Summer Haven trilogy
A story of human endurance in the face of alien invasion
It begins with a genocidal infection...
The adventure of a lifetime
I. An English Apocalypse
Reviewed by Readers' Favorite 5/5
An English Apocalypse by Paul J.C. Edge is an exceptional zombie apocalypse story. The word “zombie” is never used as a name for the infected in this book, but the easiest way for me to describe them is as fast-moving zombies. What makes this book exceptional is the structure of the story. It follows two brothers who don’t know of the other’s existence. Some spiritual force has warned one of them about the coming apocalypse. The other one doesn’t know what’s coming but he knows he’s been given certain abilities that make him a formidable warrior.
The brother who knows what’s coming prepares a fortress to save himself and a small community. The other brother is surprised by it all but his unique abilities make him a survivor. An English Apocalypse moves slowly at first, laying every brick of the two main characters’ backstories. We’re also privileged to watch the preparations of the brother who knows what’s coming.
Anyone who isn’t interested in the fine details of the fortress as it’s being built might find the first half of the book to be a little slow. However, author Paul J.C. Edge knows his stuff about survival in a fallen world and he manages to keep it all interesting.
Along the way, we get to know many of the main characters too. Once the catastrophe arrives, the story kicks into overdrive. There is no sitting quietly in a bunker until everything passes. The action and violence come fast and furious. From that point on I had a difficult time putting the book down. Overall, I think the author used the slow build-up in the first half to his advantage, making the second half twice as effective because by then the reader is invested in the characters and has been well-prepped on their survival plans.
This is NOT a cheap zombie story all about blood and gore; rather it’s a well-crafted blockbuster novel about a zombie apocalypse that feels all too real.
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Reviewed by Bookish
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
In “An English Apocalypse: The Summer Haven I” by Paul J.C. Edge, readers are plunged into a harrowing world on the brink of annihilation, where the threat of infected meteoroids from space brings humanity to its knees. Against this backdrop of impending doom, two estranged twin brothers find themselves thrust into a desperate struggle for survival.
What sets Edge’s novel apart is its masterful exploration of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through the parallel journeys of the two brothers—one forewarned of the apocalypse, the other unaware but armed with unique abilities—the author crafts a narrative that is as poignant as it is pulse-pounding.
When disaster finally strikes, Edge wastes no time plunging readers into a maelstrom of action and violence. The relentless pace and visceral intensity of the narrative make it difficult to put the book down, as the brothers and their companions navigate a world overrun by fast-moving zombies and fight for their very survival.
What elevates “An English Apocalypse” above typical zombie fare is Edge’s attention to detail and his nuanced exploration of themes such as resilience, redemption, and the bonds of family. The characters are vividly drawn, their struggles and triumphs resonating with authenticity and depth.
While the novel certainly delivers its fair share of thrills and chills, it is ultimately a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Edge’s skilful blend of heart-pounding action and thought-provoking drama makes “An English Apocalypse” a standout entry in the genre—a blockbuster novel that feels all too real in its depiction of a world teetering on the brink of oblivion.
II. A Doctrine of Fear
Reviewed by Kirkus
Mysterious inscriptions on an Englishman’s skin and attacks by demonic assassins are among the signs interpreted by the Vatican that an apocalyptic battle between good and evil is nigh. In this sequel, Edge continues an SF/fantasy trilogy that began with An English Apocalypse (2020). The narrative partially recaps events in the earlier book from different points of view.
Contemporary British family man Joseph Fairbourne notices enigmatic inscriptions appearing on his skin, some in Latin, and suspects a prank by his 21-year-old video game–playing son, James. But when a priest sees the marks, everything changes. Joseph; his wife, Bridget; James; and other relatives are swept up by a Swiss Guard secret branch, protecting them from sudden raids by black-clad assassins who inevitably erupt into flames when defeated. It seems the pope has been having visions of a final war between servants of God and minions of Satan, and Joseph’s stigmatalike phenomenon marks him as a key figure in this quasi-biblical prophecy come true.
The Vatican secretly spent its fortune (with a network of supernaturally gifted individuals) in creating safe havens, combat drones, and elite soldiers for a showdown with the massing “Dark Ones.” Now, agnostic Joseph is ordained a priest as violence and horror escalate globally. But is it possible there is a rational explanation for the end-of-days catastrophes?
A parallel plotline follows Jennifer Travers, a Scottish woman with crack military training traveling through the United States. Happenstance repeatedly pits her combat skills against rapists, abusers, and, ultimately, the inhuman-seeming Dark Ones themselves. Those passages do feel flown in from another story altogether (readers may be reminded of F. Paul Wilson’s recurring action hero who winds up fighting the occult, Repairman Jack, and that is no small compliment). And Edge’s juggling of multiple narrators—including ship’s log entries and late arrivals from the first book—does make for an uneven whole. But as a midtrilogy installment, the adventure can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
The author’s cagey treatment of whether all these tribulations are really salvation or superscience indistinguishable from magic makes a switch from the Tim LaHaye/Jerry B. Jenkins–spawned genre of Left Behind–ish apocalypse thrillers with overt Christian evangelical agendas. Readers will decide if this is a frustrating plot element or deserving of a hallelujah. The devil is in the details as this engaging, epic SF thriller begets unholy mayhem.
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Reviewed by Bookish
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
In A Doctrine of Fear, readers are taken on a riveting journey into the heart of an apocalyptic battle between good and evil, where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Building upon the events of its predecessor, this sequel delves deeper into the intricate web of deceit and manipulation that led to the genocide of the human race.
Edge’s narrative is nothing short of ambitious, weaving together multiple plotlines and perspectives to paint a vivid portrait of a world on the brink of oblivion. From the mysterious inscriptions appearing on an Englishman’s skin to the Vatican’s interpretation of apocalyptic signs, the author deftly combines elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural horror to create a story that is as thought-provoking as it is pulse-pounding.
At the heart of the novel are the three estranged brothers, forced to confront a terrible truth and shoulder the burden of saving humanity from extinction. As they navigate a world torn apart by violence and horror, Edge explores themes of faith, redemption, and the age-old battle between light and darkness. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its multifaceted characters, each grappling with their own inner demons and moral dilemmas.
While the parallel plotlines may feel disparate at times, Edge’s skilful storytelling ultimately weaves them together into a cohesive narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s cagey treatment of whether the unfolding events are salvation or superscience adds an air of mystery and suspense. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-read for fans of apocalyptic fiction and supernatural thrillers alike.
III. A Moonlit Armageddon
Reviewed by Readers' Favorite 5/5
A science-fiction thriller that follows what is left of humanity in its last stand.
Earth has been ravaged by a malevolent enemy, aliens who seem entirely immune to traditional human weaponry. And there are only so many nuclear warheads. The Cros pummel every human, rounding them up for labor camps. It is also a battle of faith, where two young girls may hold the key to success. “The infected are coming, we need to get out of here...” Alien pirates. Alien coalitions. Gland and unusual organ harvesting. An army of spirits trapped in earthly purgatory. Cloning. Recloning. Polymorphic organic metals—[if you know, you know]. Yes, A Moonlit Armageddon basically ticked off my entire Christmas reading list in 48 hours. So it's been a great weekend.
If a reader has made it to this last leg in the series, you are already acquainted with Edge's writing style and are here for the war. The action scenes delivered are spectacular, as is the ability to get to know those who fall into the “other” category, such as Abe who has a knack for calling out decent child actors. The cloning and technological aspects fit neatly and comfortably into the suspension of disbelief box, and the tension when the good guys start to question whether or not they can continue putting their trust and lives in the hands of those who were the former bad guys, feels authentic. Once a Barak, always a Barak, right?
This is a book fans will find satisfying and it really was impossible to put down. Read the first two first, do your time, and then enjoy the wild ride. Very highly recommended.
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Reviewed by Bookish
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️/5
In A Moonlit Armageddon, readers are thrust into the heart of a desperate battle for survival as Earth faces annihilation at the hands of a brutal alien invasion. Building upon the foundations laid in its predecessors, this third instalment in the “Summer Haven Universe” series delivers an explosive conclusion to the epic saga of humanity’s struggle against overwhelming odds.
Edge’s narrative unfolds with breath-taking intensity, as the population of Earth is decimated in a merciless attempt to wipe out intelligent life from the planet. Against this backdrop of devastation, four cloned brothers emerge as unlikely heroes, leading the defence of their world against an insurmountable enemy.
What sets “A Moonlit Armageddon” apart is its exploration of themes such as sacrifice, redemption, and the complexities of alliances forged in the face of existential threat. As the brothers are forced to join forces with their mortal enemy, Edge delves into the moral ambiguity of wartime alliances, posing thought-provoking questions about the nature of friendship and loyalty in the midst of chaos.
Central to the novel is the awakening of ancient abilities within mankind, fuelled by the melding of human and alien DNA. As arcane weapons are unleashed and long-buried secrets come to light, Edge crafts a narrative that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. In conclusion, “A Moonlit Armageddon” is a gripping and satisfying conclusion to the “Summer Haven Universe” series. Paul J.C. Edge has crafted a masterful tale of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
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