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Michael Stark
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The Island (Fallen Earth Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Michael Stark (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 1,790 ratings
The Fever struck hard and fast, rising out of the slums and claiming victim after victim. At first, reports trickled across the wire in small segments relegated to the final seconds of the broadcast news. Lost among stories of failing economies and political bickering, few noticed what proved to be the birth pangs of a monster. Within months, the disease dominated the news as thousands died and infection rates soared.

William Hill knew his chances of avoiding the virus sat squarely between slim and none. With experts predicting a global pandemic, his choices boiled down to not if, but where he would die. While the rest of the world built barricades and set up distribution points for food, he chose a simpler end. The island had been one of the last and best times with his father. He couldn’t think of a better place to spend his final days.

He wanted sun and sand, fresh fish on the grill and cool nights by the campfire. He wanted feel-good days filled with oldies on the radio, days when he could hoist the sails and run before the wind. He didn’t set out to make enemies, but he did. He didn’t plan on becoming humanity’s last hope for survival, or watching over an old woman and an eerie little boy either.

To William Hill, the island seemed as good a place as any to die.

He just didn’t realize how good.
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  1. Book 1 of 7
    Fallen Earth
  2. Print length
    83 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    24 Jun. 2012
  5. File size
    749 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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There are 7 books in this series.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008EGEOW2
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 749 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 83 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 1,790 ratings

About the author

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Michael Stark

Michael Stark

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Trying to figure out when I started writing is like trying to decide when I started walking. The stories have always been there, rummaging around in my mind. Some went on paper. Most didn't. I wrote my first novel when I was 22. Thankfully, I left it to the dustbin of history where it shall always remain.

Imagine the grin, yes, it was that bad.

I landed what some writers would consider a dream job in my thirties. Playing with wind chimes led me to my first publication, a how-to piece on building and tuning wind chimes that was featured in Popular Woodworking. That article drove a series of freelancing efforts and took me to the office of a local newspaper. I spent the next few years roaming forests and streets as their freelance outdoors reporter. I panned gold. I followed hobos and street preachers. I hung out with witches and took a trip with a man confined to a wheelchair in order to give readers an insight into just how difficult life could be.

I grew up in North Carolina, which is why a good part of the Fallen Earth series is set there. I've been to exotic parts of the world, many countries, and most states. None of them I know as well as the one I called home for most of my life. It makes it easy to write about it, and the people in it.

I hope you enjoy the stories.

MS

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
1,790 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They appreciate the well-written writing, descriptive details, and attention to detail. The characters are described as believable and the start is interesting. However, some feel the book is too short and needs more length. Opinions vary on the story length and pacing, with some finding it gripping and well-paced while others think it's not the best written story they've ever read.

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ReadabilityWriting qualityCharacter developmentStartThought provokingStory lengthPacingShortness
197 customers mention ‘Readability’197 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the story and development of the main characters. They found the storytelling style engaging and the premise intriguing. The first part was enjoyable with a decent plot pace. The author is described as promising and on their list of next books to read.

"...well rounded and nicely presented, the tone that it's written in was pleasing to me and I found it EASY to read, I did not find it all that..." Read more

"...A really promising author who is on my list of next books I am waiting for." Read more

"Let's start with the positives. The writing is fairly competent and the descriptions reasonably good, at least one of the characters is well..." Read more

"...change of pace once they reach The Island is good, and the writing reaches a good climax towards the end of The Final Chapters...." Read more

58 customers mention ‘Writing quality’45 positive13 negative

Customers find the writing quality good. They appreciate the detailed descriptions, easy to understand plot, and character development. The book is described as well-written, with a relaxed style that keeps readers hooked.

"...The description of the Island and the scenery was (for me) really well written too...." Read more

"...Spelling and grammar mostly are fine, I've picked up the odd error but we all make those, the author is clearly literate and has no problems getting..." Read more

"...Well written and gripping with twists and turns you do not see coming...." Read more

"...The writing is fairly competent and the descriptions reasonably good, at least one of the characters is well described...." Read more

39 customers mention ‘Character development’33 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the character development. They find the character well-described and the author outlines his personality and motivation in a simple way.

"...His characters are really well drawn, the story has good pace, the location descriptions are good, and the gory bits are not too vile..." Read more

"...and the descriptions reasonably good, at least one of the characters is well described...." Read more

"...The characters are well drawn, even the lesser ones, and engaged my interest and sympathy...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the building of the main character, William Hill. In particular, I enjoyed the little scene with the 'Little' cop...." Read more

27 customers mention ‘Start’27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's beginning. They find the writing good and enjoy the characters. The premise is intriguing and leaves them wanting to read more.

"...i read the whole of this first part. it started positively, and the description of how the protagonist arrived at the start of the story was really..." Read more

"This book started really well and I was actually liking the character and enjoying the story. Then he set off to the island...." Read more

"...I started to read to be presented with a good premise; a man with a few relationship skeletons in his closet starts to look for somewhere to go to..." Read more

"Good read and a good beginning to possibly many openings of the story line...." Read more

15 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’12 positive3 negative

Customers find the book intriguing and engaging. They appreciate the first-person narrative and stream-of-consciousness style. The story keeps readers hooked with suspense and mystery throughout. Readers describe it as an apocalyptic story with a touch of fantasy.

"...The characters are well drawn, even the lesser ones, and engaged my interest and sympathy...." Read more

"...characters, an impending disaster situation, and towards the end an injection of the uncanny...." Read more

"Very well written and thought provoking. Would recommend to anyone with an enquiring mind. Page turner from start to finish." Read more

"good but not very long needs an introduction in the book or e book if I see one it gets 5 stars" Read more

75 customers mention ‘Story length’37 positive38 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story length. Some find it gripping and engaging, with believable characters that flesh out as the story thickens. Others feel it's not the best-written story they've read, with characters that lack depth and an unfocused plot.

"...Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of kick ass blood and gore action and a surprise or two, in fact it would make a good film in my..." Read more

"...First off, this is not a 5 part series, it is 5 parts of one book, and I say fair play to the author...." Read more

"...I can honestly say that, although the writing style is generally well rounded and nicely presented, the tone that it's written in was pleasing to me..." Read more

"Well, I'm not sure how to review this story, because it is so early on in the series and I have some catching up to do...." Read more

40 customers mention ‘Pacing’18 positive22 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it gripping and well-paced, keeping them turning pages until the end. Others feel the story is slow and boring, ending abruptly, and taking a while to get into.

"Started this book and could not believe how slow and boring it was, I felt myself wanting to fall asleep, I am usually a person who has to read a..." Read more

"...His characters are really well drawn, the story has good pace, the location descriptions are good, and the gory bits are not too vile..." Read more

"...this book until the end, without giving the end away it just finished very suddenly and left me a bit disappointed...." Read more

"...although dragged out unnecessarily in a lot of the places, has a good backbone to it if you can get past the little things...." Read more

20 customers mention ‘Shortness’5 positive15 negative

Customers find the book too short. They say it needs to be longer and plodding.

"...All in all, this book on its own, albeit short, is an interesting read on its own, but you end up wanting more ... enter the remaining 4 books in..." Read more

"...Why? This book is incredibly short, I understand that it is the first in a series, but the fact that there is barely an hour's reading in..." Read more

"I enjoyed this series - although each book is quite short, as long as you read them in the correct order they make up a story that keeps you..." Read more

"...I do regret buying the last two books. The free books are very short and take about 30mins-hour to read through which is fair enough...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Temaho
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great new author
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 September 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is part 1 of 5 sections of The Island. The author has produced it in sections (which he explains in the books themselves) but they are all part of one whole, and it is thus that I review them.

    The story is very reminiscent of Stephen King's The Stand, in that the story revolves around a virus which sweeps across the world, killing billions; the subsequent breakdown of society's law and order and the small gathering of isolated people who develop a micro-cosmic society.

    For me, Stephen King is the author most likely to keep me up until the early hours of the morning, because I cannot bear to put the book down. Michael Stark had a very similar effect on me.

    His characters are really well drawn, the story has good pace, the location descriptions are good, and the gory bits are not too vile (and reasonably easy to gloss over without losing too much of the story).

    A new discovery for me. I eagerly await the follow up - The Rock - and will also seek out other work by the author.
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  • Maz
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good 'Fantasy/End of Days Survival/Ghouls and Things that go Bump in the Night type story' most people would really enjoy.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I have never read anything written by Micheal Stark and the 'ISLAND' series had a few mixed reviews so when I down loaded the first book (this one) I wasn't expecting much. Ok, the story line 'maybe' a little predictable and throughout the series he does keep referring back to his dead Father which after awhile I could see was important as throughout all the trauma and horror that follows him in the book, he draws strength and guidance from his father's once wise words and his own experiences.
    Because of this I just LOVED the beautiful way it was written, full of amazing little 'words of wisdom' about how we could live our lives and see others. The description of the Island and the scenery was (for me) really well written too. Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of kick ass blood and gore action and a surprise or two, in fact it would make a good film in my opinion.
    Some of the 'Radio Broadcasts' went on a bit and I did have a little laugh at the 'mysterious' beings but the more I read the more I forgave and 'just got with the plot'!! In the end I couldn't put it down. Now I can't wait for the next installments.
    Read the books if you like 'Fantasy/End of Days Survival/Ghouls and Things that go Bump in the Night type stories' starring a reluctant hero with a sense of humor that is pretty unassuming to start with, who ends up with a 'mentor' that you never would have dreamed of!
    At the end of the first book (I think) Mr Stark does say that he is constantly 'editing' the books which is a brilliant thing to be able to go back and do.
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  • Claire Hansen
    3.0 out of 5 stars Drags on in places, kept me interested enough to read the next.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 January 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I won't say I 'enjoyed' reading this enough to read the next section, (this 'book' is rather an installment in a series of 5, which make up the complete book), but it kept me interested enough to continue with part 2, rather than moving on to something else.
    I can honestly say that, although the writing style is generally well rounded and nicely presented, the tone that it's written in was pleasing to me and I found it EASY to read, I did not find it all that entertaining..
    The author is far too descriptive concerning several aspects that just don't need quite so much attention devoting to them.
    He gets a little better at this towards book 3, but at one point I think he used up about 6 pages in this one just describing the wind, and I'm almost certain I could get on a boat now (having never been on one in my life other than the odd ferry crossing from Dover to Calais) and have a fairly good idea of how to sail it ;D At times I found I had read 3-4 pages whilst talking to someone at the same time and having no real knowledge of what I'd read, only to go back over it and realise that I'd missed nothing at all. There are a lot of places this happens, you could pretty much pick it up anywhere and know within 5 minutes what was going on, a lot of things are repeated more than they need to be.

    I have to agree with another reviewer on here and say that I didn't take to the characters at all. I found the protagonist to be cliched and dull, and a little irritating, a bit too self righteous at times. In fact, most of the characters seem very cliched, the oversized, redneck, perpetually angry cop, the super smart and overly perceptive, occasionally moody old woman, the creepy, Damian-esque 6 year old...

    Still, saying that, I had downloaded all 3 of the free copies and am currently about halfway into number 3.
    Part of this is curiousity, I want to find out what happens, but I won't be paying to find out what happens any further than book 3, I'm not THAT curious, the other part is that the story, although dragged out unnecessarily in a lot of the places, has a good backbone to it if you can get past the little things.

    Spelling and grammar mostly are fine, I've picked up the odd error but we all make those, the author is clearly literate and has no problems getting his point across.

    Overall, it held me enough for me to read the next 2, but as a trio they haven't done enough to warrant me paying for the last 2.
    One person found this helpful
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  • S. Donohue
    5.0 out of 5 stars A GRIPPING READ - GIVE IT A TRY
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Not my normal kind of read but something drew me in, i read part 1 in a day and the rest of the set a day a part. Well written and gripping with twists and turns you do not see coming.
    without spoilers it is very Stephen King esq, at first I couldn't see how it would go that way as it was very much end of the world survival story but it progresses and twists in such a way that makes it seem plausible and leaves you wanting the next part each time.
    I have really enjoyed this book and would recommend giving it a go - esp as parts 1 - 3 are free so you have nothing to loose in giving them a go.

    A really promising author who is on my list of next books I am waiting for.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Trina H
    3.0 out of 5 stars only an introduction
    Reviewed in Australia on 12 November 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book introduces the characters and sets the scene but you will need to read the next book to really get into the story. Not sure if it grabs me enough for that.
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  • A Christy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Start! Excellent Serialized Tale
    Reviewed in the United States on 25 September 2012
    Verified Purchase
    So far, I've read the first three of the five parts to the series and I've really enjoyed the ride. Before I delve down into books four and five, I better get a review out. Wouldn't want to mix up details for the review and spoil things.

    In this, the first volume, we get introduced to our protagonist. William Hill...or Hill William as we come to hear him referred to...is a basic man. Divorced once and rather lonely he is now faced with something decidely not part of the everyday: a fast moving and terribly fatal disease called The Fever. Deciding that he's rather unlikely to be a lucky survivor, he makes a sort of peace with his recently deceased father and takes the sailboat he inherited so that he can die on the island he sailed with his father during better days.

    It's a rather beautiful start and I genuinely like the character. His interactions with D. Little (what a hoot) and the proprietor of the general store really flesh him out into a believable and knowable character. The reader is invited to like this guy and I did.

    Things take a rather interesting turn right away and we get a small glimpse of a bit of the terror to come, but the dark curtains don't close completely and if you are anything like me, you'll click open Part Two immediately upon finishing.

    As to my thoughts on this, like others, I was very confused by the dragon on the cover and that almost made me pass it up when it was suggested to me on Amazon. After Part Two, I understood the image as an allegory for the island and the bad things that are going on...sort of a crouching dragon waiting to devour those who remain. Now, after I read Parts Four and Five I may change my mind on that but for now it is a satisfying explanation for me.

    Overall, this story blends elements of pandemic, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic worlds and the supernatural very well in an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy the above genre as well as those who enjoy serial fiction and supernaturally influenced thrillers.
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  • Bill O'Neill
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 9 January 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This series of short books started out a lot better than it ended.
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  • Gambler D Cooper
    4.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile read.
    Reviewed in the United States on 16 November 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I have finished all five books in the series. They are short books, about 5-6 chapters each. As I was reading, it reminded me of Stephen King books I had read. The ones where he takes a page and a half to describe a sunset. That aside, I did think that the story was well written if a tad on the descriptive side. The protagonist is someone you come to know real well and supporting characters are also fleshed out, almost to a fault. The overall story is good but I must say that I found the ending less than satisfying. I never really felt that the fever was explained and what other elements of the story had to do with the fever. I imagine the author left the story somewhat open purposefully in the event that there were follow-up books. I would still recommend these books to anyone who likes an apocalyptic/horror story and I shall keep an eye out for any future episodes.
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  • Erin
    3.0 out of 5 stars Slow start to a good fantasy book.
    Reviewed in the United States on 29 December 2012
    Verified Purchase
    In short - I give this book (Part 1) a 2.5 for content but I'm rounding up to a 3 because Stark writes really well.

    I started writing this review and it got quite lengthy, but I think a list will work just as well, so here it goes -

    1. The description of this book starts with "The Fever struck hard and fast..." but reader be warned, the plot does not. A good portion of Part 1 is filled with William Hill's personal history, which for me was too long.

    2. Part 1 is really well written but it wasn't what I was expecting from the description of the book. "The Fever" only plays a small part.

    3. I did go on to read the other parts (5 in all), and was glad that I did. In Part 2 the plot really picks up and you start getting more of the type of things happening that were described in the plot. By the end of Part 2 I was definitely hooked.

    4. The cover art will eventually make sense if you read the whole book (all the parts).

    5. You wouldn't know it from Part 1 (and for some people maybe not even from the cover art) but The Island is a fantasy book. The book description doesn't really do the plot justice in this regard.

    6. I think it was silly that Stark split this book into 5 parts. If he wanted to hook people with the beginning (parts 1 - 3) and then have them pay for the rest (part 4 and the final chapters) then he should have split it into a maximum of 2 parts, not 5.

    Overall, even though I give Part 1 only 3 stars, I give the book as whole 4 stars. It would have been 5 but the beginning was slow and the ending was kind of off and somewhat rushed compared to the rest of the book.

    *Review re-posted from Goodreads.com
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