[Review]* Meg: Nightstalkers (MEG, #5) by Steve Alten

Summary: 

Steve Alten continues the story that began in the New York Times bestselling MEG: A Novel of Deep Terror

In this fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling MEG series, Nighstalkers picks up where MEG: Hell's Aquarium left off. Bela and Lizzy, the dominant Megalodon siblings from Angel's brood, have escaped the Tanaka Institute to roam the Salish Sea in British Columbia. While Jonas Taylor and his friend Mac attempt to either recapture or kill the "sisters," Jonas's son, David, embarks on his own adventure, motivated by revenge. Having witnessed his girlfriend's gruesome death, David has joined a Dubai Prince's ocean expedition, tracking the 120-foot, hundred-ton Liopleurodon that escaped from the Panthalassa Sea. Haunted by night terrors, David repeatedly risks his life to lure the Lio and other prehistoric sea creatures into the fleet's nets, while battling his own suicidal demons.

Steve Alten weaves these storylines together in a page-turning thriller that culminates in a final showdown between the most dangerous predators ever to inhabit the planet.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 368 pages (Hardcover)

Available Formats: Print/E-book/E-Audiobook/Audiobook CD

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: June 14th 2016 by Tor Books

It's no secret to some of my old blog readers. I love books with monsters, dinosaurs and prehistoric beasts that terrorize humanity. I'd say it's a guilty pleasure but I have no guilt. I love the genre especially this series in particular.

The Meg series is one I've been reading for over a decade. I remember when my brother bought me a copy of what turned out to be the third book in this series, which led to me gobbling up all the other books in this series (and a few of Steve Alten's other titles) over the years. This one, Nightstalkers has been a long time coming. 7 years to be exact and I'm so happy that I was finally able to get my hands on a copy and read it this past week.

This one takes place after the events in Meg: Hell's Aquarium. It's told in shifting points of view mostly from those of David Taylor and his father Jonas Taylor (whom the books started with), however other points of view (from the victims) are also on offer. Plus, Steve Alten continued to write some parts of the book from the perspective of the creature(s) in the book as well. I really love how the author is able to really make me feel as though I am whomever (or whatever) depending on what point of view he's writing from. He truly puts me right there smack dab in the middle of all the blood curdling chaos.

When I started reading Nightstalkers I had only planned to read the first 50 pages, then wouldn't you have it I was 3/4 of the way through and my clock was reading 3 a.m. it well and truly sucked me in.I loved the blood and gore in this one and it had all the heart-pounding action and you know...death that I've come to love and expect from Steve Alten. He gives readers a smorgasbord of prehistoric creatures to choose from as well as lots of foul language and a bit of a natural history lesson about the creatures and their environments thrown in making it a splendid read. He takes the readers on a global pursuit of beasts that have no business being in the 21st century and he does it with flare.

I enjoyed seeing how characters have aged and changed since the 4th book and it was really awesome to see that Mac (Jonas's best friend) is still kicking around. He's always been a favourite side character of mine. I also like how David, again played a bigger role in this series. He grew up with the Megaldon's and cared for them and he has the same fire in his soul that his dad has and I can see where Alten is maybe going in terms of him taking up the family mantle and I think it's great. I can't wait to see where the story goes as the series moves forward.

My only complaints for this one is that it did seem short. I wish that the book had maybe an extra 50 pages because some parts really felt rushed and I wish certain things had been expanded on more than they were hence the 4.5 star rating.

Overall if giant sharks and other prehistoric creatures along with death, deep sea exploration and cussing are your thing I highly suggest giving the Meg series a try.

LOVED IT!

★★★★ 1/2

To "Like" Steve on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Steve on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Steve on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Steve's Website CLICK HERE 

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith

 

Summary:

 

An ancient predator has been reborn in the caves beneath Crater Lake…and it’s hungry.

Ex-cop Henry Shore has been Chief Park Ranger at Crater Lake National Park for eight years and he likes his park and his life the way it’s been. Safe. Tranquil. Predictable. But he’s about to be tested in so many ways. First the earthquakes begin…people begin to go missing…then there’s some mysterious water creature that’s taken up residence in the caves below Crater Lake and it’s not only growing in size, it’s aggressive and cunning…and very hungry.
And it’s decided it likes human beings. To eat.
And it can come up onto land.
So Henry, with the help of his wife, Ann; a young paleontologist named Justin; and a band of brave men must not only protect his park and his people from the monster but somehow find where it lives and destroy it…before it can kill again.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 316 pages (E-book)

Source: Won

Available Formats: E-book

Publication Date: August 29th 2012 by Amazon Kindle Direct

 

Killing, dinosaurs and a whole lot of action. That's how I can best describe Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith. When I won this one a couple of months ago in a giveaway I knew I'd end up really enjoying it and I really did.

 

You've probably already realized that I'm rather taken with the use of monsters, dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts in novels but if not let me tell you this. I love it! However, for me the story has to be just right and I've gotta hand it to the author of this one. She did it right!

 

Right from the first page I was swept up into the story and found myself reading late into the night because I was so anxious to see what would happen next and even though it meant feeling like a zombie the next morning I don't regret it at all.

 

What I liked most about Dinosaur Lake was the way that the author built the story up. Rather than reading as though it were a B rated movie with a transparent plot and one dimensional characters, Kathryn built up the actual story and her characters were very well developed and read like your every day regular people.

 

The fact that the book didn't start off with killing and an appearance of the dinosaur made me even more intrigued by the story because I was hoping that the author wasn't going to have the dinosaur appear at the end and not be a major focal point of the story but I'm happy to say this wasn't the case. I think the way she wrote in the dinosaur was genius and I loved the action in the novel and thought the plot was very well though out and I enjoyed all of it and was pleased to see a dinosaur horror novel done with a plot full of twists and turns and some frightening moments.

 

Overall, Dinosaur Lake was a really good read and I'm glad I read it when I did. It was awesome to see a woman writing a book like this because often the dinosaurs in novels theme is usually very male dominated. I liked the way the story built up and loved being swept up in the novel and feeling as though I were in the story especially in the scenes where the dinosaur appeared.

 

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a book with monsters or dinosaurs in it with lots of action and adventure. If you, like I had an obsession with dinosaurs as a kid I highly advise checking this one out. It was a fun read and the writing was superb! My only hope is that the author returns with another dinosaur themed horror novel but even if she doesn't I'm looking forward to reading her other books.

 

 

Really Liked It!
★★★★

 

 To "Like" Kathryn on Facebook CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Kathryn on Goodreads CLICK HERE

 To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

 

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!
★

 

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 

 

Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child

 

 

Summary:

 

A breathtaking discovery at the top of the world . . .
A terrifying collision between modern science and Native American legend . . .
An electrifying new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lincoln Child.

Two hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle lies Alaska’s Federal Wildlife Zone, one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth. But for paleoecologist Evan Marshall and a small group of fellow scientists, an expedition to the Zone represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study the effects of global warming.

Everything about the expedition changes, however, with an astonishing find. On a routine exploration of a glacial ice cave, the group discovers an enormous ancient animal, encased in solid ice. The media conglomerate sponsoring their research immediately intervenes and arranges the ultimate spectacle—the creature will be cut from the ice, thawed, and revealed live on television. Despite dire warnings from the local Native American village, and the scientific concerns of Marshall and his team, the “docudrama” plows ahead . . . until the scientists make one more horrifying discovery. The beast is no regular specimen—it may be an ancient killing machine. And they may be premature in believing it dead.

In this riveting new thriller, Lincoln Child weaves together a stunning Arctic landscape, a terrifying mythic creature, and a pervasive mood of chaos—and fear. With Terminal Freeze, Child demonstrates why he has become a major bestselling author, and why his novels electrify and enthrall so many.

Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 320 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: February 24th 2009 by Doubleday

 

A couple days ago I finally was in the mood to give this book a try. I'm a big fan of the Pendergast series that Lincoln Child co-authors with Douglas Preston and I've been curious to see how his standalone novels that he writes alone would turn out to be and I knew when I read the summary of this one that it would be a good place to start.

 

Terminal Freeze turned out to be a very quick read which I wasn't expecting at all. I was expecting it to be written at the same pace as the above mentioned series he co-authors but that was not the case at all with this one. Don't get me wrong, just because it was a quick read  doesn't mean that it wasn't a good read because it was.

 

The novel centers around a scientific expedition to the remotest of places in the arctic. While on the expedition the main character Marshall's team makes a remarkable discovery that puts everyones  lives in danger. Not heeding the warning by the leader of the local Tunit tribe people begin to die, but no one knows what is killing the victims except the local tribesman.

 

I'm always a sucker for thriller novels that take place in remote places and you have to admit the Arctic is pretty darned remote so it makes a thriller novel that much more chilling (pun intended) for it to take place there. I liked that the novel took place at a remote military installation because for me I like my thriller novels that have "mysterious" creatures to have lots of fire power. 

 

There was a hell of a lot of action in this novel and I enjoyed the blood and gore of it as well as the legend and mystery behind the creature, however the creature could have been written about in a more detailed manner and I did find that the story glazed over a lot about the creatures mannerisms and that the creature didn't make a real appearance (where it was described while making a kill) until rather late in the novel for my tastes.

 

I also think that while Marshall was a likable character that he along with the others were rather one dimensional, they had very little depth and I wish that more of Marshall's past had been explained and that we had gotten to know him and the other characters more.

 

Despite my issues with the lack of detailing in the creature as well as the one dimensional characters the action in the novel made it entirely worth the read. It was fast past and adrenalin filled and I had no idea who would be the next one killed so it kept me guessing.  

 

Overall, it was a fun read, it kept me interested and I enjoyed it. I would recommend this one to thriller fans with a hint of horror and mysterious beasts as well or if you just want a quick read that will have you at the edge of your seats. I can't wait to read my next Lincoln Child novel and I'm really glad that I have another one in transit from the library.
 

  Liked it!
★ ★ ★ 1/2

To become a "Fan" of Lincoln Child on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Lincoln Child's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 



Progeny by Patrick C. Greene

 

Summary:

 

Owen Sterling is a reclusive author living in a secluded house deep in the woods. When he welcomes his son Chuck for a summer visit, the eleven-year-old suspects something is not right at his father's home. His worries mount when he witnesses a confrontation between his father and some local hunters. Zane Carver is the local gun-shop owner who confronts the author over Owen's refusal to let anyone on his land for hunting or camping. He defies the recluse, taking a hunting party onto Owen's property. Soon, Zane and his buddies discover the writer's secret . . . a deadly secret; a creature whose infinite rage they have unwittingly ignited . . . that is now hunting them.

Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 230 pages (E-book)

Source: Kindle Freebie

Publication Date: October 20th 2012 by Hobbes End Publishing, LLC

 

 A couple weeks back when Mr. Turning the Pages went to a friend's house one evening I commandeered his iPad and set about reading Progeny one of the Kindle freebies that I had downloaded for Mr. Turning the Pages to read. After looking the book up on Goodreads I couldn't start reading the book fast enough.

 

It's no secret at all that I enjoy a good monster novel especially when the monster happens to be Big Foot. Honestly how can anyone not love a horror novel featuring one of the most iconic monsters in the world? Not me! I always love any novel with Big Foot and Progeny by Patrick C. Greene was no exception.

 

I was immediately drawn into the novel. It was set mostly in the outskirts of a small rural town in the middle of no where the setting was ideal for the type of novel this turned out to be. The story centers around a small but well rounded cast of characters. There's Owen the writer, his son, his love interest, as well as Zane Carver, his teenage son as well as Zane's hunting buddies and of course a family of Big Foot.

 

The novel centers around Zane who wants to make his son more manly and wants to piss off Owen who owns the land that the local Native American Tribe allowed him to purchase by hunting on the prime wilderness zone out of season. The two have had numerous confrontations about the subject of hunting but Owen holds fast. He's seen what is out there in the woods behind his home and he knows that they deserve protection.

 

Things seem to be going well until shortly after Owen's son Chuck comes for a visit when stuff between Zane and his son hits the proverbial fan accelerating both families towards a dangerous confrontation. Zane breaks the law along with his reluctant son and eager cronies steal on to Owens land and meet the creature no one knew existed.

 

A series of violent event follow for both human a Big Foot alike accelerating a confrontation between the two different yet similar species. The way Patrick wrote about the hunting scenes reminded me of how me of the typical arrogant small town hunters that we've all met or seen in movies. I thought that the way he created them and the tension between the hunters and Owen was great. In fact I thought all the characters were pretty well developed. True I would have liked to know more about them but the way they fit into the story is the reason why I thought they were so good.

 

I enjoyed the plot, while it may not be very unique on it's own it is unique in the way that the author told the story. The author's voice is what I feel made the book most enjoyable to me. There was a lot of action, violence, gore and a great storyline between the covers of this novel and I thought it was a wonderfully fun yet spooky read. The way that the author depicted the Big Foot species as being very human like was an added bonus that I could really appreciate. The pacing of the novel was great, it was neither to fast nor to slow it was just right. It was exactly the type of novel I needed to read at the time and it was a quick entertaining one at that. I think I managed to finish this one in just over two hours which I wish could have lasted longer because I enjoyed it so much.

 

Overall, I have to say that the author did a great job creating a spooky, action filled adrenaline rushing Big Foot novel and I can't wait to see more by him. My hope is he writes more books like this because I think that he did a great job. I would recommend this novel to anyone look for a quick spooky read with Big Foot as the star.

 

Really Liked it!
★ ★ ★ ★

To "Like" Patrick on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Bryan on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Bryan on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Bryan's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase Progeny via Amazon CLICK HERE

 

 

 

Thaw by Bryan Dunn

 

Summary:

 

"Thaw is an action-packed, heart-pumping thrill ride that keeps readers on the edge of their seats."—Will Plyler, Mania.com

Arctic bush pilot Harry McNills is minding his own business and dreaming of retiring to the Caribbean—when two scientists from Cryolabs Corporation charter his plane for a scientific expedition. The beautiful young biologist Amy Tyler and her boss, the avaricious Hayden Lockwood, want to explore for freeze-tolerant organisms. Harry gets more than he bargained for when he falls for Amy and discovers an ancient terror entombed in an iceberg. A Navy team is assembled to exhume the remarkable find. But before the job is completed, something goes horribly wrong…and Harry and Amy find themselves trapped in a desperate struggle for survival.

Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 240 pages

Source: Kindle Freebie

Publication Date: January 19th 2007 by Xlibris Corporation

 

I had Thaw sitting there taking up space on my Kindle for several months before I got to read it back in August. August can you believe I'm only just getting around to writing my review now? Thankfully I was gifted with a superb memoir for books so I'm able to retain a lot of what I've read for a long time.

 

When I did sit down to read Thaw I had no idea what to expect I just wanted to read a story about a creature trapped in the ice thawing out and wreaking havoc on as many people as it possible could. What can I say I absolutely love horror novels like this and often the cheesier they are the better it is for me.

 

Anyways, I went into reading the book with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. I loved the writing style and the characters even though it can be said that the book is pretty high up there on the cheese factor with the dialogue included in that I still had a lot of fun reading it.

 

The book was an action filled and a times a little spooky. But, mostly it was a fun read that held my interest because believe it or not there is talent required to pen these novels despite there being a lot of "cheese" in it. If a book can entertain me then I am more than willing to give it a fair rating.

 

I liked the way the author created his story line. Henry the Arctic Pilot was the usual rough and tumble character who teams up with Amy a biologist who is way out of his league and there are sexual overtures in the book but those were expected. Plus there was A LOT of killing and I loved it. What can I say with an older brother blood and gore was what I grew up on on so for me that added a lot to the story.

 

While the book may not win any awards for being the greatest piece of literature it was a well written and  entertaining read and my only true complaints about the book was that I wish the book didn't jump back and forth so often from the POV's of Amy and Henry and that there had been a little more action with the creature. I would have loved to have had the creatures description elaborated on. I did like the cliffhanger ending an I wish the author would write a second novel with the creature just to round it all off.

 

Overall, it was an entertaining read that I would recommend to people looking for a quick action packed read with lots of blood and gore. If you're a fan of monster novels I highly suggest checking this one out. I have another of the authors books sitting unread on my kindle and I can't wait to finally get to it. For me Bryan Dunn is an author I think I'll be watching and he definitely has a fan over here at Turning the Pages.

 

Really Liked it!
★ ★ ★ ★

 

To "Like" Bryan on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Bryan on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Bryan on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Bryan's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase Thaw via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase Thaw via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 

*[Blog Tour Review] Swamp Monster Massacre by Hunter Shae

 

 

Summary:

 

The swamp belongs to them. Humans are only prey.

Deep in the overgrown swamps of Florida, where humans rarely dare to enter, lives a race of creatures long thought to be only the stuff of legend. They walk upright but are stronger, taller and more brutal than any man. And when a small boat of tourists, held captive by a fleeing criminal, accidentally kills one of the swamp dwellers’ young, the creatures are filled with a terrifyingly human emotion—a merciless lust for vengeance that will paint the trees red with blood.

Summary & Photo provided by Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Length: 139 pages

Source: Review Copy

Publication Date: October 2nd 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.     

 

My oh my did I enjoy myself when I read this book! I mean really this book has Kimberly written all over it. Swamp monsters, death, and horror! This is definitely the kind of book I enjoy reading. It was the perfect book to read since this month is October and Halloween is just around the corner.

 

The book itself isn't all that long but that doesn't mean that the book is any less substantial for that reason in fact for me it was much more like reading a full length novel because of how much I enjoyed it.

 

There was so much this novella length book has to offer. There is crime, blood, gore and all the sorts of things you would associate with monsters. I for one really enjoyed the setting for the book it was actually one of my favourite parts of the writing.

 

When I finally sat down to read Swamp Monster Massacre I couldn't have picked a better night since I decided to read it on a really stormy night and my night table light was actually flickering which added a lot to the whole spooky ambiance of the novel.

 

At first I was a little confused as to what was going on but once I got may 5 percent in the story itself began pick up and gosh was I hooked on the intense and spooky nature of the novella. I loved the characters but I really loved the swamp monsters or Big Foot if you'd prefer to call them. If you've followed my blog for long enough you'll know I have a soft spot for books where there are monsters, dinosaurs or prehistoric beasts and this one truly filled the monster bill.

 

If you're looking for a really spooky read but may or may not have the time to read a full length novel than I highly recommend this especially if you love horror novels and horror novels with monsters. For me this novella has me hooked on Hunter's  writing and I can't wait to read more by him. I'm hoping he keeps writing more and more things like Swamp Monster Massacre because if he does I can guarantee that he'll have a fan for a long time to come.

 

*I received a free copy in exchange for my free and honest review. I was not compensated in any way and all thoughts and opinions expressed therein are my own.

Loved It!
★ ★ ★★★

 

To "Like" Hunter on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Hunter on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Hunter on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To Subscribe to Hunter's Youtube channel CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Dinosaur Jazz (The Jurassic Club #1) by Michael Panush

 

Summary:

 

Acheron Island is a world lost to time, home to prehistoric creatures from earth’s savage past.

The island’s occupants range from ferocious, man-eating dinosaurs and savage Ape Man tribes to strange ruins from a lost civilization. It is also home to Sir Edwin Crowe, son of the Victorian explorer who discovered Acheron Island, renowned big game hunter, scarred Great War veteran, and last of the world’s Gentleman Adventurers.

But now Acheron Island has some new residents – ruthless American businessman Selwyn Slade and an army of corporate cronies. Why has Slade brought all of his modern industrial power to conquer this world from the past? Can Sir Edwin uncover his strange purpose and protect this prehistoric world? Sir Edwin’s only allies are his stalwart Ape Man partner, a beautiful torch singer with a mysterious agenda, his strong-willed sister and her archaeologist boyfriend, and a family of American tourists – and they’re about to become the last hope of a lost world.

Its Jazz Age meets the Mesozoic Age in a world where cave men, gangsters, hunters, zeppelins, pirates, warlords and dinosaurs clash for a chance of survival. All that and more is waiting for you in Dinosaur Jazz, a tale of high adventure in a prehistoric world.

Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 320 pages (E-book)

Source: NetGalley ARC

Publication Date: June 13th 2012 by Curiosity Quills Press

 

I absolutely loved this novel. It had me as soon as I saw the title and the cover. The summary was just an added bonus because as soon as I saw it I requested it from NetGalley. How could I not? It's no secret that I have a minor major obsession with dinosaurs, prehistoric beasts, and hominids and have been since I was a little kid.

 

Dinosaur Jazz had everything I could ask for. It was as though I were reading a mash up of an Indiana Jones novel, The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroghs. The  last two being two of my favourite writers in the entire world.

 

I really loved the world in which author Michael Panush created Archeron Island and his merry and of gun toting characters. I'd have to say my favourite character besides Sir Edwin was James his Ape Man partner who was raised along side him as a brother.

 

Sir Edwin's father was the man who discovered the island that was lost in time and he is the premier game warden/travel guide on the island. He loves the island with every fiber of his being and he'll stop at nothing in order to see that the sanctity of the island and all of it's inhabitants people and animals are kept safe especially from one another.

 

So when things start going wrong on the island Edwin takes matters into his on hands in an attempted to save his beloved island home with his friends. Seriously, this book is probably one of the best adventure novels I've ever read. There's such an intensity to the authors writing that I couldn't help but become addicted to the story. There are dinosaurs, warriors and ape men to contend with in this novel and all of those elements lend themselves to an extremely readable, heart pounding adventure.

 

The writing was superb as were his apt descriptions, wonderful characterization and his ability to keep me reading as well as keeping me guessing as to what would happen next. I for one cannot wait to read the second book in the Jurassic Club series so I hope the author is hard at work writing it as we speak because he just gained a new fan in me. This is one novel that even though I have it in E-book format I will be buying myself a paperback as soon as I can.

 

I would recommend this book to everyone especially those who like old style adventure novels in the spirit of Doyle or Burroughs. I advise going into it with an open mind because it does take place in the early 1920's so the way people spoke is different and if you aren't familiar with the era it can take some getting used to. I think this would appeal to a lot of people because it is such a different style of book than the others that are on the market. If you do read it I hope you like it as much as I did.

 

* I received a free copy of this book from the published via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way.

 

To "Follow" Michael Panush on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Michael Panush on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 

 

Awesome, I loved it!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Night of the Bat by Paul Zindel

Summary:

When Indian workers begin to disappear from an expedition into the Amazon, fifteen-year-old Jake fears that his father, a bat biologist, is in great danger. Against his dad's wishes, Jake flies to Brazil and joins his father's research team, working high in the canopy of a remote stretch of the rain forest. Unfortunately, Jake's first climb up the rope bridges and suspended walkways of the dense forest leads him to discover the mutilated bodies of the missing Indians-and triggers a terrifying, explosive attack by an unknown winged beast. For a while the biologists and workers hunt the savage beast, but when Jake's father is attacked, it becomes clear that the hunters are now the hunted. Jake realizes that it is up to him to find some way of stopping the nightmarish creature before it returns to slaughter the rest of the expedition.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 144 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: July 1st 2001

Back when this book was first published I must have read it half a ddozen times and Paul Zindel has become one of my favourite childhood authors. His books were spooky enough for me to want to read over and over again without getting tired of them.

Since It's been a decade since I read this one though I really wanted to read it again. Sometimes I just get struck by the feeling that I have to read some childhood favourites every once in awhile. It's nice to sit back, relax and let nostalgia take over.

I really enjoyed reading this book again. I thought that despite all the new books out on the market that this one can still stand up to the competition though I believe it is now out of print. It's got adventure, death and a monsterously large bat that used to be a human that kills people! What more could a kid (boys especially) want in a book?

The only thing I didn't like about the book was Jake's father he really ticked me off. I didn't care for the way he spoke and treated his son. Though Jake is 15 he is still a child and I think that by not even welcoming his son or not even giving him so much as a hello hug really irked me. However I can see how this adds to the story and readers can connect to that sort of relationship if they infact have that sort of strained and forced relationship with their parent(s).

I highly recommend this as a must read for kids 10 - 12 years of age. Especially young boys because they'll really enjoy this story of one boy's triumph over the evil giant bat of the Amazon.

★ ★ ★ ★