Please, Wake Up

• ★★★★★

  A Chilling Psychological Horror Read!

  This was a chilling psychological horror tale that tackles childhood trauma. I must warn you, this is a dark read, but man I couldn't stop reading it once I got deeper. This book hits me hard as I suffer from generational trauma and I know how Danny, the MC feels with the idea that he sees tragedy, but can't do anything about it. The only thing that keeps Danny stable is an old barn that his father passed down. The character building in this one is deep and I would say this is a character driven story more than plot, which is perfect for this title and horror subgenre. I truly felt terrible for what Danny had to go through. All I can say is that the game changer was his mother's journal. I won't say anything, but it's something that blows the plot wide open. More importantly this story tackles how important mental health truly is. For a short novel, it's a hard hitter. It gets an easy 5/5 stars. Can't wait to see more from this author!

  AngelFrogMaster·30 Oct 2026

  1 found this helpful

• ★★★★★

  Heartbreaking

  Traumatized by a tragic event that destroyed his childhood and changed him forever, teenage Boone just wants to re-establish his relationship with his mother. He begins spending his alone time in the barn, a somewhat magical place he once cherished when his father was alive. The barn, he thought, could heal people. It would make them better. He would take care of them. I find it hard to believe this is Nicholas Beardsley's debut novella. There is a certain warmth to his writing. It's as if he truly cares about his characters (I wrote this before I read the author's end notes). He covers the themes of suicide, trauma, and mental illness with a gentle hand as the horrific events unfold. He was not so gentle with my heart. Grief is a cruel villain. Grief kills. This may be the first time I sympathized with every character in a book. They all felt like family friends. I also can't get over the depth and richness found in such a short story. If you feel like having your heart torn out, read Please Wake Up. This was my first book from this author; it won't be my last.

  Leslie·30 Oct 2026

  1 found this helpful

• ★★★★★

  Please, Wake Up

  I was very happy with this Book. Nicholas Beardsley, did an outstanding job with this being his 1st. Publishing. If you are looking for a page Turner, this is the book to get. The way he brings you into the house, and down to the barn, just keeps you reading. BOONE has that close friend, you would protect to the end, so you think. It is for sure a book that keeps you Reading and right with them from one event to the next, and page to page, and walking with Boone from day one. Nicholas Beardsley definitely hits the high marks in my opinion. From Cover to Cover, " Please, Wake Up " is just, jump right in and walk with Boone from page 1 to the end !!!! Impressive !!! Well done, Nicholas Beardsley.... A ++

  ohiosteve·2 Nov 2026Bought elsewhere

  0 found this helpful

• ★★★★★

  A Book That Will Stay With You

  If you like your stories dark and traumatic, this is one for you! A heartbreaking tale of grief, loss and PTSD with a heavy infusion of horror to keep you turning the pages. Expertly crafted, too.

  CNWebsterWriter·31 Oct 2026

  0 found this helpful

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