobook, I kept comparing it to the Terminator, Matrix and the 1989 Millennium movie. I believe it is an excellent mixture of all the best parts of the three told in a fresh style. It was an excellent book – and in reflection there are things that keep coming into mind – “Oh, duh. I see the connection now!” This is not a book you can read and forget about. It will keep coming back into your mind and revealing little things.
I listened to other books written by MichaelBrent Collings and I would be remiss if I didn’t say he’s done it again. Twists and turns, and an out-come that will leave one saying, “I so did not see that coming.
The narrator, George Kuch, did an excellent job narrating and keeping the rhythm of the book going strong. His tone and voices were captivating.
I had no issues with the production of the audio version of Run. It was smooth and flawless.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
June 3, 2011
Man in Black: Truly, you have a dizzying intellect. Vizzini: Wait till I get going! That's a line from Princess Bride. It reminds me of this book. We've got action, robots who think they are human, humans who worry they are robots, time travel, nuclear holocaust, romance, you name it. It's dizzying. Dizzying, but it didn't work for me. I think the author tried real hard, but the characters didn't seem like they were realistic. Would a man and a woman who are being hunted by crazed killers flirt and joke in the middle of a harrowing escape or fight to the death? I don't think so, but I confess I've never actually been in that situation so I can't say for sure. At the end all is revealed. It might explain why some of the unrealistic things take place, but it seemed like the author just threw stuff in at the end to justify things rather than writing a believable story throughout.
This book reminds me of another "what if" book that had potential, but just didn't cut it for me-
S.M. Stirling's Dies the Fire.
I can see how some people might really like this book. Characters aren't everything for every reader. A lot of people like the low-budget, sci-fi action thrillers that come on the Sci-Fi channel late at night. A lot of people like less-story, more action first person shooter games. This book would work for either, but didn't do it as a novel for me.
This book reminds me of another "what if" book that had potential, but just didn't cut it for me-
S.M. Stirling's Dies the Fire.
I can see how some people might really like this book. Characters aren't everything for every reader. A lot of people like the low-budget, sci-fi action thrillers that come on the Sci-Fi channel late at night. A lot of people like less-story, more action first person shooter games. This book would work for either, but didn't do it as a novel for me.
May 25, 2011
I had a hard time deciding if I should give this book 2 or 3 stars. I've already forgotten the character's names, so that's a pretty good indication of the impression I'm left with a few weeks after completing the book.
The idea was pretty good. I can't say it blew me away though. Everyone who has read this and was astonished by the twists, turns, and ending certainly aren't familiar with Sci Fi. Some parts were very predicable, and others weren't only because they made no sense. There were several situations I thought of better solutions then the characters did, so I was disappointed. I almost quit reading several times from being annoyed with how the two main characters kept thinking how amazing the other was. WOW. It was the same thoughts over and over. I would have liked some bread with all that cheese. Those parts were so bad I think I complained out load while reading.
I went with 3 stars because I could see this being a great B movie, if you had the right screenwriter adding in the humor. If the book could have made fun of itself I think it could have been a great read instead of one I barely made it through. Unfortunately I wouldn't recommend this book to any of my friends. : (
The idea was pretty good. I can't say it blew me away though. Everyone who has read this and was astonished by the twists, turns, and ending certainly aren't familiar with Sci Fi. Some parts were very predicable, and others weren't only because they made no sense. There were several situations I thought of better solutions then the characters did, so I was disappointed. I almost quit reading several times from being annoyed with how the two main characters kept thinking how amazing the other was. WOW. It was the same thoughts over and over. I would have liked some bread with all that cheese. Those parts were so bad I think I complained out load while reading.
I went with 3 stars because I could see this being a great B movie, if you had the right screenwriter adding in the humor. If the book could have made fun of itself I think it could have been a great read instead of one I barely made it through. Unfortunately I wouldn't recommend this book to any of my friends. : (
November 1, 2015
John, the protagonist of Run, is six years old when a man comes to his home to kill him. A stranger helps save John, and that stranger appears and saves John again when he's in his twenties and in the military. The stranger, though, hasn't aged a day. The third time he appears in John's life, John is determined to track him down, setting off a chain of events that leaves him running for his life.
I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. It is part horror, part science fiction. A few times it seemed to veer off track, but in the end, the parts I questioned all pulled together. I would have liked a little more character development, but I liked the main character, John, quite a bit and wanted to know what happened to him. I also was intrigued by those who pursued John, and I struggled to figure out what their real aims were. I also liked the themes the author explored regarding what it means to be human.
For writers, this is a good book to read to see how the author handles multiple viewpoints. In particular, I like the way he showed the thoughts and feelings of the potential antagonists and was able to keep me guessing through much of the book as to who, ultimately, was on the side of John and humanity.
I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. It is part horror, part science fiction. A few times it seemed to veer off track, but in the end, the parts I questioned all pulled together. I would have liked a little more character development, but I liked the main character, John, quite a bit and wanted to know what happened to him. I also was intrigued by those who pursued John, and I struggled to figure out what their real aims were. I also liked the themes the author explored regarding what it means to be human.
For writers, this is a good book to read to see how the author handles multiple viewpoints. In particular, I like the way he showed the thoughts and feelings of the potential antagonists and was able to keep me guessing through much of the book as to who, ultimately, was on the side of John and humanity.
Read
August 22, 2011I found the book written well and the premise thought-provoking. That does not mean I thought it was stellar, but I will probably read another book by this author.
I thought the juxtaposition of the banal everyday life against the unpredictable pieces in the first half of the book was done very well. I did not quite buy into the whole "felt like I have known her/him my whole life" instant bonding between the two main characters.
<*spoiler>
The final half of the book almost seemed forced - the name of the mine being "Resurrection" and all the townsfolk getting up after being shot way too many times? There was a bit too much of that. I did appreciate the initial answer to John's question of "who are you" the funniest bit of comic relief I have read in a while.
John: Who are you people?
Adam: Dues ex machina
Funniest as that was exactly what the author had set up - rescue at the last minute from the skies.
I thought the juxtaposition of the banal everyday life against the unpredictable pieces in the first half of the book was done very well. I did not quite buy into the whole "felt like I have known her/him my whole life" instant bonding between the two main characters.
<*spoiler>
The final half of the book almost seemed forced - the name of the mine being "Resurrection" and all the townsfolk getting up after being shot way too many times? There was a bit too much of that. I did appreciate the initial answer to John's question of "who are you" the funniest bit of comic relief I have read in a while.
John: Who are you people?
Adam: Dues ex machina
Funniest as that was exactly what the author had set up - rescue at the last minute from the skies.
October 21, 2012
I'm honestly at a loss for how to review this book, other than it's self published, and presumably the author is getting paid.
If you want to have an nice, rollicking almost-zombie chase book, this might do the trick for you, until the supposed substance gets in the way. Slow in starting, but then settled down into an interesting read. Until the plot was revealed, and my interest in finishing the last few chapters dropped to zero.
Zero. I pushed through, hoping for some reversal or further reveal, but it was all as it seemed. If I had a physical copy of this book, I'd leave it at a bus stop for someone else to give it a try. AS it is, I'll be deleting it this afternoon with no regrets.
If you want to have an nice, rollicking almost-zombie chase book, this might do the trick for you, until the supposed substance gets in the way. Slow in starting, but then settled down into an interesting read. Until the plot was revealed, and my interest in finishing the last few chapters dropped to zero.
Zero. I pushed through, hoping for some reversal or further reveal, but it was all as it seemed. If I had a physical copy of this book, I'd leave it at a bus stop for someone else to give it a try. AS it is, I'll be deleting it this afternoon with no regrets.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews