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Book Review: Subhuman: A Unit 51 Novel by Michael McBride

Subhuman: A Unit 51 Novel by Michael McBride

Pinnacle, 2017

ISBN-13: 978-0786041589

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, audiobook, audio CD

Subhuman is the first book in a new series, Unit 51, and if the signs are correct, this will be one of the most exciting thriller/horror series in several years. Imagine Michael Crichton and F. Paul Wilson teaming up to write “The Thing”, and you’ll have an idea of what Michael McBride has accomplished in this book. This entertaining story with tons of fascinating science and history takes the reader on an exhilirating ride through the thrilling plot, with plenty of adventure and horror.

Five of the top scientists in the world have been are invited to investigate something strange in Antarctica. A billionaire has built a research facility  that has broken through the ice, and discovered something that will change both the past and future. Strange, misshapen skulls have been found all over the globe, and clues have pointed to an ancient race that may signal explanations for many of the mysteries which have plagued mankind for thousands of years. The scientists find the remains of a long-lost civilization under the surface, and later, when microbes are examined, the scientists find that some of the race from the lost civilization  may not be completely extinct. The cells under the microscope fight death, and may shatter conspiracy theories everywhere.

It will be great to see where this series goes next as, while the science can be heavy at times, it never overwhelms, and the action scenes breeze by with skill. Subhuman doesn’t skimp on anything that makes a thriller thrill and has just the right amount of horror. A great mix of genres that will keep fans awake late at night, and frustrated that the ride is over too quickly. Recommended.

 

Reviewed by Dave Simms

 

 

Posted on November 17, 2017 by , Reply

Book Review: Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

Doubleday, 2017

ISBN-13: 978-0385541992

Available: Hardcover, Kindle edition, audiobook

 

If you grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, the title of this book tells you exactly up to expect, but even if you don’t pick up on the reference, Meddling Kids is a fun, suspenseful read.

The Blyton Summer Detective Club fell apart after the Sleepy Lake monster case, when another scummy criminal was unmasked and sent to prison after being foiled by those… well, you know.  Now, 13 years later,  Andy, the kickass girl of the team, is on the lam, and seeking out the rest of the gang of mystery fighters; Kerri, the genius, now drinks away her days with her loyal dog at her side; Nate, the oddball is in a mental hospital, recovering from the events he believes were real; and Peter, the leader of the group, who killed himself years ago and is now visible only to Nate.  Gathered together again, they learn that something else might have been active in their last case, other than the criminal they caught… something that feels somewhat Lovecraftian.

Edgar Cantero is very careful not to name the cartoon he lampoons here (it rhymes with Roobie Roo), but he has penned a crackerjack story that, for the kids of the 1970s and 1980s who grew up watching the show on Saturday mornings, is pure gold. The novel’s references to the cartoon will transport fans of the show back decades, with plenty of laughs and headshakes.

Fans who grew up with the original gang will love the story, with horror and cartoon references abounding. It’s exactly what we expect to read about the future of the characters from this favorite show. Prepare to read through this book with a grin on your face and hands gripping the pages. Here’s hoping that Edgar Cantero keeps the adventures coming.

 

Reviewed by Dave Simms

Posted on November 9, 2017 by , Reply

Book Review: Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook by Christina Henry

Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook by Christina Henry

Berkley Publishing Group, 2017

ISBN: 9780399584022

Available: paperback, ebook, Audible book

I have to open with a caveat: I don’t like my villains explained, nor do I like their histories to be written. I’ve avoided the film Maleficent for this reason. That being said, there is a very small collection of these stories I do appreciate, the Wicked series being some of them. Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook will be added to my small collection of explored villainy.

Jaime is the first Lost Boy, the first child Peter Pan leads to the secluded island where mermaids frolic in the lagoon, pirates loot, and the Many-Eyed are to be feared. Jaime can’t remember what his former life in the Other Place was like, with the exception of a song he hums every once in a while much to Peter’s annoyance.  Peter, with Jaime by his side, brings boys from the Other Place to join in the fun, but Peter’s idea of fun is much darker than the original story relates. Peter promises immortality and youth always, but Jaime remembers all of the boys he has had to bury during his time on the island. The only conclusion Peter’s best friend in all the world can come to is that Peter lies.

What happens when some of the boys start growing up?

Christina Henry’s dark story of childhood and innocence lost turns the story of lovable, adventurous Peter Pan into one of savagery, danger, and the agony of growing up. Peter’s methods for coaxing the lost children of the Other Place into the magical land where boys never age are much more traumatic than merely sprinkling on some pixie dust and thinking warm thoughts. His methods are cold, calculating, and deadly. He’s an incredibly manipulative figure in Lost Boy. He is truly horrific.

Jaime takes on the role of protector, especially when Peter brings in the youngest of the Lost Boys, Charlie, to the island. Jaime warns him he wouldn’t be able to hold his own, let alone keep up with the rest of them. Peter’s selfishness wins the day, however, and Charlie is introduced to his new world. Peter very quickly tires of him and plots against him at every turn. The more Jaime takes care of the smallest boy, the more the signs of age start to encroach. Peter notices.

At first, I wasn’t sold on the horror genre assigned to this title. The more I got into the story, the more I agreed with it, and for several reasons. There is the horror of the leader of the Lost Boys actually being a narcissist and sociopath. He cares nothing for the children he brings to Never Land as long as they love him unconditionally and obey his every whim. This is the most clear when the Battle is mentioned. This is a fight to the death of two boys, or more, who cannot resolve their conflicts any other way. Jaime buried them all. Then there is Jaime’s realization of how he came to the island and the death of his mother. Another horrific aspect of the story is Jaime working through the selfishness of youth and coming to terms with growing up. I don’t want to give too much away, but his becoming Captain Hook feels both horrifying and liberating.

I wouldn’t recommend this for children, but for those of you who want to revisit your childhood through a different lens, pick up Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook. It will make you think about the original story in a very different way. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to reread Peter Pan… Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Contains: blood, gore, violence

 

Posted on November 2, 2017 by , Reply
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