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Fatalis
A local newspaperwoman and a melancholy anthropologist team up when the construction of a metropolis above Los Angeles wakes from suspended animation a species of giant intelligent cats who begin stalking humans as part of their own mission. 10,000 first printing.
355 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 21, 2022
Fatalis
by Jeff Rovin
Ever get in the mood for a B horror movie? I do a lot. I find it a fun and entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. Not often but if it is a pretty good one, well, it's worth the time. This was like that. I like picking up books like this. A totally unbelievable story, a horror, and I just let myself go there! Fun, entertaining, and often predictable but it was still fun! I'm flawed! Can't help it!
by Jeff Rovin
Ever get in the mood for a B horror movie? I do a lot. I find it a fun and entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. Not often but if it is a pretty good one, well, it's worth the time. This was like that. I like picking up books like this. A totally unbelievable story, a horror, and I just let myself go there! Fun, entertaining, and often predictable but it was still fun! I'm flawed! Can't help it!
October 20, 2021
An very engaging audiobook that was exciting from beginning to end. Sometimes it's so much fun reading something that sounds ridiculously impossible but at the same time very entertaining story
October 31, 2011
i was reading this while in a tree stand in in the middle of the woods in the middle of the night and i was scared to death. i was so unnerved i about jumped outta the tree. i thought for sure that the bow i had wouldnt hurt a sabor tooth tiger and that i was a goner. check this one out i loved it
November 6, 2021
The premise for 'Fatalis' is a good one - a group of sabre-toothed cats, Smilodon fatalis, have been deep-frozen in a cave since the end of the Ice Age, only to thaw out and begin wreaking havoc in present-day California. Unfortunately, the book promises interest and excitement it does not deliver.
Though the author attempts to give the characters some depth by roughly sketching out their backgrounds, they come across as fairly one-dimensional - they are easily predictable and their motives are clear. Sheriff Malcolm Gearhart sees the cats only as a threat and is determined to kill them, feeling that if he can protect the public he will have made up for his perceived failure as a soldier in Vietnam. On the other hand, anthropologist Jim Grand, grieving for his recently-deceased wife, wants to save them at any cost, thus alleviating his guilt at not being there for his wife when she died. Journalist Hannah Hughes seems to have been tacked on simply as a possible new love-interest for Grand, and the numerous other characters are largely superfluous to the plot - many of them are introduced only to be killed off moments later by the sabre-tooths.
The cats themselves, when they eventually appear, are vastly oversized, and their behaviour varies from the unlikely to the just plain ridiculous - at one point they leap into a helicopter from the branches of a tree, at another they take to the sea and attack a boat from underneath. They seem to prey solely upon human beings, killing far more of them than they could possibly eat for no apparent reason, and in the end pay the price for their bloodlust when they are machine-gunned out of existence (though they do take almost everyone but Grand and Hughes with them).
As an epilogue, Grand discovers six sabre-toothed cubs hiding in a cave. Four of them he hands over to the authorities to be displayed in a zoo, the remaining two he sets free in the wild, secure in the knowledge that he has 'done the right thing' and 'given them a chance'. How the creatures are expected to survive without adult guidance or protection, in a world very different from the one they are adapted to, and how the species is supposed to continue with only these two representatives who, being siblings, risk the detrimental effects of inbreeding if they reproduce, is not discussed.
In conclusion, if you approach this book with low expectations you may enjoy it as a completely implausible, straightforward, no-surprises man-versus-beast sort of tale, but if you are hoping for a realistic insight into the possible interactions between humans and prehistoric beasts, full of intrigue, plot twists and memorable characters, you will be disappointed.
Though the author attempts to give the characters some depth by roughly sketching out their backgrounds, they come across as fairly one-dimensional - they are easily predictable and their motives are clear. Sheriff Malcolm Gearhart sees the cats only as a threat and is determined to kill them, feeling that if he can protect the public he will have made up for his perceived failure as a soldier in Vietnam. On the other hand, anthropologist Jim Grand, grieving for his recently-deceased wife, wants to save them at any cost, thus alleviating his guilt at not being there for his wife when she died. Journalist Hannah Hughes seems to have been tacked on simply as a possible new love-interest for Grand, and the numerous other characters are largely superfluous to the plot - many of them are introduced only to be killed off moments later by the sabre-tooths.
The cats themselves, when they eventually appear, are vastly oversized, and their behaviour varies from the unlikely to the just plain ridiculous - at one point they leap into a helicopter from the branches of a tree, at another they take to the sea and attack a boat from underneath. They seem to prey solely upon human beings, killing far more of them than they could possibly eat for no apparent reason, and in the end pay the price for their bloodlust when they are machine-gunned out of existence (though they do take almost everyone but Grand and Hughes with them).
As an epilogue, Grand discovers six sabre-toothed cubs hiding in a cave. Four of them he hands over to the authorities to be displayed in a zoo, the remaining two he sets free in the wild, secure in the knowledge that he has 'done the right thing' and 'given them a chance'. How the creatures are expected to survive without adult guidance or protection, in a world very different from the one they are adapted to, and how the species is supposed to continue with only these two representatives who, being siblings, risk the detrimental effects of inbreeding if they reproduce, is not discussed.
In conclusion, if you approach this book with low expectations you may enjoy it as a completely implausible, straightforward, no-surprises man-versus-beast sort of tale, but if you are hoping for a realistic insight into the possible interactions between humans and prehistoric beasts, full of intrigue, plot twists and memorable characters, you will be disappointed.
August 14, 2025
Meow Meow Meow! These kitties got claws! This book is full of feline ferocity! Near purrfection in its violence and mayhem!
November 8, 2011
I have read this book twice now and without doubt the first reading was more exhilarating than the second. Not that Jeff Rovin isn't a good action-thriller writer; by all means he is. It's just that his 'Fatalis' failed to bring the kind of scientific logic required to make this re-emergence of the extinct carnivore, Smilodon Fatalis aka Saber Tooth Cat theory plausible. His attempt to explain how these massive cats woke up from a forced ice age hibernating stupor after 11,000 years, was too simple for my liking; especially when I read the book the second time. His 'Cryogenics' hypothesis was glaringly light.
However, putting the scientific logic aside and looking from purely visceral level, Fatalis does have its moments. I particularly liked Rovin's description of the pre-historic cats' military style hunting tactics. If it truly was the way they hunted, then these cats were more than just savage beasts but a highly evolved social group with an advanced intelligence to overturn today's mankind dominated world should they had survived extinction. That notion is quite intriguing indeed. Nonetheless, for a species of this kind to have vanished along with the mastodon, mammoth and giant sloth, to name a few during the ice age, tells that they were mere beasts who couldn't adapt and thus died out while man managed to survive. Therefore, Jeff Rovin's Smilodon Fatalis was more of a pre-historic creature built on creative imagination. They were a species that at the time of writing was perhaps lesser known than we do today I reckon. And there's nothing wrong with that either. We need imagination and Rovin brings quite a lot of that to this book.
Overall, the storyline and plotting were commendable though the characters were one dimensional; but that was okay because the central attraction were the Saber Tooth Cats and their instinctive pursuits first and foremost. All said, 'Fatalis' was a fun book to read (twice and no more) and even though it wasn't the spine-chilling horror as I would have liked, it kept me engrossed throughout anyway. Apart from the rather vague realism factor, the book wasn't all that bad.
However, putting the scientific logic aside and looking from purely visceral level, Fatalis does have its moments. I particularly liked Rovin's description of the pre-historic cats' military style hunting tactics. If it truly was the way they hunted, then these cats were more than just savage beasts but a highly evolved social group with an advanced intelligence to overturn today's mankind dominated world should they had survived extinction. That notion is quite intriguing indeed. Nonetheless, for a species of this kind to have vanished along with the mastodon, mammoth and giant sloth, to name a few during the ice age, tells that they were mere beasts who couldn't adapt and thus died out while man managed to survive. Therefore, Jeff Rovin's Smilodon Fatalis was more of a pre-historic creature built on creative imagination. They were a species that at the time of writing was perhaps lesser known than we do today I reckon. And there's nothing wrong with that either. We need imagination and Rovin brings quite a lot of that to this book.
Overall, the storyline and plotting were commendable though the characters were one dimensional; but that was okay because the central attraction were the Saber Tooth Cats and their instinctive pursuits first and foremost. All said, 'Fatalis' was a fun book to read (twice and no more) and even though it wasn't the spine-chilling horror as I would have liked, it kept me engrossed throughout anyway. Apart from the rather vague realism factor, the book wasn't all that bad.
July 22, 2021
Interesting plot twists and entertaining narration. Some language and sexual situations. 3-1/2 *
May 19, 2011
Big ass sabre tooth cats start coming out of caves in the foothills of Southern California. Mayhem ensues.
Not a very good book but the cover caught my eye and the concept sounded like a nice easy romp.
Not really recommended.
Not a very good book but the cover caught my eye and the concept sounded like a nice easy romp.
Not really recommended.
July 1, 2015
There was a hope that this would deliver the way "VESPERS" did, but it lacked in some ways. Still a very entertaining read. Ideal as a rainy weekend read.
February 14, 2017
The only thing I didn't like was the author kept saying "the scientist" or "the young woman" for the main characters
January 17, 2025
Sabretooth cats are on the loose in Santa Barbara. Anthropologist Jim Grand seems to know what is going on, but is far more interested in Chumash paintings in caves. He teams up with over-eager reporter Hannah Hughes to try to get the story out there, while trying to convince Sheriff Malcolm Gearhart that the threat is real, but that they should aim for conservation rather than extermination.
This has to be one of the most boring so-called horror books that I have ever read. The sabretooth cats barely make an appearance for at least half of the book. Before then, it just the reader being introduced to ancillary characters who are quickly killed by the cats, and then following various law enforcement personnel around as they try to figure out where the bodies went.
It is hard to get into the spirit of the book when the main character is far more concerned about Chumash paintings in caves than he is about anything else. Every time the sabretooth cats do something or kill someone, Grand is thinking, "What does this have to do with those Chumash paintings I saw the cave?" EVERY FUCKING TIME. Good grief, Jim, giant prehistoric cats are on the loose and mauling people! Forget about those bloody drawings for five minutes!
This one really tested my patience. The characters weren't interesting, the pacing was deadly dull, the sabretooth action was limited (the book is more interested in Chumash drawings) and it failed to engage me on any level. With some script tweaks, however, it could make for a decent movie.
This has to be one of the most boring so-called horror books that I have ever read. The sabretooth cats barely make an appearance for at least half of the book. Before then, it just the reader being introduced to ancillary characters who are quickly killed by the cats, and then following various law enforcement personnel around as they try to figure out where the bodies went.
It is hard to get into the spirit of the book when the main character is far more concerned about Chumash paintings in caves than he is about anything else. Every time the sabretooth cats do something or kill someone, Grand is thinking, "What does this have to do with those Chumash paintings I saw the cave?" EVERY FUCKING TIME. Good grief, Jim, giant prehistoric cats are on the loose and mauling people! Forget about those bloody drawings for five minutes!
This one really tested my patience. The characters weren't interesting, the pacing was deadly dull, the sabretooth action was limited (the book is more interested in Chumash drawings) and it failed to engage me on any level. With some script tweaks, however, it could make for a decent movie.
March 19, 2026
Not bad.
A rather preposterous plot involving resurrected Sabre Tooth cats in modern day situation and all the carnage that ensues.
A budding romance between a paleontologist and a reporter as they uncover the clues to the cats purpose and their assumptions and imagination as to the cats appearing in the present day.
Various characters are introduced early on that we never hear of again and we have a Sheriff that is still pissed off about "Nam" and like Rambo is still fighting the war in his own little kingdom.
Lots of death and mayhem is followed as the Sheriff and Paleontologist butt heads.
A quick read with nice short chapters that keeps going at a nice pace.
Worth a read if you're into the b-movie creature features of yesteryear.
A rather preposterous plot involving resurrected Sabre Tooth cats in modern day situation and all the carnage that ensues.
A budding romance between a paleontologist and a reporter as they uncover the clues to the cats purpose and their assumptions and imagination as to the cats appearing in the present day.
Various characters are introduced early on that we never hear of again and we have a Sheriff that is still pissed off about "Nam" and like Rambo is still fighting the war in his own little kingdom.
Lots of death and mayhem is followed as the Sheriff and Paleontologist butt heads.
A quick read with nice short chapters that keeps going at a nice pace.
Worth a read if you're into the b-movie creature features of yesteryear.
November 13, 2021
I would give this book more stars if I was able to. I really, really liked it. Just so good from start to finish! I hated to see it end.
The sabretooth tigers were phenomenal. This book was also a lot longer than I've been reading lately but it didn't seem like it. Characters were well developed and it all just worked so well. There were a few places where I thought a page or two wasn't needed but it was hardly noticeable.
Highly recommend if you like this genre.
The sabretooth tigers were phenomenal. This book was also a lot longer than I've been reading lately but it didn't seem like it. Characters were well developed and it all just worked so well. There were a few places where I thought a page or two wasn't needed but it was hardly noticeable.
Highly recommend if you like this genre.
February 1, 2024
This has been my all time favorite book since I found it at a books-a-million on my 8th grade trip to the state capital. I read it cover to cover in 2 days time. I've re-read it multiple times since then and every time it's as amazing as that first read through. I can't love this book enough. It's amazing. The writing draws you in. The imagery and the details, I just can't adequately explain how good it is. If you haven't read it, definitely give it a go.
January 19, 2023
If you ever watched any of the creature flicks on the SciFi channel between 2000 and 2012, you would like this book. A good book about saber-tooth cats somehow surviving into modern California. About a sheriff trying to stop them, a scientist trying to save them, and a reporter in between trying to get the story. Blood and terror rule the night in the LA foothills. I give it a 3.5 out of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2018
**3.5 stars**
February 11, 2022
The Sheriff is insufferable.
November 30, 2023
3.5 Stars.
Read
September 1, 2024DNF. Couldn't get into it.
September 26, 2026
Probably 3.5 stars. Good book but a bit overwritten for me
March 22, 2022
I love creature features, and I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The characters tended to be pretty one-note, but the semi-omniscient POV helped flesh them out a bit. The biggest drawback for me was the female lead (there are both male and female leads in this one), who was incredibly annoying. She consistently and deliberately did asinine things which put herself and her friends in danger, when they were all in the highest risk situations. After several of these instances, I lost all sympathy for her and started rooting for the cats to eat her. There is only so much stupid one can take in a character, when the stakes are quite literally life and death.
Overall, the book is entertaining, despite the premise being a bit far-fetched. But it's a cryptid story, so the logic of how the fantastical creatures came to be is potentially already questionable, and I didn't mind it. The cats are the best characters, and we see plenty of them. There is also a lot of spiritual backstory, which is well-done and interesting. I liked it enough to want to check out other books by this author.
Overall, the book is entertaining, despite the premise being a bit far-fetched. But it's a cryptid story, so the logic of how the fantastical creatures came to be is potentially already questionable, and I didn't mind it. The cats are the best characters, and we see plenty of them. There is also a lot of spiritual backstory, which is well-done and interesting. I liked it enough to want to check out other books by this author.
June 22, 2014
This book is about Smilodon Fatalis that have been brought back to life through cryogenics.
I found the book quite entertaining and have read it several times. Trust me when I say that if you are going to read it then you will want the hard back copy as there are more details printed in it.
There are several reviews that have not rated this as a good book. But I say to each his own.
If you like prehistoric, military, gung ho type books then this is one you may well want to read! Just do it with all the lights on and after you take your dog out for his last business of the day! I guarantee you will not want to be out after dark after reading this book!
I found the book quite entertaining and have read it several times. Trust me when I say that if you are going to read it then you will want the hard back copy as there are more details printed in it.
There are several reviews that have not rated this as a good book. But I say to each his own.
If you like prehistoric, military, gung ho type books then this is one you may well want to read! Just do it with all the lights on and after you take your dog out for his last business of the day! I guarantee you will not want to be out after dark after reading this book!
Read
October 13, 2009Fatalis is a book based on prehistoric thoughts. The old stories brought back in this riveting tale. As this book is about carnivorous beasts that get closer to civilization and kill unsuspecting humans. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a classic thriller. This fast-paced book keeps you guessing on whats going to happen next. Jeff Rovin made the Saber-Tooth tiger scarier then other historical beasts.
July 25, 2011
Suppose a pack of trapped sabertooths were loosed from the frozen state and began to pounce on unsuspecting hikers near LA. well, that is the premise of jeff Rovin's novel. Surprise, it works!
November 10, 2013
First time I read it the going was slow; second time was much better!
January 11, 2014
The cover tells the tale-maneaters in California. Would make a great Val Kilmer movie.
November 11, 2025
iceage action packed!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews