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The First

A Prequel to 'The Returned'

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The First

By: Jason Mott
Narrated by: Victor Bevine
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In Jason Mott's haunting and unforgettable debut novel, The Returned, an impossible miracle is occurring all across the globe. Read how it all begins in this short story, The First.

It's been just over a year since Edmund Blithe died, and just over a month since his fiancee, Emily, stopped wearing her engagement ring. Emily has finally begun to move on… Until Edmund mysteriously and inexplicably returns, sending the world - and Emily - into a tailspin.

Edmund is only just the beginning. Around the world, people's loved ones are returning from beyond, seeking only to reenter the lives they left behind. As the world dives deep into uncertainty, Emily and Edmund are determined to find their way back to one another…even if it means risking everything.

The reappearances continue in The Sparrow, and look for The Returned from Harlequin MIRA, a moving tale of a family given a second chance at life and a world where nothing - not even death - is certain.

©2013 Jason Mott (P)2013 Audible Inc. Anthologies & Short Stories Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Science Fiction Short Story

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Imagine a world in which the dead start coming back to life. They have no memories from when they were gone; they simply start appearing all over the globe. This is the premise of Jason Mott's novel, The Returned. In this prequel to the novel, the first of the returned is introduced. Edmund Blithe died a little over a year ago, but this morning, he showed up for work.

As if this were not alarming enough, Edmund's fiancee, Emily, only just stopped wearing her engagement ring. Now, she learns that he is back. The government has intervened to question Edmund, and Emily goes on a quest to find him and get him back. She and Edmund want nothing more than to be back together--despite the odds that are clearly against them.

I read this prequel because it was free, and the premise was interesting. By the time I was done with the story, I had pre-ordered The Returned. I was completely wrapped up in the story, and I was eager to find out what would happen to this couple as well as to the other returned and their families all over the world. Jason Mott has created a great story and a great marketing tool for his debut novel.

First of Three Prequels

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Prequel to The Returned. I have seen the French tv version of this story line on AMC. I wanted to read before the US version called "The Resurrection." Since it is a prequel - only had the character development of one couple. It is a little early for a full review.

too early to tell

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I know this was only half an hour, but it made me eager to try the book The Returned. The premise is very interesting, and it really allows the reader to imagine what it would be like to return from the dead from the perspective of the no-longer dead and the loved ones and acquaintances of the no-longer dead. With that said, the perspective from the no-longer dead could have been a little more in-depth. I would freak out if I learned I hadn't been around for the last year, but the author seems to gloss over this a bit. This could be intentional, but the book may potentially have some logical gaps. Regardless, this had me excited to listen to the whole book.

Can't Wait for the Full Novel!

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This is really hard to rate, because it is so short. It did get my attention and I enjoyed the premise. I was not quite ready for it it end, because I wanted to know more about how people were being brought back to life and why. This is just too short to know if I would listen again.

Hard to Rate

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I liked it. It was well written and the narrator was believable. I immediately made sure I had the other short stories/prequels downloaded and now I am even spending a credit on the first actual book. I think it's a very interesting concept.

Liked it

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