Tuesday, July 1, 2025

 #Bookreview of The Call of Abaddon

By: Colin Searle

Publisher: Searle Productions

Publication Date: July 29, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-0692653-0-2

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 1, 2025

The Call of Abaddon by Colin Searle is a fast-paced, science fiction novel about Jason, a young man with powerful psychic abilities, who is haunted by voices that won't let go—voices tied to an ancient and immensely powerful alien structure called the Abaddon Beacon. He has been hearing these voices for years in his dreams but now he hears them when he is awake. He is shown to have been using Osmium, a psychoactive, addictive drug that helps him sleep and escape the torment of his fitful dreams and memories of the obelisk he once encountered in a research lab which he escaped from some time back. There, he, his friend Sam and his brother David were used as subjects in Dr. Avery Oakfield's experiments, specifically the Abhamancer Program which ended up giving them psionic powers.

The beacon is self-aware, was created by makers who once broke the laws of reality nearly destroying space and time. To stop others from repeating the same mistake, it was aimed at manipulating and destroying civilizations and reproducing by triggering mass extinction and catastrophic events called Phages, that would melt down entire populations into raw material used to create more beacons. It speaks through whispers, visions and psychic pulses, trying to dominate the minds of vulnerable individuals like Jason. It sees people as tools or obstacles and when it realizes that Jason is fighting it, it responds with overwhelming intensity, pressing harder to break his will. But instead of surrendering, Jason decides to channel his inner strength using his pain and clarity to push through the mental chaos. As their conflict builds to a final clash of wills, the question becomes: can one human being truly defy an ancient cosmic?

Jason isn't, however, alone in the fight. He is joined by his older brother David, who is a grounded, loyal and pragmatic protector to his brother. There is also Sam, a fellow survivor of the Abhamancer Program, who comes out as the team's emotional and tactical anchor despite the trauma of her own past. Together, they face fearful moments that push them to their limits, often clashing over whether to stay safe or take bold risks. As Jason's condition worsens as the Beacon's influence grows stronger, they must face impossible choices—choices that lead them deeper into danger, toward an enemy they can't see, a truth they are not ready for and a future none of them may survive.

This novel’s writing style is fast, focused and deeply thoughtful. The author uses just the right amount of detail and when he describes a place like a ruined city or an alien lab, you can picture it clearly in your mind, as if you are watching a movie. His descriptions are very vivid—you always know where you are and what is happening. The story is easy to follow and doesn't confuse the reader, even when things get strange or intense, like when the Beacon's influence explodes inside the protagonist. The characters grow in meaningful ways as the story unfolds and their growth feels natural and earned. The story beautifully shows that true strength isn't just about power, but about trust, love and the courage to keep going. The secondary characters like Anne, Talos and Budgie add depth, tension and unexpected warmth, each playing a key role in shaping the story’s emotional stakes and helping drive the plot forward.

Quill says: The Call of Abaddon by Colin Searle is one of the most gripping and emotionally rich sci-fi stories out there, with a unique blend of action, mystery and emotion with powerful and unforgettable characters and vivid world-building that keeps the reader turning the pages. It delivers more than it promises, offering real emotional stakes that resonate deeply with the readers. With themes of survival, identity and the struggle for control, it asks what it truly means to fight for your future when everything, including your sanity, is at risk. This story is highly recommended for fans of character-driven sci-fi, psychological thrillers, and stories that balance emotional depth with high-stakes action, as well as those who enjoy books that capture the cost of survival.

For more information about The Call of Abaddon, please visit the author's website at: colinsearle.com

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