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The Earthburst Saga #4
The Anomaly
I guess saving the world once wasn't enough…
First it was the auroras, lighting up Europe every night.
Then came the weird clouds over Africa.
The tidal shifts... the failing crops... the crazy changes to animal migration...
And I think all of this is just the start.
I don't buy the official line that these are natural occurrences.
Not anymore. Not since a whistleblower hid a coded message in my invitation for an upcoming commemoration ceremony on The Vita.
Now I know the truth — that Earth is in serious danger from the side-effects of their reckless research.
Since the moment I found out, I’ve known what I have to do.
Three years ago, I went into space and almost died saving the world from a madman’s evil plan.
When I made it home, I swore I'd never leave my family behind again.
But to make sure we'll still have a planet to call home in another three years, I have to go back.
And this time, they're coming with me...
______________
The Anomaly is the fourth book in The Earthburst Saga, which begins with Last Man Standing. From Craig A. Falconer, bestselling author of the global blockbuster Not Alone.
First it was the auroras, lighting up Europe every night.
Then came the weird clouds over Africa.
The tidal shifts... the failing crops... the crazy changes to animal migration...
And I think all of this is just the start.
I don't buy the official line that these are natural occurrences.
Not anymore. Not since a whistleblower hid a coded message in my invitation for an upcoming commemoration ceremony on The Vita.
Now I know the truth — that Earth is in serious danger from the side-effects of their reckless research.
Since the moment I found out, I’ve known what I have to do.
Three years ago, I went into space and almost died saving the world from a madman’s evil plan.
When I made it home, I swore I'd never leave my family behind again.
But to make sure we'll still have a planet to call home in another three years, I have to go back.
And this time, they're coming with me...
______________
The Anomaly is the fourth book in The Earthburst Saga, which begins with Last Man Standing. From Craig A. Falconer, bestselling author of the global blockbuster Not Alone.
- GenresScience Fiction
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
202 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 31, 2025
4.5 stars
The Anomaly kickstarts arc two of The Earthburst Saga, and in many ways it gives us more of what we’ve come to expect from the three books that make up the first arc. Three years have passed since the events of Operation Slingshot, and one of the key things that sets this book back slightly is that there’s some scene setting needed in order to get us up to speed. We have the same core set of characters, and the general theme is the same, but it’s a new set of events, a new threat that needs to be introduced.
That scene setting did give this one a bit of a slow start, but the easy style of both the writing and the audiobook narration (which remains top notch) meant that was no hardship. Reading these books just for the entertainment value means the series has some credit in the bank as I’ve been really enjoying them. Here, that is still the case, although I thought it was a bit of a step down from the previous three books.
Although we still have the immediate threat to life, it all seems a bit easier to deal with here, a bit less gung-ho. Still, I did enjoy book four of nine, even if it’s my least favourite so far. Hopefully now we have set the stage for what is to come, the next book will have an easier time of it. The possibilities now feel a bit endless, so I’m excited to see what’s next.
The Anomaly kickstarts arc two of The Earthburst Saga, and in many ways it gives us more of what we’ve come to expect from the three books that make up the first arc. Three years have passed since the events of Operation Slingshot, and one of the key things that sets this book back slightly is that there’s some scene setting needed in order to get us up to speed. We have the same core set of characters, and the general theme is the same, but it’s a new set of events, a new threat that needs to be introduced.
That scene setting did give this one a bit of a slow start, but the easy style of both the writing and the audiobook narration (which remains top notch) meant that was no hardship. Reading these books just for the entertainment value means the series has some credit in the bank as I’ve been really enjoying them. Here, that is still the case, although I thought it was a bit of a step down from the previous three books.
Although we still have the immediate threat to life, it all seems a bit easier to deal with here, a bit less gung-ho. Still, I did enjoy book four of nine, even if it’s my least favourite so far. Hopefully now we have set the stage for what is to come, the next book will have an easier time of it. The possibilities now feel a bit endless, so I’m excited to see what’s next.
May 31, 2023
The Anomoly is Outstanding
The amazing series continues. The story evolved from the catastrophic damage to earth as madman, Zola would stop at nothing to mine theocite, including the destruction of earth to power a space journey to Bayzen, many light years distant.
The main character Ray, comes to life to tackle a mysterious set of events on Earth. Child development is pronounced and a great concern for all. In addition, the auroras can be seen throughout earth, cloud formations and weather changes, the tides and more. Something is very wrong.
Ray attributes the effects to research on the space station. The book jumps into the saga of trying to find out what is causing this. Ray is joined by his family, the parrot Laika, Driver, Major and other people with expertise to find out what is causing the strange effects on the planet.
The team digs in to learn about the research and it's impact. The data has not been shared, and that's a cause for concern. Ray sifts through the many projects on the station and encounters a threat to the station. A computer virus was planted with the instructions to have the robot trigger an explosion and destroy the station.
The Anomoly is full of twists and turns. It is very suspenseful with a very unexpected ending. I am already looking forward to the next in the series.
The amazing series continues. The story evolved from the catastrophic damage to earth as madman, Zola would stop at nothing to mine theocite, including the destruction of earth to power a space journey to Bayzen, many light years distant.
The main character Ray, comes to life to tackle a mysterious set of events on Earth. Child development is pronounced and a great concern for all. In addition, the auroras can be seen throughout earth, cloud formations and weather changes, the tides and more. Something is very wrong.
Ray attributes the effects to research on the space station. The book jumps into the saga of trying to find out what is causing this. Ray is joined by his family, the parrot Laika, Driver, Major and other people with expertise to find out what is causing the strange effects on the planet.
The team digs in to learn about the research and it's impact. The data has not been shared, and that's a cause for concern. Ray sifts through the many projects on the station and encounters a threat to the station. A computer virus was planted with the instructions to have the robot trigger an explosion and destroy the station.
The Anomoly is full of twists and turns. It is very suspenseful with a very unexpected ending. I am already looking forward to the next in the series.
September 12, 2023
Rather boring
The introspection just doesn't fit in this scenario. As Ray gets into his introspective mood, I'm wishing he'd get beyond it and get going with the story. There are a number of twists and turns to this story which is almost independent of the preceding trilogy. Because there is a need to understand the various characters, I doubt this book can be a standalone.
Ray gets convinced to go to the Vita space station, and take his family along. He thinks he's going to solve the mystery of the anomaly. While at the station, he discovers someone is going to blow the station up. He teams up with the old gang, and Laika, to save the station, but there's a cliffhanger meaning you have to wait for the next book to get the full story.
The introspection just doesn't fit in this scenario. As Ray gets into his introspective mood, I'm wishing he'd get beyond it and get going with the story. There are a number of twists and turns to this story which is almost independent of the preceding trilogy. Because there is a need to understand the various characters, I doubt this book can be a standalone.
Ray gets convinced to go to the Vita space station, and take his family along. He thinks he's going to solve the mystery of the anomaly. While at the station, he discovers someone is going to blow the station up. He teams up with the old gang, and Laika, to save the station, but there's a cliffhanger meaning you have to wait for the next book to get the full story.
May 30, 2023
The Anomaly, Book 4 of The Earthburst Sagas, is another test for Ray Barclay, the series hero. Just as Ray yet again used his wiles, imagination, and friends he can trust to keep Earth from danger, ominous signs begin to happen. Aurora Borealis, commonly only seen in Alaska, are seen as auroras lighting up the skies, tidal shifts, animal migration changing, and many more odd changes on Earth are such that all eyes turn once again to Ray. With Laika, his trusty parrot, Ray once again is smack in the middle of making things right, he sets his sights on fixing this Anomaly. As always, Craig A Falconer has engaged his readers into turn page after page until the end of this novel. Well done!
June 19, 2023
Another exciting chapter
Ray and his family have gone to the Vita to watch launch of the new telescope, which is hoped that it will give them clues as to the anomaly that is causing a lot of problems with children having defects on Earth.
But there is another case of industrial or commercial sabotage by another research group that Ray and his friends are involved with and the lives of everyone on board the Vita including his family may die in a cataclysmic explosion. Very exciting.
Ray and his family have gone to the Vita to watch launch of the new telescope, which is hoped that it will give them clues as to the anomaly that is causing a lot of problems with children having defects on Earth.
But there is another case of industrial or commercial sabotage by another research group that Ray and his friends are involved with and the lives of everyone on board the Vita including his family may die in a cataclysmic explosion. Very exciting.
July 9, 2023
superhero Ray does it again
It took a while for the tension to build in this story but when it did, it looked like an impossible situation and that maybe Ray’s luck had finally run out. A solution did become apparent, but not without some personal cost to Ray. At times, the action was very gripping, but often got slowed down by Ray’s somewhat annoying habit of over explaining his thoughts and motivations. It was still a very well written story with a major cliffhanger at the end.
It took a while for the tension to build in this story but when it did, it looked like an impossible situation and that maybe Ray’s luck had finally run out. A solution did become apparent, but not without some personal cost to Ray. At times, the action was very gripping, but often got slowed down by Ray’s somewhat annoying habit of over explaining his thoughts and motivations. It was still a very well written story with a major cliffhanger at the end.
April 27, 2025
Continuing with, what more can happen to Ray Barclay, we find Earth having strange Auroras. So strong you can see them during the day. Crops are failing. Children are suffering hearing and sight damage. What's going on?
Ray needs to find out.
I don't recommend reading this book as a stand alone. You really need to read the prior ones, and be forewarned...you'll want the rest too.
Well written, great characters. The author can be pretty wordy, but for some reason I don't mind it at all in this series.
Ray needs to find out.
I don't recommend reading this book as a stand alone. You really need to read the prior ones, and be forewarned...you'll want the rest too.
Well written, great characters. The author can be pretty wordy, but for some reason I don't mind it at all in this series.
February 20, 2025
**4.5** The end of the book is a 5. I forgot to eat before going out because I couldn't, wouldn't stop reading. The suspense was too much for me to just stop.... but it was a slow start, though. But again, it kinda needed it all for the plot and all.
I'm a bit torn here. 4.5 or 5 stars.
I needed to buy book 5 so I could continue 😄 was supposed to read another genre between, but I can't now. Too thrilling. I need answers.
Highly recommend! ✨️
I'm a bit torn here. 4.5 or 5 stars.
I needed to buy book 5 so I could continue 😄 was supposed to read another genre between, but I can't now. Too thrilling. I need answers.
Highly recommend! ✨️
June 25, 2023
Another great book in the Earthburst series.
It's great in every way except the length!
6h into the 8h audiobook, some stuff actually happens. And then it just ends. I love the build-up, it has the right pace, and then it just ends. The same as with all other books in the series.
If you read these books, group them into triolgies and count them as one book and it will feel better.
1-3
4-6
It's great in every way except the length!
6h into the 8h audiobook, some stuff actually happens. And then it just ends. I love the build-up, it has the right pace, and then it just ends. The same as with all other books in the series.
If you read these books, group them into triolgies and count them as one book and it will feel better.
1-3
4-6
June 9, 2024
Well that was a slow burn of a book and a massive jump in time. Earth has problems and our children have hearing and sight problems. What is causing the Anomaly. A desperate message from Shaun, brings Ray and his family to the Belena, where again, Ray and Laika save everyone's lives. Then they pick up a signal not of this earth.
July 8, 2024
4th in the Earthburst Saga, and I am going to stick with it! I love how Laika is getting more and more time in the series - he is my favorite character! The storyline feels like its getting to be a bit far fetched with how much this one poor guy gets sabotaged - but with how this book ended and how much I am enjoying the series so far I have to keep going!
November 14, 2024
Kind of an intermezzo, this book. Alas egotistical "Only I can save us all" Ray Ray only loses a not so vital part of himself. But hooray for the amazing Laika who still is the real hero of this saga.
As for the writing, basically the same but improving in some departments. I skipped less paragraphs than in the previous three books. So half a star more this time. Let's make it four stars then.
As for the writing, basically the same but improving in some departments. I skipped less paragraphs than in the previous three books. So half a star more this time. Let's make it four stars then.
July 30, 2023
I didn't expect another book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed this next book. It was fun to read and I enjoyed meeting some of the characters again. If you enjoyed the first books, you will like this one, too.
September 3, 2023
Meh. I really enjoyed the first three books.
This one feels like a repeat of what made the books successful to begin with.. It really bothers me when series do that.
If we are going to continue with the series now- IMO, we should focus on Lyka the parrot. There has got to be a good back/future storyline that I think is missing. For now, he seems to be a mascot and used to advance a plot that has already been done.
This one feels like a repeat of what made the books successful to begin with.. It really bothers me when series do that.
If we are going to continue with the series now- IMO, we should focus on Lyka the parrot. There has got to be a good back/future storyline that I think is missing. For now, he seems to be a mascot and used to advance a plot that has already been done.
December 9, 2023
Too much commentary not enough action. Too much repetitive chatter, also in one sentence everything is fine and next there are so many problems.
I couldn't finish the book and going to skip next 2 of the series.
I couldn't finish the book and going to skip next 2 of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
The writing is just so bad. I liked the concepts of the previous books (seemed very possible in our Elon-led world), but the style just doesn’t do it for me. I think this is where I churn from the series.
August 29, 2025
skipped 80%
Wow had to skip 80% on my second attempt to read this one. Hope the next one isn’t quite so drawn out and long winded. Could have condensed it into a third of the pages… but then that doesn’t earn kindle money does it?
Wow had to skip 80% on my second attempt to read this one. Hope the next one isn’t quite so drawn out and long winded. Could have condensed it into a third of the pages… but then that doesn’t earn kindle money does it?
June 27, 2023
good
if course there are aliens. I bet Ray Ray is going To be involved with this encounter. the story gets more interesting as it goes on. 👏
if course there are aliens. I bet Ray Ray is going To be involved with this encounter. the story gets more interesting as it goes on. 👏
August 3, 2023
Keeps getting better.
The story just keeps getting better, and soon, you're hooked! It started a little slow, but the ending was great.
The story just keeps getting better, and soon, you're hooked! It started a little slow, but the ending was great.
January 2, 2024
Top Notch Science Fiction!
January 23, 2024
Intense!
June 3, 2024
Slow to start, but the writing style is so amazing.
Keeps you connected and joined and then in the end, BOOM... To good...
Keeps you connected and joined and then in the end, BOOM... To good...
June 11, 2024
If you are able to skip endless repetitions(about half a book), it's enjoyable enough.
May 2, 2025
I listened to the audiobook, hit I record it as a physical book so GR counts the pages more accurately.
I enjoyed this book, but it didn't catch me quite as much as the first couple in the series.
I enjoyed this book, but it didn't catch me quite as much as the first couple in the series.
May 23, 2025
A fast paced thrill ride. Is there no end to the trouble for this guy. You will love how he handles it all.
May 27, 2025
Mostly set up for the next book.
September 22, 2025
audiobook
April 28, 2024
This 4th book in the Earthburst Saga is remarkably similar to the first book. In fact, the protagonist continously refers back to that adventure, reminding the reader what he did in that adventure and what a great hero he is. I enjoyed the other three books but, in book #4 the story is starting to get a bit stale. I lke the characters, especially Laika and Driver, but the story has become repetitive. I will probably read book #5 just to find out what happens because this book kinda leaves you hanging and impatient to tie up loose ends, which were obviously teasers for the sequel. I like Falconer's writing and he tells a good story. I just hope that in the next book it's not the same story retold.
June 26, 2025
Book 1- ends with Ray crash-landing on Earth with the world-saving info
Book 2- Ray saves Earth from exploding by sabotaging the underwater bomb. He makes it back to his family in the other bunker.
Book 3- Ray and the team go to Zola's abandoned research center, but find it still full of his people- but they changed sides when they learn the truth. going to space once again to stop the explosion of the moon and kill Zola.
BOOK 4- Yet another world-ending event: a mysterious aura is happening, and it's affecting tons of earth life. Ray goes up to the USA research space station and has to stop robots that got highjacked by an evil corporation- he loses his hand but saves everyone.
Book 2- Ray saves Earth from exploding by sabotaging the underwater bomb. He makes it back to his family in the other bunker.
Book 3- Ray and the team go to Zola's abandoned research center, but find it still full of his people- but they changed sides when they learn the truth. going to space once again to stop the explosion of the moon and kill Zola.
BOOK 4- Yet another world-ending event: a mysterious aura is happening, and it's affecting tons of earth life. Ray goes up to the USA research space station and has to stop robots that got highjacked by an evil corporation- he loses his hand but saves everyone.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews