The Cleanse

By: James Yates

Narrated by: Aubrey Parsons

Every twenty years, they return.

Demons? Aliens? No one knows for sure. But this time, they’re ready. Or are they?

Justin Adams thought he had a plan. Twenty years to prepare for the next Cleanse – the night the creatures come back. But one bad gamble and he’s lost everything. Now his family’s survival rests on a small metal box, a few borrowed guns, and a promise he’s terrified he can’t keep.

Across town, millionaire Rupert Bainbridge watches from his mansion. For him, survival is guaranteed – but even steel walls can’t keep out guilt, madness, or the cult gathering at his gates.

As the world braces for the bloodbath, neighbours will turn, secrets will surface, and the true nature of the Cleanse will be revealed.

A brutal apocalyptic horror with a sprinkle of Snatch, for fans of The Purge, 28 Days Later, and The Mist.

Welcome to Judgement Day.

©2025 James Yates (P)2025 James Yates

Demons or Aliens (or something worse)?

Every twenty years, "something" attacks and many people lose their lives. Nobody seems to know where the creatures come from or what they are, but everybody has to be prepared to defend themselves and their family.

Of course, this defense has now become a big business and you don't want to spare any amount of money to protect those you love. Justin Adams thinks he can make enough money gambling to do just that! His friend, Chris,owns a business that deals with protection, so maybe he can help him out.

Then, you have rich guy Rupert Bainbridge who has a state of the art setup. But, even the best money can buy can be hacked if you are someone like mobster Tommy Johnson. Throw in a cult, led by Gabriel, who thinks that the ultimate goal is to be one of the chosen to sacrifice to these beings.

The book moved at a fast pace and reminded me of the old 1950's horror movies I used to watch. Even the ending was fairly predictable in that respect. I enjoyed the various storylines and the author did a pretty decent job in making the reader feel the horror of the creatures and their attacks. I would have liked to know more about these creatures and how this whole Cleanse started, but all in all, this was a fun read.

The narrator did a great job and the different voices for the characters really brought the story to life. I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for his next book!