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Midway
Sam Berlitz is alone. His boat and crew are missing, leaving him stranded halfway across the Atlantic Ocean. He has no food, no water and no means to stay afloat. Beneath the surface, something lurks, following his every move. Night is coming and hope is fading. Sam Berlitz isn't alone. No man is alone in the ocean.
- GenresHorror
134 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
4 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Robinson
54 books71 followersNathan Robinson started writing fiction at an early age, however it took untill he was 26 to finally submit something.
His first acceptence was for THE CHICKEN IN BLACK which won first prize on www.spinetinglers.co.uk, If you ever meet a girl named Maisie Mae came next, quickly followed by Hatch, Banana Boxes, Brian of the Night and The Spare. Maisie Mae was included in Panic Press's Soup of Souls anthology. His Mexican Gangster thriller Top of the Heap was released as a podcast in April 2011 from www.pseudopod.org and is due for release by The Dark Fiction Spotlight in their best of Anthology
So far he’s had numerous short stories published bywww.spinetinglers.co.uk, Rainstorm Press, Knight Watch Press, Pseudopod, The Horror Zine, The Sinister Horror Company, Static Movement, Splatterpunk Zine and many more.
He writes best in the dead of night or travelling at 77mph.
He is a regular reviewer for www.snakebitehorror.co.uk and Splatterpunk Zine, which he loves because he gets free books. He likes free books.
His first novel “Starers” was released by Severed Press to rave reviews. This was followed by his short story collection “Devil Let Me Go”, and the novellas “Ketchup with Everything” and “Midway” and the novel, “Caldera.”
He is currently working on his next novels, “Death-Con 4” and a sequel to “Starers.”
Follow news, reviews and the author blues at www.facebook.com/NathanRobinsonWrites or twitter @natthewriter
His first acceptence was for THE CHICKEN IN BLACK which won first prize on www.spinetinglers.co.uk, If you ever meet a girl named Maisie Mae came next, quickly followed by Hatch, Banana Boxes, Brian of the Night and The Spare. Maisie Mae was included in Panic Press's Soup of Souls anthology. His Mexican Gangster thriller Top of the Heap was released as a podcast in April 2011 from www.pseudopod.org and is due for release by The Dark Fiction Spotlight in their best of Anthology
So far he’s had numerous short stories published bywww.spinetinglers.co.uk, Rainstorm Press, Knight Watch Press, Pseudopod, The Horror Zine, The Sinister Horror Company, Static Movement, Splatterpunk Zine and many more.
He writes best in the dead of night or travelling at 77mph.
He is a regular reviewer for www.snakebitehorror.co.uk and Splatterpunk Zine, which he loves because he gets free books. He likes free books.
His first novel “Starers” was released by Severed Press to rave reviews. This was followed by his short story collection “Devil Let Me Go”, and the novellas “Ketchup with Everything” and “Midway” and the novel, “Caldera.”
He is currently working on his next novels, “Death-Con 4” and a sequel to “Starers.”
Follow news, reviews and the author blues at www.facebook.com/NathanRobinsonWrites or twitter @natthewriter
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 24, 2021
Swim, Forrest. Swim!
I don't know about you, but I don't like swimming in anything where I can't touch bottom. BRRRR! So jumping into the ocean, where the bottom is 4 miles away, is something that would scare me immensely. It's not the not-being-able-to-touch-bottom bit that scares me, but the not knowing what's beneath you. That's the part of this book I found most haunting. The monster part, I found to be a letdown. A killer jellyfish the size of a football field? C'mon. (Interesting aside: We have the Irukandji jellyfish here in Queensland, the size of your thumbnail, that will kill you mighty quick.)
The book is short and worthy of a read as it has a pretty good concept. I wasn't enamored with the ending, hence the three star rating. THIS is a difficult book to get hold of. I couldn't find the Kindle version at all. By chance, I stumbled across a rather tatty, yellowed version at a second-hand book shop (remember them?). It's probably worth the effort of tracking one down.
I don't know about you, but I don't like swimming in anything where I can't touch bottom. BRRRR! So jumping into the ocean, where the bottom is 4 miles away, is something that would scare me immensely. It's not the not-being-able-to-touch-bottom bit that scares me, but the not knowing what's beneath you. That's the part of this book I found most haunting. The monster part, I found to be a letdown. A killer jellyfish the size of a football field? C'mon. (Interesting aside: We have the Irukandji jellyfish here in Queensland, the size of your thumbnail, that will kill you mighty quick.)
The book is short and worthy of a read as it has a pretty good concept. I wasn't enamored with the ending, hence the three star rating. THIS is a difficult book to get hold of. I couldn't find the Kindle version at all. By chance, I stumbled across a rather tatty, yellowed version at a second-hand book shop (remember them?). It's probably worth the effort of tracking one down.
April 17, 2015
Nathan Robinson, redefining seafood. Just when you thought it was safe to go into the water...or something like that, the pun possibilities are aplenty. Robinson has never disappointed, so no surprise to find out he can do a mean sea monster story as well. It takes some talent to make a practically one man (and not even particularly likable at that, possibly due to his age, 21 year olds are seldom likeable) story compelling and exciting and this survival tale is definitely a one sitting don't want to put it down sort of read. The profound claustrophobia of an ocean at night alone...and the, of course, sometimes the only thing scarier than being alone is finding out that you aren't. This is a thriller that's actually thrills, although horror fans might argue with the title. Really fun creature feature. Recommended.
May 17, 2015
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review; considering I write horrible reviews I would rather call this my honest opinion.
I loved the book from the start. Just the idea to swim across Atlantic is so frightening that it immediately put me into a jumpy mood without even reading any pages yet (it reminded me of the summer season that's creeping up to my back and how I hate any depths when I go swimming into the sea...so thanks dear Mr author - I'll probably skip swimming this summer lol)
I loved all the details about the competition probably since I know so little about swimming (or any sport) in general. I can say I came out at the end with quite a few bits of knowledge wealthier. It made me wonder if the author is a swimmer himself...
I loved how well he described the inner turmoil of Sam's emotions, from paralysing fear to thirst to optimism to total mind bending fear again to hunger, to thoughts of his love life etc. to sudden happenings in the ocean that would bring his mind back to swimming again.
I was hoping for a different ending but I suppose it had to finish as it did.
It's a shame I'm writing the review 10 days after I finished it (stupid allergy). Therefore I'm not sharing my original enthusiasm that I felt for days (I re-told the book in detail to my boyfriend from beginning till the end, he loved it).
Whom to recommend this book? I believe any genre reader would find it interesting. The main character (only?) was so well developed, there are little but memorable gory scenes, plenty of tension/terror as he swims through the book and finds out more about the presence in the water, this unique creature, as well the size of the book is good ...
I'm recommending this work definitely to my friends and I'll read more from this author in future.
I loved the book from the start. Just the idea to swim across Atlantic is so frightening that it immediately put me into a jumpy mood without even reading any pages yet (it reminded me of the summer season that's creeping up to my back and how I hate any depths when I go swimming into the sea...so thanks dear Mr author - I'll probably skip swimming this summer lol)
I loved all the details about the competition probably since I know so little about swimming (or any sport) in general. I can say I came out at the end with quite a few bits of knowledge wealthier. It made me wonder if the author is a swimmer himself...
I loved how well he described the inner turmoil of Sam's emotions, from paralysing fear to thirst to optimism to total mind bending fear again to hunger, to thoughts of his love life etc. to sudden happenings in the ocean that would bring his mind back to swimming again.
I was hoping for a different ending but I suppose it had to finish as it did.
It's a shame I'm writing the review 10 days after I finished it (stupid allergy). Therefore I'm not sharing my original enthusiasm that I felt for days (I re-told the book in detail to my boyfriend from beginning till the end, he loved it).
Whom to recommend this book? I believe any genre reader would find it interesting. The main character (only?) was so well developed, there are little but memorable gory scenes, plenty of tension/terror as he swims through the book and finds out more about the presence in the water, this unique creature, as well the size of the book is good ...
I'm recommending this work definitely to my friends and I'll read more from this author in future.
August 25, 2015
Terror! Just pure unbridled terror!
Nathan has done it again. He tapped into my basest fear and gently lulled me into a false sense of security before unashamedly destroying my little bubble of security I hid in whilst devouring this book.
Great pace! Great character! Given the fact that the two main focal points of the book are a person and the ocean, it is testament to the skill of the author that this book has so much depth, especially when you consider it is a shorter story.
I thoroughly recommend this read and I am extremely thankful I didn't read this before snorkelling on holiday!
Nathan has done it again. He tapped into my basest fear and gently lulled me into a false sense of security before unashamedly destroying my little bubble of security I hid in whilst devouring this book.
Great pace! Great character! Given the fact that the two main focal points of the book are a person and the ocean, it is testament to the skill of the author that this book has so much depth, especially when you consider it is a shorter story.
I thoroughly recommend this read and I am extremely thankful I didn't read this before snorkelling on holiday!
March 29, 2022
You know that thing where you're swimming and suddenly feel seaweed on your feet and freak out? Well times that by about a hundred million and that's how this book made me feel. The whole premise about swimming in the Atlantic more than 20 feet out from shore is terrifying to begin with, and then add in that your backup system is just gone and well, it blows my mind. This book has beauty and hope, hopelessness and horror, and I had to keep reading to find out what happens next.
July 18, 2015
Do you like deep sea terror? If you do, this book has just what you are looking for. Nothing is more terrifying than being stranded out in the middle of the ocean...or is there? I highly recommend this book to everyone. It kept me turning pages all the way to the end. The book was well written, and should be enjoyed by all.
October 16, 2015
struggling being alone in the ocean, a fantastic story as you read his thoughts life as he struggles to survive
January 21, 2016
Sam Berlitz wanted to prove he could do the impossible. He joined a British long distance swim team and is in the process of swimming across the Atlantic Ocean. Each member of the team takes a turn in the ocean while the rest stay on the ship. On Sam’s latest turn he looks up from his swimming and is surprised to see that his ship and teammates have disappeared without a trace. He is now alone in the ocean without food or fresh water. Or is he? Something large is stalking him in the water and Sam can’t escape it. Sam slowly starts to lose his sanity as he realizes that he will soon become dinner to whatever creature lurks in the ocean below.
Midway by Nathan Robinson is a thriller about survival in a desperate situation. This book is a journey into a man’s mind as he realizes that he has little hope for a happy ending. He thinks of things such as who will attend his funeral, what exactly happened to his crew and he also thinks about the beauty he sees around him. He describes the water around him, the sunset and the sunrise and he goes through a wealth of emotions. The best way to describe this book is as a psychological horror novella that reminded me a lot of the movie Open Water.
In addition to the horror of what’s going on in Sam’s mind, there is a very real monster stalking him, which added another level of suspense to the story. I loved how the monster is revealed slowly. You catch glimpses of it before the big reveal and then you are left to wonder if he will die from the monster eating him or from being lost at sea. We also have the mystery as to what really happened to his ship. Is the monster strong enough to pull the ship down? For this being a short read there is a lot going on and it’s all told from the thoughts of one man who has little hope left.
This is the second book I’ve read by Nathan Robinson and one thing I like about his work is that the story starts to go in one direction and then at some point it takes a turn and goes somewhere totally different. What impressed me about Midway is that I felt like this is really what someone who is about to die would feel. In the beginning you don’t really like Sam much, he seems kind of shallow and egotistical but as you get into his fearful thoughts on dying you start to feel for him. Midway is a good horror novella that may scare you out of swimming in the ocean.
Midway by Nathan Robinson is a thriller about survival in a desperate situation. This book is a journey into a man’s mind as he realizes that he has little hope for a happy ending. He thinks of things such as who will attend his funeral, what exactly happened to his crew and he also thinks about the beauty he sees around him. He describes the water around him, the sunset and the sunrise and he goes through a wealth of emotions. The best way to describe this book is as a psychological horror novella that reminded me a lot of the movie Open Water.
In addition to the horror of what’s going on in Sam’s mind, there is a very real monster stalking him, which added another level of suspense to the story. I loved how the monster is revealed slowly. You catch glimpses of it before the big reveal and then you are left to wonder if he will die from the monster eating him or from being lost at sea. We also have the mystery as to what really happened to his ship. Is the monster strong enough to pull the ship down? For this being a short read there is a lot going on and it’s all told from the thoughts of one man who has little hope left.
This is the second book I’ve read by Nathan Robinson and one thing I like about his work is that the story starts to go in one direction and then at some point it takes a turn and goes somewhere totally different. What impressed me about Midway is that I felt like this is really what someone who is about to die would feel. In the beginning you don’t really like Sam much, he seems kind of shallow and egotistical but as you get into his fearful thoughts on dying you start to feel for him. Midway is a good horror novella that may scare you out of swimming in the ocean.
July 22, 2016
I was lucky enough to meet the author and pick up a signed copy of this at Edgelit 5.
I read the blurb, but otherwise went in blind.
The premise of the story is simple: by fate, a man is left alone, in teh sea, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
As the story is novella length it gets to it straight away.
The pacing was really even, though not necessarily rapid. The length was perfect for a story which focussed on one pov character that is alone (or is he ...) for the majority of the story.
I don't really want to spoil the plot so i'll skirt around that.
What attracted me to the story was some of my pre-conceptions of the theme. I anticipated that the story would fall along the lines of 'a man left alone, with no means of rescue, dwindling resources, and unknown danger all around'. I was not disappointed.
I was unsure whether I would be getting a physical or a psychological horror, but the author manages to tick both boxes more than adequately.
I wasn't particularly drawn to the protagonist. He was not particularly relateable, but that means that he makes some decisions which enchance the ending of the story. I also liked how he has hope, then comes to terms with his situation, and how this keeps flipping.
I felt that the win/fail cycle was planned carefully to keep my interest and I was satisfied that the story ended how it needed to end.
The main reason for 4/5 rather 5/5 is that I wanted trepidation and it felt a little more like antipation. I was turning the pages to see where the story went whilst I wanted to be in the mindset of hesitantly turning the pages becuase I didn't want to see where it was going.
It's very readable and worth a couple of hours of your team. Probably a very good beach read!
I read the blurb, but otherwise went in blind.
The premise of the story is simple: by fate, a man is left alone, in teh sea, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
As the story is novella length it gets to it straight away.
The pacing was really even, though not necessarily rapid. The length was perfect for a story which focussed on one pov character that is alone (or is he ...) for the majority of the story.
I don't really want to spoil the plot so i'll skirt around that.
What attracted me to the story was some of my pre-conceptions of the theme. I anticipated that the story would fall along the lines of 'a man left alone, with no means of rescue, dwindling resources, and unknown danger all around'. I was not disappointed.
I was unsure whether I would be getting a physical or a psychological horror, but the author manages to tick both boxes more than adequately.
I wasn't particularly drawn to the protagonist. He was not particularly relateable, but that means that he makes some decisions which enchance the ending of the story. I also liked how he has hope, then comes to terms with his situation, and how this keeps flipping.
I felt that the win/fail cycle was planned carefully to keep my interest and I was satisfied that the story ended how it needed to end.
The main reason for 4/5 rather 5/5 is that I wanted trepidation and it felt a little more like antipation. I was turning the pages to see where the story went whilst I wanted to be in the mindset of hesitantly turning the pages becuase I didn't want to see where it was going.
It's very readable and worth a couple of hours of your team. Probably a very good beach read!
February 12, 2018
Yet another brilliant story from Nathan Robinson. Has a creepy, Stephen King vibe to it (which is the highest of praise from me, an unyielding King fan).
The struggles of isolation are captured really well in this story. The tension is so good that he probably could have pulled it off without the monster element, but the monster is amazing so I'm glad he used it!
Highly recommend :D
The struggles of isolation are captured really well in this story. The tension is so good that he probably could have pulled it off without the monster element, but the monster is amazing so I'm glad he used it!
Highly recommend :D
August 24, 2015
Ok
Was an interesting story, but was far too descriptive for me and sounded like a deep sea rip off from the Tales from the Crypt 2 movie...Sorry, just one mans opinion.
Was an interesting story, but was far too descriptive for me and sounded like a deep sea rip off from the Tales from the Crypt 2 movie...Sorry, just one mans opinion.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews