Terminus is a sci-fi novel by Peter Clines. It was published by Audible Original, with an accompanying ebook also released in 2021. It is the fourth book in Clines’ Threshold series, following on from 14, The Fold and Dead Moon. This review is intended to be free of spoilers, but none of us are perfect. I purchased the book myself, and no review copy was provided. There are affiliate links at the end of this review.
Blurb:
Murdoch’s past has finally come crashing down on him. His former girlfriend. The Family. He’s been happily avoiding them for ages, trying to live something close to a normal life. But now he’s been drawn back into another one of their ludicrous attempts to bring about the end of all things.
Chase has spent the past year just trying to get away. Trying to escape the memories that won’t stop following him, the moment when his life collapsed. He’s traveled around the world trying to stay ahead of it all, but those final moments may be catching up with him at last.
Anne is tired of living in the past. She’s finally looking to the future and embracing her destiny. She’s going to lead the Family forward on their greatest and ultimate crusade: to destroy the hated Machine of their long-time adversary.
Their paths will intersect in the middle of nowhere, on an uncharted island where the walls of reality are thin…and an apocalyptic threat is tearing its way through.
Review:
Terminus is a riveting addition and conclusion to Peter Clines’ Threshold series, blending elements of horror, science fiction, and cosmic intrigue in a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking. The novel, which is the fourth installment in the series, stands out for its intricate plot, the depth of its characters, and for tying up loose ends and solving a number of mysteries presented in the earlier entries in the series.
The story follows Murdoch, a man whose efforts to lead a normal life are upended as his past catches up with him. His journey intertwines with that of Chase, who is grappling with his own demons, and Anne, a minor character in both 14 and The Fold who is embracing her destiny to lead a crusade that could (she would say, should) end the world as we know it. Their paths converge on a mysterious island where reality is thin, and an apocalyptic threat looms large… so very, very large…
Clines masterfully crafts a tale that is as much about the internal struggles of his characters as it is about the external horrors they face. The Family, a doomsday cult with a unique twist, is particularly fascinating. They are not merely believers but have physical proof of their convictions, which adds a layer of complexity to their motivations and actions.
The island setting of Terminus is a character in its own right, with the uncharted island providing a backdrop that is both eerie and captivating. The details of the island, such as the oddly placed trees and the outdated yet powerful Machine, contribute to a sense of otherworldliness that permeates the novel.
One of the strengths of Terminus is its ability to weave in connections to previous books in the series while still being accessible to new readers. Fans will appreciate the Easter eggs and references to 14, another novel by Clines, but these nods do not detract from the standalone story being told. There are references to The Fold as well, though these are less frequent and less overt.
In terms of pacing, Terminus is a departure from the slower build-up of its predecessors, opting instead for a more direct approach that dives right into the action and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The narrative is well-balanced, with moments of intense action offset by quieter, more introspective passages that allow for character development.
The cosmic horror elements are a highlight, with the Great Ones and the cultists’ deformities adding a Lovecraftian flair to the story that is far more pronounced and all-present than in previous novels in the Threshold series. Yet, Clines does not rely solely on horror; there is a strong science fiction component that grounds the fantastical elements in a semblance of reality.
It’s disappointing that the third book in the series, Dead Moon, was not as good, and was almost completely irrelevant to the overall series. Terminus is a redemption for the series, giving worthy closure to the stories and ideas presented in 14 and The Fold. It’s a compelling read that showcases Peter Clines’ ability to blend genres and craft a story that is both entertaining and stimulating. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Clines’ work, Terminus is a journey worth taking. That said, if you can read 14 and The Fold first, you really should.
4/5
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