Atomic Number Sixty

by Dave Johnston

Thriller/Suspense story told across one hour of real time (60 chapters, 60 minutes). A girl is locked in a room with a bomb counting down to zero. The intensity levels are rising. What would you do, if you only had one hour left to live? [Atomic Number Sixty is the first part of a thrilling series, with 60 chapters each set in real time taking the reader 1 minute to read. Book 2 - "Massacre of the Sixty" - is now available in ebook and paperback]

Genres: Thriller

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2016

About the author

Dave Johnston lives in Sheffield - Father, writer and climber, smarter than an onion, edgier than an orange, rasher than bacon. He can complete a Rubiks Cube in under 2 minutes, has a series of DIY disasters under his belt, and once broke some major bones in his body - now filed as a character building exercise.

Dave has published one novel and two novellas to date, lives in Sheffield, England, and likes gravy.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unique little story, everything happens with a bomb counting down sixty minutes. You may think what can you possibly write about in that time? Dave Johnston manages to fit in a lot, a discussion with the terrorist to find out why he is carrying out his act of terror, a blind date and an introduction to Holly. We get to find out about her life, what makes her tick and why she is currently in this sticky situation. So yeah, Dave manages to cram a lot in.

As the story plays out you are being constantly reminded how much time is left before the bomb goes boom and that does make for some very tense reading. Seeing as the subject matter is about an act of terror, the dialogue is very political at times, the author is not afraid to get his point of view across. I think this is a very clever and brave book and I'll be checking out book 2 to see where the story continues.

Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...

[A. Blumer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good YA story.

The main character caught me first with her witty personality and tough bitch ambiance. I felt like the foreshadowing wasn't too ambiguous for YA, but easy to place for an older, wiser reader. Still as an older, wiser reader Johnston managed to space out things enough that I began to doubt my insights. It was clear this woman was no average desk clerk, but I was doubting whether she was actually casing this guy or if she was just into him because he was really hot. I would've been really into him too, just sayin.

The only part that seemed slightly off was the car crash toward the end. I felt like it was there to show off the main characters abilities which was kind of fun, but I got excited that it had something to do with the plot... then it didn't.

Going to pass this on! I know a few people who like light reads and I know a few YA who would enjoy this too.

[Liis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atomic Number Sixty fits a lot of personality, humor, suspense and urgency into the hour during which Holly observes the bomb counting down the hour to explosion and how she ended up sitting on that dangerous chair in the first place.

Dave Johnston has found a fan in me- I just love his writing style and he seems to know exactly what the reader wants.

Atomic Number Sixty is not simply a story about a girl strapped to a killing chair. It will also capture you with the dynamics of family relationships (which I found utterly hilarious! I LOVED Holly and her Dad!), a date night (again, completely hilarious, but at the same time slowly inching over into how it ties in with the plot) and the bad guy’s history (which was detailed and, shall I say, current). These different elements shook me up a bit, because essentially something really bad was happening, but in between the moments that Holly is moving towards to being dead, Johnston offers comic relief.

‘Squid?’ Dad asked, raising an eyebrow quizzically at me.

‘Let’s just say he had a dodgy case of… the wandering tentacles!’ I clarified, poking Dad’s behind with a banana for sensory effect.

For a brief moment, I thought I perceived a flash of paternal darkness sweep menacingly across my Father’s eyes. It was soon replaced though, by his customary twinkle.

‘If you like,’ he offered. ‘I can remove all of Markus’ bones for you?’

The most admirable aspect for me was that I could get where the antagonist was coming from, why he was doing what he was doing. Yes! No! Of course, you can’t explain and excuse away the killing of innocent people, but what I’m trying to say here is that I liked that Johnston didn’t just put a bad guy in the story because we all know he’s bad. He put a bad guy in the story and told me WHY he was the bad guy… I’m all for balance!

I wondered who was crazier. The brainwashed. Or the worms whispering in their ears, leading them on such a destructive path.

Another note I made while reading this story, was this: Dave Johnston writes Holly Holloway in first person. A guy writing a female and you know what? He does a pretty darned good job at it… I totally felt the girl power!

Like I said: multitasking! The female population can hold its collective head up high. Me personally though, I secretly envy the male population’s super talent: delegation. The ultimate power… often referred to as idleness.

Snap!

Personal Fun Fact: Holly Holloway made me constantly think of Holly Holm and Max Holloway! #UFC

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small little book of only 60 pages is told at the pace of a minute a chapter, so the entire book only covers 60 minutes of Holly Holloways life as she is strapped to a bomb. It is an interesting concept and I loved it. Johnsons keeps the tension high throughout the book whilst not overdoing it and setting up other parts of Holly's life before the bomb. It was a quick read but satisfying.
However, there are critiques, being an indie author sometimes errors or overuse of techniques slips through the editing process and unfortunately the same is here with the occasional overuse of techniques or clunky dialogue. Regardless overall the tonal shifts and high tensions in this fast paced little gem is brilliant.

[LoisReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine being locked in a dark and dusty room, strapped to a ticking bomb. The bomb showing just sixty seconds before it explodes. “What would you do, if you only have one hour left to live?”. Holly Holloway is just about to find out.

This book has such a unique concept, with just 60 chapters, each of which is set in real time taking the reader just 1 minute to read. This is where the name “Sixty Minute Reads Series” comes from.

I have never come across a book with a concept like this before but it works magnificently. The narrative of this book is so captivating that you will want 60 minutes to spare so you can read it in one sitting. We get an in-depth look into the minute by minute playing of Holly Holloway’s final 60 minutes. It is a fast paced read that follows the protagonist in real-time.

I finished this book in just under 60 minutes which is perfect for a short read during a lunch break or on a commute. The protagonist Holly Holloway was likeable and intriguing for me within the first two minutes of reading. The way the world and setting are developed within this book are very much how you would expect them to be. They develop perfectly over the short time you are reading this book. There are thrilling moments, tenses moment, sad moments and even some humorous moments throughout the book giving you a variety of feelings during your time reading it.

Dave Johnston has written this exceptionally and the idea that he has created is one that is extremely unique.

The only problem that I had with this book is that, the ending is just slightly predictable. This is due to many hints throughout the book, that if you spot lead to you assuming the ending. But still, the ending of the book has its unexpected moments.

Atomic Number Sixty is a fiction/crime thriller book that I would definitely recommend and will be recommending to my friends. I cannot wait to follow this series and see what is in store.

Check out my blog at http://loisreadsbooks.wordpress.com

[Dani N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atomic Number Sixty is fast paced with an ingenious and thrilling narrative. Designed to be read within 60 minutes, the story reads in real time, creating a truly unique experience for the reader. The writing is fluid and the timeline is paced beautifully. The protagonist is strong and credible. The author has managed to create a high-speed read with hints of humor, sorrow and anger.

I have a feeling this series could end up being a heavy hitter. I am very excited to see where the author takes this one and looking forward to the next book!

Full review here.

[Ronald Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atomic Number Sixty by Dave Johnston is an interesting, quirky little novel with an interesting premise. The reader should be able to finish the book in one hour ... or so. Each of the sixty chapters begins with a time stamp in the upper right, just to keep you motivated, of course. In fact, the time stamp is not for you; it is for Holly. It marks the last hour of her life and she asks the all-important question that many of us have asked ourselves, mostly in some sort of party game atmosphere. What would you do or think about or feel if you knew you had only one more hour to live? Or one more year, or one more day. There are lots of variations on “the game.” And this game is more vital than the other party games Holly suggests, Scrabble or Snakes and Ladders, played naked.

There is a lot of death in this short read. Holly’s brother died while she and he were still young. The horse in the barn died. Leo’s friend Dimitri died. William the janitor died. And the threat of the imminent death of Leo, Holly, and anyone in City Hall are the cocoon holding the novel together for its short life.

What can the reader expect? A fast read. A surprise ending. And the comfortable knowledge that the reader will be able to get through it and be surprised in a period of time under two hours, for sure. Maybe you will not be able to get through it in one hour. It is only polite to say hi to the kids when they come through the door while you are reading this. There might be snack preparation time or a bathroom break.

But for completion addicts, this is an easy one to add to your “done” list or strike off your “to do” list.

[Steven Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept behind this book is clever: a short story comprised of sixty chapters, each taking a minute to read (although at my slow pace it took 100 minutes!)
The main protagonist Holly Holloway has just 60 minutes left to live, so the story is sort of set in real time, with flashbacks. Because it is short it doesn’t require a lot of commitment from the reader and it is fast paced – once you start you are propelled to the end.
It is more difficult to write fewer words and I did feel the story suffered a little for the constraint imposed. There was a trail of clues leading to the ending, but I was somehow not entirely convinced by some of the explanation (a tendency on my part to over-analyse perhaps). I questioned whether someone like Holly would have deployed the tactics she did, and whether the threat that was supposedly posed by such a small weapon could have been as great as was made out.
Another issue I had was where it was set. I concluded it was the US, but then the language wasn’t consistently American English – so I got a little confused on this point.
Johnston certainly can write: see the short story “The South of Yorkshire” on his blog for some lovely writing. Atomic Number Sixty is also good, but for me could have been a bit tighter. Look forward to seeing how he develops this concept in the other books he promises in the series.

[Katrina Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find my review at link: LenaMayBooks

“What would you do if you only had an hour to live?” Holly Holloway will take you on an electrifying journey through her last hour of life. While strapped to a ticking time bomb, in a darkened room, Holly tells a cryptic tale of terror and uncertainty.

Set in real time, Automic Number Sixty has sixty chapters. Each chapter takes the reader one minute, giving a genuine account of the last hour of Holly’s life. I have never seen a concept quite like the one Dave Johnston has created. It is thrilling and face paced, making it impossible to put down. Each chapter flies by creating a realm of mystery and panic.

While the plot didn’t intrigue me at first, I’ll say that I was blown away by Automic Number Sixty. The more I read, the more invested I became. There were moments of shock, humor and angst. I believe that this series could really take off and I look forward to reading the next installment.

I would love a bit more depth to the characters in the coming books. However, for the first book, Automic Number Sixty did exactly what I believe it was intended to do: stun the reader and entice them to beg for more of this series .

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lovella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit either my Tumblr or Wordpress to see my review!

Enjoy reading!

xx Lovs

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!

This was interesting. The main character worked and I enjoyed reading it all of the way to the end. The author has a great imagination.

[Julia Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Atomic Number Sixty by Dave Johnston is the story of Holly Holloway, who finds herself tied to a chair with a bomb in front of her. She only has 60 minutes until it will explode. Can she save herself and the other people in the building?

The concept of this novella by itself is quite interesting. I've never read anything like it. It is written in 60 chapters, and each chapter takes about one minute to read. So, it really takes about 60 minutes to finish it.

The story is told in real time, and flashbacks to a few hours prior to the main event. There is also some flashbacks to Holly's childhood.

I personally, didn't care for the story all that much. It was too quirky and filled with too many jokes. Holly herself wasn't really acting like a woman in her mid-twenties would. The ending also fell flat for me, and I already had a feeling how it would turn out.

Overall, great concept, just not for me.

2 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the author for the review copy.

[Kirti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a cute little gem. Full book in sixty seconds. Super. I liked Holly the main protagonist and her mom dad a lot. One extra star for the concept of one chapter per minute.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really interested in Dave Johnston’s concept of writing a book consisting of sixty chapters which takes sixty minutes to read. I have to say this works brilliantly and is great if your looking for a quick read to pass away a journey or a lunch break.

Atomic Number Sixty tells the story of twenty-five year old Holly Holloway who has been taken hostage and has exactly sixty minutes until the bomb she is attached to detonates.

This is a super fast-paced thriller, the short chapters and the minutes at the head of each chapter add to the frantic pace of the book. I really liked the way this book is constructed. I was hooked from the very first chapter. Don‘t be deceived by the length of Atomic Number Sixty…Dave has managed to pack a lot in, creating a well-rounded story.

Holly is a sassy, funny, strong young woman and I warmed to her and her family immediately. Dave has managed to get you fully involved with the characters in a short space of time. He has interspersed the story with Holly reflecting on her past giving a real sense of who she is. Written in first person narrative the reader is privy to Holly’s sarcastic sense of humour and her thoughts on life in general.

‘I wondered who was crazier. The brainwashed. Or the worms whispering in their ears, leading them on such a destructive path.’

The tension is built up brilliantly and the ending took me totally by surprise. I found myself devouring this book to find out if Holly would survive.

Definitely check Atomic Number Sixty out especially if you are wanting a quick read. This is a great debut and I look forward to reading more by Dave in this series.

Thanks to Dave Johnston for my copy.

[Raki Oddbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing (world building, characters, style, etc.):

Sixty Minute Reads Book 1 is exactly as the title suggests, a book designed to be read in about an hour. The book has 60 chapters, with each chapter meant to take the reader about 1 minute to read. As someone who loves short books and short chapters, I really enjoyed the style of this book. I also liked the use of different timelines counting down to the last few seconds in the protagonist’s life.

There wasn’t a lot of world or character building since the book is so short but the pace and overall story were very exciting. I was also very satisfied with the ending and I hope the sequels have a similar tone.

Did I learn anything? Did it make me think?

It certainly made me think about what I would do if I only had one hour left to live while strapped to a bomb. I honestly couldn’t come up with an answer. I’m just not sure if I would fight for my life or if it would all seem hopeless and I would be too afraid to do anything.

Overall feelings:

I liked this 60 minutes book. It was exciting to read. The reason I’m giving it a 4/5 and not a perfect score is because there were a couple of chapters I skipped because they didn’t feel important to the over all story and I just didn’t want to read them.

(review copied from my blog)

[Terry Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an unusual book, split into sixty chapters that take one minute to read, each. It's based around a girl called Holly, her parents, friends, love life and thoughts on life.

It's pleasant enough to read, certainly 'high speed reading' for today's busy lives, and quite funny in places but generally I felt the humour missed the mark and the 'kookiness' of the characters was overdone; the quality wasn't as consistent as it needs to be for a book this short. The main character is female but her 'voice' seemed male to me; it's often quite challenging to write as the opposite sex. Also, there are quite a few punctuation errors and an excess of exclamation marks that I found irritating.

It's a great concept, clever, but I think more thought should have gone into the actual writing. Sorry I can't be more positive, but a review is only one opinion; I'm sure a lot of others will like it very much.

[Nahree · Rating 1 out of 5]

60 short chapters, meant to be read in 60 minutes. There's a timestamp at the beginning of each chapter as well. Despite its interesting gimmick, the story falls flat on its face and the writing was terrible. I want my hour back!

[Adam watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story.

The story was good but I felt that the ending was bad. Rushed. Worth the read. Maybe you'll feel differently than I do.