Apocalyptic Fiction

Costa Rican Apocalypse - Eerie sounds

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

A strange sound rattles the nerves of Costa Rican's country wide. The eerie sound, almost musical in its repetition could be mistaken for a monk's chant. On the other end, it sounds an awful lot like whale song.

It has been confirmed the sounds are not linked to any earthquakes of volcanic activity. So what on earth could cause something like this to occur throughout an entire country? Perhaps it is unearthly, and so maybe the Apocalypse is upon us? And perhaps it is beginning in the tiny country of Costa Rica?

For more on this phenomenon and to listen to the sounds visit this link.

Doomsday clock now at 5 minutes to midnight - Mayan calender to blame?

2012-01-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Scientists are saying they've moved the clock one minute closer to midnight because of world issues like the proliferation of nuclear weapons and social media bans in countries like Iran and Syria, but I have a feeling the Mayan calender might have a little something to do with this as well.

Not to say a scientist would ever give something like the Mayan long count calender any weight in their decision, but consider the mind-set of the people that believe in it. That's what to watch out for this year. People are expecting the world to actually end on the winter solstice in 2012, and who knows what they will do with their 'last year on earth'.

I've watched this phenomenon closely since Y2K came and went without so much as a war breaking out. It will be interesting to follow the doomsday clock over the course of this year to see whether a rising paranoia over December 21st, 2012 offers any new threats to world peace.

To read a fictional account of a coming Apocalypse pick up The Judas Syndrome series of Apocalyptic fiction now.

2012 and the End Times - True or False?

2012-01-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

Though my genre of choice has always been Apocalyptic fiction, I am in no way an advocate for the end of the world. I have a daughter, I have a life, I want to go on living and watch my little girl grow up and experience life in all its abundance. But, does that mean she will? I stumbled upon an excellent blog posting by Dan Rowinski that helps answer the validity of the 2012 Apocalypse so many of us have bought into.
Read Nasa's response to questions of Nibiru, Planet X, Solar flares and Pole shifts.

Learn for yourself whether 2012 is your last year on earth.

Pick up your copies of The Judas Syndrome series of Apocalyptic fiction.

New Apocalyptic Sci-fi by Ridley Scott

2011-12-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Looks like the master of a genre I love is stepping into the Apocalypse with PROMETHEUS. It was rumoured this was to be a prequel to the Alien franchise but turned into a movie and story all its own. Though there is an 'Alienesk' scene in the trailer of something inside an astraunauts helmet causing a great deal of distress, I believe this film will stand on its own.

Ridley Scott creates a mythology, in which a team of explorers discover clues to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to undiscovered corners of our universe. There, they are fated to fight to save the future of the humanity.

You be the judge: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox/prometheus/

For more Apocalyptic stories visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Guerilla marketing your business with the new barcodes

2011-12-08T08:58:00.001-08:00

Marketing can be free! Just look at the new bar codes. That your smart phone can scan a bar code and take you to a link for more information on the product or service you're interested in is making marketing affordable. But how do you take advantage of something like a bar code? You place it. You place it in bathroom stalls, on lamp posts, on billboards, everywhere you can think to that won't get you put in jail. You can hold contests for your fans that print up the bar code from your website and ask them to place it for you. Follow the hits on your google analytics and have people email you their location so you know who to award the prize after a month or a year.

The Judas Syndrome website is doing just that. For more information on this process see: http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/apocalyptic_fiction_Barcode.html

For more on generating bar codes see: http://www.barcodesinc.com/generator/qr/

Apocalyptic book trailer for The Judas Syndrome trilogy

2011-11-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Find the new book trailer for The Judas Syndrome trilogy on-line now.
Follow two generations through Pre and Post-Apocalytpic scenarios.

For more onthe series visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Win a copy of Revelation - Book three in The Judas Syndrome trilogy

2011-10-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Revelation

by Michael Poeltl

Giveaway ends December 15, 2011.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Harold Camping back on the End of the World kick

2011-10-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Remember when he said the world would end in May of this year (2011)? Well, since that either didn't happen, or we were all blissfully taken in our sleep and living in a purgatory of sorts, he's at it again!
Even after suffering a stroke, he's retracting that he meant the world would end that day, but rather, it was the day of judgement, and that the world will, in fact, end on Friday, October 21st.
So, eat all that Halloween candy you bought for the 31st, because it looks like you're not going to get the chance to hand it out... or not... whatever.
I'm tired of people thinking they can predict the end of the world. Whether you believe in a wrathful God or not, or think global climate change is on the fast-track to killing us all, I, like so many intelligent people require some proof.
Faith in a book isn't proof to me. Especially in a book that gives no date!
Faith in science is a better bet, but scientists are only human, their empirical proof can be swayed via influences like politics and money.
So, what are we going to do? Who do we listen too?

You tell me! I don't have all the answers here. ;)

The Divide - Apocalyptic Movie Trailer

2011-10-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

This movie shares several similar characteristics as The Judas Syndrome series' book one. There is a nuclear 'war' and a select group of people are followed as they survive the initial blasts in a bunker -like basement of their city apartment. Though The Judas Syndrome follows 14 teenagers as they survive the Nuc's at a country retreat, the psychological experiment of placing people in this extreme scenario ought to cover several of the same themes.

It will be interesting to see which version people find more honest, and I invite you to leave your thoughts on this here.

Watch the trailer for The Divide

Then Visit the website for The Judas Syndrome

Could aliens effect the suns ability to fry the earth?

2011-10-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

This is the first I've heard of this theory, that aliens are actually using our sun as a launching point to travel through the cosmos or even time could couse a future Apocalyptic event here on earth. After watching a video of two massive objects crashing into the sun and a monster solar flare resulting from the collision, i was stunned.
I know the sun has the potential to fry our satellites and our power stations with one nasty beltch, but this is a natural occurance and has happened in recorded history.
But what if aliens are abusing our sun, using it as a gateway to get from point A to point B faster? That seems pretty ignorant for a race of space-faring creatures.

For the sceptic, they could have just been comets or asteroids or something....

See the video here: http://youtu.be/8eE6-6AnFzI

Hoarding for the End Times. On TLC this Fall

2011-08-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

It looks like a combination of the Hoarding shows meets the My Strange Addiction shows. But I'm all for preparedness when it come to the Apocalypse. Personally I haven't taken it this far, but the four couples featured on TLC's new show: Livin for the Apocalypse, are taking every precaution to ensure their families survive for as long as is possible, depending on the form in which the end of the world occurs.

If we go out with a bang, and a comet hits us, none of us has much of a chance. But if it's something like global warming (climate change) then stocking up seems like a decent idea. If we go out in a nuclear winter, pick up The Judas Syndrome series of Apocalyptic fiction and take from it what you can to either be at ground zero when the explosions go off, or stock up for a long and desperate life of nightmarish events.

Solar Storm Armegeddon

2011-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

I say if the universe wants to wipe us out, that's all fine and good. This way we're not responsible for our own demise. And if our own sun is going to spit fire at us, then clearly the age of man is over. We cannot survive a true solar storm should the sun decide it's time for planet earth to undergo yet another transformation.
In fact, that little mountain village in France will be one of the first to go.

For a more comprehensive report on our pending death by fire, see this link

If you enjoy Apocalyptic fiction, see this one

Book two of The Judas Syndrome - A PA fiction series - is now featured on Indy Book List

2011-07-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Shaina Richmond has a wealth of experience marketing on-line and owns and operates Indy Book List offering support for her fellow self-published authors.
Today, Rebirth, the second of the dark fiction series entitled - The Judas Syndrome - is featured sharing over 3,000 words of the book with potential readers.

Indy Book List is a place readers can spend some time surfing through seemingly limitless offerings from multiple indy authors.

For more on Indy Book List click here

For more on The Judas Syndrome series of dystopian fiction, visit this link

The Judas Syndrome featured on Indy Snippets

2011-07-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Find Michael Poeltl's The Judas Syndrome now featured on Indy Snippets, the go to source for independent author works.

Indie Snippets features 200 word, or less, excerpts from the latest indie novels and short story collections. And the term "indie" used here means self-published or published through a small press.

Here you won't find product descriptions, or the free samples you can already read at major publishing websites like Amazon. Instead, authors submit bite-sized passages from anywhere within their stories to give readers a flavor of what to expect.

Idaho WInter by Tony Burgess - Reviewed

2011-06-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Idaho Winter by Tony Burgess

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the first few chapters and the direction the book was taking, 1/4 of the way through, I was surprised to find where the story was going.

Original story-lines are becoming more and more scarce in the literary world, so something as bizarre and refreshing as Idaho Winter is a welcome reprieve from the rehashed plot-lines of stereotypical YA fiction.

A tortured mind of a child can produce some wonderful imagery, albeit dark and unimagined by the reader, it is all at once recognizable and, at times, laughable.

Another good read by a master of the macabre.

View all my reviews

Bugarach - France - Apocalypse

2011-06-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

Planning a vacation over the Christmas holidays in 2012? Bugarach, France seems to be all the rage. What with whispers of secret doors inside the mountain to aliens returning to collect those that have made the pilgrimage, Bugarach is receiving more visitors determined to buy land or join the cult that is planning for the end times.

See this article for more details on what's happening now, and how you too can be saved from an apocalyptic end by vacationing in France during the winter solstice of 2012.

Proposed Graphic novel illustrations for the Dystopian/PA series The Judas Syndrome released

2011-06-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Michael Poeltl has considered turning his dark PA fiction series: The Judas Syndrome into a graphic novel in the past, but has now taken steps towards this end by releasing three illustrations - 1 of book one, and two of book 2, on his facebook fanpage and website .

"As an illustrator, I see the potential, but the work would be immense," says Poeltl of illustrating the graphic novels himself. "Finding a student looking to create a portfolio might be a better bet in getting the graphic novels realized in my life-time."

If interested or know someone interested in illustrating the novels, contact Poeltl at mikepoeltl (at) hotmail (dot) com

ANother set of interviews following MIchael Poeltl's processes when writing PA fiction

2011-06-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Read the first in a pair of interviews held by Elizabeth Sogard where Michael Poeltl discusses marketing your self-published books on and off-line, June 23rd, 2011.

Then read the second interview and get to know the author and his processes while writing his dystopian trilogy on June 30th, 2011 by clicking this link.

Subscribe to Elizabeth Sogards blog and learn all about the writting profession from self-published to traditionally published authors.

Radio Interview on Whistle Radio for Dystopian themed Book trilogy, The Judas Syndrome

2011-06-13T06:03:00.001-07:00

The latest interview of Michael Poeltl, author of the dystopian trilogy - The Judas Syndrome - which follows a group of high school seniors through an Apocalyptic landscape, will be aired on whistle Radio three times during the week of June 20-26th, 2011.

Poeltl talks about the process of writing, manages three readings from books one and two, and discusses the book at length with Catherine Sword, in an exciting and educational half hour conversation.

Times to listen:
Tuesday, June 21st at 5:30PM
Thursday, June 23 at 8:30AM
Sunday, June 26th at 5:30PM

The Eve of Destruction - Video

2011-05-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

Apocalypse - Jesus to ruin your summer with a second coming this spring, guaranteed!

2011-05-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

It's official, at least for the Family Radio broadcasters placing billboards all over the US declaring the end of the world will take place on May 21st, 2011.
See this write-up on the 'guarantee' that Jesus is going to ruin your summer by preempting it with a second coming!
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/billboards-warn-judgment-day-right-around-corner-131520

Steven Colbert has also confirmed Family Radio's warning:
http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/88342/stephen-colbert-confirms-may-21st-apocalypse-video/

To Publish or Not To Publish: Indie Book Review: The Judas Syndrome

2011-05-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

To Publish or Not To Publish: Indie Book Review: The Judas Syndrome: "Okay, so supposedly, when you see a bad review, it's a case of the book not living up to the expectations of whomever purchased it. That ma..."

The Judas Syndrome featured interview on Indie ebooks blog

2011-05-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Indie ebooks is a blog that features indie books from authors that have gone it alone. Without the assistance of the big book publishers, sites like this are a perfect venue for getting the word out.
Indie books are a force all their own and supported by a growing audience of readers disenfranchised with what the big book publishers are releasing and/or the price they must pay in order to purchase them.

Find links, an interview, synopsis and excerpt from the dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic novel The Judas Syndrome at Indie ebooks now.

About the website:
Indie eBooks was created for independent authors to come together and promote their work.The site supports the growing independent publishing market by providing a space where authors can connect with their readers not just through their books, but also by sharing the stories of how they came to self publish.

There is no cost to authors to promote their work here and I hope to keep it that way. I have however used affiliate links to Amazon and Smashwords. What does this mean? If you would like to support this site and the 20+ hours a week I spend promoting the authors, then there is only one thing I ask of you.

When you support the authors by purchasing one of their books please also support this site by using the links provided to buy from Amazon or Smashwords.

Blank Man - An Angel for the End Times - The Judas Syndrome

2011-04-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

To better understand the Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic series, understand one of the more under-developed characters in The Judas Syndrome . The Angel, Leif's Blank Man:

Named Blank Man by a six year old child, this omnipotent presence that first revealed itself to the child’s father in the form of an animal avatar, and then to the boy once his father had forsaken his destiny, and his life, takes no form save that which those who can see him give him.

Blank Man, as the name suggests, appears as a halo outlining the silhouette of a man to the fatherless boy. His voice is gentle and calm. His wisdom ancient and his message clear. Destiny, which rules over all living things, rules over man most mercilessly. Destiny will be fulfilled regardless the tool it uses to guide its purpose, while being mindful of the repercussions. It is seemingly merciless to mankind because of the double-edged sword of knowledge and ambition we so prize.

The Blank Man has been preordained with the task of guiding a group of Apocalypse survivors to realizing their destiny, one individual in particular. But in order for this individual to realize his destiny, many players must also follow a path, unbeknownst to them. The inherent difficulty in choreographing a greater destiny in beings blessed with free-will becomes obvious.

Though an enlightened being, Blank Man, manipulating events on an ever-expanding cast of characters in an effort to bring about the destiny he has been fated to arrange, struggles with the rebellious nature inherent in humanity.

No one can escape their destiny. He knows this. He has seen this play out time and again throughout history. Joel, Blank Man’s first contact, and the one chosen for this end, went mad with the idea that a people’s life is prearranged, and that nothing they do, no matter how much free-will is assigned them, nothing they can do will change that path.

Realizing Joel’s rebellious nature and obvious downward spiral, Blank Man took it upon himself to be certain the destiny he was influencing was not lost. He played the characters in Joel’s circle perfectly in order to eliminate Joel from the larger destiny, placing the onus on the baby, now growing in his girlfriend’s belly.

Joel enacted his end in a final, defiant deed, regardless his attempts to flee his destiny. But his end did not fulfill the grater destiny promised, and so, Blank Man passed this destiny on to Joel’s son.

As Sara, Joel’s girlfriend, took it upon herself to go north with her newborn, Blank Man would now refer to the events he had already set in motion to compensate for Joel’s failed attempt. This was a new path toward the same destiny, as it would play out through Leif, Joel’s son. This path had been planned long before the Apocalypse had been realized, and many more put in place should Leif fail in his attempt.

Leif felt the Angel’s presence from a time when he was very young, and at age six, Blank Man revealed himself to Leif. “I will take a face when you give me one,” He said to the young boy, but Leif never gave his Blank Man a face.

To approach the child at an early age gave Blank Man an advantage over the approach he used with Joel, at eighteen. This offered him the opportunity to mould a mind willing to under-take the role Destiny would ask of him.

Leif and his Blank Man became great friends, and Leif an exceptional student. The destiny once forsaken, would again be questioned, but would it ever be realized?

Find the books of The Judas Syndrome on Amazon

The new 'it' genre is Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic, lighting a nuc under Vampires and Zombies

2011-04-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Replacing the Vampire craze that has inundated the YA and fiction world the past few years is Dystopia. The idea that real life catastrophes could happen to everyday people (like the end of life as we know it) is a far more frightening 'reality', with so many more avenues for self discovery than Vampires and monsters, and teens are starting to pick up on that vibe. Look at what's hot right now, The Hunger Games Trilogy, The Passage, The Judas Syndrome Trilogy, new books like Jeyn Roberts recently penned Dark Inside, which was just picked up by McMillan press in the UK. It's obvious where the world psyche lies right now. Dystopian themes are exploding onto the scene and most are driven by an apocalyptic event. Sure, this genre has ruled over the science fiction world in the past, but has matured and grown into a seperate genre with a dedicated following. Look into these top picks while you still have the chance. Because if the universal mind is bent on Dystopia, you might want to learn a thing or two before the end comes. For more on this subject visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Dystopian work for Canadian author - Jeyn Roberts - picked up by McMillan

2011-04-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Very excited for this author. Jeyn Roberts, author of Dark Inside has been picked up by McMillan and being marketed as The Road (by Cormack McaCarthy) meets 28 Days Later. The Road is one of my favourtie books in the Post-Apocalyptic genre, and 28 Days Later was a well received movie series on the end times. Put them together and you have a very interesting premise for a book.

Looking forward to reading and reviewing this book. Jeyn has a presence on facebook and goodreads and will likely see a massive influx of fans on both social networks. The book can be found on Amazon.com as a Kindle and hardcover now.

New review of The Judas Syndrome, on Amazon, by Jaidis Shaw

2011-04-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

There must be a balance between books and their endings. Some must end happily and others are destined to go the darker route, such as The Judas Syndrome by Michael Poeltl. We are introduced to your average teenagers that are carefree and optimistic about their futures. In an attempt to put off summer jobs and escape the gloom brought on by threats of the apocalypse, the group of teens gather for a camping weekend. Upon returning home, the teens are forced to discover that the threats came true and the world has fallen victim to nuclear attack. It is clear to see who the main teenagers are as they are forced to grow up and plan for their survival. Joel is deemed the leader of the group although he never saw himself as the leading type. Other main characters are Connor, Sara, Eric and Jake. Most of the other teens in the group stay as secondary characters. I am certain that the secondary group will have their time to shine in the second book to this series. There is a lot of drug use throughout the book and at first I figured it was just kids being kids. I expected drug use to be the furthest thing from the kids minds while they are trying to survive so I was surprised that not only was it an important part, but the leading cause of Joel's insanity spree. The reader should expect that beginning with the title, this book will have to end on a sad note in order for a more positive message to shine through. Friendships and inner turmoils are put to the test...the Judas test. I am curious to see where the survivors lead in the second installment. There was mild adult language, heavy drug use, and somewhat bloody descriptions, so this book is better suited for an adult audience. - Jaidis Shaw

Click here to see this and other reviews on Amazon

Zvi Zaks reviews, Rebirth, book two of The Judas Syndrome

2011-03-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

A Phoenix arises.

REBIRTH is Michel Poeltl's second book in THE JUDAS SYNDROME trilogy. The author has been careful to give enough back-story to make it understandable by itself, but is best read after the first in the series. That way, one gets a vivid picture of the transformation undergone by the characters—from carefree teens on a pre-college camping trip to survivalist adults in a post nuclear-holocaust world, with extremes ranging from, Sara, now a fiercely protective mother, to Earl, degenerating into a Hitlerian rage. The growth of Leif, the son of Sara and Joel, is another major theme. Leif is destined for greatness, but how and in what direction is not yet clear.

The supernatural themes lightly touched on in the first book have become prominent and are well woven into the story.

This is not a sunny and cheerful tale. The basic premise of a world devastated by atomic weapons triggered by terrorists, is all too possible. Like most apocalyptic literature, the story is in many places dreary and depressing. However, a clear thread of hope runs through REBIRTH, and the ending, like that in Star Wars, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, would suggest there is more to come even if you didn't know it was a trilogy. - Zvi Zaks

For more reviews and to purchase the book see the amazon page.

Goodreads giveaway of book two of The Judas Syndrome series of dark fiction

2011-03-17T05:21:00.001-07:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Rebirth

by Michael Poeltl

Giveaway ends April 21, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

WInner for the autopgraphed verion of The Judas Syndrome

2011-03-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

After a grueling contest, involving 1031 potential winners, Carlene, a goodreads member from New York won the free autographed version of Michael Poeltl's, The Judas Syndrome.

The contest ran from Feb 24-Mar 12, 2011 and 1 copy was made available by the author.

Poeltl hopes to have brought the book and the series to the attention of the goodreads membership via this contest. Thanks to http://www.goodreads.com/ for the opportunity!

New review from Author Zvi Zaks of Michael Poeltl's The Judas Syndrome - Book one

2011-03-08T06:52:00.001-08:00

The Judas Syndrome - A cominng of age tale, told at the end of an age.

"The author has a clear and lucid style that takes the reader from one vivid situation to another." By Zvi Zaks author of IMPLAC and A Virtual Affair

The Judas Syndrome starts with a group of young adults on a camping trip before school. A cloud hangs over the trip, namely a terrorist's threat of a nuclear holocaust. The trip itself gives the reader a chance to know these youths and how they react under normal circumstances. When they return, they find that the terrorists have struck, their homes and families are destroyed, and the world is in chaos.

How they respond makes up the bulk of the story. They must contend with poisonous rain, lack of power, unplanned pregnancy, marauders, religious fanatics, drug addiction and -- perhaps worst of all -- their own inner demons.

The author has a clear and lucid style that takes the reader from one vivid situation to another. The story is reminiscent of Lord of the Flies but without adults rescuing them at the end. What does happen at the end surprised me, though I admit the author had left several clues.

By Zvi Zaks author of IMPLAC and A Virtual Affair

Read an ebook month. March!

2011-03-06T17:46:00.001-08:00

Michael Poeltl is supporting "Read an ebook week" via Smashwords during the month of March. The first of his series - The Judas Syndrome - is free, and the second, 50% until March 12th!

The first two of the series are available now, with the third slated for a late 2011/early 2012 release date.

Apocalyptic fiction giveaway via GoodReads

2011-02-24T12:03:00.001-08:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Judas Syndrome

by Michael Poeltl

Giveaway ends March 12, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

New York Times Bestseller - Apocalyptic Fiction and The Judas Syndrome

2011-02-18T06:23:00.001-08:00

So how long does it take for a book or series to become a best seller in the New York Times?
Is it a numbers thing? Sure, that makes sense, right? A best selling book is one that many thousands of people have purchased. But what about indie authors, and self published authors? What about those that are selling ebooks on-line and with no one counting their sales but themselves?

I know several authors doing just that. Selling hundreds of copies a month. When will they be recognized for their literary contributions?

Well, I've just found out that the NY Times will be creating a sellers list of ebooks best ! Where they'll get their numbers I'm not sure. Will Amazon and KOBO and Nook release that information to them? Why not? It means more revenue for them.

The Judas Syndrome series is selling well right now across multiple ebook sites, but will it hit the NY Times best sellers list for ebooks? Yes, it will, but perhaps it will take a little more time.

More positive reviews for the Dystopian tale by Michael Poeltl

2011-02-13T05:07:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited over the below review as Janet Sked, reviewer, astutely picks up on the parallel between the main character in The Judas Syndrome, and the Apocalypse itself. Below is an excerpt from that review which can be found on Amazon.com.

-"Joel. For me this guy was the perfect anti-hero - difficult to like, remarkably easy to sympathise with. No attempt at covering his flaws or making him a saint. What really struck me was watching this guy devolve slowly into utter paranoia and self-hate, and eventually self-destruct in every sense of the word, while constantly trying to do what he thinks is right. Joel in the end is the personification of the apocalypse, and I thought this was beautifully done." - Janet Sked

New review for Rebirth, book 2 in the Dystopian fiction series

2011-02-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

Another great review in from Amazon:

A Sequel That's Better Than The Original

What truly fascinated me while reading 'Rebirth' by Michael Poeltl, was how the growth and development of both the main character Sara and her son Leif mirrored the growth and development of Mr. Poeltl as an author. His first book, The Judas Syndrome, was well written albeit sometimes a little difficult to digest content wise. This second installment of what is to be a trilogy of novels, takes the reader on a more succinct and inclusive emotional journey.

Written through the eyes of Sara, the book does a fantastic job of tying up some loose ends from the first novel while exploring the progression and in some cases regression of familiar characters. The gritty and sometimes too blunt tones of the first book, have been tempered this time around. While still painting a very desperate,desolate and graphic picture of this post apocalyptic world, Mr. Poeltl has crafted the narrative in such a way that you feel a stronger connection to the main character and her journey then of Joel in his first book. The read is more of a story 'sharing' instead of a story 'telling', which in turn made me as a reader feel more invested in the outcome.

What surprised me the most was that his characterization and literal portrayal of Sara and her plight as a new mom in this uncertain dystopic future, never came across as written from a male's perspective - which should appeal to female readers of the novel. The imagery that Mr. Poeltl presents in this novel is stunning, and further highlights his development as a writer. Scenes and scenery are described in the kind of detail an artist uses to paint a picture. The story itself is well laid out, and coherent. There were however a few times I found myself wishing that he'd explored certain events in a little more detail given he didn't have the same time constraints that a movie version of the novel would.

But that, and the somewhat out of place love interest storyline are the only minor issues I had with a novel that did everything to succeed and exceed it's predecessor in the novel trilogy. 'Rebirth' is a fantastic read, and even better follow up to 'The Judas Syndrome'. It follows in the tradition of great sequels, and leaves me excited to read the conclusion to this story. An excellent follow up book by Mr. Poeltl, and I'm sure one of many great works of literature of his to come. - Michael Pongracz

See the review here

The Judas Syndrome, featured on K-lite, 102.9 FM

2011-02-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Michael Poeltl was featured Friday, Feb. 4th on K-lite, 102.9 on the MIke Wyman show(voted best radio personality 2010 by View Magazine).
"I was just stopping in to drop off the second book of The Judas Syndrome series for Mike as he had purchased the first book when it came out a couple of years before." Then Wyman sat Poeltl down and reminisced about the first book and how much he was looking forward to the second.
A radio interview is a great publicity spot for books, "I had no idea he was going to actually plug the books," Poeltl went on,"that was a real treat. I know his listener ship is substantial, and the fact that he covers rush hour offers a captive audience. I'm very grateful for his attention to my books. It never hurts to have a local personality on your side!"

For more information from the show see Mike Wymans blog

Apocalypse film - Perfect Sense

2011-01-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

Perfect Sense , starring Ewan McGreggor, this recently screened IFC film takes a documentary style look at the Apocalypse. An unnamed pandemic devastates humanity on a worldwide scale as a chef and epidemiologist fall in love. The film is not dystopian in its telling, but rather (quote) "trying very hard to be an affirmation of human values," says Mackenzie (the films director).

I'm looking forward to its North American release.

Betelgeuse and the end of the world.

2011-01-24T16:51:00.001-08:00

Betelgeuse is a giant red star that is dying.

Some predict it will go supernova over the course of the next 18 months. But could this be the cause of the Apocalypse some say the Mayan calender predicts? The Mayans were masters of astronomy, and it is considered scientific fact that Betelgeuse is very close to dying. But it is 640 light years away, and would have had to have actually blown its top in the 5th century for us to see it next year, and then what damage could it do to us?

None. It would rain down neutrinos at worst, which are harmless. So my opinion (after reading several articles on the subject) is that this could not cause an Apocalypse here on earth, but could it signal one? Who knows. Either way, read the book that will help you make sense of the end times before they come knocking. The Judas Syndrome - by Michael Poeltl

eStar Books News: Guest Author!

2011-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

eStar Books News: Guest Author!: "Todays guest author Michael Poeltl! He was kind enough to answer some questions for me. Q: What type of stories do you write? A: I writ..."

Death has a name – By Jerry Hanel

2011-01-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

A very original story which could use an editors touch.

A paranormal detective story set in London, England, Death has a Name enjoys a very original plot line. The Truth – an all encompassing knowledge that exists in the Universe - has been a nuisance to the main character all his life, seeing it as a smoky incarnation whispering truths of recent murders and ancient cold cases. The Truth seeps out of file folders, the sleeves of trench coats and visits him at night offering the truth of an event. Though the connection he shares with the other side is distressing, his strange ability to see The Truth has earned Brody a contract position on his local police force.

The reader becomes quickly involved in the story’s main plot line as Brody is approached by a vision asking him to follow through on a truth both baffling and disturbing. Soon thereafter Brody’s detective friend shares a case he is currently working on, and they realize Brody’s visions are somehow connected.

The story then takes off as the connections between Brody’s psychic experiences and Phil (the detectives) case become more and more entwined.

That’s when the paranormal aspect to the book raises a few crescendos and the bigger picture is appreciated. Death is coming for us all.

The character development is well done, as is the plotting of the story but the book could use an editor’s touch. The dialogue between characters doesn’t come across as sincere, spelling and grammatical mistakes could all be eliminated with one pass through by a professional editor. Once this is accomplished the book would read much smoother, not having the reader stumbling on words or sentences that seem misplaced.

Hanel has a wonderful imagination, and Death has a Name is a very original work of fiction.

-By Michael Poeltl

Eating during the Apocalypse

2011-01-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Well, we'll all have to do it won't we?

This book - Apocalypse 2012 Cookbook - will give you options you never knew you had. Taking on a hunter gatherer scenario, and putting those items into a recipe that is both nutritious and delicious will be a tough job come the end times, but this book claims to give us that.
I haven't reviewed the book as yet, but I did find an interesting article on it and yes, it is satirical, but does it actually offer recipes for the end of days?

You be the judge, it sells for just under nine dollars on Amazon and under five dollars for your kindle.

If you pick it up, please review it here.

And remember, for the ultimate survival guide visit www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Review of Hope Burned - by Michael Poeltl

2011-01-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hope Burned - by Brent LaPorte

Was, in a word, disturbing.

Suffering years of abuse by his father and grandfather on a farm in rural anywhere, the story of Hope Burned spends a considerable time living and reliving the mental and physical abuse of the main character at the hands of these uneducated hicks. LaPorte instills an immediate sense of compassion for the boy, as the reader experiences each brutal attack in the unnerving first person telling.

Though what happens to the main character is unforgivable, what happens to the young victims his grandfather brings back from town and imprisons in their Mill is much worse. The boy, rarely out of his crawl space save to cook or work the fields, catches the eye of one young girl as his grandfather drags her towards the Mill, towards her unspeakable fate.

As the story unfolds, and the boy grows up independently of his captors, he finds that he shares more in common with his father and grandfather than just his lineage. As he looks at his own young son, retelling the story of his life, he makes a stark realization, and the story goes where you’d least expect it.
LaPorte’s deliberate, short prose is captivating, and as with any good first person narrative, you can tell the author was living the story as it developed.

By Michael Poeltl

Find Hope Burned on Amazon

Another positive review for the sequel of The Judas Syndrome, Rebirth

2011-01-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

And the Saga Continues.
reviewed by Rose Keefe - January 12, 2011

`Rebirth' is the sequel to Michael Poeltl's debut novel `The Judas Syndrome' (2009). I'm not surprised that he wrote a follow-up, because the ending practically begged for continuation. But I was also wary, because sequels can be like designer knockoffs- compelling in their own way, but rarely as good as the original.

`Rebirth' continues the dark saga of a teenaged band of post-apocalypse survivors. Narrated by Sara, Joel's girlfriend, it fluidly resumes where `The Judas Syndrome' left off. Crises that erupted at the conclusion of the previous book have such disastrous consequences that Sara's new fight for life exceeds all past conflicts. This time the stakes are higher: she has given birth to Joel's son, and paranormal influences indicate that the boy has a vital destiny to fulfill. But treacherous former friends, roaming killers, and other grim remnants of a dead world assail them both, making it possible that they won't even see tomorrow, let alone the infant's adulthood.

I agree with another reviewer that `Rebirth' is gentler in tone than `The Judas Syndrome', but the core themes of courage, desperation, and hope remain strong. Putting Sara in the figurative pilot's seat has not resulted in a piece of post-bomb chick lit; because she has so much to live for, she's just as ruthless as her male associates when she has to be, and her actions keep the storyline gritty and fast.

Fans of the first book will find much to enjoy in this second, exciting offering from Michael Poeltl. The dreaded `curse of the crappy sequel' definitely doesn't apply here.

Rebirth, the 2nd book in The Judas Syndrome series - Reviewed

2011-01-08T16:44:00.001-08:00

Rebirth
January, 8th 2011

By: Andrea Kraus

An evolution of story and storytelling

I recently read The Judas Syndrome and decided to see where the author took me on the next installment of his post-apocalyptic journey. I was not disappointed, and saw a growth and evolution not only stylistically, but also in the themes of the story. As in his previous work, the story is most definitely character driven and uses the post-apocalyptic setting as the vehicle by which we get to know both the corporeal and non-corporeal participants in this story.

Rebirth is told from Sara’s point of view – she survives an apocalypse, and has experiences no 19 year old woman should be expected to endure. It spans from the end of The Judas Syndrome and moves on 9 years into the future, exploring many spiritual and emotional topics amid the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic modern culture. Sara has to learn how to fend for herself and her newborn son, and has to re-evaluate everything she knows about herself, the world she lives in and the world she cannot see. The paranormal themes are far more apparent in this installment than in the author’s previous book.

Although this book doesn’t shy away from a bit of profanity and adult themes, is not as raw as its predecessor. Like Sara, it is a gentler telling of the story – although no less gritty and courageous. This is a good story for those who prefer their post-apocalyptica to be woven through with other genres, such as the paranormal and spirituality. As with his other work, I find Rebirth to be an enjoyable read which flows nicely and is easy to read.

For where to purchase the book, Rebirth, visit the website.

New review for The Judas Syndrome - Apocalyptic fiction, Future Fiction

2011-01-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

New review for The Judas Syndrome
January 8, 2011

by: Andrea Kraus

The Judas Syndrome
Fun read, interesting character development

Post apocalyptic fiction isn’t normally my go-to genre, but this story goes beyond the simple plotline of “what happens after the bomb”. If you enjoyed Stephen King’s “The Stand”, the movies “Stand by Me” and “Band of Brothers”, and appreciate strong character interactions, this little gem is worth your time. The Judas Syndrome is a story of a group of stranded teenagers who find themselves struggling to survive in a world destroyed by a madman’s ideology. They’re guided by nothing more than their wits and a little bit of supernatural intervention.

The author has a good writing style and is very eloquent – you can tell that he has stepped into the protagonist’s shoes and is actually experiencing the story as it unfolds. He allows the complex interactions of the characters to drive the story, rather than rely solely on external circumstances. In other words, it’s all about the characters, not about the situation.

The astute reader may recognize subtle quasi-religious sub-themes which surface now and again without being overt or overshadow the storyline. I will admit that initially I was a bit disconcerted to imagine a bunch of 17 year old stoners speaking with the level of maturity and insight in this story, but as the tale unfolds, it is less of an issue and even becomes somewhat plausible. Or maybe I give teenagers more intellectual credit than I should. /shrug All in all, this was a fun book to read, and I found it highly enjoyable.

Please be aware that although the main characters in this book are teenagers, this story is definitely written for the adult reader. If you are comfortable with strong language, characters who engage in copious drug use, and mature themes, this story is a good value.

For where to buy the book, visit the website.

Hunger, by Knut Hamsun. A review

2010-12-30T05:33:00.000-08:00

Hunger, by Knut Hamsun. Review. By Michael Poeltl

This was a troubling tale of struggle, poverty and homelessness as seen through the eyes of a writer caught up in a depression. An excellent read.
It resonated with me because the writing is very similar to my own. It takes a first person telling, which offers deep insight into the protagonists state of mind.

For related reading visit: www.the-judas-syndrome.com

The Realms of imagination author Steven Lake

2010-12-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

The Realms of Imagination offers a myriad of sci-fi books written by author Steven Lake.

Steven describes his ideas on writing:

"I'm one who firmly believes in taking what you do best and sharing it with others. In my case that's writing. I do this because I love it, and I do it to share with others. In this case, anyone who reads my books. So grab one of my novels, find a comfy chair, and immerse yourself in the worlds these books bring to you...
... you can now find me on the social web at Twitter, Facebook, LibraryThing and Goodreads!"

Save a tree, pick up Rebirth as an ebook

2010-12-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Pick up the continuing saga of life after the Apocalypse, with Rebirth, the second book in The Judas Syndrome series.

The book is available in every e-reader format on smashwords, and Kindle format on Amazon.

S.A.D. - Depression and the End Times

2010-12-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

Imagine if you suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a mood disorder that hits those with normal mental health, causing depression at the onset of winter. The days are shorter. You wake up to darkness, and go home in darkness. Those of us that work in-doors are likely not to see the sun for stretches of a week at a time. Symptoms can range from a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities to life ending anxiety. But winter is a tough season. It is cold, grey, and dark. Even those showing no signs of S.A.D. will lock themselves away in-doors, waiting out the season, not venturing out-doors unless it is absolutely necessary.

Now imagine everyone in the world suffered from S.A.D. What kind of a world would that be?

The end of the world offers its that very scenario, trapped inside, while a nuclear winter rages. Seasonal Affective Disorder could hardly represent the angst and horror those (un)lucky few survivors would suffer. Though all of the symptoms would apply, the idea that winter may never pass, that spring would never come, and that the summer months may exist only as a memory allows us to coin a new disorder in light of the end of the world: L.A.D. - Life Affective Disorder

Life Affective Disorder would encompass all of the aforementioned symptoms, one hundred fold. Thoughts of suicide would play out on the most resolute of individuals. Those left to exist in this nightmarish realm alone would almost certainly parish by their own hand. The (un)lucky few trapped with friends or family would fare much better, but for how long? With no end in sight, and no ability to forecast an end to this dark winter, L.A.D. would be rampant in every corner of the world a survivor, or group of survivors were found. The simple comforts we’d taken for granted gone, electricity, heat, clean water and food, depression would run rampant through the population.

Currently there are many different treatments for seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy: where the sufferer is exposed to false sunlight, antidepressants: which can artificially alter your mood, cognitive-behavioral therapy: where the patient is taught to think differently about a situation to alter their mood, and hormone therapy: where melatonin is released into the system.

To see the full S.A.D/L.A.D. article visit the website

Article Written by Michael Poeltl, Author and Expert on Post-Apocalyptic scenarios.

Review of The Passage, by Cronin

2010-12-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Passage shares many aspects of The Judas Syndrome , for example; main character development prior to its explanation of how the end comes, and its use of multiple characters. The end having come from a plague rather than a nuclear holocaust allowed the planet to better sustain survivors in The Passage, offering an easier "afterlife" than the demoralized planet The Judas Syndrome left its surviving population.

That being said, both surviving communities were forced to push back attacking parties, in The Passage it was the infected humans bent on sucking the blood from their human counterparts, whereas in The Judas Syndrome those that survived were left to fight one another for what remaining resources there was left.

Both books offer up the intense anxiety survivors would experience after an Apocalypse of some design occurred, but the anxiety The Judas Syndrome creates is immediate whereas The Passage jumps ahead 100 years after the virals have already decimated the population. This broke up the anxiety (and the story) for me, and left me feeling like one book had ended while another was starting. Not a bad thing, but an interruption into a world I was just getting comfortable with.

All the same, The Passage was a good read with interesting characters, telling a story of survival and sorrow. If you enjoyed The Passage, then you will enjoy The Judas Syndrome also. If you enjoyed The Passage, then you will enjoy The Judas Syndrome

Excerpts from the 2nd novel in The Judas Syndrome series

2010-12-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

Rebirth, the second book in the popular Apocalyptic fiction series, The Judas Syndrome, is now available exclusively through the author's website. Pick up where you left off, but before you do, read two excerpts from Rebirth - found here.

How to purchase the book that made Michael Poeltl choice for best author 2010

2010-11-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Want to know how and where to purchase The Judas Syndrome on-line in paperback and e-book format?

Buy from Amazon.uk

Buy from Amazon.com

Buy from Smashwords.com

Buy from the Author's Website

Best Writer/Author of 2010

2010-10-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

Michael Poeltl was voted Best Writer/Author for 2010 in October by The View Magazine: A weekly alternative newspaper serving the cities of Hamilton, Burlington and the Golden horseshoe region, reaching over 1 million potential voters/viewers.

Poeltl was voted Best Author based on his Young Adult/Apocalyptic Fiction novel (which has spawned a series) The Judas Syndrome.

Congratulations!

PIck up where you left off with REBIRTH, the 2nd book in The Judas Syndrome Trilogy

2010-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

COMING FALL 2010

Although Mike Poeltl never intended for The Judas Syndrome to be the first of a series, he caved in to reader demand in the spring of 2010 and began working on Rebirth, a continuation of the popular post-apocalyptic tale that one Facebook reviewer called “a stark and uncompromising vision of the future of our world.”

Narrated by Joel’s girlfriend Sara, Rebirth is a story of survival, betrayal, and hope. After giving birth to their son, whose evident purpose is to fulfill the destiny that Joel had forsaken, Sara realizes that her home is no longer a haven.

Menaced by a power-obsessed Earl and frightened by the deterioration of a once-tight group of comrades, she flees north- into a nihilistic world inhabited by dangerous nomads, new friends, and old enemies.

Early reviewers have commented that Rebirth, while a sequel, is a powerful story in its own right. Poeltl has confirmed that a third book, as of yet untitled, will complete the Judas Syndrome trilogy.

“The series will chronicle the struggles and sacrifices of two generations of post-Apocalypse survivors,” he said recently. “The sins of the father (Joel) fall upon his son and Sara both. The question is- will the legacy he left them ensure their survival or their doom?”

If you haven't yet read The Judas Syndrome, order it here.

Apocalyptic mindset of todays population.

2010-09-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

As a rule we pick up on what is hot or popular in entertainment, and enjoying a renaissance since the 50's and 60'sis apocalyptic fiction. We see it in all forms of entertainment, Movies, Books , games and music now more than ever before.

There has always existed the dark places in our minds, and what darker, more horrifying vision than that of our everyday being taken violently from us through some global catastrophe? It plays on the public consciousness and has seeped out into our most celebrated escapes, that being entertainment.

There will always be wars, famine and hate in the world. This is a constant, but what horrors await us when each of us is forced to survive in a world unfamiliar?

More Character Sketches of The Judas Syndrome Cast

2010-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Conner:

18 years old. 5'10", muscled upper body, and seemingly always sporting a tan, Conner is Joel’s best friend and Joel his. Athletically inclined, he would participate in school sports merely to pass the time and be granted excuses for leaving math or history class, frustrating his coaches who only saw potential in him as an athlete.

Conner does his best to be seen as someone who is down to earth. It's a quality that he'd always admired in his older brother but found he had to work at. Conner 'suffers' from a sixth sense type ability that makes it difficult to always seem accessible or approachable. He will find himself stuck in a moment, a déjà-vu, and in working through it he allows the déjà-vu to show him a future state.

He believes he obtained this ability from his grandmother on his mother’s side. He remembers stories; even premonitions she'd revealed to him and witnessed come to pass.

Conner gets that he's different but in getting that, he goes out of his way to be normal. Graduating high school is about as far as he wants to take his classroom education. Travel would compete with college in the fall and travel won out.
He is in no way ashamed of his lack in interest in furthering his education in such things as literature, history and science in the classroom. The world would teach him what he needed to know and feed his independence.

Earthy and tough, Conner ‘s character is a perfect complement to Joel’s, both friends realizing that upon their first meeting in the sandbox.

Sara:

18 years old at the beginning of The Judas Syndrome, Sara is the 'it' girl at her highschool. Beautiful, smart, athletic and engaging. Her populatrity was assured, but popularity does not impress Sara, determination and purpose impress and drive her. Her choice of a best friend in Julia, a specticled overacheiving book club type, pretty in an unorthadox way, gives us an idea of her value in popularity.

She is blessed with perfect features, a main of thick shiny brown hair and the body of a cheerleader. Standing at 5'8", Sara is taller than most of her girlfirends, but in no way uncomfortablein her own skin. The majority of her highschool career Sara dates a volleyball player and though he was driven, it proved not enough for her as she yearned for more intellectual stimulation.

Sara is a family oriented person who never complains about taking family vacations or trips to the beach with her mom and dad. She chererishes her time with them. That being said, she is a teenager and happily splits from the family unit when a party or other social event involving her friends comes up. She endulges in all the illegal fun her popular friend base enjoys, but rarely to excess.

Sara is a confident girl, secure in her choices and thoughful of her actions. She believes in Karma and is mindful of her spiritual nature. Raised in the Luthern faith, Sara was baptised as a baby, confirmed as a young teenager and has carried the Christian teachings close to her heart. She believes in God, but accepts that she is human and so imperfect.

Sara heads up the cast of Rebirth , telling her story in 1st person, advancing the story from its tragic beginings with The Judas Syndrome.

For more Character sketches of The Judas Syndrome cast visit the website

Movies featuring the apocalypose

2010-08-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Can anyone help me compile a more complete list of apocalyptic movies, books and Television?

2012 (Movie) Nine (movie-annimated) Resident Evil Extinction (Film) Children of Men (Film) Heroes (T.V.) The Road (Book/Movie) Jericho (T.V) The day after tomorrow (Movie) Armageddon (Movie) Left Behind (Book/T.V.) The Postman (Book/Movie) The Stand (Book/Mini Series) Mad Max/Road Warrior (Films) I am Legend (Film) 12 Monkeys (Film) 28 Days/Weeks later (Films)

Thanks!

The Judas Syndrome (Book 2009/Film 2012)

New website for The Judas Syndrome series

2010-08-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

With the new look of The Judas Syndrome comes a new website to introduce the series of apocalyptic fiction for teens and adults alike.

The teenage characters that have found themselves at the end of an age struggle into adulthood prematurely as they fight to survive in a a dying world.

Vsit the new website for video trailers, character sketches, maps and more.
Read about the second installment of The Judas Syndrome series, Rebirth, and when it will be available for purchase.

Character sketch of Joel, The Judas Syndrome's main character

2010-08-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

18 years old. Lean muscular build. Dirty blonde hair frames his handsome face as though worked into place. His style mirrors a favorite band, unkempt, with clean lines. Outwardly his mood reflects that of his deceased father, calm. But this calm he recognizes as little more than a mirage, his mother’s anxious nature prevalent in the back of his mind. A quiet intelligence radiates from him, he wins friends easily with little effort, a skill or trait not learned but rather something he’d been born with. He couldn’t recall a time where he made the first gesture of friendship. It went that way with girls as well. Joel had been single a total of 6 months throughout his high school career.

He finds himself the center of attention in many situations, not the least of which is making choices for his friends. He’d rather be the one making the decisions than following someone else’s anyways, and if his decisions and opinions could be projected onto his friends favorably, what’s the harm.

Joel is a compassionate person, focusing mainly on those who seemingly cannot help themselves. He feels a responsibility toward them, to help them, protect them, and is likely one of the reasons people are drawn to him.

His weakness is his mind. Anxiety overwhelms him, the physical stress of it at times paralyzing him. It comes without warning , his pulse quickens, pins and needles attack his extremities, the numbness in his face and the frightening certainty that death lurks around the corner. Though undiagnosed he fears the worst. He is very aware of this flaw in himself, and manages it as best he can, alone.

Though this dark secret he carries plagues him regularly, he keeps it from his mother, not to worry her, keeps it from his doctor and friends and buries it deep within himself, controlling the outbursts by self medicating with drugs and alcohol. Careful not to become dependent on the lifestyle, he practices deep breathing and daydreaming to calm the symptoms.

Regardless of the loss of his father and his anxiety disorder, Joel is a remarkably active and vibrant person, enjoying life as it comes and where it lulls, making something from nothing. He has never allowed his dark side to completely overwhelm his life, his motto, ‘shit happens, when you get a lemon, make lemonade.’ It has served him well through his high school career and he is ever hopeful it will serve him well into adulthood.

Watch for more character sketches of the other characters in http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com as they are released

More reviews for The Judas Syndrome

2010-08-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

Todd Dowd
"5 Stars out of 5"
A group of teens move from their camping trip back to their homes and find all that they thought they knew ravaged and dead, forcing them to adapt. I thought The Judas Syndrome paralleled the exit from Eden and the loss of innocence.

The author paints very believable, and unwelcome world.

I rate the book five stars, as I felt that ...in no way did the author fail to create an unique, original, and enjoyable work.

Stacy Maskell

"4 Stars out of 5"
Well, when the book began, I was unsure - I didn't "feel" it like I had hoped, but as the story developed, the struggles of the characters and weight on Joel's shoulders became more than apparrent, and as the book was coming to a close, I didn't want it to end, yet I adored the ending, I read it 3 times. Great job Michael, it did capture and hold my attention and I couldn't put it down.

Melissa Anne Stoutenburg

"5 Stars out of 5"
This book not only had me thinking outside of reading it, but in my dreams as well. I never thought a book could have such a big impact on my mind. The plot kept me wanting to read on, was interesting and never bored me. If all else fails go to the forest...

For more reviews on this suspenseful and dark novel visit the facebook Fanpage

More reviews for the most original telling of the coming Apocalypse

2010-08-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Brad Larsen

"5 Stars out of 5"
This is an incredible jorney ,from being to end I could not put it down. Really shows you that when you think things are bad there is always that possiblity that it can get worse. Dark and riveting book. Thank you once again for the journey and can not wait for the next one.

Rhonda Fintelman

"5 Stars out of 5"
The Judas Syndrome; a book that brings you on a journey of joy, struggle, darkness and survival. Not knowing if friends are enemies or enemies are friends.

Trust is not something the future can hold for Joel and his surviving friends. Twists and turns in their journey of survival brings them together while pulling them apart.

A great ...book leaving readers to wonder where they would stand in the hierarchy of a surviving group, their reactions to other's authority in desperate situations, and what they could or could not live to endure...

Jason Percy White

"4 Stars out of 5"
The Judas Syndrome is a nice departure from the familiar post-apocalyptic theme of scarcity. The debut novel by Michael Poeltl is rich in its use of excess – from copious amounts of drugs to
gratuitous violence to the emotional highs and lows of the main characters. The book does of good job of exploring the abundance of a ...suddenly depopulated world.

The main character, Joel, leads a gang of high school friends who find themselves among a handful of post-holocaust survivors. At first the friends treat the end of the world as an opportunity to party. They find a massive grow-up, scrounge more liquor then they could ever consume, and try their best to forget the family and life they have lost. However, every now and then reality seeps in, usually in a pot induced, hyper paranoid state, and Poeltl does an excellent job of connecting the reader to the pain and denial the characters are feeling. This is perhaps the book’s strongest achievement.

A post-apocalyptic cult leader antithesis, who is typical genre hyperbole, confronts Joel and his gang roughly half way through the Judas Syndrome. The cult leader is on an Inquisition style mission to root out evil and makes outrageous demands on the school gang.
Naturally Joel refuses to submit to the cult questioning and a surprisingly good fight scene ensues. But, the cult leader is not a significantly developed foil for Joel’s character to battle. The lack of a clear antithesis is the book’s weakness. On one hand, it could be said that Joel is his own worst enemy, or that the cryptical Grimm Reaper – a cyber terrorist who took credit for unleashing the apocalypse is the antithesis. Perhaps the reader will decide for themselves. In any case, The Judas Syndrome is a solid debut novel that is worth the read and I look forward to Poeltl’s next novel.

For more reviews on the coming Apocalypse visit Michael Poeltl's facebook Fan page

Reviews for the Apocalyptic novel - The Judas Syndrome

2010-08-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

A sampling of reviews as found on The Judas Syndrome Facebook fanpage

Trevor Lockhart
"4 Stars out of 5"

What happens when the world ends but you don’t? Michael Poeltl’s debut novel “The Judas Syndrome” addresses this question when a group of friends return from a camping trip only to find out that something terrible has happened while they were away. The story focuses on this group of friends who have to come together to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. What ensues is a nightmarish journey into human frailty and betrayal. I found myself aching every time a poor decision resulted in disaster, wishing I could steer the group to back to safety and happiness. It reminded me of McCarthy’s “The Road” and Wyndham’s “The Chrysalids”, although with a greater nihilistic outlook.

Chris Sabel
"4 Stars out of 5" ‎

"The Judas Syndrome" is a stark and uncompromising vision of the future of our world. Considering the never-ending reportage of wars, man-made catastrophes, and natural disasters that have appeared in the news recently, this is the kind of story that seems destined to become only more relevant in the years to come.

Mike Pongracz
"4 Stars out of 5"

‎...a stunning debut novel from Michael Poeltl. A dark, gritty exploration of the razor thin morality line that we as humans walk - especially when faced with extraordinary circumstances. Reading the novel was like watching an autopsy from a first person view; seeing everything that once gave life, exposed, separated, displayed and examined in raw, sometimes unpleasant detail. A fine read!

Jeff Faris

"5 Stars out of 5"

How would you deal with the apocalypse?

Have you ever wondered what you might go through if the rest of the world ended and left you and your friends to fend for yourselves? Mike Poeltl has written an excellent book – the Judas Syndrome gives a fantastic, well-imagined answer. The characters, familiar to everyone and rooted firmly i...n the strengths and weaknesses of human nature, are put through a series of exciting, chilling and though provoking events.

The surprising but entirely believable ending was a big plus. It came as a surprise, but once I thought about it, the logic became inescapable - it HAD to end that way.

Have you read The Judas Syndrome? If so, what was your experience like?

The Judas Syndrome - The Movie as directed by Tim Burton

2010-06-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

The fictional take on the end of the world as told through the eyes of a teenage survivor will be a movie.
The Judas Syndrome will star Robert Pattinson as the lead character, Joel, and his love interest, Sara will be played by Dakota Fanning .
The Judas Syndrome's supporting cast of characters are as follows: Conner, Joel's best friend will be played by Jacob Kraemer , Earl, the gun touting friend will be played by Daniel Nicholas Patrick Samonas , Conner's love interest will be played by Emma Roberts while Joel's drug addicted friend Jake will be played by Matthew Underwood . Sonny, Joel's muscled buddy will be played by Liam Hemsworth, John will be played by Aaron Perry Johnson while his girlfriend, Caroline is played by Hayden Leslie Panettiere . Kevin, Joel's artistic friend will be played by Brian Vainberg , Seth played by Jake Thomas , Freddy, whose motto is binge and purge will be played by charlie mcdermott . Gils character will be played by John Jacob William Smith . Sidney's character will be played by Corbin Bleu and finally Tom's character will be played by Dean RIchard Collins.
The groups enemy in this Apocalyptic setting will be played by Johnny Depp , as Gareth.

This Movie, based on the Book The Judas Syndrome by Michael Poeltl is purely a fantasy vision of what the author would like to see the book become on the big screen.
Tim Burtons impressive ability to bring dark stories to life is the foundation to making The Judas Syndrome a truly inspired film. The actors chosen for the roles of the characters are based on the actors prior works, their physical relation to the stories characters and for three of the main characters, their ability to sell tickets.

The Road, the movie

2010-03-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Gritty and honest. Not unlike the book. It did cautiously veer from the more disturbing scenes in the book, but probaby had to, to be allowed to run or be rated at all.
It was depressing and sobering. It imagined a similar world I myself imagined while reading the novel by Cormack McCarthy. The difference is in the telling. McCarthy's words were beautiful in describing the world around his characters for all it's horrors. The movie could only offer visuals and hope that they did the authors verse justice.
As true to the book as the movie appeared, I knew it couldn't offer me the experience of living the words.
Good job, but in the end, the book was a better experience.

For another excellent Apocalyptic fix, read The Judas Syndrome

The quintessential Apocalyptic tale, available as ebook

2010-02-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

With more and more opportunity to get your book published, be it via print on demand, creating your own publishing house or traditionally with an established publisher, ebooks seem a no brainer.

If you were lucky enough not to sign with a publishing house and have managed to market your book relatively well on your own, the ebook is your next step.

Costing you no more than your time, an ebook is pure profit. Of course a site that sells it like Sony, Amazon or Smashwords will take a small cut, you can market the ebook for sale through your own website, or even via an e-mail. There is no cost to deliver the product, print the product or establish a marketing plan beyond that of social networking, which costs $0 dollars.

That being said, your book needs to dig into the niche markets on the web, scanning the linkedin crowd, the facebook groups, the Twitter 'followers'.

The most recent release, a book that needs no introduction in the Apocalyptic genre, The Judas Syndrome, has now become available in ebook format. With the confirmation of a second book of the series in the making, and likely ready for sale as a soft cover come December 2010, the rush to pick up the ebook is overwhelming.

Pick up your own copy today. http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/

For the full Press Release visit:
http://www.prlog.org/10519293-the-apocalypse-in-an-ebook.html

2060, the end days according to Newton

2010-02-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

Apparently, one of the greatest scientists of all time, the man who made sense of the physical world and whose findings remained unchallenged for centuries has been unveiled as a prophet.

Sir Isaac Newton, he who founded the laws of gravity was much more than a mere scientist. He was also a devout Christian, often touted as more knowledgeable of the Bible that many theologians.

He centred on the book of Daniel and Revelations to search for clues of the date of the Apocalypse. Following scripture in Revelations ("no man shall know when the end comes") , Newton hid the manuscripts and in 1727 died his predictions unknown to mankind, for 200 years they were lost, until in 1936 they turned up at Sothebys, auctioned off in London.

He saw the return of the Jews to Israel to be the beginning of the end, this is happening in our time, as are many other Biblical predictions that follow as a precursor of Armageddon.

Read all about the coming Apocalypse in this gripping novel by Michael Poeltl

The Nostradamus Effect - History Channel

2010-01-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

Of the last three episodes I've seen, I like it. It's dark and brooding and last nights episode tackled the 2012 dilemma. They offered supporting prophesy from the I-Ching and a couple of pot heads from the 70's that would get messed up and see the future.
Other than that they used the Maya long count calender (as they all do) and the Hopi Indian prophesies of the end of the fourth world (in which we currently exist) and of course our old friend Nostradamus.
It's all starting to really blur together now though, all these 2012 (End of the World) shows. Same 'experts' and the same prophesies. I'd love it if a show actually gave us something new to think about. Or how about something positive? Does the world need to end badly? Couldn't the end mean the beginning of something wonderful? I mean, the world's always been a tough - if not horrible place to live for the majority of the populace. Maybe the end of that would be a good thing... So maybe it will be a good thing?
Either way, it seems even the Internet 'bots' are saying bad things will happen in 2012. Well, bad things happen every year, but so do good things.

If you love the genre, read the quintessential Apocalyptic drama: www.the-judas-syndrome.com

It's the End of the World... Do you know where your children are?

2010-01-15T05:49:00.001-08:00

The world you knew is gone. You are gone. As a parent you worried briefly about your teenage child who had gone on a camping trip amidst a global threat. The threat realized, dozens of nuclear missiles unleashed upon the planet, your child returns home from a remote setting in the north woodlands with their friends to find you gone, and the majority of their small town burning.
The city, 150 miles to the south is all but a smoking hole in the ground and the surrounding boroughs, villages and towns that stretch north for hundreds of miles are radioactive and smoldering. Survivors roam the streets, fighting each other for food and supplies.
Your child and their friends find shelter in a house just outside the town limits. A safe house, powered by a generator, with its own water well.
14 of them, fresh out of high school, with dreams of college in the fall. These children, your child is forced to survive the unnatural effects of a nuclear fallout and winter. What horrors will they encounter? What trials will they be forced to endure? What hope will they find in a world that has all but disappeared?

How will it end? Read the new work of Apocalyptic fiction from author Michael Poeltl. read The Judas Syndrome

2012, the movie - sucked

2010-01-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, I finally saw the movie, 2012 and was so unimpressed...
The story was awful, and horribly acted. The acting was truely that of a blockbuster. Garbage.
The story was weak, weak, weak, also a side effect of a supposed blockbuster.

As someone who follows the genre, I have to say this was not made for me. This was made for the masses. It didn't even need to have 2012 in the title, as there was virtually nothing linking the end of the world to the Mayan calender. They used it for its panic inducing ability to draw the crowds.

A massively disappointing movie with some cool effects. Glad I didn't pay the big bucks to see it in the theatre.

Wood Harrelson, he was funny, I guess the comic relief in an otherwise dismal story line.

I can't take away stars from a movie, but if I had to give it something out of 100 stars, it would sit at 1.

Brutal!

Want to live the end times through an actual story? visit http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Margaret Atwood and the Apocalypse

2009-12-30T12:56:00.001-08:00

The Apocalyptic theme seems to have no bounds. Margaret Atwood, the Canadian author of note has penned a novel of Apocalyptic fiction herself. Some would say her book 'The Handmaid's Tale' was of the same genre, but this latest work, 'The Year of the Flood' is very much the stuff of Doomsday literature.

Reading the description offers a clear indication, this newest offering is indeed Apocalyptic ...

"Adam One, the kindly leader of the God’s Gardeners – a religion devoted to the melding of science, religion, and nature – has long predicted a disaster. Now it has occurred, obliterating most human life. Two women remain: Ren, a young dancer locked away in a high-end sex club, and Toby, a former God’s Gardener, who barricades herself inside a luxurious spa. Have others survived? Ren’s bio-artist friend Amanda? Zeb, her eco-fighter stepfather? Her onetime lover, Jimmy? Or the murderous Painballers? Not to mention the CorpSeCorps, the shadowy policing force of the ruling powers… As Adam One and his beleaguered followers regroup, Ren and Toby emerge into an altered world, where nothing – including the animal life – is predictable."

http://www.yearoftheflood.com/ca/

Feed your mind, read: http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/

9 - Tim Burton's Apocalyptic annimation

2009-12-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Looks like Tim Burton has released (09-09-09) a Post Apocalyptic film ... how did I miss this? Looks pretty cool, and an original story line to boot. But you'd expect an original storyline from Tim Burton.
From the looks of things, it tells the story of a puppet that has been given 'the spark of life' from his scientist 'father'. This puppet (9) sets out on a journey of sorts - for what I do not know- and struggles against the machines that have seemingly wiped out the human race.

I'm intrigued, and the animation is exceptional.

The book of Eli.

2009-12-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

The Book of Eli... I have only just heard of it. Is it an Apocalyptic film? Looks like it. But what is it? It looks like a movie set in the post apocalyptic genre, but I can't be sure. The trailer looks like it is set in a devastated world, a burned out city scape. When I have more information I will let you know. but for now, I'd say yes. It is an Apocalyptic film...

For an Apocalyptic fix to get you through to the release in January visit The Judas Syndrome. www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Terminator Salvation, not that good.

2009-12-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know, I didn't really like it much.
Did the writers see The Matrix movies too often and not realize they came to the same conclusion in this movie?
SPOILER ALERT!!!

Electric pulse weapons.
Okay, makes sense, but I found it all a little less than climactic.
The movie itself kept me entertained, visions of The Road Warrior danced in my head while I watched... It just seemed this movie borrowed a lot of stereotypical ideas and visual effects from other movies and frankly, didn't even feel like a Terminator movie.

I wouldn't see it again, and I've seen all of the Terminator movies a dozen times.
Oh well, I think they killed the Terminator franchise with this one.

Looking for an original take on the end of the world? Pick up The Judas Syndrome. www.the-judas-syndrome.com

The Judas Syndrome, write up by Sandra Bolan

2009-12-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

Michael Poeltl and The Judas Syndrome write up:

December 04, 2009 05:48 PM

BY SANDRA BOLAN Michael Poeltl sees the world through glasses that are a little murkier than rose coloured.
So it wasn't hard to believe his first foray into authorship would centre around a post-apocalyptic world.
Described as a hybrid between William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Cormac McCarthy's The Road, with a hint of Hunter S. Thompson thrown in, The Judas Syndrome is about a group of friends who just graduated from high school and celebrated by going on a camping trip. However, upon their return to civilization, they realize there is no civilization, as the world has disintegrated and they must figure out how to survive.
"I've always had this story line I wanted to use and it lends itself to the end-of-the-world scenario," the transplanted Stouffville District Secondary School graduate said in his new home in Hamilton.
Mr. Poeltl actually started writing the book 15 years ago, but got sidetracked by a career in interpretive illustration.
"It turned out at the time, when I had to make the decision, art was more my forte," he said.
However, Mr. Poeltl spent much of his illustrating career working with authors who also thrived in the darker side of the literary scale.
"I was able to learn quite a bit from the writers I was involved with," he said. "This book almost became a graphic (novel) but it was an awful lot of work. ... (And I believed) it was a good enough book to stand on its own as a novel."
Last year, Mr. Poeltl finally finished the book, after accepting some editing help from a friend.
"That propelled me to actually look at publishing," he said.
However, like many first-time authors these days, Mr. Poeltl opted to self-publish the book.
"The angle I'm taking is to self publish and accrue as many reviews as I can and (utilize) free marketing through the Internet," he said.
It seems to be working. On amazon.com, where the book is available, reviews include: "Although I don't usually read apocalyptic fiction, the Internet buzz about The Judas Syndrome was so intense that I decided to check it out. I'm glad I did" and "The surprising but entirely believable ending was a big plus."
Next up for Mr. Poeltl is illustrating a children's book he and his wife Lisa are currently working on.
"It too has a dark side; I like the dark side," he said.

Read the interview in its entirety at: http://www.yorkregion.com/article/100294
http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/

The Road, The Movie - no budget for marketing

2009-11-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

I have yet to see it, but I think if I wasn't already a fan of the book and eagerly awaiting the movies release I would never have known when, or if it was coming out.
The Marketing powers that be have walked off the set on this one. Such great actors and from the trailer the FX look incredible, but where's the publicity? I know the story is amazing and the telling of it was beautiful, Cormack McCarthy should be very proud. But why hasn't the studio done anything to promote the film?
Seriously, I have not seen one commercial or one radio spot in an effort to promote The Road. The book got all the help it could ever ask for being chosen as a book on Opera's book club, but why, why haven't they pumped this movie up? 2012 did incredibly well, and I'm sure that was in large part because of the advertising dollars sunk into it.

I don't get it, this will be twice the film 2012 was and no one is promoting it. Shame on Dimension Films.

I will definitely be reviewing The Road. Look for an earlier blog where I review the book.

In any case, the movie is out now and the trailer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbLgszfXTAY

Armegeddon, Doomsday, Judgement Day programming

2009-11-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Wow, that was a real marathon of Doom Sayers last night. But I eat it up! History channel played about 5 consecutive hours of end of the world, judgement day, live while you still have the time, programming.

First it was the "Lost Book of Nostradamus" which couldn't be proved one way or the other but was signed by the ancient "Seer". Then the 7 signs, a Biblical take on what's going on in the world today, and how it reflects on the Revelations in the Bible. Frankly, the bad things that are happening today, have been happening since the book of Revelations was written, so... as interesting as it was, not really buying into that scenario. Finally another Nostradamus episode that slightly differed from the 1st.

The common thread with these, and other shows that discuss the end of the world, seem to be the fact that every ancient culture predicted it. This is what has always drawn me to the subject. It's an inescapable fact, all cultures have believed the end will come, and many claim to have had visions.

There were several new theories brought up in the 7 Signs program. Red Tide, a toxic organism capable of turning the oceans the color of blood. Poisoning the waters of the world, killing off marine life and so starting a domino effect that ends with us.

But I encourage you to watch the programs, many of which you can view on-line at: http://www.history.com/content/armageddon

Alternatively, if you're reading this blog you're probably interested in the genre. Pick up The Judas Syndrome. Available in paperback. Get it at Amazon.com or directly via the author at http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/

The Doomsday Warning System

2009-11-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the Doomsday marathon on the History channel this Sunday, November 15th, 2009. And get The Judas Syndrome in paperback at Amazon.com.

www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Apocalyptic Fiction in Hamilton Ontario Canada

2009-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Gathering reviews by local and foreign readers alike, The Judas Syndrome, a work of apocalyptic fiction by Michael Poeltl is showing well with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviews can be viewed at:
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Judas-Syndrome-Michael-Poeltl/dp/0557085241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256759796&sr=1-1

The authors Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Hamilton-ON/Michael-Poeltl/97811089791?ref=ts

The authors personal page at GoodReads: http://www.mikepoeltl.com/

With books in print now available locally at select book stores in the Hamilton, Ontario region, Poeltl is looking to further distribute his novel to Chapters in Ancaster and Indigo books on the mountain.
Currently the Judas Syndrome is available at Bryan Prince Booksellers in Westdale: http://www.princebooks.net/home.html , a suburb of the city of Hamilton, and on James Street South at The James Street Bookseller:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hamilton-ON/The-James-Street-Bookseller/86678587229

Of course if you're looking for an end of the world fix, and can't get to one of the stores where it is available, you will be able to order the printed version directly from the author http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/ or via http://www.amazon.com/.

Another option is the ebook. Poeltl has included his debut novel as a download at:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4813 where it is available in many ebook reader formats at a very reasonable price.

With the buzz around 2012 and our impending doom, Poeltl is right on track with humanities fears of the end of the world as we know it, and plays on those fears to put together the quintessential apocalyptic novel.

Hope for 2012?

2009-10-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

As I research deeper into the mayan culture and refer to experts like Namaste Birgitte, of www.maya-portal.com, I am begining to see both sides of the 2012 argument. As much as I have been one to jump on the 2012 band-wagon, I am also happy to hear - from noted experts - that 2012 holds no more fear for the end of the world than does tomorrow.
One such expert has offered this to one of the many groups I belong to in researching societies fear of the number; 2012.

"To respond to the question of 2012. There is indeed a great deal of speculation about the date 12/21/2012, which according to some scholars is the end of the Long Count, the Mayan calendar which keeps track of vast stretches of geologic time. Please note that the Maya had a number of calendars, which they used for differing purposes (the Tzolk'in is the personal calendar, while the Haab was used for agriculture and accounting), so the "end date" just happens to be the closing of a five-thousand-year cycle, and the beginning of another, in the Long Count. And because that sort of thing happens only once in a lifetime, it's a pretty awesome concept. Other scholars, such as Dr. Carl Calleman, state that the end date should in fact be October 28, 2011. However, the Maya themselves do not particularly concern themselves with any end date, but instead refer to a "year zero" which does not have a specific date, per se; in fact, they are baffled by the West's intense interest in 2012. "

Apocalyptic fiction available in ebook formats

2009-10-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Apocalyptic novel The Judas Syndrome is now available for immediate sampling and purchase in multiple ebook formats, readable in virtually all ebook reading devices such as the Sony Reader and the Amazon Kimble.
Go check it out at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4813

Observing fluid motions in the Earth's core could help scientists predict future changes

2009-10-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

An interesting study on a future end to life as we know it from MSNBC. Imagine, if the "Earth’s overall magnetic field has weakened at least 10 percent over the past 150 years, which could also point to an upcoming field reversal", what will happen to our communications? Read further for the answers.

Something beneath the surface is changing Earth’s protective magnetic field, which may leave satellites and other space assets vulnerable to high-energy radiation.
The gradual weakening of the overall magnetic field can take hundreds and even thousands of years. But smaller, more rapid fluctuations within months may leave satellites unprotected and catch scientists off guard, new research finds.
A new model uses satellite data from the past nine years to show how sudden fluid motions within the Earth’s core can alter the magnetic envelope around our planet. The outer core extends from 2,500 to 3500 miles below the earth’s surface.

This represents the first time that researchers have been able to detect such rapid magnetic field changes taking place over just a few months.
“There are these changes in the South Atlantic, an area where the magnetic field has the smallest envelope at one third [of what is] normal,” said Mioara Mandea, a geophysicist at the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany.

Even before the newly detected changes, the South Atlantic Anomaly represented a weak spot in the magnetic field — a dent in Earth’s protective bubble.
The Earth’s magnetic field extends about 36,000 miles into space, generated from the spinning effect of the electrically-conductive core that acts something like a giant electromagnet. The field creates a tear-drop shaped bubble that has constantly shielded life on Earth against much of the high-energy radiation flowing from the sun.
The last major change in the field took place some 780,000 years ago during a magnetic reversal, although such reversals seem to occur more often on average. A flip in the north and south poles typically involves a weakening in the magnetic field, followed by a period of rapid recovery and reorganization of opposite polarity.
Some studies in recent years have suggested the next reversal might be imminent, but the jury is out on that question.
Measuring interactions between the magnetic field and the molten iron core 1,864 miles down has proven difficult in the past, but the constant observations of satellites such as CHAMP and Orsted have begun to bring the picture into focus.
Mandea worked with Nils Olsen, a geophysicist at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, to create a model of the fluid core that fits with the magnetic field changes detected by the satellites.
However, the rapid weakening of the magnetic field in the South Atlantic Anomaly region could signal future troubles for such satellites. Radiation storms from the sun could fry electronic equipment on satellites that suddenly lacked the protective cover of a rapidly changing magnetic field.
“For satellites, this could be a problem,” Mandea told SPACE.com. “If there are magnetic storms and high-energy particles coming from the sun, the satellites could be affected and their connections could be lost.”
The constant radiation bombardment from the sun blows with the solar wind to Earth, where it flows against and around the magnetic field. The effect creates the tear-drop shaped magnetosphere bubble, but even the powerful field cannot keep out all the high-energy particles.

A large sunspot set off a major radiation storm in 2006 that temporarily blinded some sun-watching satellites. Astronauts on the International Space Station retreated to a protected area as a precaution to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
The Earth’s overall magnetic field has weakened at least 10 percent over the past 150 years, which could also point to an upcoming field reversal.

Mandea and Olsen hope to continue refining their model with updated observations, and perhaps to eventually help predict future changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.
The study was detailed in the May online edition of the journal Nature Geoscience.

2012 - The Movie

2009-09-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

The buzz behind the End of the World has not fizzled, in fact, with the new movie 2012 coming out, the genre has stepped it up a notch.
Not since the 1950's have we seen such a resurgence in apocalyptic literature and film. Even on T.V.
I am anxiously awaiting the release of The Road to film, but 2012 looks to be the blockbuster of all End of the World flicks. Directed by the same guy that did The Day After Tomorrow, Roland Emmerich (does this guy love this genre or what!) it looks like a digital masterpiece. Hope John Cusack is the right lead for this movie.
http://www.whowillsurvive2012.com/
Up for release in mid November.

For more options when looking for literature on the end of days check out www.the-judas-syndrome.com

This Is The End Blog

2009-09-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a great resource for information on the end of the world! This also links directly from the official 2012 movie website. http://thisistheend.com/
His name is Charlie Frost and whether he's in this to make some money or just to throw information around it's an interesting blog if you're into the end of the world, or anything 2012!

New Apocalyptic fiction at Amazon.com

2009-09-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Wondering about the end of the world? Find out how it ends! Read, The Judas Syndrome.
Brand new fiction from Michael Poeltl is now available for purchase on http://www.amazon.com/. The apocalyptic novel; The Judas Syndrome is the newest work of fiction by author Michael Poeltl and is garnishing some rave reviews accross the on-line book lovers communities.

You can read these at http://www.goodreads.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.authonomy.com/ and on the facebook fanpage :http://www.facebook.com/michael.poeltl?ref=profile#/pages/Hamilton-ON/Michael-Poeltl/97811089791?v=app_6261817190&viewas=665955073&ref=ts

Get your copy today!

www.the-judas-syndrome.com

Knowing, apocalyptic film

2009-08-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Having seen Knowing on my satellite yesterday, I'd like to quickly review it - an apocalyptic movie in absolute terms.
The way he comes to "know" is very well done. In fact the first half was definately my favorite part of the movie.
I liked the idea that they used the aliens that met biblical characters thousands of years ago. That was a theory I had read up on a while ago myself.
The movie could have gone without that aspect, but in the end, they were the only ones offering any hope at all.

All in all I enjoyed it. 8 out of 10 from me.

Apocalyptic book trailer

2009-07-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Check out the book trailer for The Judas Syndrome, the apocalyptic novel now in print. See the trtailer at Book Screening

Press release for The Judas Syndrome, Apocalypse, literary fiction

2009-07-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Getting the hype out into the world concerning the new novel of apocalytic fiction by Micahel Poeltl. Press Release: How will it end? Find out in the new literary fiction by Michael Poeltl

The Judas Syndrome is now available

2009-07-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

Teh Judas Syndrome, by Michael Poeltl is now availablew for purchase from the writers' website http://www.the-judas-syndrome.com/ and direct formthe publisher http://www.lulu.com/. It is advised for international sales to go through Lulu.com and national (Canadian) sales to go throguh the website.

"I know that a single action can put in motion a series of repercussions. Should the action be positive, the repercussions are reqarding, but when that action is negative, so too are the events to follow. A single action can change you forever. Sometimes, if the deed is large enough, if the intent evil enough, the results can be disastrous." - Joel

A work of apocalyptic fiction that is akin to Lord of the Flies and The Road.

In this powerful debut novel, Michael Poeltl delivers an unforgettable portrait of survival against the odds...

The Road - The Movie

2009-06-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

If you read the book, you know what we're in for, if you watch the trailer http://www.popoholic.com/video/the-road.html, I'm not sure we're getting the book. The Road was a beautifully written story about surviving the apocalypse. The book gives nothing away as to how the end came, but the movie seems to be eluding (from what the trailer is telling us) that it is a natural disaster that brings us down.
Have a look at the trailer for The Road and tell me if you think the movie will be The Road "Lite".
I think so... But I'm going to see it anyway.

Hadron Collider and black holes

2008-09-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

The buzz is on, the particle collider has been turned on and particles are zooming around the Hadron Collider as I write this blog. There are plenty of informed people out there talking about this right now, there are an equal amount of uninformed people ranting about it as well. The whole idea that this collider may create a black hole on earth has been the big discussion.

To learn more for yourself on how the population is reacting (and get a feeling for whether or not the collider will bring about the end of the world) you can read postings from all walks of life here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/09/10/dl1003.xml

There are more facts on the Hadron collider at this link as well: http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-10036245-76.html

Just go to Google and you'll see that today they're illustration depicts the collider as a momentous day for science and click on it to see the top stories covering the Hadron Collider.

IS this the beginning of the end? Make an informed decision by reading the articles offered.

The new sun cycle may be what the Mayan were talking about

2008-08-08T13:18:00.001-07:00

The suns cycles have been very important to humanity, and have been tracked by all races, none more so then the Mayan. With the Mayan long count calender coming to an end, we look to the sun to find clues as to whether it's changing cycle is part of their prediction.
Visit the following link http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/15aug_backwards.htm to make up your own mind about the suns effect on the planet.

More information on this possible direction, when talking about the end of the world, or the apocalypse, can be found here: http://www.greatdreams.com/2012.htm. This website offers all sorts of information pertaining to the 2012 phenomenon we'll be facing in the next three years.

It's an exciting time, what with the solar system aligning with the galactic centre and the sun moving into its 24th cycle (recorded). Lots of things might happen, nothing might happen, but if the sun has a stormy cycle lots of things can happen.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

2012 the movie(s)

2008-07-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been waiting for this to happen, the 2012 bandwagon is getting heavy.
There are two new movies slated for release over the next couple years using the idea behind the Mayan calender.
2012 i supposedly the last year entered into the Mayan long term calender. They had predicted their own end in the same calender and of course were dead on with the prediction. In their prediction they saw their own end in the coming of the white man and nailed it to the very day. Now it's our turn. December 2012 will usher in a new age for us all, possibly destruction, possibly just another apocalypse (a major change). Many of us feel it coming, but to hear it from the Mayan, such profound astronomers, gives it an eerie reality.
The movies, one slated for 2009 release and the other in 2010, ought to stir up more anxiety over the theory.
We'll have to wait and see of course, and of course people have been prophesying the end times forever, but will this be the one that takes?
I'm looking forward to the films and will keep my blog updated on announcements as the years

What will end the world as we know it? 2012, the Mayan Crystal Skulls, aliens?

2008-06-05T09:40:00.001-07:00

The Discovery channel aired another show with the potential to end the world just the other night. The mystery of the crystal skulls (Like that of Indiana Jones' latest movie) where in if we do not bring all 13 skulls together before the Mayan calender runs out in 2012, then we are doomed.
Of course there are Many schools of thought concerning the end of the world. What if the end meant the beginning of something more? What if the apocalypse meant merely a shift in thought or awareness? Maybe something dramatic will occur on that date where it changes us as a people forever, like contact with an alien race or computers becoming self aware? The end doesn't have to be so menacing. Fact is there are more ways than one to end the world and the more we discover or create the more real it becomes. With the year 2000 passing relatively uneventfully we are holding onto 2012 now to give us a sign.
Whatever happens, let's hope it's for the better and not the worst. Humanity is a troubled species, but we're also a wonderfully creative and fascinating species that is working towards a better place (for the most part) .
People are inherently good, I believe that, and the more we believe that the less likely it is some galactic bad karma will destroy us.

The end may come sooner than we thought

2008-04-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

'Black hole' machine could destroy planet: lawsuit
Updated Sat. Apr. 5 2008 7:04 AM ET
Parminder Parmar, CTV.ca News
An American and a Spaniard have launched a lawsuit to stop scientists from firing up a machine they fear could destroy not just life on Earth but the planet itself.
International scientists, including dozens from Canada, are about to launch the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 27-kilometre long particle accelerator built near Geneva, Switzerland. It will shoot beams of protons at each other in an effort to recreate conditions that resemble what the universe might have been like in the milliseconds after the Big Bang.
"We want to probe the most basic particles and constituents (and we're) trying to understand how matter was made," Robert McPherson, a University of Victoria physics professor who is working on the project, told CTV.ca in a phone interview from Vancouver.
In the process, scientists may end up creating miniature black holes -- areas of space that have gravitational pulls so strong that not even light can escape.
The more matter a black hole pulls in, the stronger it becomes. And that's what worries Walter Wagner, the American who is suing to temporarily stop the project. He says the creation of these black holes here on Earth, no matter how small, may unleash a chain reaction that could destroy the planet.
Wagner says there's a possibility that black holes could just get bigger and bigger as they pull more and more matter into themselves.
"Eventually, all of Earth would fall into such growing micro-black-holes, converting Earth into a medium-sized black hole, around which would continue to orbit the moon, satellites, and the (International Space Station)," according to court papers Wagner, along with a citizen of Spain, filed in Honolulu.
In other words, Wagner asserts the LHC is a machine that will end up causing the Earth to eat itself -- perhaps in less than a century. It may sound fantastic, like a plotline out of a James Bond movie where an evil scientist holds the earth for ransom with a deadly weapon, but Wagner says the possibility isn't science fiction.
"Science fiction can be very strange and sometimes it can come very true. This is in the realm of possibilities where fiction can become fact," Wagner told CTV.ca in a telephone interview from his home in Honolulu.
Wagner, an education consultant who studied physics at Berkeley, says scientists working on the project haven't done enough studies to make sure the scenario he envisions won't actually occur. The suit -- which is filed against various U.S. agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency -- aims to get a restraining order to stop work on the project until more safety studies are completed.
McPherson admits small black holes may be created, but he says the concerns are overblown. He says there is virtually no possibility that any black hole that scientists may create at the Large Hadron Collider will end up absorbing the Earth.
"Assuming our wildest fantasies, how much matter can one of these black holes consume in a second, in a year, or even in several billion years?" asks McPherson.
"A black hole we could make at the LHC would only consume a tiny fraction of a gram of matter from Earth. There's no possibility of causing any damage to the Earth," he said.
McPherson says the black holes will decay and disappear quickly. He adds that what scientists are trying to do in a laboratory setting at the LHC happens in nature daily.
"The Earth is constantly being bombarded by cosmic rays. Many of them have much higher energies than what we can create with the LHC. If something dangerous was being made in these interactions it would already have happened in cosmic ray interactions," he said.
But that's no comfort to Wagner. He says the LHC is like a factory that creates a waste product without any way to dispose of it. If he's correct, the factory won't get rid of the byproduct. Instead, the byproduct will dispose of the factory -- and everything else.

The only way to see the future, is if the future has already been written.

2008-04-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

As the book suggests, the only way to see the future, is if the future has already been written. Thus, fate sets your course, not decisions, not free will, fate has your life planned at birth and there can be no change. Destiny is your master.

Nothing you do is going to change that, in fact, everything you do can only move you closer to your destiny, as set out by fate.

Suffocating isn't it?

Apocalyptic.

www.the-judas-syndrome.com

The Happening, By M. Night Shyamalan

2008-03-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

Yet another apocalyptic themed movie is on it's way to theatres. The happening, by writer director M. Night Shyamalan of The Sixth Sense fame, looks to be about the end of humanity. The trailers thus far are vague, but it would appear a virus is killing off humanity one city/state at a time.
I guess the big question will be, what's the twist?, as in all of Shyamalan's former pictures. Let's hope this one redeems M. Night after Lady in the Water, and The Village... neither really any good, even the ending of signs was pretty awful.
Good to see the Apocalyptic genre still going strong. Always an interesting theme for any story. I'll view it and review it on this blog as I did I am Legend.

Keep up to date on the Apocalypse at The Judas Syndrome website.

To see the trailer for The Happening visit this link

2012 and the new awakening

2008-02-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

Looks like some of us aren't all doom and gloom over the coming year - 2012. In fact many see it as an opportunity. Visit http://2012magic.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1507406%3ABlogPost%3A241 and you'll get a good read on energies and a world wide telepathic event that is sure to take place in 2012.
Apocalypse, by definition, means change, not necessarily destruction. So maybe we'll all find ourselves listening to each others thoughts and thus changing as a species rather than the poles shifting, asteroids or comets falling to earth, the return of the messiah or anything quite so devastating as all that to our current existence.

What do you think?...

Don't forget to check out what's new ion the world of apocalyptic theory as well as movies and books here!

Jericho returns to Television

2008-02-04T17:36:00.001-08:00

Jericho, in danger of dissapearing altogether has made it's way back onto the small screen! For those of us that love the genre of the apocalypse and the stories it spawns of survival and struggle this is a major score.
Get all your recaps at http://www.cbs.com/primetime/jericho/ so you can continue where we left off.

Here are 100 reasons to watch Jericho

Here is another reason to love the apocalypse genre

Watch for the novel The Judas Syndrome.

Apocalyptic Fiction

Costa Rican Apocalypse - Eerie sounds

Doomsday clock now at 5 minutes to midnight - Mayan calender to blame?

2012 and the End Times - True or False?

New Apocalyptic Sci-fi by Ridley Scott

Guerilla marketing your business with the new barcodes

Apocalyptic book trailer for The Judas Syndrome trilogy

Win a copy of Revelation - Book three in The Judas Syndrome trilogy

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Revelation

by Michael Poeltl

Harold Camping back on the End of the World kick

The Divide - Apocalyptic Movie Trailer

Could aliens effect the suns ability to fry the earth?

Hoarding for the End Times. On TLC this Fall

Solar Storm Armegeddon

Book two of The Judas Syndrome - A PA fiction series - is now featured on Indy Book List

The Judas Syndrome featured on Indy Snippets

Idaho WInter by Tony Burgess - Reviewed

Bugarach - France - Apocalypse

Proposed Graphic novel illustrations for the Dystopian/PA series The Judas Syndrome released

ANother set of interviews following MIchael Poeltl's processes when writing PA fiction

Radio Interview on Whistle Radio for Dystopian themed Book trilogy, The Judas Syndrome

The Eve of Destruction - Video

Apocalypse - Jesus to ruin your summer with a second coming this spring, guaranteed!

To Publish or Not To Publish: Indie Book Review: The Judas Syndrome

The Judas Syndrome featured interview on Indie ebooks blog

Blank Man - An Angel for the End Times - The Judas Syndrome

The new 'it' genre is Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic, lighting a nuc under Vampires and Zombies

Dystopian work for Canadian author - Jeyn Roberts - picked up by McMillan

New review of The Judas Syndrome, on Amazon, by Jaidis Shaw

Zvi Zaks reviews, Rebirth, book two of The Judas Syndrome

Goodreads giveaway of book two of The Judas Syndrome series of dark fiction

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Rebirth

by Michael Poeltl

WInner for the autopgraphed verion of The Judas Syndrome

New review from Author Zvi Zaks of Michael Poeltl's The Judas Syndrome - Book one

Read an ebook month. March!

Apocalyptic fiction giveaway via GoodReads

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Judas Syndrome

by Michael Poeltl

New York Times Bestseller - Apocalyptic Fiction and The Judas Syndrome

More positive reviews for the Dystopian tale by Michael Poeltl

New review for Rebirth, book 2 in the Dystopian fiction series

The Judas Syndrome, featured on K-lite, 102.9 FM

Apocalypse film - Perfect Sense

Betelgeuse and the end of the world.

eStar Books News: Guest Author!

Death has a name – By Jerry Hanel

Eating during the Apocalypse

Review of Hope Burned - by Michael Poeltl

Another positive review for the sequel of The Judas Syndrome, Rebirth

Rebirth, the 2nd book in The Judas Syndrome series - Reviewed

New review for The Judas Syndrome - Apocalyptic fiction, Future Fiction

Hunger, by Knut Hamsun. A review

The Realms of imagination author Steven Lake

Save a tree, pick up Rebirth as an ebook

S.A.D. - Depression and the End Times

Review of The Passage, by Cronin

Excerpts from the 2nd novel in The Judas Syndrome series

How to purchase the book that made Michael Poeltl choice for best author 2010

Best Writer/Author of 2010

PIck up where you left off with REBIRTH, the 2nd book in The Judas Syndrome Trilogy

More reviews of post apocalyptic fiction

Apocalyptic mindset of todays population.

More Character Sketches of The Judas Syndrome Cast

Movies featuring the apocalypose

New website for The Judas Syndrome series

Character sketch of Joel, The Judas Syndrome's main character

More reviews for The Judas Syndrome

More reviews for the most original telling of the coming Apocalypse

Reviews for the Apocalyptic novel - The Judas Syndrome

The Judas Syndrome - The Movie as directed by Tim Burton

The Road, the movie

The quintessential Apocalyptic tale, available as ebook

2060, the end days according to Newton

The Nostradamus Effect - History Channel

It's the End of the World... Do you know where your children are?