Posts Tagged ‘reviews’

I couldn’t resist the synopsis for Thea. Always looking for more vampire horror. And I’d read some of Eric’s Bigfoot Wars books so it was a no-brainer to read his very short story The Night Of The Beasts.

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Thea

A Vampire Story

by Steven Jenkins

31440297

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Genre: Horror

My Review

Thea is a sad and sordid story of a mother’s obsession with saving her daughter. After losing her first one to drugs, her drunken focus is on keeping her remaining daughter safe, at any cost.

I can’t say one good thing about Thea’s mother. Poor Thea. And soon enough, poor mother.

Even though I suspected where this was going to go, it was still well worth the read. Especially as I enjoy a dark, twisty vampire story.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

How far would you go to protect your child?

Vampires are real – hidden among us, concealing their lust for human blood. But monsters come in many forms. Teenage boys, drug addiction, underage sex – single mother Sarah battles to keep these demons from her daughters.

As the long nights of worry start to feed Sarah’s paranoia, she must take desperate measures to save her family.

Although sometimes, the only way to kill a monster…

…is to become one.

Amazon

Thea is free right now. Click on the cover or the link above to grab a copy.

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The Night Of The Beasts

by Eric S. Brown

The Night of the Beasts by [Brown, Eric S. ]

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Genre: Horror / Short Story

My Review

The author once again provides bloody sasquatch mayhem with The Night Of The Beasts, a very brief account that occurs over one night during the Bigfoot Wars.

For folks who prefer their beasts to be true villains with nothing on their minds but ripping humans into little bitty bits, this won’t disappoint. But don’t get attached to the character’s. They’re not at the top of the food chain anymore. As one man soon learns when the hospital where he works comes under attack.

I swear, I held my breath through most of this. It started so calmly and bulldozed into carnage. Wicked fun. And bravo for the killer cover art. Take a close look at it.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Eric S Brown, author of the highly praised Bigfoot War trilogy, brings you this exclusive story which takes place inside the world of Bigfoot War II: Dead in the Woods. Night of the Beasts is an apocalyptic tale that mixes a zombie pandemic with a brand new take on the Sasquatch mythos. It tells the story of one hospital’s fate on the night the world as we know it ends and the beasts emerge from the woods to feast on human flesh

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

Today I’m sharing a couple of scary good werewolf stories. These continue the Outage Series. Got them on sale. And the boxed set for the first three books is FREE! Grab it on Amazon HERE.

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The Reckoning

 Outage #4

by T.W. Piperbrook

26874548

Genre: Horror / Suspense

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My Review

The storm is still blowing, people are still dying, and the wolves are still raging.

Tom is the lone survivor of the showdown at the end of book three. He’s lost his wife and seen some hideous things. When he wakes up in the hospital, he thinks it’s all over. He’s made it. But he soon learns the storm isn’t finished and neither are the wolves.

Something this author excels at is group dynamics. He puts a bunch of people together in close confines, threatens them with horrible death, and their reactions ring true. Being a fan of character driven stories, especially in the horror genre, I eat this stuff up. And I often wonder how I’d react. Would I be the brave one, step forward and handle things calmly and wisely?. Would I be the hysterical one, fall to pieces and scream my head off? Or would I be the coward, the one no one can rely on who does something stupid?

I’m glad I’m not one of the characters in this book as the body count’s high and there’s no guarantees for anyone. The wolves are too many to count and almost impossible to kill. Claws slash, teeth gnash and it’s bloody mayhem. Perfect for creature and horror fans. And a great continuation in the series.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

I’m at the hospital…it’s over.

When Tom awakens, he is greeted by law enforcement, medical treatment, and a sense of normalcy—all the things that have been missing for the last day.

What Tom doesn’t know is that some nightmares are meant to be relived, and The Great Storm is far from finished…

Amazon

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The Change

 Outage #5

by T.W. Piperbrook

27782684

Genre: Horror / Suspense

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My Review

 The massacre at the hospital is over. Tom’s survived another night. But with only one more night to feed, the wolves are more dangerous than ever. And Tom isn’t feeling like himself anymore.

With each book I read in this series, I was left wondering what could be worse than this. And with each new book, the author showed me. So I came into this last book with open eyes, knowing it was going to be crazy. And Piperbrook gave me so much crazy. So much suspense. So many bloody werewolf scenes. And a protagonist I’d grown too fond of. That’s not wise as the character’s usually don’t survive. And that ramped up the suspense for me.

The ending is violent. It’s almost over and the wolves won’t go gently into the night. And the epilogue is a hoot. Or should I say a howl.

If you like the sound of this one, be sure to start at the beginning of the series. Each books picks up right where the last leaves off.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Survival is just the beginning…

Having escaped the hospital, Tom must face a new enemy: himself. New questions arise as he travels through the white wasteland. Will he survive the remainder of The Great Storm?

More importantly, does he want to?

Amazon

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I reviewed this a while ago but thought I would share it again.

Outage Boxed Set

Books 1- 3 of the Outage Horror Suspense Series

by T.W. Piperbrook

25917235

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My Review

I read the first book in this series and loved it, so when I saw this boxed set for the first three books on Amazon, I had to grab it.

It’s kind of hard to review these separately as it would have to contain some spoilers, so I’m going to tell you about it like it’s one book.

It literally does start on a dark and stormy night. The blizzard has arrived, the power is staring to fail, and the residents of the town, those that haven’t left yet, are free game for the creatures. Doors don’t keep them out. Guns don’t seem to do more than slow them down for a bit. And the dark and snow work to their advantage.

I love a scary good creature story and the ones offered up by the author are so bad, so cunning and vicious, so hungry. And they are everywhere. They’ve been waiting for this.

Another thing I like is when the elements work for the monsters and against the humans. What could be worse than the snow storm of the century. These werewolves knew it was coming and planned accordingly. Some were already living there, and some came with the storm.

Imagine how horrible it would be. First, you witness something so horrific and unbelievable. Then you get past the fear and shock, and accept that the creatures exist. Now what?

Well, you round up anything you can use for weapons and enter the dark, cold night.You try to drive out of town, struggling through snow drifts and hoping you don’t slide off the road.  You see some people being attacked by the creatures. Do you stop to help? Probably not the best idea. Too many of them and you’ll probably just end up torn to pieces. You’re cut off from the outside world and your fear and doubt escalate. Is this happening everywhere?

So on you go. Seeking shelter and safety, and the things out there are following you. This is their time.

There was a lot of suspense and carnage to keep this horror fan happy. The suspense was edgy, and there were some good surprises. Even when I knew what was coming, it was fun reading how it happened.

This is a series I would only recommend you read in order. The books all start pretty much where the last one left off.

Books four and five are out now, so I’ll be grabbing them too.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

This specially-priced bundle contains the first three books in the OUTAGE series:
*Outage
*Outage 2: The Awakening
*Outage 3: Vengeance

ABOUT OUTAGE:When an early snow ravages the small town of Plainfield, the residents are stripped of heat, power, and mobility. They’ll soon wish they had protection. Somewhere outside, something else is lurking. Waiting for the chance to strike…

FREE On Amazon

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Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing some more fun adventure books in the Captain No Beard series by Carole P. Roman.

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Strangers On The High Seas

A Captain No Beard Story #4

by Carole P. Roman

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Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

 My Review

It’s a beautiful day on the high seas and the crew of the Flying Dragon are getting to know the newest member of the gang. Cayla, the cabin girl, is a bit young and they all take turns making sure she doesn’t get inot trouble. But trouble finds them.

A ship flying the Jolly Roger is heading their way. Oh no, it’s the Shark Bait pirate ship.  They say the captain is so mean he bites his own tail. What will they do?

Oh boy, I got a case of the giggles reading this one. And I laughed out loud at how new crew member, Cayla inadvertently saved the day.

Each new book I read in this series just endears the characters to me more and I’m anxious to see who joins this zany pirate gang next.

Your kids will get the giggles too, and ooh and aah over the fun, colorful illustrations. Sure to be a big hit.

5  Stars

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Synopsis

When the Flying Dragon gets a new crew member, Captain No Beard soon discovers that every person is valuable in his or her own way.Responsible for his new crew member and baby sister, the Captain becomes unhappy with his situation and begins to think that being a captain is hard work.

However, when the dreaded Barnabas the Scurvey Dog begins to chase the Flying Dragon, the fearless Captain has to put aside his problems and keep everyone safe. In their race to escape, the Captain, his loyal First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the Lion, Fribbet the Frog, and Polly Parrot soon find out that help can come from the most unlikely of places.

The Captain’s new award winning adventure is the charming fourth entry in the Captain No Beard children’s book series. With a delightful message that teaches children not to judge a book by its cover, this exciting journey will excite young readers as well as teach them valuable life lessons. While stressing the importance of never marginalizing someone because they don’t look like they can help or keep up, the adorable crew teaches children the importance of not talking to strangers. Filled with thrilling adventure, this amusing book will teach children the important lessons in their young lives, all while keeping then riveted from the very beginning.

Amazon / B&N

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The Treasure Of Snake Island

A Captain No Beard Story #5

by Carole P. Roman

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Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

 My Review

The seas are calm and it’s a beautiful red sky morning on the Flying Dragon.. But Polly says to take heed. A storm is brewing. The crew doesn’t believe her so she explains what she read in a book.

Red sky in morning, sailor take warning. Red sky at night, a sailor’s delight. I learned some hand rhymes like this when I was young. There’s also one for poisonous coral snakes. Red on black, friend of Jack. Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Another snake is very similar to it and it helps you know which one is poisonous.

I love how the sailor’s poem prepared the crew for a storm they couldn’t even see yet. And all because Polly the parrot loves books.

They weather the storm and follow a treasure map to a small island to hunt for bounty. It’s what pirates do, don’t you know?

Oh, it was crazy cute what was in the treasure chest they dug up. Carole sure knows how to spin a charming, funny story.

Kids will want to go on a treasure hunt too. But they’ve already found it. It’s this wonderful book of adventure and imagination.

5  Stars

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Synopsis

After a fierce battle with a storm, the crew goes in search of treasure. Alexander, that is, Captain No Beard uses a map to locate it on the ominous sounding Snake Island. Bravely they dig until they find the best treasure ever!

Amazon / B&N

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to my Monday Minis where I share shorter reviews of books I’ve read.

I’m reading this cute, fun series By Carole P. Roman called Captain No Beard.

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An Imaginary Tale Of A Pirate’s Life

A Captain No Beard Story

by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

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My Review

It’s a busy day on the Flying Dragon and all hands are on deck for a new adventure. But before they set sail, the pirates all have their assigned chores to do. Then its off to sea, where they battle a raging storm and a mysterious voice from the deep to get back home.

What a charming story.

Alexander is a young boy with a big imagination. His crew is made up of stuffed animals and his cousin and first mate, Hallie.

I adored the fun character’s in Carole’s story, such as Fribbet the frog, Mongo the monkey and Captain No Beard. And the illustrations were colorful and busy.

This crew of pirates set my imagination to buzzing, remembering when I was young and all of the flights of fancy I had then. And while there’s lessons to be learned, they’re subtle and add to the fun.

A story to be shared and read over and over again, the adventure will never get old and the lively illustrations will reveal something new each time.

5 Stars

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Description

Captain No Beard and his pirate ship The Flying Dragon set sail for a voyage of the imagination with his fearless crew of four: First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the loudmouthed lion, and Fribbit the floppy frog. Normally a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and three stuffed animals, once they board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel, sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures!

Captain No Beard – An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life named to Kirkus Reviews’ BEST OF 2012 for Children’s Indie Books, and garnered the star of remarkable merit!

Amazon

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Pepper Parrot’s Problem With Patience

A Captain No Beard Story

by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

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My Review

There’s a new member on the crew of the Flying Dragon. Before they can set sail, Pepper the Parrot must learn the drills. Pepper can’t tell left from right and keeps getting frustrated. It’s up to the crew to help her learn and to accept that some things take time and practice.

Carole once again makes learning fun with her lovable band of pirates. I fell in love with them all over again. And every page shares delightful illustrations that will charm both parent’s and children.

I love these pirates. How they work together. Help each other overcome obstacles. And all end up happy and ready for the next adventure.

Another extraordinary children’s tale, sure to get plenty of bedtime story requests.

5 Stars

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Description

The crew of the Flying Dragon is sailing again. This time, new crew member, Pepper Parrot is having a hard time keeping up with the drills. Captain No Beard and his mates join together to help Pepper achieve her goals with patience and tolerance.

Amazon

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Stuck In The Doldrums

A Captain No Beard Story

by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

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My Review

Captain No Beard always says being captain is hard work. He thinks he has to be best. That he knows all. But when his crew doesn’t do what he wants, he gets mad and decides he doesn’t need them. Until he does.

A fun story about having friends but also being one. And that it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself. I’m sure many kids will identify with that.

The lively illustrations tell the story as much as the words do. I continue to be charmed by these rambunctious pirates.

This is the third book in the series and I love that a new character was added. I wonder who the next one will be and what challenge they will face. I’m sure it will be fun to find out.

5 Stars

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Description

When the wind stops blowing, Captain No Beard and his crew, including First Mate Hallie, Linus the Lion, Fribbet the Frog, Mongo the Monkey and Polly the Parrot, are stuck on a desert
island. Marooned with nothing to do, they begin to play and enjoy themselves. However, Captain No Beard has other ideas, bossing his crew around and making playtime cheerless for everyone. Soon, Captain No Beard decides he has had enough and storms off. When his ship is attacked by a giant squid, he realizes he needs his crew more than ever.

Captain No Beard and his crew show young readers that’s it’s important to cooperate and share your belongings. The crew teaches us that if you want to have friends, then you must be a friend too.

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills!

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to

get those scares on for the 31st!

I love stories with sea monsters. Got three fun ones to share today by Peter Tremayne.

The Curse Of Loch Ness

by Peter Tremayne

35992505

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Genre: Horror

My Review

Right from the get go this story had weird vibes. Kind of supernatural.

When Jeannie arrives at the castle she inherited in Scotland, she’s met by a strange woman claiming to be the estate’s housekeeper. She’s rude and kind of creepy. And it sets the tone for what’s to come.

As Jeannie explores the castle and surrounding area, she begins to think something is wrong. Where is everyone? What is wailing below the castle? Why does she feel impending doom?

I liked this book. Almost felt gothic. All gloomy and desolate. And the author gave an interesting angle on the creature. Why it’s there. What it wants.

Not too scary and reads kind of slow in the beginning, but then it gets intriguing. A different kind of Nessie.

 3 Stars

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Synopsis

Through the gaps in the swirling mist she could make out, perhaps two hundred feet below, something which looked like a rag doll, arms and legs askew at strange angles.

London-raised Jeannie Millbuie has received news that she has unexpected inherited a Scottish castle after the death of her previously unknown relative.

As the only heir of Donald Millbuie, Jeannie travels up to Scotland to take a look at Balmacaan Castle to determine its future.

The castle, which stood on the banks of Loch Ness, along with its odd housekeeper, Mrs. Murdo, and tales of the oddly reclusive previous owner, is a bit in bad shape, but Jeannie is determined to not make a rash decision about its future.

The weird wailing that echoed through the castle and the general eerie atmosphere led to Jeannie asking questions which Mrs. Murdo brushes off, but after exploration of her relatives old quarters reveals a journal, she learns of a horrible truth the Balmacaan Castle and lake is hiding.

Millbuie and the being hiding in Loch Ness have tied fates – and the terrifying and hideous truth will threaten safety and sanity in a race to the end.

The Curse of Loch Ness is a menacing story of the marriage of man, myth and magic in a nightmare world of compulsive horror and evil.

Amazon

This was first published in 1979. Here is the original cover.

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Nicor!

by Peter Tremayne

34724899

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Genre: Horror

My Review

A beast beneath the waves. Now that sounds interesting.

When men drill too deep into the ocean sea bed they awaken an ancient beast. That’s when it all starts. People disappear. Mysterious attacks are made on the oil rig. And then the beast shows itself. It’s every man for himself when the killing really begins.

I’ve seen several movies and read plenty of books with this story line. Never gets old for me.

And while this one didn’t blow me away, it was a fun creature story. I can’t resist monsters from the deep. And this one is a water demon. Something different for me.

3 Stars

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Synopsis

Nicor the mythical water demon…

The monsters straddled the bay, giant black rowers, spurring flame far into the tropical night. From the belly of each a long, sharp proboscis stabbed down into the sea bed…

Oil rigs. Slashing, whirling teeth biting greedily into the ocean floor, sucking deeply of its secrets. Secrets that should have remained forever buried in those peaceful waters.

Oscar Blumen, a drilling superintendent is working aboard one such oil rig – ES 127. A semi-submersible anchored in the Caribbean Sea.

His job, and the job of his fellow employees aboard the oil rig, is to drill a new hole…

For in those Caribbean depths lurked something beyond the feeble powers of man, an abomination that the oilmen’s relentless probing would provoke into a violent frenzy of retribution and surging…

Amid murders, disappearances, police investigations and mysterious attacks on the oil rig itself, the crew must fight for their lives against a seemingly unreal and unbelievable monster…

Amazon

This was first published in 1987. Here is the original cover.

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The Morgow Rises!

by Peter Tremayne

35005186

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Genre: Horror

My Review

Over fishing forces the fishermen of the Cornish village of Bosbradoe to venture further and further out to sea to find fish. On one such trip a man and his son are attacked in their boat. A giant leviathan from the depths of the ocean has risen. It’s angry. It’s hungry. It could be unstoppable.

A quick read, though a bit slow to really get into the meat of the story. I liked the Morgow. An interesting legend and new to me. That’s always intriguing.

Take a good look at the cover. Doesn’t that look like a giant piranha? i would have liked more scenes with the monster but this was still a fun read.

3  Stars

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Synopsis

Beware when the Morgow rises;
Lament for the living.
Lament for the unborn.
All things end!

Billy Scawen and his son, Jack are local fisherman of the sleepy coastal, Cornish village of Bosbradoe.

This season, the fishing has been particularly bad.

What could be causing this shortage of fish?

Twenty-five years ago, Billy had skippered a trawler out of Penzance. That had been in the days when the Cornish fishing fleet was a force to be reckoned with.

Without protection for native fishermen, the Cornish seas were being farmed bare by the factory trawlers from upcountry, from France and even from the Soviet Union.

This meant the locals had to go further and further afield just to make their living.

While out to sea, aboard their ship, Ysolt IV, Billy and Jack have no choice but to explore further to find a decent haul.

Suddenly, something hard seemed to smash into the underside of the boat. The waters around them seemed to erupt. Billy Scawen’s mouth dropped open in horror, the briar pipe falling to the boards and smashing to pieces.

Then young Jack Scawen gave one long, piercing shriek of terror…

Amazon

This was first published in 1982 Here is the original cover.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

I’ve got some oh so good ones to share today.

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Mass Hysteria

by Michael Patrick Hicks

35496858

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Genre:  Horror

My Review

I loved the idea of this book. A meteor shower crosses paths with Earth, unleashing an alien virus that turns all animals against us. What’s not to love for this horror fan.

Came into this prepared for some bloody chaos and got it and got it and got it. Once the animals attack, and it happens fairly quickly, it’s relentless.

I feel I should stress that this is very graphic and gory. The scenes ain’t pretty. Not supposed to be. When I read about a herd of deer working together to ambush and kill people, I ate it up. So many kinds of animals and ways to die, I couldn’t wait to see what the author threw at me next. And got a huge shock at what he did.

A must read for all fans of horror.

   4  Stars

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Synopsis

It came from space…

Something virulent. Something evil. Something new. And it is infecting the town of Falls Breath.

Carried to Earth in a freak meteor shower, an alien virus has infected the animals. Pets and wildlife have turned rabid, attacking without warning. Dogs and cats terrorize their owners, while deer and wolves from the neighboring woods hunt in packs, stalking and killing their human prey without mercy.

As the town comes under siege, Lauren searches for her boyfriend, while her policeman father fights to restore some semblance of order against a threat unlike anything he has seen before. The Natural Order has been upended completely, and nowhere is safe.

…and it is spreading.

Soon, the city will find itself in the grips of mass hysteria.

To survive, humanity will have to fight tooth and nail.

Amazon

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The Great Zoo Of China

  by Matthew Reilly

24373516

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Genre: Thriller

My Review

I’ve enjoyed many of this author’s books so it was an easy choice to read this one. The title had me kind of curious and then I read the synopsis and was hooked.

This is a zoo like no other and China plans to capitalize on that. They see big money and power with their expensive enterprise. And that means covering up anything that does or will go wrong, by any means necessary. This adds to the danger for those invited to a private unveiling. When it does go wrong, it’s not just the creatures in the zoo they have to fear.

As for those creatures. I’m not going to tell you what they are. I do suggest you take a closer look at the cover. All of it. You’ll see for yourself.

What I really liked, besides the creatures getting loose, plotting their escape, and eating people, was their diversity. You have those that fly, slither, and swim. Some see us a food opportunity and some see us as being in their way.

It’s one heart pumping scene after another as the characters struggle to survive. Only a few of them were on my hope to survive list. The rest, I read on to see if and how they met their end.

For fans of Jurassic Park, this is a good one for ya. If they build it……well, you know what happens next.

  4  Stars

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Synopsis

GET READY FOR ACTION ON A GIGANTIC SCALE

A high-concept, action-packed thriller from the bestselling author of SCARECROW AND THE ARMY OF THIEVES.

It is a secret the Chinese government has been keeping for 40 years. They have found a species of animal no one believed even existed. It will amaze the world.

Now the Chinese are ready to unveil their astonishing discovery within the greatest zoo ever constructed. A small group of VIPs and journalists has been brought to the zoo deep within China to see its fabulous creatures for the first time. Among them is Dr Cassandra Jane ‘CJ’ Cameron, a writer for NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and an expert on reptiles.

The visitors are assured by their Chinese hosts that they will be struck with wonder at these beasts, that they are perfectly safe, and that nothing can go wrong…

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to My Monday Minis where I share short reviews about books I’ve read.

When I was first offered a book to review from Bette Lee Crosby, I was hesitant. Contemporaries aren’t really a genre I read much of. Many years and lots of books later, I’m so happy I accepted.

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Passing Through Perfect

The Wyattsville Series #3

by Bette Lee Crosby

23377843

Genre: Historical / Contemporary / Romance

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My Review

I adored the first two books in this series, Spare Change and Jubilee’s Journey. Once again Bette has us step back to earlier times,  where we meet Delia and Ben as they fall in love and fight to stay together despite what other’s may want.

Bette can write with a southern twang. Her descriptions of settings, how people comport themselves and what the consequences are for defying family seep into you.

This is a story of hope and despair, of fighting against prejudice and finding goodness in the least likely of places. Passing Through Perfect is an excellent choice for the title of this book.

From the first sentence I was hooked and never looked back, turning each page and relishing the saga of two young lovers defying their families to be together and the travesty that befalls their decision.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Benjamin Church came to the grange hall expecting to meet someone else, but then the girl in a red dress looked across the dance floor and smiled…

Passing through Perfect is a heart-wrenching, Southern family saga that starts on the night Benjamin fell madly and completely in love with Delia. Once he tasted the sweetness of her kiss, he envisioned them spending the rest of their life together.

He didn’t stop to consider her daddy was a learned Pastor and her mama a woman with a college degree; he only knew she set his heart to racing. When he touched his mouth to hers, he forgot the hardships of being a sharecropper, forgot what it was like to work from dawn ‘til dark and forgot that nothing in Grinder’s Corner ever really changed.

Benjamin’s only thoughts were about lying together every night, sitting side by side on the front porch, and raising a family. Yes, he knew there’d be heartaches. Every couple had their share of heartaches, it was to be expected; but he never imagined such a tragedy would befall their family.

Winner of the 2016 RONE Award for Inspirational Fiction and the 2016 Readers Favorite Gold Medal.

Amazon

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Memory House

The Memory House Series #1

by Bette Lee Crosby

31559914

Genre: Fantasy / Contemporary / Romance

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My Review

I was spellbound by this moving story about Ophelia and the young guest, Annie, who finds her way to her doorstep and her heart. These two women were a delight to meet and each one holds a special place in my heart.

Ophelia is nearing 90 and time is running out for her. Annie is a young woman with no direction, drifting through life and looking for her place to call home. Was it fate that brought them together? I like to think so.

I loved this story. The excitement to see what would happen, to see if what I wanted to happen would and where these two women wound up kept me flipping the pages. Every time something I wanted to happen did, I looked up, wanting to share what I just read. No one was there.  Probably a good thing as I would have spoiled the book for them.

I can share this with you though. Bette has a way of sprinkling connections to her other books into this story. I recognized characters and events, and even some of the objects that held memories. It endeared this book to me even more.

I finished with a sigh of delight and a twinkle in my eye. Magical.

  5 Stars

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Synopsis

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A MEMORY TO OUTLIVE ITS OWNER?

Ophelia Browne knows the answer is yes. She knows because she’s been granted the unique gift of finding and caring for those forgotten memories. But now she’s nearing ninety, and Browne women seldom live beyond ninety.

Before time runs out Ophelia must find a successor. Someone who can take hold of the gifts and keep the memories from fading.

When broken-hearted Annie Cross shows up on the doorstep of The Memory House Bed and Breakfast, Ophelia knows she is the one. The two women forge a bond of friendship as they sip magical dandelion tea and share stories. When Annie starts to sense the memories Ophelia is delighted, but then a thread of violence begins to unravel and Ophelia fears things have gone too far.

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing A.J. Cosmo’s new release, NUTS 2. I loved the first book and have enjoyed many others he’s written. Come make some furry friends.

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 NUTS 2

Wally’s Talent

  by A.J. Cosmo

35827496

 

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Genre: Children’s Book

Ages: 4 – 11

Grade Level: 1 – 3

My Review

It’s always fun to be back with this ‘nutty’ family of squirrels. And it looks like Wally’s in quite the pickle again.

After losing a game of nutball, Wally falls into the doldrums thinking he’ll never be good at anything. Chestnut says that everyone is special so no one is special. In an odd way that makes sense.

What will Wally’s talent be? We shall see.

I’m sure you’ve seen how spastic squirrels are. Add in the angst of youth and that’s Wally. He’s impatient and wants answers ASAP. His frustration made me smile. I could hear my mother’s voice telling me it will all work out.  I couldn’t wait to see how this tale ended.

There’s more adorable, colorful illustrations in this second book and a new lesson to be learned. I can just imagine how excited young ones will be, thinking, I get what he means. I bet you’ll get it too.

What makes me love this series so much is it fits that saying, “Learning can be fun!” It sure is.

   5  Stars

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Synopsis

After throwing the big game, Wally struggles to figure out what he’s good at. What could that be though, and is there anything his family can do to snap him out of it?

Perfect for frustrated middle-graders, this book is all about those times when we feel like we’re no good at anything.

Recommended for second-grade readers.

My name is A.J. Cosmo and I teach imagination and heart to children. My books are crafted to educate and entertain in unique and interesting ways. Everyone has felt like he or she wasn’t talented at one point or another, especially me, so I wrote something to encourage you when you’re down.

Amazon

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Just in case you want to read my review of NUTS, the first book, I’m sharing it again.

 Nuts

  by A.J. Cosmo

29751321

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Genre: Children’s Book

Ages 4– 9

Grade Level: 1 – 3

My Review

Right from the beginning this story felt so familiar. It began with Wally the squirrel and his sister and parents driving to his grandmother’s house for a family reunion. I remember playing the car games. I Spy and counting objects we passed by. And it never failed, someone always asked, “Are we there yet?”  Remember those family road trips?

The more I read, the more fun I had. If it weren’t for the colorful, fun illustrations I would have forgot this was about a family of squirrels. That’s how much I connected with them. And those illustrations. You should see the expressions on the squirrels faces. Too cute.

And the author gets quite creative with their names. There’s Wally and his sister, Pistachio. His mother, Brazil and father, Almond, Grandma Praline and Uncle Peanut. A few more relatives are introduced. Can you guess what their names might be? Every time I read their names I grinned. It’ll be fun for your kids to see how many “nuts” they recognize.

Wally thinks it’s all about the presents. Everyone exchanges names and brings a gift. He’s impatient to eat so they can start opening them. But family reunions are much more than that. Something Wally will soon learn.

I’ve read many of A.J.’s books and Nuts is one of my favorites. He includes special messages in such clever ways. If my son ever gets around to giving me grandkids, you can bet I’ll share this with them. I can almost hear the snickers and exclamations of excitement when they see the pictures and read about Wally and his family.

   5 Stars

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Synopsis

Ever felt like your family was crazy?

All Wally wants to do is open presents, but before he can he has to endure his nutty family!

Written for siblings of autistic children, this fully-illustrated heart-warming, story teaches tolerance and understanding for everyone.

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

I’ve got some thrillers to share today. Final Girls and ZOO.

Both of these were more like 3 1/2 stars but, since I don’t do half stars, I bumped them up.

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Final Girls

by Riley Sager

32796253

 

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Genre: Mystery / Thriller

My Review

I’m always on the lookout for a new thriller and this has been making the rounds. I won a copy and dove right in.

I was pulled in by the beginning. Not so much by any action, as by the idea of this book. There’s three girls who’ve all lived through different homicidal massacres, each years apart. They are all lone survivors. All three are Final Girls.

From here, it’s predictable but still interesting. The first Final Girl dies a suspicious death and the other two girls band together for safety in numbers. Seems like a good idea. Or maybe not. One girl can’t remember her experience and the other seems to know more about it than she does. Okay, that sets up the suspense.

I’ve read a lot of thrillers. Seen a bunch of movies in the genre. So I kind of knew the formula. Even with some gruesome scenes and a twsit or two, I just wasn’t all that thrilled. Maybe it was my mood. Or perhaps I’ve been reading too many books in this genre.

I did like this book. Just never found that extra oomph to make me love it. I’d still recommend it.

   4  Stars

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Synopsis

Ten years ago, college student Quincy Carpenter went on vacation with five friends and came back alone, the only survivor of a horror movie–scale massacre. In an instant, she became a member of a club no one wants to belong to—a group of similar survivors known in the press as the Final Girls. Lisa, who lost nine sorority sisters to a college dropout’s knife; Sam, who went up against the Sack Man during her shift at the Nightlight Inn; and now Quincy, who ran bleeding through the woods to escape Pine Cottage and the man she refers to only as Him. The three girls are all attempting to put their nightmares behind them, and, with that, one another. Despite the media’s attempts, they never meet.

Now, Quincy is doing well—maybe even great, thanks to her Xanax prescription. She has a caring almost-fiancé, Jeff; a popular baking blog; a beautiful apartment; and a therapeutic presence in Coop, the police officer who saved her life all those years ago. Her memory won’t even allow her to recall the events of that night; the past is in the past.

That is, until Lisa, the first Final Girl, is found dead in her bathtub, wrists slit, and Sam, the second, appears on Quincy’s doorstep. Blowing through Quincy’s life like a whirlwind, Sam seems intent on making Quincy relive the past, with increasingly dire consequences, all of which makes Quincy question why Sam is really seeking her out. And when new details about Lisa’s death come to light, Quincy’s life becomes a race against time as she tries to unravel Sam’s truths from her lies, evade the police and hungry reporters, and, most crucially, remember what really happened at Pine Cottage, before what was started ten years ago is finished.

Amazon

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ZOO

by James Patterson

with Michael Ledwidge

15790934

 

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Genre: Thriller

My Review

I read this back when it was first released. Actually, I won an ARC copy with three alternative covers. Pretty cool.

After reading so many books by this author I was really psyched to read Zoo. Something is affecting the animals. All of them. They rise up and turn their deadly attention on mankind. Sounds like fun to me.

And it was. I devoured it in a couple of hours.The only thing that slowed me down was pausing to savor each attack as it occurred. The character’s were okay. Liked some more than others.

I have to admit, the main reason I wanted to read this was for the horror aspect. My imagination ran wild. How and why would it happen? How many ways could humans die and from what kinds of critters. I got my answers and had some fun. What kept it from being a killer story, I’m not sure. Perhaps it bogged down in some areas. Too much character information in others.  Still well worth the read.

  4  Stars

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Synopsis

Once in a lifetime, a writer puts it all together. This is James Patterson’s best book ever.

Total

For 36 years, James Patterson has written unputdownable, pulse-racing novels. Now, he has written a book that surpasses all of them. ZOO is the thriller he was born to write.

World

All over the world, brutal attacks are crippling entire cities. Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread. When he witnesses a coordinated lion ambush in Africa, the enormity of the violence to come becomes terrifyingly clear.

Destruction

With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders before it’s too late. The attacks are growing in ferocity, cunning, and planning, and soon there will be no place left for humans to hide. With wildly inventive imagination and white-knuckle suspense that rivals Stephen King at his very best, James Patterson’s ZOO is an epic, non-stop thrill-ride from “One of the best of the best.” (TIME)

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping. In Honor of Shark Week, I’m sharing some books about the dead eyed creatures for ya.

I’ve got a few good ones to share today.

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One Pissed Off Shark

by Zack Scott

13594889

 

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Genre: Horror

My Review

This has B-movie written all over it. Young people, booze, sex, and one pissed off shark. And what’s really fun is it’s written like a screenplay, kind of. Having seen so many movies, I easily visualized the scenes and it all played out in glorious chomping and gnashing.

Sometimes it’s fun to not give a damn about the characters and just keep reading to see how they meet their bloody end. LOL There’s plenty of chum here. I was making a list and adding the character’s in the order I wanted them eaten. None have any real redeeming factors.

If you like man eating sharks and lots of silliness and characters you could care less about, this would be a fun one for ya. I read it straight through and it flew by. Some scenes made me squirm, but mostly I just grinned madly and enjoyed the show.

  3  Stars

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Synopsis

Ray and his friends have anger issues. So does the shark hunting them.

This book is free on Amazon. You can click on the cover to grab a copy.

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MEG

MEG #1

by Steve Alten

105744

 

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Genre: Horror / Thriller

My Review

I don’t even know how many times I’ve read this book and the rest of the series. It’s one of my go to books when I want to just relax and enjoy the story. Plus, I love anything sharks. Who doesn’t.

Jonas Taylor is one the best in deep sea submersible dives. When he’s sent down on a secret dive into the Marianna Trench, he barely makes it back alive. His claims that a Megalodon almost ended his life is met with derision by his peers and he sinks into depression. After years trying to prove he’s right and waking up screaming from freakish nightmares, Joans is compelled to once again brave the deep, and what happens next is worse than any nightmare he’s ever had.

Oh yeah, I loved this book. From the character’s, to the shark, and everything in-between, it was awesome. Steve is a wonderful storyteller and has you believing Megs do still exist. There’s much argument about that, which I won’t go into, but I choose to say, who knows? The ocean is the least explored place on our planet and new species are discovered all the time.

I myself, hope they do but, then I don’t. After reading books and seeing movies about Great White Sharks, I think they’re bad enough. For something that could use a 20 footer as a toothpick to arrive in our waters is truly terrifying.

Dive into MEG. Meet her up close and personal. Once the action starts, it’s a whole lot of gnashing and blood. If your a fan of sharks and horror, you’ll eat this up.

 5  Stars

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Synopsis

Revised and Expanded. On a top-secret dive into the Pacific Ocean’s deepest canyon, Jonas Taylor found himself face-to-face with the largest and most ferocious predator in the history of the animal kingdom. The sole survivor of the mission, Taylor is haunted by what he’s sure he saw but still can’t prove exists – Carcharodon megalodon, the massive mother of the great white shark. The average prehistoric Meg weighs in at twenty tons and could tear apart a Tyrannosaurus rex in seconds. Taylor spends years theorizing, lecturing, and writing about the possibility that Meg still feeds at the deepest levels of the sea. But it takes an old friend in need to get him to return to the water, and a hotshot female submarine pilot to dare him back into a high-tech miniature sub. Diving deeper than he ever has before, Taylor will face terror like he’s never imagined. MEG is about to surface. When she does, nothing and no one is going to be safe, and Jonas must face his greatest fear once again.

Amazon

I kept hearing this was going to be made into a movie for years. And now, it’s happening. And there is a great cast for the characters too. It’s due to release in 2018. Check out the trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEFdn4kad-A

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While this isn’t part of Steve Alten’s megalodon series, it does have prehistoric sharks in it. And a bunch of other nasty sea beasts. Loads of action and fun.

Vostok

The Loch #2

by Steve Alten

22542136

 

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Genre: Horror / Thriller

My Review

   

I loved Steve’s Meg series. Who wouldn’t love a prehistoric shark loose in today’s oceans. I’ve read the complete series and then moved on to The Loch. Another winner with a prehistoric creature lurking in Loch Ness.

Steve has brought two amazing characters together from these books. Marine biologist Zachary Wallace and Dr. Jonas Taylor. Both of these men have drowned and come back from meetings with giant terrors of the deep seas. Neither ever thought they would enter primal waters again, but here they go.

From the village of Drumnadrochit, Scotland,  to America, and back to Scotland to battle and defeat the beast of Loch Ness,  Zachary is now about to jump down the rabbit hole into the coldest place on earth. Antarctica. But not on the surface. He’s going two and a half miles below the ice cap to an undersea lake called Vostok.

No man has ever gone there before and Vostok has been undisturbed for over 15 million years. Here be monsters. Behemoths of unimaginable size and voracious appetite.

Imagine it if you can. Lasers burn the way, forming a narrow tube for the sub to pass through the ice cap. You break through and fall, plunging into a vast undersea lake over a thousand feet deep. A beast rises, mouth gaping wide, teeth taller than you, so huge you can’t grasp it.

When things go wrong, which they do, who do you call for help? How long will it take for them to get there, if they even can?

And what if there is another reason for sending you down there? Something ancient, powerful, non terrestrial that you have to retrieve. Big brother has their sticky fingers in this expedition. They want what’s down there. No one knows what they are up to. You get it or die trying. Sounds like a conspiracy doesn’t it?

The cast of characters is diverse and many. Some were old favorites and some were new to me. I crossed my fingers the good guys would survive, but you never know with Steve. He’s not above killing some off. And the bad guys. Some were just annoying, and some I’d drop through the tunnel myself.

By the time I reached the third part of the book, I was feeling the terror, the frustration, the courage of these characters. And then the author took the story in yet another direction. I stumbled  a bit. Partly because it was hard for me to grasp how it worked at first. And partly because I didn’t want it to go in that direction. I was dragged kicking and screaming away from my beasts. I went with it though, and soon was engrossed and into it.

Vostok is the crossover book that brings The Loch and The Meg series together for the upcoming release of Meg 5: Nightstalkers. The title alone has me imaging all types of monsters.

 I follow Steve’s newsletter and have been waiting years for his Meg book to be made into a movie. It will be coming soon and I’m sure it will be a huge hit. From there, maybe we’ll be meeting these beasties on the big screen.

Thanks so much to Steve Alten and Rebel Press for gifting me a Limited Edition Hardcover copy for my honest review.

What a strange, terrifying, spectacular ride it’s been from the first Meg book to Vostok and beyond!

5 Stars

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Synopsis

East Antarctica: The coldest, most desolate location on Earth. Two-and-a-half miles below the ice cap is Vostok, a six thousand square mile liquid lake, over a thousand feet deep, left untouched for more than 15 million years. Now, marine biologist Zachary Wallace and two other scientists aboard a submersible tethered to a laser will journey 13,000 feet beneath the ice into this unexplored realm to discover Mesozoic life forms long believed extinct and an object of immense power responsible for the evolution of modern man.

In this sequel to The Loch and prequel to the upcoming MEG 5: Nightstalkers, New York Times best-selling author Steve Alten offers readers a crossover novel that combines characters from two of his most popular series.

Steve Alten is the New York Times and International bestselling author of fourteen novels, including the MEG series about Carcharodon Megalodon, the 70-foot, 100,000 pound prehistoric cousin of the Great White shark and Domain trilogy, a series about the Mayan Calendar s 2012 doomsday prophecy. His work has been published in over 30 countries and is being used in thousands of middle and high school curriculum as part of Adopt-An-Author, a free teen reading program, which he founded with teachers back in 1999.”

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE