The Evilution: Rise of the Antichrist

Dark Tomes, Book 1

By: David Reuben Aslin

Narrated by: S.W. Salzman

Length: 8 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Masquerading as the powerful Vatican Bishop, Cardinal David Xzytun, ultimate "Evil" has incarnated with intent to control, as puppet master, a Caesar for his new Roman Empire.

Standing tenuously on the side of hope amidst the encroaching apocalyptic doom is Dr. Paul Bradfield, a man conflicted between rational science and matters of faith regarding unexplained supernatural occurrences, and the horrifying deaths of several of his closest friends.

Only Jennifer Dowling, Bradfield’s true love, and Matt Larsen, his slovenly yet brilliant friend, recognize the unholy phenomenon which has fixated on, or perhaps emanates from, Father Joseph, Bradfield’s dearest friend of all.

What will come of humanity when the clock counts down? Can one man make the difference and stave off mankind's ultimate doom, at least for the time being?

All roads appear to lead to one inexorable horrific beginning of the end...that is...The Evilution.

©2014 David Reuben Aslin (P)2018 David Reuben Aslin

great book, can't wait for more

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was a pretty great, if slow building, horror novel. It felt pretty fast-paced, but the overall story actually builds slow. I believe that is intentional, as this is book 1 of a series. It does have an open ending, so if that bothers you, I'd recommend waiting until the next book(s) are released. If, like me, you love stories about an anti-christ and the end of the world, don't miss this one. It is worth the credit.

Great Narrator, interesting story

As some people already mentioned: the whole first book is more or less an introduction to the characters. Nevertheless, I thought it quite interesting, even though there weren't any exciting passages yet. I still can't wait for the next book to see how the story continues. S.W. Salzman is doing a great job bringing the characters to life and keep you hooked on the story.

Evilution: Hurry up and do the next book

This book has a lot going on and is hopefully the start to a fantastic series. Where to begin? First, this is part of a series and this book doesn't have an ending so you will need to be on-board for listening to the rest of the series. Second, the first three quarters of the book lays out the characters and develops them individually so while it is interesting it is a bit slow. Third, there are some sexist and racist comments in the book, nothing too bothersome but I can imagine that in today's world people might be offended. Forth, this delves into some religious ideas which are necessary for the story but could upset some devout listeners. I wouldn't call this book religious by any means but when writing about the Antichrist you need to discuss religion a bit. Having said all that this book is laying the groundwork for a huge story. This one just gives you a taste of where it is going and it has a lot of destinations on the horizon and I look forward to everyone of them. Hope the rest of the series comes out quick.
I really liked the narrator's voice. Nice and calm and soothing. He had a slight change of inflection when switching characters which I found really made everything smooth. First time I didn't change the speed too so he read at a good pace. He made it very easy to just sit back and listen.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Interesting, fast paced book

This book takes the prophecy of the end times and provides a fast-paced, fictional account. Although there are a number of characters, the author does a great job letting us get to know them. Although it uses Biblical references, I don't see this as a religious book. It isn't going to teach you all about each sign and piece of the end times prophecy, nor does it base the story on them all. This is a book for those who enjoy a well though out plot with adventure and suspense, as well as some supernatural thrown in. Interesting read.

S.W. Salzman does a great job narrating the story, increasing the suspenseful nature and providing a range of voices and accents. His performance enhances the book. Great narrator!

The end is coming, which side will you be on?

Would you listen to The Evilution: Rise of the Antichrist again? Why?

It was a very interesting book, so yes. It will also be less confusing on a second go round.

Who was the most memorable character of The Evilution: Rise of the Antichrist and why?

While Bradfield seem to be more of the main character, David Joseph was the most memorable character, in that he is the son of the devil, but he isn't evil. He has a choice to be good or to follow his father's plans. It seems if he were to go against them he could derail them.

Any additional comments?

The beginning of the book was somewhat confusing as it changed perspective a lot until it stabilized, also the old tongue preaching from the devil dragged. Also the relationship between Bradfield and Jennifer seemed a little forced, just perfect from the start. Apart from that, it was very good and I can't wait to read the sequel.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Not bad

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. It was a good story. Turned out it was not really for me, but ended up being a good story. The narration was really good.

C L U M S Y writing, but the seed of a great story

I had such high hopes for this book!

I tend to be a sucker for anything related to the Antichrist or the end of the world. But this book just comes off as super clumsy.

Now, the audio narration was done by S.W. Salzman and he was quite good. He has a good array of voices, even the female voices being varied and distinct. His vocal inflections are mostly good and his tempo shifts are subtle but effective.

From the very beginning, the writing is just clumsy, awkward, and FILLED with pointless back story.

There are SO many chapters that either start or are comprised almost (if not) entirely of back story that, as far as I can tell, has no bearing on the story.

Of this 8-hour audiobook, I would guess that less than 3 hours of it are happening in the present. The rest is back story that feels completely unnecessary.

For example, the entire first chapter from Father Joseph David's perspective is him writing the first part of his autobiography. None of which is in any way relevant to the plot and does almost nothing to deepen his character.

Now, there are some interesting things being done in this story.
I actually really like the way that technological advances are being used as simile for events depicted in the Book of Revelation. Much of this was cleverly done.

Unfortunately, much of the dialogue is also clumsy and very on the nose.

This book really could have benefited from the attention of a developmental editor or a story coach. I feel like there is a seed of a great story here, it's just so bogged down in clumsy writing and back story that it's hard to see it.

Similarly, the ending isn't really an ending. I had concerns over the last hour or two of the book and they proved accurate. There's a minor climax that feels like it should be the mid-point of a novel, then we go to an epilogue that jumps over months of time with no inkling of what has happened to almost all of the characters in the meantime.

If there is ever a re-release of this with the issues corrected, I will be more than happy to read it (and any successive books), but as it is I have no desire to continue this story.

I did end up loving this book

At first I wasn't sure if I would like this book. I love anything Mr. Salzman narrates so how could I not get into The Evilution - Rise of the Antichrist. This is my first taste of Mr. David Reuben Aslin's work and I have to say I am impressed. When the book first started out I wasn't sure if this was a book for me, as it is not my usual genre, but I have to say I loved this book so much I listened to it at least 5 times back to back. It's a great story with an evil lurking to collect bodies, minds and souls. I highly recommend you give Evilution a listen. With Mr. Aslin's story and Mr. Salzman's voice, this is a winner.

new take

I recieved this book free of charge for an honest review. kind of a new take on the tale of the antichrist. and bad guy or not o kinda like the guy.

The Evilution

When I first read the blurb I thought of the Dithe davinci code Which I loved. This however, is not like that. I felt it was slow and nothing really got resolved. However, I read some where the first book is an introductory to the characters. So will I give the next book a go? Yes I would. It has some interesting consepts and I want to know how the story would progress and end.