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L.T. Vargus
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Back in Black (Awake in the Dark Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Tim McBain (Author), L.T. Vargus (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 170 ratings

The Awake in the Dark saga continues.


Back in Black is book 4 in the epic 5 volume paranormal suspense series. New to the series? Get the first three books here: amazon.com/dp/B00W8FZUKU

The events of Red on the Inside (Awake in the Dark #3) leave Grobnagger hurt and angry. He hides out in a crappy motel where he plods through the days fantasizing about vengeance, picturing himself murdering Farber over and over again. The seizures start up again, too, and he finds himself returning to the alley.

When his enemies make a move to give themselves the upper hand once more, however, he finds himself in a tough spot. Will he sacrifice himself to save a friend? Are the trips to the alley trying to teach him a lesson, or is it all meaningless?

What readers are saying about Back in Black:

"Depth, humor, action, Skittles and bad shag carpet – What more can I ask for?" - M.K. Darcy, author of La Petite Mort

"Back in Black is my favorite of the series so far! Grobnagger’s journey just keeps getting better and better, and the authors continue to amaze me with their visual depictions and the way they can turn a phrase." - Heather DiAngelis

"Deeply metaphysical, and mentally humbling, this story has turned my brain to goo. This is a must-read for anyone who loves cerebral fantasy!" - Liza Robbins

Praise for the Awake in the Dark series:

"Fade to Black is the funniest book I've read in... I can't remember how long. Seriously funny. I think I laughed out loud roughly once every three pages. That's a lot of funny packed into one book! And not just an internal chuckle here and there, but an honest to goodness laugh out loud that made my significant other call, 'What?' from the next room repeatedly." - Lisbeth Ames

"(FADE TO BLACK) weirdly resonates with me. It is sneaky in a way – it holds the things we fear up to the light – opening the reader up to honesty – to love and hope and the truths of our souls found in the darkest of nights. It’s weird and dark and twisted – and real. And I recommend the trip." - Leiah Cooper, SoIReadThisBookToday.com

"Buy it, read it, laugh your butt off over it and trust me you’ll likely love the heck out of this book." - Horror Chick, agirlsguidetohorror.com

"I don't normally give five stars, but "Fade to Black" gets five stars from me for one reason: I haven't been this excited about a book in a long time. As I mentioned earlier, I am eagerly awaiting the second novel in the series, because I have to see what happens. It kind of reminds me of the feeling I got the first time I watched Lost, the TV series. It feels like my eyes have been opened to a universe of possibilities, and I cannot wait to see how McBain and Vargus explore that world." - E. Branden Hart, emptysinkpublishing.com

"Grobnagger's narration is hilarious. There are going to be times while reading this that you find yourself laughing even while he's breaking your heart." - eden Hudson, author of HALO BOUND

"Chuck Palahniuk (crossed with) the Dean Koontz Odd Thomas series." - Drunkle Dan, The Drunken Beardsmen podcast

Awake in the Dark series ebook categories:
-Paranormal Suspense series
-Psychological Horror
-Psychological Thriller
-Occult Horror
-Metaphysical Fiction
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  1. Book 4 of 5
    Awake in the Dark
  2. Print length
    208 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 1, 2015
  6. File size
    1.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00YO9SF46
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Smarmy Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 1, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 4 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Awake in the Dark
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 170 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Tim McBain

    Tim McBain

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    People say your author bio should tell the world why you write. I write because life is short, and I want to make something awesome before I die.

    http://timmcbain.com

    See more on the author's page
  2. L.T. Vargus

    L.T. Vargus

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    L.T. Vargus grew up in Hell, Michigan, which is a lot smaller, quieter, and less fiery than one might imagine. When not click-clacking away at the keyboard, she can be found sewing, fantasizing about food, and rotting her brain in front of the TV.

    L.T. Vargus now lives in New Mexico with her special man friend/writing partner, Tim McBain.

    She likes YouTube videos of cute animals, mystery novels, punk rock, and pizza.

    http://ltvargus.com

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
170 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book humorous and darkly disturbing, with positive feedback about its character development and readability. The writing quality and pacing receive praise, with one customer noting the compelling narration and another describing it as very original. Customers appreciate the thought-provoking content, with one review highlighting its metaphysical elements. The storyline receives mixed reactions from customers.

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7 customers mention "Humor"5 positive2 negative

Customers find the book humorous.

"...the earlier books, but it has the same dark, gritty realism and well-balanced humor – ranging from laugh-out-loud to wince-worthy to plain-silly to..." Read more

"...Sometimes dark and some humor. Gets your mind working. Will definitely finish the series to the end." Read more

"...acerbic, but there were times in this book where he just came off as whiny and melodramatic...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the metaphysics and humor of the first three books (so much that I wish I were as eloquent a writer as either of them) but I keep..." Read more

7 customers mention "Thought provoking"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one mentioning its intriguing magic and another noting its philosophical edge.

"...story I’ve come to expect from these authors, and it was one hundred percent engaging. Like the first three books, it was impossible to put down...." Read more

"...Depth, humor, action, Skittles and bad shag carpet – What more can I ask for? If you liked 1-3, you'll like this...." Read more

"I loved the first book in the series: the magic was intriguing, the narration compelling...." Read more

"...Sometimes dark and some humor. Gets your mind working. Will definitely finish the series to the end." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read, with one mentioning it's a solid entry in the series.

"...I've fawned over Vargus & McBain's endings in the past, but this one was amazing!..." Read more

"...faced were not exactly clear cut and intuitive, but made for a satisfying read with a plausible conclusion...." Read more

"This is a solid book in a series that slowly leads one to question his or her reality...." Read more

"This book continues the Awake in the Dark series, and as usual, it's outstanding...." Read more

4 customers mention "Dark tone"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the dark tone of the book.

"...tone is a little different than the earlier books, but it has the same dark, gritty realism and well-balanced humor – ranging from laugh-out-loud to..." Read more

"...Not my normal type of book but Great characters great story line. Sometimes dark and some humor. Gets your mind working...." Read more

"...This is the fourth book in the series, and it's dark, violent, and very immersive, with a surreal touch." Read more

"Darkly disturbing, yet strangely familiar..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...Bought them all. Not my normal type of book but Great characters great story line. Sometimes dark and some humor. Gets your mind working...." Read more

"...the same guy as Odd....no way...is Grobnagger an unbelievable cool, likable guy. Absofreakinlutely!..." Read more

"...I'm very pleased with the character development and look forward to the next installments of his story!" Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one describing it as unbelievable cool and another noting its originality.

"...Is Grobnagger the same guy as Odd....no way...is Grobnagger an unbelievable cool, likable guy. Absofreakinlutely!..." Read more

"Very funny and clever I enjoyed the whole series so far I am looking forward to reading the last book" Read more

"Very original, entertaining series. Had me laughing out loud several times even as I was in the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one noting how the story and narration are compelling.

"...Ninety-five percent of the book was the same quality writing and story I’ve come to expect from these authors, and it was one hundred percent..." Read more

"...the first book in the series: the magic was intriguing, the narration compelling...." Read more

"I like seeing these authors grow. Their writing keeps getting better and better." Read more

6 customers mention "Storyline"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the storyline of the book.

"...It was great to see the main more matured and decisive as he set about on his seemingly never ending quest for answers and logic in his world which..." Read more

"...there were times in this book where he just came off as whiny and melodramatic...." Read more

"Kind of a departure from the rest of the books in the series but a good conclusion." Read more

"...take away the mystery of finding out what's on the next page, the story wears down, but the second time was somehow more intense...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • JennlyT
    5.0 out of 5 stars On the hunt for retribution
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Back in Black, book 4 in the Awake in the Dark series by Tim McBain and LT Vargus, continues the saga of Jeff Grobnagger. Some time has passed since Glenn’s murder at the hands of Riston Farber and company in the astral plane and Jeff has effectively gone into hiding. Subsisting on a steady diet of vending machine junk and warm RC Colas, Jeff hides out in a rundown motel plotting revenge against his nemesis. When not brooding over his warm soda and stale Doritos, Jeff goes into “stalker mode” and drives around town attempting to locate Farber and kill him. With his only companion during this time being Ms. Babineaux, Jeff finds himself in a dark place filled with rage and obsession. When Babineaux is abducted by Farber, Jeff decides that it is time to end this thing for better or worse, once and for all. Either Farber dies or Jeff will, but he will not go down without a fight.

    Wow! For all my disappointment at Jeff for not going after Farber in Red on the Inside, Back in Black makes up for it in spades. Jeff is determined, paranoid and a bit psycho. Still reeling at the brutal loss of what was most likely his only friend, having to cope with life without him and being on the run from Farber and whatever crazy sadistic end he has planned for him Jeff really has a lot to deal with in this one. Truly parts of this were difficult to read as Jeff sinks deeper and deeper into a revenge fueled depression. Even his visits with Amity seem to do nothing but make things that much worse. As they grow closer, this closeness is hindered by them being part of two very separate worlds. Can this kid ever get a break?! I think I tore through this book in a little under two days, it was just that good. And the ending had me reaching for the final installment to find out how this rollercoaster story will end.
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  • Branden Hart
    4.0 out of 5 stars Slightly flawed but still completely excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

    I love this series, and for those who have read the first three books, this one will deliver the same page-turning experience you've come to expect from Vargus and McBain.

    But why only four stars? Well, as much as I liked "Back in Black," it is my least favorite book of the series so far for a couple of reasons.

    One was the main character, Jeff’s, attitude throughout much of the book. Without giving too much away, Jeff has always been a pessimistic, sarcastic guy, and he’s recently been through some really crazy stuff. But in BIB, he’s a little too pessimistic. Don’t get me wrong—it makes sense that this character would feel the way that he does. But it’s annoying. You feel for him in the beginning, but slowly, you find yourself wanting to shake him and tell him to just get over it already.

    Slightly related, I got turned off by some of Jeff’s internal monologue, which is a big change for me. I’ve always found the Jeff’s internal monologue witty and acerbic, but there were times in this book where he just came off as whiny and melodramatic. And while I appreciate what Jeff’s been through, I’ve never thought of him as they kind of guy who whines about his lot in life. There’s even one place where I took a note saying, “Jesus Grobs—get some Prozac.” It’s just a little over the top.

    Fortunately, I found neither of these issues pervasive. Ninety-five percent of the book was the same quality writing and story I’ve come to expect from these authors, and it was one hundred percent engaging. Like the first three books, it was impossible to put down. The next book is the final in the series, and I await it with bittersweet anticipation: while I can’t wait to get some long-awaited answers to questions about what’s happening, I don’t want to say goodbye to this story or these characters. Hopefully, these authors have more projects waiting in the wings—Vargus and McBain have the chops to go a long way.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, amusing, thought-provoking -- I love this series
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The next stage in the Grobnagger journey.

    I received an advance review copy and plowed through this baby not once, but twice. I don't think I've ever read a book, then picked it up and read it again, but that's exactly what I did with "Back in Black."

    The second read was even better. Not many books can pull that off. Usually when you take away the mystery of finding out what's on the next page, the story wears down, but the second time was somehow more intense.

    The beginning came off as a little slower paced to me (which was not a bad thing), but it picked up big time later in the book and the end is a hell of a payoff.

    The tone is a little different than the earlier books, but it has the same dark, gritty realism and well-balanced humor – ranging from laugh-out-loud to wince-worthy to plain-silly to dark-as-hell – that characterizes the rest of the series. It also has the same introspective and philosophical edge, touching all those grimy places in the human mind.

    Depth, humor, action, Skittles and bad shag carpet – What more can I ask for?

    If you liked 1-3, you'll like this. If you haven't read 1-3, go do yourself a favor, because you're missing out. We'll all be waiting for you here at Book 4.

    Can’t wait for the next one. This series hits me in all the right places.
    One person found this helpful
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  • James S. Brown
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great start, tapers off
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I loved the first book in the series: the magic was intriguing, the narration compelling. I do feel, though, that the plot becomes a bit of a problem as the series progresses and the novelty of the created world fades. I look forward to reading more from the authors!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • R. Kinnear
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, funny and pretty darn icky in places...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is the latest instalment in Grobnagger's journey of self discovery and is a great addition to the Awake in the dark series.
    Jeff is starting to learn more about himself, his enemies (or are they!?) and his abilities. This book dives straight in and is a bit faster paced than the others. It also has some very dark scenes and a particularly disturbing few pages at the end involving a lot of bodily goo (no spoilers here).
    Overall the entire series is well written, very funny and enjoyable to read - sadly the authors simply can't write the books fast enough to keep up with my appetite for more!
    Report
  • Carrie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Better than the last one
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The pace has picked up again here and thank goodness it did as I really do want to finish the whole series of books to find the answers but it was a bit tough going there for a while…it was still good but I think just really slow for a while and I did struggle I admit. But this one kept me more interested once it got going. I’m actually looking forward to the next and last book in the series now.
    Report
  • david wright
    5.0 out of 5 stars This series gets better and better
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    The next instalment in the life of Jeff Grobnagger. A guy who, even when life is at its lowest ebb, still has time for sarcasm and sick humour.

    This instalment is the darkest and most graphic by far, straight into it from the start. I love these books so much, I read this from start to finish in one go.

    Please, please don't make us wait too long for book 5.
    Report

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