Forsaken: Book One of the Shadow Cove Saga

By: J.D. Barker

Narrated by: Christina Delaine

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

J.D. Barker's Forsaken is a remarkable debut, a gripping tale of suspense in the tradition of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and John Saul. Truly the birth of a new master in the genre.

“J.D. Barker is a one-of-a-kind writer, and that’s a rare and special thing. Stephen King comes to mind and Lee Child, John Sandford. All one-of-a-kinds. Don’t miss anything J.D. writes.” (James Patterson, number on international best-selling author)

“Barker’s ambitious debut is aimed squarely at fans of classic horror. Witches, spells, miniature demons, and personal doubt give plenty to latch on to...the plot moves at a brisk pace...a promising start to a planned series.” (Publisher’s Weekly)

“After reading Forsaken, I completely understand why Stephen King would grant this author permission to reference his world from Needful Things. Barker is that good. You do not want to miss this book!” (The Haven Herald)

When horror author Thad McAlister began his latest novel, a tale rooted in the witch trials of centuries past, the words flowed effortlessly. The story poured forth, filling page after page with the most frightening character ever to crawl from his imagination. It was his greatest work, one that would guarantee him a position among the legends of the craft.

But was it really fiction?

He inadvertently opened a door, one that would soon jeopardize the lives of his family.

She wants to come back.

At home, his wife struggles to keep their family alive. Secretly wondering if she caused it all...a deal she made long ago. A deal with the Forsaken.

©2014 Jonathan Dylan Barker (P)2015 Hampton Creek Press

Worth the Time, Very Enjoyable

What did you love best about Forsaken: Book One of the Shadow Cove Saga?

The story was enjoyable, and well written. There were a few holes, and some areas were over expanded while other important areas, needed more. Over all, however, this is an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable book.

What about Christina Delaine’s performance did you like?

Christina Delaine's performance was probably the best performance of any of the books I have listened to. I have listened to many books. Her versatility is absolutely amazing. Inflections and pronunciations are awesome. With the exception of Bougainvillea. The two l's are pronounced as a "y".

Such potential

What did you like best about Forsaken: Book One of the Shadow Cove Saga? What did you like least?

I was looking forward to a mystery with fantasy. I liked the topic something with a fairy tale feel and witches seemed like a fun mix. Sadly, the story was predictable. Overall there was some good content but falls into an easy cookie cutter book. The characters were underdeveloped and I personally didn't feel like I knew or cared much about them. I kept feeling like I had an abridged version or there was a previous book.

Has Forsaken: Book One of the Shadow Cove Saga turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, I just won't read any thing further in this series.

Have you listened to any of Christina Delaine’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

I felt this book was a Rapunzel type story mixed with witch craft that just didn't hack it.

Won't follow the saga

Couldn't tolerate another book if read by the same narrator. Story continuation may be okay, but I'll never know

Forsaken bk 1

Starting out with a mention of 'Needful Things'Stephen Kings book about a certain store we all know,we are led on a trip through many years and many people.We get a story of a witch enduring a trial by religious Zealots.We are also create to a story in modern times of a pregnant woman,married to a writer who ends up in a 'Rosemarys Baby' type story.It's an awesome read.Christina Delaine is fabulous as narrator.I was given this book free for an honest review.LOVED this book so much I didn't put it down!

Forsaken my time

Couldn't get through it got bored finished it anyway while playing a game. Probably would've like this story had it a better narrator. I suggest turning up the speed

Great first book in a series

J.D.Barker is a new writer to me-I'm looking forward to more by him and pleased that the Shadow Cove Saga is going to be, hopefully, a series...he'd say trilogy if it was just going to be 3 books, right? So maybe it will be more!.

I became fascinated with the sort of backstory, taken from an old journal, written allegedly by a man who was hired to document the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s, then incorporated into a best selling book by the fictional author who is the male protagonist in this . I really hope the full journal is incorporated into it's own-maybe "1.5" books in the series. It has a lot of potential!

Barkers 'tip of the hat' to Stephen King is well deserved and perfectly placed. Barker is a novelist in the finest tradition of Stephen King's best horror novels. The mention of Castle Rock and the store 'Needful Things' plays a small but perfect place in this story.

The female protagonist, the 9 month and ready to deliver very pregnant wife of the male protagonist is written nicely, as is their first child, a daughter with an invisible playmate named Zack.

From Thad, the author to Ms Perez, the housekeeper, I got to know the characters- though not quite as well as I thought I did.

Last, and contrary to many other reviewers opinions, I think Christine Delaine was the perfect voice for this book..she does 'scary' great. Granted her child voice can be a bit irritating, but don't let that deter you from listening to the entire book.

It's a real shame that many listeners for a negative opinion of the narrator in the first hour of listening and quit the entire book...what a loss for you! Give yourself a second chance at this book and some more time..remember little kids voices can be irritating in real life and it's probably a difficult voice to read without overplaying the kid.

I recommend the book to those who like Stephen Kings early horror works. You'll feel right at home. "Ah yeh ya will"

Awesome

Edge of youre seat but narration was so slow. Up your listening speed to 1.25!

Loved it!

Exceeded my expectations ! Scary, clever amazing reader. I can't wait for the next book...looking forward to a scary trilogy.

a tad mixed up in the telling.

the motives and placing of the characters was inexpertly done, otherwise the story was mildly entertaining. Could have been brilliant start to a series if worked on a little more. will not bother with others in series due to this.

LOVED IT

All I can say is, when the heck is the next book due out? Great story! Enjoyable narrator. Book gave me goosebumps, even in the daylight!