Natural Selection by Dave Freedman

 

Summary:

 

A shocking biological discovery. A previously unknown predatory species. Evolving just like the dinosaurs. Now. Today. Being forced out of its world and into man's for a violent first encounter. Weaving science and thriller in a way not seen since" Jurassic Park," "Natural Selection" introduces a phenomenally dangerous new species that is rapidly adapting in a way never before seen A mystery. A chase. A vast expansive puzzle. A team of marine scientists is on the verge of making the most stunning discovery in the history of man. In their quest for answers, they engage a host of fascinating characters. The world's premier neurology expert. A specialist on animal teeth. Flight simulation wizards, evolution historians, deep sea geologists, and so many more. Along the way, the team of six men and women experience love, friendship, loyalty and betrayal. Together, they set off to exotic locales. Literally to the bottom of the ocean. To a vast and mysterious redwood forest. To an unknown complex of massive caves. When people start dying, the stakes are upped even further. Then the real hunt begins ... Loaded with astonishing action sequences, Natural Selection is that rare breed of thriller, filled with intricately layered research, real three-dimensional characters, and tornado pacing.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 432 pages (Hardcov

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: Print & E-book

Publication Date: June 28th 2006 by Hyperion

 

I don't know about you but I usually love novels like this. If it has a monster/horrific creature in it chances are I am more than likely going to want to give it ago. I've loved books like these ever since I watched Jurassic Park and Jaws as a kid when I went to the library to find books similar to those films. So last week I came across Natural Selection by Dave Freedman on Goodreads last week I did a quick library search and put this one on hold expecting it to be just the adrenaline rushing read I've been craving.

It wasn't.

 

When I looked at the book on Goodreads I saw that it didn't have the highest ratings in the world but I was determined to give it a shot because what might not be liked by others could totally turn into a favourite book of mine but Natural Selection was not up to par in my opinion.

 

Right off the bar the book started off very slowly. I'm not kidding it took me almost an hour to read the first 50 pages and still I persevered although now looking back after I've finished the book I can't really explain why.

 

The writing of  the entire book was very disruptive. It would switch from different characters perspectives far too abruptly and without cause in my opinion. To me the entire 432 pages of the novel lacked any real flow. I honestly had a very hard time keeping focused on the story because of it.

 

The characters were extremely one dimensional. they were not in any way shape or form. After finishing the book I realized that I knew basically nothing about the characters except that they were researchers with a lot of arrogance and I didn't even know what they really looked like or anything else about them. Plus like I said the characters all came across as arrogant and self serving but my biggest disappointment was the fact that they seemed more like props in the story than characters and many of them I felt could just have been left out because though none of them really added anything to the story some of them added less than nothing.

 

The plot of the story did have promise though but I think that it didn't even come close to reaching it. The novel was bogged down by a lot of science mumbo-jumbo which normally wouldn't bother me because in the case of unknown creatures I like a bit of science mumbo-jumbo to explain the creature's origins however it was way too overdone. It made the plot turn from what could have been a really exciting, thrilling and adrenaline pumping read into a book that was as dry as those dreadful short story collections that we've all read in our high school English classes. Absolutely boring.

 

The idea of the rapidly evolving manta rays was pretty unique I can honestly say that I have never come across a book with those as the creatures from hell and I think that they were the one redeeming thing about the book. I liked that the author was trying something new but I just didn't think he went about it the right way for my tastes. The lack of action in a book like this was surprising to me because a thriller needs to have me on the edge of my seat this one lacked that completely.

 

Now, I know I may be sounding a little harsh but remember this is not a DNF review. I stuck out the whole book in hopes that it would get better and redeem itself because I really, really, really wanted to enjoy it however I just couldn't.

 

While I didn't like it I know that there are some people out there that would probably be delighted with Freedman's debut but I would advise that you borrow this book and not buy it just in case your inclined not to like it or are a little wary. I for one am really glad that I borrowed it and didn't purchase it because I planned to do just that if my library didn't have it available. Despite my misgivings about the novel though if this books sounds like something you would enjoy then go read it! As always if you do like it come back and let me know what you thought. I will say though that if the author writes another novel I would be more than happy to give it a try.

 

 

Not for me!
★

 

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