The Nexus: Samhain

De: Ian Cadena

Narrado por: Ian Cadena

The Nexus is the realm between death and the after-life and has been sealed for centuries. Max Dane, an 11-year-old boy turning 12 on Halloween, may be the only key to opening it.... But should it be opened?

This book series is set within a year span of Max's arrival to Ravencrest, Vermont where the paranormal is the norm. Max has epileptic seizures that cause hallucinations, but his new friends try to convince him he's having psychic visions via the Nexus. Max's visions keep taking him back to Samhain during the middle ages where he meets a tortured soul in the form of an eight-year-old boy named Jack. Max decides he's going to help release Jack from his torment even if it costs him his own sanity. His only chance at doing that is to traverse the Nexus and brave a fierce entity known as the Knightmare. And to traverse the Nexus he must explore mystical and spiritual practices like drumming, meditation and tarot, which launch him not only through the Nexus but on a journey of self-discovery that he may regret.

©2015 Ian Cadena (P)2015 Ian Cadena

Entertaining Read

What made the experience of listening to The Nexus: Samhain the most enjoyable?

I always enjoy clever ways of interpreting ancient history/mythology and this book does that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Nexus: Samhain?

Good use of time travel/shifts to progress the narrative.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the book for the most part but felt some of the actions were more reminiscent of of what mid 20's hipsters are engaged in rather than 12 year old kids, but hey kids these days, right...

Entertaining Read

What made the experience of listening to The Nexus: Samhain the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the parts of the book containing Max's visions - the history and backstory were very good. The native American culture parts were also very interesting

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The way it ended with Max in a straight jacket

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom

Overall good read

Any additional comments?

This book was entertaining to say the least. I really enjoyed the parts of the book containing Max's visions - the history and backstory were very good. The native American culture parts were also very interesting. The Salem-esque feel of the town and the setting of Halloween helped add intrigue to the story.

Note: for the first few minutes and for brief periods a couple of times in the narration, I could hear an awkward style to the narrator's vocal patterns. I almost didn't listen past the first little bit because it distracted me. It got better as it went on and I didn't notice it after a while.

Also, I did feel like some of the sections revolving around the other teens that Max goes to school with seemed a little odd and unnecessary to the story. I have no issues with homosexuality but for this 11-year-old boy in a small town being exposed to sex acts in a locker room and constantly staring and describing bulges and naked body parts was a bit over the top. Yes - I'm sure it does happen, however not that often and it wasn't important to the plot.


***This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

Couldn't Stop Listening

Loved it. great storyline. light on character development but it still all fit together really well. the ending was a shocker...

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

An Exciting and Thought-Provoking Journey

Would you consider the audio edition of The Nexus: Samhain to be better than the print version?

The audio edition of The Nexus: Samhain is narrated by the author and therefore sets the tone accurately. The book introduced me to some concepts that were new to me; so I appreciated being led through the journey by the author himself.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Max carries the wisdom of an older soul and with the burden(s) of such. His optimism, curiosity, and energy were inspiring and infectious.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Max is introduced to Jack, the reader recognizes the forces that connect them. The idea of finding a purpose for your life is something that resonated with me. I found that the flaws and limitations of the protagonist are what motivated him and in fact may ultimately have benefited him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The author obviously appreciates Halloween as much as I do, maybe even more so. But instead of simply using the obvious appeal of the mystery and evil that lurks behind the last night of October, the reader is exposed to some history and concepts that broadened my understanding of and appreciation for more complicated elements.

Any additional comments?

Very impressive work from this new author. Can't wait for the next chapters/new seasons.