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 judy lyons
September 6, 2020
I could not put this book down. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Can't wait for the sequel!

Susan B
September 6, 2020
This book was a page turner till the very end. Sorry it was over. Look I by forward to the sequel.

Nurse_bookie
August 25, 2020
I really loved this fast paced thriller suspense read - this was such a well written book that had my heart speeding, and my breath stopping short from Galgon’s intense story line, razor sharp writing, and great characters with surprising and shocking twists.

When I picked up this book, and after reading the prologue, I knew I was hooked. The writing was clear, easy to read and easy to follow despite the great number of characters introduced to us in the story. This was a truly unique reading experience I really enjoyed a lot!

Stefanie Baker
August 22, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. First time reading this author, holds your interest from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book.

Gema Díaz
August 22, 2020
Thank you to the author Stephen Galgon (@thecircleisreal) for a gifted and signed (so cool) copy in exchange of my honest review.

The book has an interesting concept. The Circle is a group of people who are elite, prestige, and RICH. The plot is quite different from other thrillers I have read before and it lures you with such a bizarre concept. It gave some "THE PURGE" vibes. It's about Doug who is living an average life and is presented with an opportunity of a lifetime. He is asked to join "The Circle" in order to leave his medicore life behind and join this elite club where he will have financial freedom. But, there is a catch, what might that be? You gotta read the book to find out.

The only thing I would have wanted to see different was a more developed character on Liz. Overall I enjoyed the unique and intriguing thriller.

Ally Perry
August 21, 2020
There is a reason this one has won awards. It is such a compelling & disturbing idea and it really piques the interest of the reader & holds it throughout the book. Think, “classy, more structured version” of The Purge. That’s what I thought of at least. The second half of this book had me devouring it to find out what happens & it literally comes full circle (PUN INTENDED) by the end with Mr. Archer & I LOVED the transformation of Doug.

This Circle is well-written, descriptive, and flows perfectly. My husband is not a reader but one day I’m going to convert him & I bet this book will be the one that does it.
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Thank you so much @thecircleisreal for this signed copy & I cannot wait to purchase the SEQUEL. Yes I said it, there’s going to be a sequel. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

catherine bates
August 19, 2020
Awesome story gave me anxiety trying to read faster so I could find out who did what next looking forward to the next book

Kindle Customer
August 14, 2020
The Circle was innovative in that I've read hundreds of books and never read a story line quite like this. Well done Mr. Galgon!

Patty U
August 13, 2020
This is an awesome book. I enjoyed it very much and will probably re-read it. It's a story about people that hunt other people in a club called The Circle. It has suspense, murder, and mystery. Looking forward to the sequel.

KDaly
August 11, 2020
I picked this book up during the original lockdown due to COVID. What a page turner. In a dark time for everyone, this really helped by pass the time and never got old. Great book and I highly recommend it.

K.Whitehead
August 10, 2020
If you're looking for a binge-worthy read, LOOK 👏 NO 👏FURTHER 👏
Stephen Galgon truley created a page-turner and I found myself unable to put it down!

Doug considers himself an average man with an average job and social life. Until one day everything changed. He finds himself "initiated" into The Circle. With a bank account with unlimited dollar signs why wouldn't you want to be initiated? But, riches comes with a price and Doug soon finds out what he's willing to pay.

I don't want to give too much away- but y'all The Circle had me checking over my shoulder ever 5 minutes and closing my blinds!

It is so mind-blowing how The Circle operates and I was so intrigued and could not put this one down.
I am pumped for the sequel and cannot wait to see how this story continues to unfold!

Christina
August 7, 2020
This book sinks its claws into you and doesn't let go from the very first chapter! It's a fast-paced, unputdownable, thrill ride of a read!

Stacy
August 3, 2020
What would you do if you could die at any moment? Once a member is initiated into the Circle, it’s kill or be killed. Douglas Goodwin is finding this out the hard way. Will he find a way to break out of the death circle?⁣
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This was an exciting, quick read with lots of unexpected twists. It took a bit for me to get into it, because there’s some character building and it starts with a guy hunting (totally not my scene), but once the Circle action got started I was hooked. I was pretty surprised by some of the twists that occurred, which is something I always love in a thriller. There are too many predictable thrillers out there these days. This was not predictable and it also had a very unique storyline. I also loved the nihilistic, bit of a dark ending. ⁣

Kindle Customer
July 27, 2020
“You will hunt this target, a member of the Circle, to... his... death. Do you understand me, Mr. Goodwin? At the same time, you will also be hunted. And your hunter, he will be hunted as well”⁣
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After reading the above quote I knew I would be in for a wild ride. ⁣
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Doug Goodwin is just your regular guy, likes the outdoors, works at a museum as a tour guide and has a best friend named Eric.... if we could really call him that. Doug gets recruited into the Circle only he wants no part of it. Members of the Circle try to relate to him by understanding how he is upset that he is a tour guide when he really wants a career in Paleontology. After being told the rules he tells the members that there must be a mistake. Only there’s no hiding from the Circle the game still goes on even if you want no part of it. There are also branches all over the world so don’t think you can hide!⁣
I must say as a person who owns the physical copy this is one heavy and beautifully made paperback. ⁣

Kaley Lyons
July 26, 2020
Holy Thriller!! Thank you to Stephen Galgon for a free copy in exchange for my review.

This book is so good, that I don't even know where to start! Quick synopsis: Doug is a small town guy that followed his friend, Eric, to New York. Eric is your regular big time, self-absorbed lawyer. Doug was living the mediocre life of being a museum tour guide and swooning over a girl he is too nervous to talk to. Then, Eric introduces Doug to some of his high-class clients, and is unwillingly initiated into The Circle. What is The Circle you ask? Think "Fight Club" on steroids. Doug no longer has to worry about money because The Circle members are RICH. Doug no longer has to worry about his mediocre life. Why? Because he is trying to stay alive! The Circle is a society of assassins. You either kill or be killed. How long can Doug last while members of The Circle hunt him? Is there a way out?

My thoughts: I was a little critical of the plot at first thinking, "come-on...what guys go around killing each other in all hours of the day?" BUT Doug's story sucks you in! He has good morals, and is not like the other Circle members. Every detail was so well thought out and planned. The writing was easy to follow. Not only do you get Doug's point of view, you also get the point of view from some of the other Circle members which made the story so much more complex (it isn't just men killing men)! This thriller kept me turning pages with all the twists that I never saw coming. Not to mention the ending was perfect! This would make an AWESOME action packed movie!

I will be recommending this book to everyone, and I can't wait for the sequel to come out!

Jack Wilson
July 22, 2020
To say that Stephen Galgon has written a thriller is an understatement. With every turn of a page Galgon reaches new heights of creativity, such that the reader must wonder what creative genius flows through his mind? Just when you "breathe a sigh of relief" that our main character will have a few moments of safety, he finds the ubiquitous tentacles of The Circle continue their pull. This is one book I truly could not put down. I'm already looking forward to Galgon's next literary masterpiece. 

Jamie W

July 15, 2020

"Welcome to The Circle"⁣⁣
The Circle is a secret society of uber rich members who have everything they could ever want...to the point that they seek other ways to feel truly alive, and what better than life-and-death games of murder?
⁣⁣Everyday good guy Doug Goodwin finds himself ensnared into The Circle, and he quickly realizes that his life options have been boiled down to just 2: kill or be killed.⁣ ⁣
⁣⁣This book was a non-stop wild ride! Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, the author not only pulled the rug out from my feet, he rolled me up in it, and tossed me in the trunk! Twists upon plot twists kept me compulsively turning the pages.⁣⁣
The characters were well-developed, and I was almost instantly invested in Doug's predicament. The writing was fast-flowing and easy to read, making this book the perfect getaway into a world full of thrilling suspense! There's a reason why it's been nominated for so many book awards!!

Savbeebooks

July 12, 2020

OK so lemme just start my review with this quote that stuck with me and really just explains the whole entire book:

"You will hunt this target, a member of the Circle, to..his..death. Do you understand, Mr. Goodwin? At the same time, you will also be hunted. And your hunter, he will be hunted as well. This is the Circle of death that represents all of us, that defines us, unites us, gives our lives...purpose."

So when I read this paragraph, I immediately turn to my fiance and say, "let me read these couple of paragraphs to you because this is crazy" (crazy good!). This book is a kind of book that I have never read before, which just amazes me. The whole premise of this book is so original and the characters are original. There were a lot of characters in this book, and at times I found myself trying to remember who was who, but don't let that deter you from reading this because it really just adds to the plot.

The way the chapters are written cause for quick scene changes, which really builds this world. I loved that the chapters were also short, and that we saw different perspectives from other characters. Sometimes it was even a kind of mystery to who the chapter was about, which just caused for more suspense!

I could totally see this as a movie, and I hope one day it will be! Definitely check this one out if you're wanting to read something that's got some suspense, mystery and a great story line!

Madeline Wodeshick

July 8, 2020

What a fantastic read, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! He is a fantastic writer and I cannot wait time read more of his works!

Amanda

July 7, 2020

“𝙳𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚕𝚊𝚜 𝙶𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚠𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚑. 𝙷𝚎 𝚒𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚞𝚕. 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙲𝙸𝚁𝙲𝙻𝙴 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚒𝚖 — 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛 𝚐𝚞𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛 𝚓𝚘𝚋 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎?”

Have you ever read The Most Dangerous Game? It is one of my absolute favorite short stories. If you are unfamiliar with the plot, essentially, a man who no longer sees big game hunting as a challenge, decides that hunting people would better quench his thirst for a good hunt. Also, fans of Supernatural, I’m talking The Benders from Season 1, Episode 15.

I have always wanted to see this concept transformed into a novel, and Stephen Galgon not only did it but did it SO well.

Douglas Goodwin is introduced to a new club by his best friend, who swears it is a great, new hangout. Fascinated by the people inside the club, Douglas gets the opportunity to join the VIP lounge. From there, he learns that his visit to the club was purposeful. Douglas is immediately inducted into a secretive society called 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆. Once you are in, there is no way out, no loophole to be found. He must either hunt or be hunted.

NETFLIX, AMAZON, SOMEONE!!! Please make this a movie. It would be perfection. This read JUST like an action movie, so much so that it could easily be turned right into a script. There was not a dull moment to be found from beginning to end. I finished this book incredibly fast. I felt crushed for Douglas, and his despair was my despair. His paranoia was my paranoia. AND THE ENDING. The twists, although I suspected some, still left me in utter shock. This is arguably more terrifying than any horror novel because the monsters are regular, everyday people.

I know that there are movies released recently that have a similar plot. However, this novel stands out because of the setting. The Circle takes place in a major city, making it nearly impossible to avoid people and hide. Doug never knows who is a part of the circle and who is not, which adds to the atmosphere of anxiety. You never know who he can trust or when someone is going to attack!

A gigantic thank you to Stephen Galgon and MJE Publishing for sending me a copy of his book in exchange for my honest review. I need more of Mr. Archer as soon as possible!

Anne

July 6, 2020

Stephen is an indie author. When he reached out and I read the premise of the book I was all for reading it. And I couldn’t be more thrilled!! I hope at some point this gets turned into an audiobook. It would be fabulous! It would be a fabulous series

We have an elite club. One that if they deem you worthy enough you are a member even if you don’t want to be. The catch is you have to kill or be killed.

This book was action packed and I loved the twists in it. There were a few. So please look this book up and go buy it!! I promise you will not be disappointed!!

Anna M Mungo

July 6, 2020

"Imagine you had all the money you ever wanted at the push of a button. The power to control law enforcement, politicians at the highest levels, the judicial system as a whole. To have what you want when you want it, whatever it is. All you have to do is kill someone . . . before someone kills you."

Well, all I gotta say is this thriller starts off with a literal bang! The novel is action packed from the very beginning. Following Doug's initiation into The Circle and the drama that unfolds in his new life was truly captivating.

What I loved: Doug was the best. I loved his character. He was very well developed and relatable. I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. There is a large cast in this book, but each are described and detailed enough to be memorable. I found myself loving to hate them. I also enjoyed the plot of The Circle. I thought it was unique and suspenseful.

What I didn't love: This is a debut novel so there were some elements of the writing style I found a little difficult to follow. The verb tenses change often, but if you keep reading you will discover if it's a memory, dream or reality. This was also one of the few books I've read by a male author recently. The perspective is different, but I found it respectful.

I definitely recommend this book to fans of James Patterson.

Thank you to Stephen J. Galgon and MJE Publishing for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Dianna E Safee

July 2, 2020

I found this book to be totally captivating, much to the point where it actually took over my day. It was a manifestation of captivating suspense and creativity. This was an exceptional read and would highly recommend it to anyone

Steph Goodrow

June 30, 2020

Not a genre I’d typically be interested in. This one in particular definitely has something special about. I enjoyed every part of the book from start to finish! 10/10 recommendation!!!

Neva L.

June 29, 2020

Think about the last book you read that had the most insane plot twist that literally left you with your mouth open, unable to process what just happened, making that book impossible to put down, not even for a second, until you finished reading every last page. Now picture a book that leaves you with that same feeling chapter after chapter with the most insane attention to detail and character development from the very first page. Just when you think you have it all figured out, The Circle makes you rethink everything you just read and takes you on a ride that not only captivates you as a reader but makes you question your own morals in a way that no other suspense novel I’ve read ever has. Go see for yourself.

Amazon Customer

June 27, 2020

The Circle by Stephen Galgon is an absolute essential addition to anyone’s summer summer reading list! The unique storyline pulled me in immediately and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The well positioned plot twists makes this book an extraordinarily satisfying read. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Gerri F.

June 24, 2020

Suspense is not ordinarily the genre I choose, but this book was recommended to me and I was blown away by the story! The depth of the characters made them so believable, they seem like they could be people you know in your own life. I stayed up reading way too late, promising myself just one more chapter, one more page, one more paragraph. It’s so compelling! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more from the author.

Philip A. Okun

June 24, 2020

This book has a unique story. Twists and turns all the way. A great new author that needs to be read!! 

Amazon Customer

June 22, 2020

Great book! Twice read! Once last August, and again while quarantined 😊

Theodore Bottone

June 22, 2020

I just felt the authors description of the characters was very well done. the book was a cool read and I really enjoyed it.

Nina Hodge

June 20, 2020

I loved this book so much. The story line was unique, the character development of Doug was great, the supporting characters were amazing you hate them but love them at the same time. I didnt want this book to end and so glad a sequel is in the works. Highly recommend this one to everyone that’s loves a great suspenseful thrilling read

Ellen Deckelnick

June 16, 2020

I really found this book compelling. I found it a little slow in the beginning. but then I could not put it down. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Steven Galgon has joined my list of favorite authors.

Amazon Customer

June 14, 2020

Very unique plot with interesting characters. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes suspense and violence!

K

May 31, 2020

Talk about reading a book that is so well written, you feel like you’re watching a movie. 𝕀 𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝔻 𝕀𝕋!⠀

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Douglas Goodwin, a simple guy with an average job and everyday problems. He’s betrayed by his closest friend and recruited into a secret society that kills for a hobby. Kills other members! As Doug transitions through his phases of denial and resistance, he evolves as survival instincts kick in. If someone attacks you, you do everything you can to protect yourself. Even if that means to kill someone else. The story is packed with drama, action, and even a little sprinkle of romance. ⠀

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This book is definitely a read for someone who enjoys action packed thrillers, with some violence, suspense, many twists and turns. I’m in love with the CIA/FBI/Secret society/conspiracy theory/government political plots type of books and movies. If you like any of that, you won’t be able to put this down. ⠀

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Thank you to Stephen Galgon and MJE Publishing for sending me a copy to review with my honest opinion. I can’t wait till more people start reading this and we can scream about the ending!

Kait Vanderlaan

May 29, 2020

Whew! This book was a wild ride, it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Doug is an ordinary guy working as a tour guide in a museum until one day he is unknowingly inducted into an exclusive club, The Circle. The Circle is a group of people who hunt each other in order to survive. It’s kill or be killed. Each month every member receives the name of a member who they have to kill - friendship and loyalty outside of the safe house do not exist. Doug never wanted this, he desperately wants out. Will he join the others in killing or will he live the rest of his life in fear, waiting for a member to kill him? This was a thrilling read and I could really feel the anxiety and fear experienced by Doug. Very unique premise, highly recommend! Fans of The Chain will likely enjoy this one.

Amazon Customer

May 27, 2020

I am very into thrillers and mysteries but find myself being able to guess the ending before it happens. I could not with this book!! It kept me guessing till the very last page. He does a fabulous job of creating the characters which took for a slightly slower beginning but was WELL worth it for the rest of the book. I am thrilled that there will be a sequel and I can’t wait for it to come out!!!

Marilyn

May 16, 2020

From beginning to the very end the author takes you on an impossible human adventure. Will today be the day you hunt or are hunted. The answer to that question kept me turning page after page. I am an avid reader and don’t often suggest books I’ve read to others, but The Circle was so good I had no trouble telling others to do themselves a favor and read it. So looking forward to the sequel.

Bob Howland

May 11, 2020

If you like mystery and suspense you will love this one. I was going to wait till I finished this book but I just couldn’t. The Circle is so intriguing, so detailed with twists and turns that just makes you want more. Two thirds through the book and again as I’m reading I’m just blown away, on a page that instantly took me back to the beginning of the read! I’m like “ Oh no!” Oh my God, just WOW!

Steven Galgon you’ve made me a big fan. I hope that you have a sequel ready soon.

Awesome 👏🏻

Bob Howland 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@brianas_best_reads

April 24, 2020

“The Circle” started off with a bang! From there I couldn’t put the book down. I truly enjoyed the idea behind the book with The Circle being a group of people who constantly are the hunters and the hunted. I thought the whole premise was very unique and the book was incredibly well written.

While reading this book I felt so tense and I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next. The fact that this book is getting a sequel makes me both happy and sad because I’m thrilled that there will be more, but I’m going to be waiting impatiently now for book two!

There were many twists and turns throughout the book that were shocking and unexpected! Reading this book mostly consisted of me saying “just one more chapter” because each one was more exciting than the next! I loved the characters and how unique they all were. Just don’t get attached to any of them! You never know what’s going to happen!

Readers who enjoy a fast plot, the thrill of the chase, and crazy action will love this book! I know I did!

Frank Manzo

April 23, 2020

“The Circle” is a great book! I’m not an avid reader, as I often get bored, but I found myself always wanting to get through one more chapter. It’s a well developed original thriller. It could really easily be developed into a show or movie. The story twists unpredictably, which makes it all the more riveting. I HIGHLY recommend it!!

Jamie Fox

March 2, 2020

This book is so blood pumping, page turning, exciting. The pace is fast and brilliant. I loved every single page! The plot is new and fresh. Just simply amazing!

I hope that big things come to Stephen with this book. It will be well deserved. It’s a wonderful book. I can NOT wait for the sequel! You’ve got a long term fan in me!

Read. This. Book!

Darren Novi

January 12, 2020

This is hands down the best book I’ve read in a long time. HURRY WITH THE SEQUEL!! Grabbed me on page 1.. You will not be able to put it down!!! Definitely had me in the edge of my seat the entire time.

Carol Kowalski

January 28, 2020

This book was an unexpected surprise. I read many many books in my life and this story was unique. I enjoyed the writing and at times couldn't wait to read what was coming next. I look forward to the sequel - curious as to what is in store. 

Jenn

December 11, 2019

The Circle was a great read! I couldn't put it down, found myself staying up way too late to continue to story, and thought about it while finding references throughout my day to connect to the plot. Galgon constructed a true page turner with quick, devour-able chapters, and intricate characters. I loved The Circle and can't wait to see what happens to Mr. Archer next!

Corinne W Karl

November 6, 2019

I literally couldn't put this book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It played out like a thriller movie in my head. I could absolutely see this playing out as a movie or mini-series. The main character, Doug, is so relatable—so relatable you put yourself in his shoes and start to feel a little crazy yourself—checking around corners and on your toes wondering if The Circle really is real. I really enjoyed it. 

JLP

October 2, 2019

Read this book in under a day! That is not something I do often anymore. Great idea, well developed characters, and the pace and suspense of the story will keep you turning the page!

Janet D

September 18, 2019

Great story! Captured my attention immediately, moved quickly and I really felt for the main character's predicament.

Looking forward to the sequel!

Gary DeGregorio

September 10, 2019

The Circle is a fascinating world of NY power, money, love, and survival. Once you open the book it is almost impossible to put down. The author has weaved a complex tale about a secret society of aristocrats that makes the Masonic Temple look tame in comparison. It is a haunting psychological thriller with shocking surprises filtered throughout that kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Danielle Benson

September 4, 2019

Awesome read! Really took me as a reader into the world as it was portrayed. True suspense and so much emotion throughout the novel, I loved it so much I reread it as soon as I was done! Would highly recommend to anyone! Eagerly anticipating the sequel to find out what this writer has to bring next!

Dana G

August 31, 2019

The Circle takes you through many twists and turns. The reader will feel true compassion for the main character, Doug Goodwin, as he copes with the reality that the Circle has brought upon him. The story sucks you in and you will find yourself saying “just one more chapter” in anticipation of what event will happen next. Highly recommend.

Lizzie

August 30, 2019

The Circle is full of intrigue, suspense and twists. I am not much of a reader as I prefer a movie instead but I read it in two days because I could not put it down! I loved all of the characters as well as the story line. Amazing read. You will not be disappointed. Looking forward to the sequel and hopefully the movie!

Wendy Guadagno

August 23, 2019

I've lost a night's sleep because of The Circle. I couldn't put it down and finished it this morning. Mr. Galgon weaves an exciting tale of excess, corruption, human nature and the depths that one would stoop to get anything ever wanted. Can't wait for the sequel!