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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Call of Abaddon (The Abaddon Cycle Book 1) by Colin Searle launches a gripping sci-fi epic that pits humanity’s will against an ancient, alien malevolence. We’re with scavenger Jason on a dying Earth inside the arcology New Toronto, where he barely survives his day-to-day struggle. That is, until his mind becomes overwhelmed by the psychic intrusion of the Abaddon Beacon, an alien obelisk buried in a classified UEF facility. As Jason grapples with burgeoning psychic power and the Beacon's dark influence, he realizes he isn’t the only one hearing Abaddon’s ominous call. Across the solar system, a ruthless emperor seeks to harness the Beacon’s cosmic might to conquer Earth. Racing against time, and haunted by eldritch whispers, Jason must decide whether to master his developing powers or surrender to the Beacon’s godlike seduction, knowing that mankind’s fate hangs in the balance. Combining cosmic horror, political intrigue, and mythic transformation, this novel explores the battle for human agency in a universe brimming with ancient terror.
Author Colin Searle packs a lot into this atmospheric read to deliver maximum tension and thrills, and he more than satisfies the promise of Lovecraftian dread and high-stakes political strategy. It’s a story with strong narrative confidence that feels fresh and intense as we follow Jason’s internal struggle with Abaddon’s influence, which is riveting and powerfully portrayed through close, emotive detail and description. You feel like you’re right in his head as the emotions and psychosis flow, and this is matched by the atmosphere and oppression of the world-building, where New Toronto, UEF labs, and their imperial threat are immersive, pressurised, and grand in scope. This urban realism balances nicely with the cosmic horror elements, and fans of both subgenres will find the mythological layers deeply compelling as they are intensified by Jason's gritty, realistic experiences. Overall, The Call of Abaddon is a highly recommended read for fans of dark, urban paranormal drama and psychological sci-fi.
