The Edge of Sleep

Though I consider myself an avid fan of Mark Fischbach's work under the online stage name Markiplier, I'd generally put off listening to The Edge of Sleep because I mistakenly believed it to be a horror anthology and I was well past burnt out on those at the time it was released. I didn't even pay much attention to the news he was filming a televised version, because I figured it'd just be something where he hosted the intros to random, short-form horror stories. Why did I think this? Even I don't know! Maybe my brain got it mixed up with the “no sleep” subreddit and the way that's a collection of short horror stories...? Either way, that's not overly relevant, so I digress.

It's pure, dumb luck that I finally got around to listening to The Edge of Sleep: I had undertaken a day-long, mentally draining task and I needed something to occupy my mind when I finally got bored of listening to music. So, I opened up Podbean, stared at the collection of podcasts in my downloads list, and decided to go with what I hoped to be the mindless comfort of hearing a familiar voice. I never intended to pay attention. I never even intended to listen to the whole thing... But I did, on both counts.

The Edge of Sleep kept me, if you'll pardon the lame attempt at humour, on the edge of my seat. (Except I was not sitting at the time.) Something about the immersive audio experience drew me in from the very start and captured both my attention and my imagination. Even better: I learned that, while I generally can't stand audiobooks because I find them hard to focus on and even harder not to cringe at unless they're voiced by a full cast, this experience does not apply to audio dramas. It felt more like having a movie going in the background, except I had a vague mental reference for Dave's appearance (due to Mark voicing him) and enough ambient information from the podcast itself to piece together something in my mind.

So, what is the story? Well... I don't know how to explain without spoiling it, and I strongly feel that this is a story best gone into without spoilers. At its core, I believe The Edge of Sleep is a tale about a group of deeply troubled individuals brought together by a strange event of apocalyptic proportions. People's morals and inner strengths are tested, as well as the bounds of their loyalties, as they navigate a new world where death is but a nap away. And, of course, there's the main character - David Torres, voiced by Mark - whose backstory is revealed in bits and pieces, leaving a thread of extraneous mystery woven throughout the whole series.

It may hit home a bit much for some, being that the apocalyptic event is of a somewhat pandemic-like nature at first glance and there's an initial underlying theme of paranoia surrounding it, but I urge that anyone annoyed by that remember this was made before the real world went to crap and give it a shot regardless. I promise it's nothing like what you'll likely think from the first couple episodes; there's far more to this than anything grounded solely in the realm of real life possibilities! Once the ‘show' grows its legs and starts to take off running, everything slots together in a beautifully-told, intriguing, and deeply engaging package. In fact, it left me wanting more even though the story gets a decent wrap-up and doesn't exactly have a cliffhanger or anything of that sort.

I loved the characters, which are all brilliantly voice acted by a talented cast and feel like real people rather than cardboard cutouts. The underlying mystery is addictive, and the dramatic tension is perfectly paced to keep listeners anxious for more but not stressed out with an overload. The team at QCode did an amazing job in both writing and production; I've since downloaded more of their works and eagerly await listening to those when I get the chance.

I just finished The Edge of Sleep By Jake Emanuel, Willie Block, Jason Gurley and here are my thoughts!

Who knew one day that going to sleep would be the end for life as you know it.

Dave has had sleep issues since he was a child so he is no stranger to not sleeping which may well have saved his life.

When the world around him is silent and the only people who didn't fall asleep are his best friend Matteo, his ex-girlfriend Katie and a nurse they find at the hospital, the unlikely team soon discover that the way to salvation is through Dave's dream. They have a destination but can they get there before someone else falls asleep?

This book was so weird. So weird. It's one of those books that makes you want to talk about it to anyone else who has read it. I do hope there is another book but the ending left me really unsatisfied. I hate not getting an actual answer to the millions of questions I now have floating around in my head. Is everyone really dead or did they end up somewhere else? How did Katie end up at the pyramid? If they were already dead, how did they all manage to stay together!! I then found out this is a podcast so it's now on my list to get to.

I felt the characters were a tad undeveloped for my liking but I think this may have been done on purpose and again, there better be a second book. I thought the concept was exceptional and very well executed.

I felt there were a few too many POVs that I don't think needed to be there but I am probably in the minority here. It was a very thought provoking book and my take on it was very different to other readers which I loved. The conversations were so great!

3.5 stars. Don't let my opinions sway you. I am a wrap it all up with a bow reader and this book didn't do that for me so it lost a star for that. Those people who love books that leave it open ended will get a kick out of this one. It was a clever mix of horror and sci-fi so check it out! OUT NOW!

Thank you @stmartinspress for my gifted copy