The audiobook experience of this book was much better than the print version. I can do other things and zone in and out when the storyline is uninteresting or something I would put the book down for. I maintain that there was a lot of boring filler in this one. The whole almost James Bond bad guys thing was a bit much, and I wish there could have just been more distilled focus on the ship and the things that were happening. But even that ended up being pretty wild. The narrator, Nathaniel Priestley, did a great job distinguishing between characters without getting over theatrical.

This was a great listen. Narrated very well, an intriguing story that kept me invested (and extremely concerned about the emotional well-being of some of the characters), and a satisfying outcome.

This book throws a lot at the wall – international intrigue, government conspiracies, young love, environmental themes, and apocalyptic horror. While the ambition is undeniable, the execution seems to falter. The disappearance of a curious teenager and the subsequent scramble of a clandestine government agency to contain the situation hold promise. The addition of a world-weary occult specialist with a mysterious past adds another layer of intrigue. However, the inclusion of elements like young love and the broad theme of humanity's relationship with the environment suggests a potential for narrative overload.

Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a dash of the supernatural might find Oracle an enjoyable ride. But those seeking a tightly woven narrative with a clear focus may be left wanting. I felt overwhelmed by all of the plot threads and frankly confused.

"Oracle" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, the audiobook is narrated by Nathaniel Priestley, presents a perplexing tale. While the story itself felt a bit confusing and implausible at times, Nathaniel's excellent narration, with distinct voices for each character, added depth to the listening experience.

The book starts off with a thrilling premise, featuring a mysterious eighteenth-century sailing ship discovered in an unlikely location, setting the stage for a series of eerie events. However, as the story progresses, it becomes weighed down by lengthy tangents and under explored character arcs, detracting from its initial momentum.

Overall, "Oracle" offers some redeeming qualities, including diverse representation and vivid descriptions of teenage emotions and dialogues, but its convoluted storytelling may leave some listeners feeling disconnected from the author's narrative.

One day, two kids riding their bikes to school through the fog come across a big old ship in the middle of the field. Curious, one of the kids enters the ship and disappears forever. Every person that follows also disappears forever. Naturally, all the witnesses are taken away "for their protection" until the authorities can figure out what is going on. Enter Robert Grim, former American spook that has seen some weird shit, much more than most. Grim has a drinking problem, an authority problem, and an attitude problem, and fully resents being drug across the world to deal with another country's issues. But he's curious... a ship that makes anyone that enters through one door disappear?

Every time I pick up a new Thomas Olde Heuvelt book, I know it will be unusual. A haunted town, a haunted mountain, and now a haunted ship. And not just a regular haunted ship, but something like a wormhole. But is it? I never know what to expect, but I always know it will be different, interesting, and above all enjoyable. This one was no exception.

OK. So this was a mess of emotions for me...
Scary. Hellbent. Nasty. Bad Government People.... Algae eating forms.... Secrets. Lies...
As well as innocence. First love. Family. A mother's love... Sweet times and memories... and, loss...

So, I am torn in many ways.

I loved the theory of it. A ship shows up in the middle of a field one day... and two kids find it. What magic does it hold???

And then, one person disappears....

As Luca tries to explain what is going on to all those around him...well, it's hard to believe to say the least....

And then when the visions start... =0

Great book with a lot of information and kept my attention throughout...but by the last 1/4 of the book it was starting to get just a bit too far fetched for me...

Still, loved it anyway.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This was released yesterday, 4/30/24...so you should be able to find it already on shelves.

#Oracle by #ThomasOldeHeuvelt and narrated nicely by #NathanielPriestley.

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I didn’t really see anywhere that this said it was a sample, however I only got about 14 minutes of audio.


With that being said, I am interested in more

I didn’t really see anywhere that this said it was a sample, however I only got about ten minutes of audio.


With that being said, I am interested in more

Early one morning a 200-year old sailing ship shows up in a field in The Netherlands. And anyone who goes into the hatch to investigate disappears. This taut, supernatural thriller brings back Robert Grim, from Heuvelt's previous novel, Hex.

The tension does not just rely on the mysterious ship, there is the black-ops government agency, November 6, that shirks the rules and manipulates the media, there are the families, dealing with their grief and their despair at the secrets, there is Elena and her corruption, there is Grim and his ghosts, there is international intrigue and angry ancient gods.

This is a big book and things happen quickly. It is a wide-sweeping multi-dimensional conspiracy with a fascinating cast of characters. It was a spell-buinding read. I immediately downloaded Hex, because the supernatural events of Black Spring were brought up often and I was intrigued.

This book was really well-written, but I admit, I had a really hard time following it. I suspect that had more to do with my ADHD than the story though. I think this is the type of book that is better read than listened to if you have trouble focusing. There was a lot going on and I found myself having to rewind quite a bit. The characters were great and we got to see more of Grim in this story than we did in Hex. With that being said, I think I liked the first one better. The story was more interesting to me and I felt more attached to the characters in that one. But again, I suspect that had more to do with myADHD than anything else! I may grab a hard copy of this one and try it again that way!

Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

This book was very unique and different from what I typically read and I loved it! The entire book was action packed and I enjoyed how it kept me hooked from the beginning. The way the author wove science fiction into a mystery/thriller plot was impeccable. This is a great book for those who don't typically lean towards the sci-fi genre as the elements aren't overbearing. I felt like the Oracle was real and I was ready to go investigate! When a book submerges you so deeply that you feel as you are a part of that world, it is truly magical. I learned there is a book before this one (thankfully, you don't have to read the first one to fully understand this one). I will definitely be buying the first book! The narration of this book was perfect. I could differentiate between the characters easily. Overall, I am glad I took a chance on this book and I'll definitely be checking out past and future books from this author!

For example, you either love it or loathe it. I adore it. Nice, if a little over the top, follow-up to Hex Supernatural horror; I enjoy it.
Sometimes Thomas keeps things light, but other times he pulls you right back into the spooky parts. It guarantees that the narrative will stick with you for a very long time, yet it's not so terrifying that it keeps you awake.

Complex and compelling characters add greatly to this book that has an 18th century ship on a field that’s mysteriously appeared. A secret government team comes to investigate.
Extremely well narrated by Nathaniel Priestly. His voice added to this psychological thriller.
Thank you to @MacmillanAudio and @NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Slight trigger warning for some body horror elements and some unexpected deaths later in the book.

I had a hard time putting this book down. This passed by so quickly, and every single reveal made me want to know more and more. I think I got this from the mystery section, and I would say it’s almost more of a psychological thriller in a lot of ways, but there were definitely enough mystery elements that if you are a mystery fan you won’t be disappointed.

All of the main characters or people I felt for, and wanted to know more about. The mystery that’s unfolding is horrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time. This book had me so captivated, which is hilarious, given the context of the book. I highly recommend this one.

"Oracle" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt captivated me from the very first page. This haunting blend of horror and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire read. Heuvelt's writing style is masterful, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the final chapter.

The premise of a small town plagued by a mysterious force is not new, but Heuvelt's execution is fresh and original. The characters are complex and relatable, each with their own demons to face. The way Heuvelt weaves together their stories while maintaining a sense of impending doom is nothing short of brilliant.

One of the strongest aspects of "Oracle" is its ability to keep the reader guessing. Just when you think you have everything figured out, Heuvelt throws in a twist that leaves you reeling. This unpredictability adds to the tension and makes for an exhilarating reading experience.

Furthermore, Heuvelt's exploration of themes such as fear, redemption, and the power of community gives the story depth and meaning beyond its supernatural elements. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, prompting contemplation and discussion.

In conclusion, "Oracle" is a must-read for fans of horror and psychological thrillers. With its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, it's a standout novel that deserves all the praise it receives.

I may need to let this one gel a bit. There were parts of it where I thought it was really going to take off, but then it got bogged down with “details” that were more confusing than helpful and it threw me out of the story a bit. Then it would come around and the same thing would happen again. Hmm. The writing was good like I know would be, it just felt disjointed and rushed in parts.

I’m going with 3 Stars for now, reserving the right to revise upon further contemplation.

I'm absolutely prejudiced here. I loved Hex so much, and then I read Echo. Hex is an easier read, but Echo has the same kind of cosmic horror you can see so well in Oracle.
A character from Hex is in Oracle, too, and I enjoyed that. The plot is so original, and the people so real. From the beginning, people were making choices that seemed irrational, like real people do, such as going into a strange ship.
The narrator was great, and helped build my sense of dread. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook

A 18th century ship called Oracle appears suddenly and inexplicably in the middle of a field, on it's side. Those that enter the hold disappear after a bell tolls. AIVD (Dutch intelligence) arrive on the scene after 11 people have entered and disappeared; only Luka, a teenager first on the scene, and the farmer who owns the land have manages to stay outside and try to warn of others away. In the US, Robert Grim is plucked out of his solitary life trying to forget Black Springs, to go investigate what's happening.

Having read Hex, I was excited to see what Oracle had in store. I've read both in translation now and while Hex is relocated to the US in English, most of Oracle takes place in the Netherlands. Though you can get by without reading Hex first, Robert Grim is in both. I ended my listen uncertain of what the book was ultimately trying to be, because it didn't stick to the eldritch horror I was expecting. Overall it was enjoyable, but it felt different than Hex and its resolution. I ultimately felt the beginning carried the most unease and that the ending left many things unanswered. The footnotes were helpful and not too obtrusive.

Thank you to @Macmillan.Audio for an advanced audio book on @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Out of the fog, a ship appears in the middle of a tulip field. First on scene are Luca and Emma who are on their way to school. However, Emma decides to explore the ship but something happens to her and though Luca can hear her, she cannot seem to hear him. By the end of the first day, 10 others have vanished into the Oracle, including Luca's dad, Emma's dad, a hand full of cops, and some other boys from school.

A secret government agency sends in their team to investigate and to unravel what is going on. Luca and his remaining family are being watched but Luca still feels tied to the ship and seems to walk away with a mysterious presence, haunting him, revealing bits and pieces of what is to come.

This was such an engaging read and I was rivetted from the very beginning. I did not realize it was the second in the series until I checked out Goodreads and noticed this was number two. With that being said, I don't think you have to have read book one to understand what is going on in this story but you might get more information on Robert Grim, a specialist who seems to know a thing or two about the supernatural,

I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what more may be in store for this author and for Grim.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Oracle by Thomas Olde Heuvelt in exchange for an honest review. I love his books. It's hard to classify Olde Heuvelt into one genre as each book spans at least 3 different genres. Oracle was no different. From appearing ships to old gods, it embraced science fiction to horror and even a bit of teen romance. Beautiful writing.