I am not the most avid reader of sci-fi, but most of the books I have encountered in this genre have either dealt with futuristic or foreign worlds or time travel in regards to past worlds. This book thus surprised me in opening with an extract from Eisenhower's diary and fast-forwarding to a present-day, American/Puerto Rican-set scenario. A brief allusion to September 11 in the book captures my feelings about the plot; it is a very human story, about ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances. At times I felt that the characters over-estimated the human race (comparing both themselves and the alien attackers to gods), but throughout the story there is a sensitivity to humanity on the part of the main protagonist that reminded me very much of the atmosphere in America in late 2001. In this respect, perhaps, this book distinguishes itself as being a characteristically 21st-century book.

The storyline is not altogether new, but has enough twists to stay interesting. It is clear that Murdoch has paid attention to trying to develop believability in the science-fiction elements of the story-world, which is all the more important given its everyday setting. There are some plot elements that exhibit true ingenuity, as well as subtle renderings of even the minor characters that distinguishes them from being stock players in the storyline. While the dialogue is somewhat simplistic and the pacing of the story not entirely even throughout the book, overall the work shows signs of a promising new talent if Murdoch continues to polish and refine his craft. The personal letter I received from him with my advanced reading copy states that he believes the book succeeds in what it attempts, which is to entertain. It does that. ( )

Michael Kendon has unique abilities and he’s decided to put them to good use to literally save the world. Humans on earth are unaware of the plot to wipe out the majority of humankind by aliens.

Kendon has only three days to locate and activate the weapon that will deflect and destroy the asteroid, which has been targeted to hit Earth. Gray Apocalyse brings together two story lines of Kendon and Dr. Laura Meller, who ultimately join forces with astronomer Eric Tepler and teacher Gabriela Estrada in Puerto Rico.

First-time novelist James Murdoch brings readers a heart-pounding adventure story of aliens, conspiracy and intrigue. The only negative I found was the author’s insistence on sliding in two romantic twists in the story as it really didn’t ring true with me that both men would fall in love with the women they were put in close proximity to. Murdoch does create a fast-paced tale that is a real page-turner.

Gray Apocalypse was published in 2009 by Demand Publications. It is definitely a science fiction tale worth reading. ( )

Michael Kendon has unique abilities and he’s decided to put them to good use to literally save the world. Humans on earth are unaware of the plot to wipe out the majority of humankind by aliens.

Kendon has only three days to locate and activate the weapon that will deflect and destroy the asteroid, which has been targeted to hit Earth. Gray Apocalyse brings together two story lines of Kendon and Dr. Laura Meller, who ultimately join forces with astronomer Eric Tepler and teacher Gabriela Estrada in Puerto Rico.

First-time novelist James Murdoch brings readers a heart-pounding adventure story of aliens, conspiracy and intrigue. The only negative I found was the author’s insistence on sliding in two romantic twists in the story as it really didn’t ring true with me that both men would fall in love with the women they were put in close proximity to. Murdoch does create a fast-paced tale that is a real page-turner.

Gray Apocalypse was published in 2009 by Demand Publications. It is definitely a science fiction tale worth reading. ( )

I don't usually read sci-fi books, but wow, I really liked this one! It was a quick read, and I didn't want to put it down. I think what I liked most was that it didn't focus to much on the sci-fi side of things, instead it focused quite a bit on the character to character relationships. I'd recommend it.

The premise of this book was promising - Roswell type aliens that have been in cahoots with the government want to take over the world - but I just couldn't get into the story line. This is a first novel for Mr. Murdoch and it was a strong effort but there was just too much going on in this book (i.e. a main character who is a eastern European orphan/assassin/healer & telekinetic/telepathic... who is going to save the world.) With that said though, this book is entertaining in an X-files kind of way and I think readers who enjoy books like Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code would also enjoy this book. ( )