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Progeny
Owen Sterling is a reclusive author living in a secluded house deep in the woods. When he welcomes his son Chuck for a summer visit, the eleven-year-old suspects something is not right at his father's home. His worries mount when he witnesses a confrontation between his father and some local hunters. Zane Carver is the local gun-shop owner who confronts the author over Owen's refusal to let anyone on his land for hunting or camping. He defies the recluse, taking a hunting party onto Owen's property. Soon, Zane and his buddies discover the writer's secret . . . a deadly secret; a creature whose infinite rage they have unwittingly ignited . . . that is now hunting them.
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
55 people are currently reading
1937 people want to read
About the author
Patrick C. Greene
28 books153 followersSome dark serendipity plopped a young Patrick Greene in front of a series of ever stranger films-and experiences-in his formative years, leading to a unique viewpoint. His odd interests have led to pursuits in film acting, paranormal investigation, martial arts, quantum physics, bizarre folklore and eastern philosophy. These elements flavor his screenplays and fiction works, often leading to strange and unexpected detours designed to keep viewers and readers on their toes.
Literary influences range from Poe to Clive Barker to John Keel to a certain best selling Bangorian. Suspense, irony, and outrageously surreal circumstances test the characters who populate his work, taking them and the reader on a grandly bizarre journey into the furthest realms of darkness. The uneasy notion that reality itself is not only relative but indeed elastic- is the hallmark of Greene’s writing.
Living in the rural periphery of Asheville North Carolina with his wife,youngest son Gavin and an ever-growing army of cats, Greene still trains in martial arts when he’s not giving birth to demons via his pen and keyboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 20, 2012
Though I’m sure to upset some authors and publishers who, understandably, want five-star reviews, I’ve my own definition of the five-star system.
*One Star: A crime against God and man.
*Two Stars: Poor, or otherwise not ready for publication.
*Three Stars: A solid work worth the money/read.
*Four Stars: A superior, award-worthy achievement.
*Five Stars: A standard setter, a work to stand the test of time, a work to be studied and read again and again….
“Progeny,” by Patrick C. Greene.
The title made the sale. And it was a hard sale. Having zero interest in Bigfoot stories, I nonetheless had to give this one a try. Be it a science fiction work, fantasy, or piece of horror fare, the word “progeny” makes quite the seductive lure. Why not give the work a chance and read a few pages? Soon, however, I found myself click-click-clicking away on my Kindle–and for far longer than planned.
Was the story formulaic?
Yes.
Was there certain things quite predictable? Like knowing at some point, the fated Bigfoot would be making an appearance?
Yes.
And that was fine.
Some formulas or recipes, when the various ingredients are properly portioned and mixed, produce exactly what’s promised, be it a fluffy omelet, a well-engineered car, or yes, a fine reading experience.
Such is Greene’s “Progeny.”
The author pulls this off by maintaining a slow, but ever-increasing engine of suspense coupled with characters that might mistakenly be thought of as cliche, but who, in reality, are merely very familiar. Because they’re human. Not entirely bad or good, but with virtues and flaws, fears-hopes-and-pains. The story’s hero, Owen Sterling, a man with his own believable regrets and self-doubts, is wonderfully painted as a divorced man who gets annual visitation time with his son, who has to struggle with reconnecting with a child who every visit, is changed, grown, and matured into a slightly different person that dad has to get to know anew. But even with the story’s “villain,” if he is one, Mr. Zane Carver, a one-eyed King amongst his inner circle, there’s a father to sympathize with, an imperfect man who desperately wants to help his boy become a man–even if it kills them all.
And then there’s the creature responsible for the footprint on the book’s cover, portrayed in the novel in what I found to be a very believable and human-esque fashion.
If I wasn’t entirely riveted, I was at least engrossed and immersed.
Click click click.
What about flaws in the work? Yes, there’s those. The editing could’ve been better. Should’ve been better. But editing’s expensive, and even then, every editor has his or her own set of long suits and shortcomings. For this self-appointed expert, a writer who’s sure to end up taking his own hits, there were bugs I found distasteful: firearms listed as forty-fours instead of .44′s, a thirty aught-six from a guy running a gun store, instead of a .30.06, errant extra spaces, punctuation outside of “quote marks”, like the writer’s from England, sentences ending with multiple exclamation marks!! (if you’re going to use two, then why not three?) or worse, multiple punctuation marks?! …The misuse of elipses starting sentences without any discernible reason.
Everyone’s a critic. According to my own definition of the five-star system, I felt sorely tempted to give the work only two, as a work not quite ready for publication. So why the pass?
The clicking on my Kindle.
I read the work within a couple of days, and amidst a busy schedule, the glitches never really bumping me out of the story, and the errors, when made, at least being consistent, pointing to a style guide that needs to be improved, reminding me we’re all ignorant, just about different things.
For most, should they dare to pick up Greene’s work, “Progeny” will deliver what it promises, a tale easy-to-be-entreated and enjoyed, a simple story that holds a mirror to humanity’s humanity … and inhumanity. With the author, I’ll be looking into more of his work, believing that with every piece, the prose will only shine brighter.
As for storytelling, Greene’s already there, knowing how to hook a reader, then keeping the line taut and without ever breaking the line.
I’m glad to now have the man’s footprint in my library.
*One Star: A crime against God and man.
*Two Stars: Poor, or otherwise not ready for publication.
*Three Stars: A solid work worth the money/read.
*Four Stars: A superior, award-worthy achievement.
*Five Stars: A standard setter, a work to stand the test of time, a work to be studied and read again and again….
“Progeny,” by Patrick C. Greene.
The title made the sale. And it was a hard sale. Having zero interest in Bigfoot stories, I nonetheless had to give this one a try. Be it a science fiction work, fantasy, or piece of horror fare, the word “progeny” makes quite the seductive lure. Why not give the work a chance and read a few pages? Soon, however, I found myself click-click-clicking away on my Kindle–and for far longer than planned.
Was the story formulaic?
Yes.
Was there certain things quite predictable? Like knowing at some point, the fated Bigfoot would be making an appearance?
Yes.
And that was fine.
Some formulas or recipes, when the various ingredients are properly portioned and mixed, produce exactly what’s promised, be it a fluffy omelet, a well-engineered car, or yes, a fine reading experience.
Such is Greene’s “Progeny.”
The author pulls this off by maintaining a slow, but ever-increasing engine of suspense coupled with characters that might mistakenly be thought of as cliche, but who, in reality, are merely very familiar. Because they’re human. Not entirely bad or good, but with virtues and flaws, fears-hopes-and-pains. The story’s hero, Owen Sterling, a man with his own believable regrets and self-doubts, is wonderfully painted as a divorced man who gets annual visitation time with his son, who has to struggle with reconnecting with a child who every visit, is changed, grown, and matured into a slightly different person that dad has to get to know anew. But even with the story’s “villain,” if he is one, Mr. Zane Carver, a one-eyed King amongst his inner circle, there’s a father to sympathize with, an imperfect man who desperately wants to help his boy become a man–even if it kills them all.
And then there’s the creature responsible for the footprint on the book’s cover, portrayed in the novel in what I found to be a very believable and human-esque fashion.
If I wasn’t entirely riveted, I was at least engrossed and immersed.
Click click click.
What about flaws in the work? Yes, there’s those. The editing could’ve been better. Should’ve been better. But editing’s expensive, and even then, every editor has his or her own set of long suits and shortcomings. For this self-appointed expert, a writer who’s sure to end up taking his own hits, there were bugs I found distasteful: firearms listed as forty-fours instead of .44′s, a thirty aught-six from a guy running a gun store, instead of a .30.06, errant extra spaces, punctuation outside of “quote marks”, like the writer’s from England, sentences ending with multiple exclamation marks!! (if you’re going to use two, then why not three?) or worse, multiple punctuation marks?! …The misuse of elipses starting sentences without any discernible reason.
Everyone’s a critic. According to my own definition of the five-star system, I felt sorely tempted to give the work only two, as a work not quite ready for publication. So why the pass?
The clicking on my Kindle.
I read the work within a couple of days, and amidst a busy schedule, the glitches never really bumping me out of the story, and the errors, when made, at least being consistent, pointing to a style guide that needs to be improved, reminding me we’re all ignorant, just about different things.
For most, should they dare to pick up Greene’s work, “Progeny” will deliver what it promises, a tale easy-to-be-entreated and enjoyed, a simple story that holds a mirror to humanity’s humanity … and inhumanity. With the author, I’ll be looking into more of his work, believing that with every piece, the prose will only shine brighter.
As for storytelling, Greene’s already there, knowing how to hook a reader, then keeping the line taut and without ever breaking the line.
I’m glad to now have the man’s footprint in my library.
April 17, 2014
I've been meaning to read this one for a while, gotta love a good Sasquatch story. And that's exactly what this was too, surprisingly good, very solid writing, likable (or very much not likable) but always three dimensional characters, strong pacing and just overall engaging storytelling. Turns out the only thing more dangerous than Philadelphia streets are the locals on the remote mountain rural area. Can't help but compare it to Jeff Strand's superb Dweller, but this is a really different story, good in its own right. One can read it as drama with meditation on parenting, action thriller with concentration on a hunt and its consequences or just a story about Sasquatches. Either way it works and well. There was a very occasional flatness of writing in the beginning and the character transformation at the end seemed extreme, although certainly a welcome one, but none of those things served as detractors really. Always nice to discover a new author that impresses. Very entertaining read and a great way to pass three hours. Highly recommended.
October 28, 2012
I was fortunate to receive a copy of Progeny by Patrick C. Greene for review. I stress fortunate in this case. When doing reviews, it can be a real mixed bag. There are times where it becomes a real drudgery to finish something. However, that is not the case here.
For those of you who are tired of generic characters and horror that is driven solely by violence, THIS is the book for you. It is so much more than standard horror fare and Mr. Greene is very adept at building tension between his characters, balancing multiple little story lines that all feed into the main river of the tale.
There have been a number of "Bigfoot" based horror stories, and many are simply a waste of time. They are so "unrealistic" (I will not debate the existence of Bigfoot here) that they become too tedious to read. This does a wonderful job of making a myth seem VERY real without resorting to cheap tactics.
On the technical side, this novel reads very clean. Also, it is actually novel length. I could go on for day about some of the titles passing themselves off as "novels" and charging exorbitant prices. This book gives you all the bang for your buck. Kudos to Hobbes End Publishing and I now must add Patrick C. Greene to my watch list.
For those of you who are tired of generic characters and horror that is driven solely by violence, THIS is the book for you. It is so much more than standard horror fare and Mr. Greene is very adept at building tension between his characters, balancing multiple little story lines that all feed into the main river of the tale.
There have been a number of "Bigfoot" based horror stories, and many are simply a waste of time. They are so "unrealistic" (I will not debate the existence of Bigfoot here) that they become too tedious to read. This does a wonderful job of making a myth seem VERY real without resorting to cheap tactics.
On the technical side, this novel reads very clean. Also, it is actually novel length. I could go on for day about some of the titles passing themselves off as "novels" and charging exorbitant prices. This book gives you all the bang for your buck. Kudos to Hobbes End Publishing and I now must add Patrick C. Greene to my watch list.
October 24, 2012
Review of Progeny by Patrick Greene
What an astounding novel is this! I went in expecting horror-and horror I got-but also literate, character-evolving, coming-of-age (not just in the two young boys, but also in the person of one of the boy’s father), cultural and traditional clashes, the shifting tectonic plates of the established Appalachian culture of centuries against the more modern ecology-preserving approach (although this latter approach was present in the indigenous tribes from their very beginning). This story is much deeper and richer than I had any right to expect. It flung me from beginning to end without pause, and then beckoned at me to come at it again for a slower, more savouring, reread. I am so glad I read this book. I love it when a story speaks to me on so many levels, and promises to tell me more if I just examine it once again. Kudos to both author Patrick Greene and to the insight of his publisher, Hobbes End Publishing (and an additional thank-you to Micah Hanks for his Foreword).
What an astounding novel is this! I went in expecting horror-and horror I got-but also literate, character-evolving, coming-of-age (not just in the two young boys, but also in the person of one of the boy’s father), cultural and traditional clashes, the shifting tectonic plates of the established Appalachian culture of centuries against the more modern ecology-preserving approach (although this latter approach was present in the indigenous tribes from their very beginning). This story is much deeper and richer than I had any right to expect. It flung me from beginning to end without pause, and then beckoned at me to come at it again for a slower, more savouring, reread. I am so glad I read this book. I love it when a story speaks to me on so many levels, and promises to tell me more if I just examine it once again. Kudos to both author Patrick Greene and to the insight of his publisher, Hobbes End Publishing (and an additional thank-you to Micah Hanks for his Foreword).
November 24, 2012
Finished this one just last night. It would be your typical hunters-stumble-on-monsters (hunters = bad, monster = misunderstood) book, but...Patrick does an excellent job bringing his characters to life. What could have been a simple tale turns out to be complex on several levels.
March 22, 2014
SPOILER ALERT
A couple weeks back when Mr. Turning the Pages went to a friend's house one evening I commandeered his iPad and set about reading Progeny one of the Kindle freebies that I had downloaded for Mr. Turning the Pages to read. After looking the book up on Goodreads I couldn't start reading the book fast enough.
It's no secret at all that I enjoy a good monster novel especially when the monster happens to be Big Foot. Honestly how can anyone not love a horror novel featuring one of the most iconic monsters in the world? Not me! I always love any novel with Big Foot and Progeny by Patrick C. Greene was no exception.
I was immediately drawn into the novel. It was set mostly in the outskirts of a small rural town in the middle of no where the setting was ideal for the type of novel this turned out to be. The story centers around a small but well rounded cast of characters. There's Owen the writer, his son, his love interest, as well as Zane Carver, his teenage son as well as Zane's hunting buddies and of course a family of Big Foot.
The novel centers around Zane who wants to make his son more manly and wants to piss off Owen who owns the land that the local Native American Tribe allowed him to purchase by hunting on the prime wilderness zone out of season. The two have had numerous confrontations about the subject of hunting but Owen holds fast. He's seen what is out there in the woods behind his home and he knows that they deserve protection.
Things seem to be going well until shortly after Owen's son Chuck comes for a visit when stuff between Zane and his son hits the proverbial fan accelerating both families towards a dangerous confrontation. Zane breaks the law along with his reluctant son and eager cronies steal on to Owens land and meet the creature no one knew existed.
A series of violent event follow for both human a Big Foot alike accelerating a confrontation between the two different yet similar species. The way Patrick wrote about the hunting scenes reminded me of how me of the typical arrogant small town hunters that we've all met or seen in movies. I thought that the way he created them and the tension between the hunters and Owen was great. In fact I thought all the characters were pretty well developed. True I would have liked to know more about them but the way they fit into the story is the reason why I thought they were so good.
I enjoyed the plot, while it may not be very unique on it's own it is unique in the way that the author told the story. The author's voice is what I feel made the book most enjoyable to me. There was a lot of action, violence, gore and a great storyline between the covers of this novel and I thought it was a wonderfully fun yet spooky read. The way that the author depicted the Big Foot species as being very human like was an added bonus that I could really appreciate. The pacing of the novel was great, it was neither to fast nor to slow it was just right. It was exactly the type of novel I needed to read at the time and it was a quick entertaining one at that. I think I managed to finish this one in just over two hours which I wish could have lasted longer because I enjoyed it so much.
Overall, I have to say that the author did a great job creating a spooky, action filled adrenaline rushing Big Foot novel and I can't wait to see more by him. My hope is he writes more books like this because I think that he did a great job. I would recommend this novel to anyone look for a quick spooky read with Big Foot as the star.
A couple weeks back when Mr. Turning the Pages went to a friend's house one evening I commandeered his iPad and set about reading Progeny one of the Kindle freebies that I had downloaded for Mr. Turning the Pages to read. After looking the book up on Goodreads I couldn't start reading the book fast enough.
It's no secret at all that I enjoy a good monster novel especially when the monster happens to be Big Foot. Honestly how can anyone not love a horror novel featuring one of the most iconic monsters in the world? Not me! I always love any novel with Big Foot and Progeny by Patrick C. Greene was no exception.
I was immediately drawn into the novel. It was set mostly in the outskirts of a small rural town in the middle of no where the setting was ideal for the type of novel this turned out to be. The story centers around a small but well rounded cast of characters. There's Owen the writer, his son, his love interest, as well as Zane Carver, his teenage son as well as Zane's hunting buddies and of course a family of Big Foot.
The novel centers around Zane who wants to make his son more manly and wants to piss off Owen who owns the land that the local Native American Tribe allowed him to purchase by hunting on the prime wilderness zone out of season. The two have had numerous confrontations about the subject of hunting but Owen holds fast. He's seen what is out there in the woods behind his home and he knows that they deserve protection.
Things seem to be going well until shortly after Owen's son Chuck comes for a visit when stuff between Zane and his son hits the proverbial fan accelerating both families towards a dangerous confrontation. Zane breaks the law along with his reluctant son and eager cronies steal on to Owens land and meet the creature no one knew existed.
A series of violent event follow for both human a Big Foot alike accelerating a confrontation between the two different yet similar species. The way Patrick wrote about the hunting scenes reminded me of how me of the typical arrogant small town hunters that we've all met or seen in movies. I thought that the way he created them and the tension between the hunters and Owen was great. In fact I thought all the characters were pretty well developed. True I would have liked to know more about them but the way they fit into the story is the reason why I thought they were so good.
I enjoyed the plot, while it may not be very unique on it's own it is unique in the way that the author told the story. The author's voice is what I feel made the book most enjoyable to me. There was a lot of action, violence, gore and a great storyline between the covers of this novel and I thought it was a wonderfully fun yet spooky read. The way that the author depicted the Big Foot species as being very human like was an added bonus that I could really appreciate. The pacing of the novel was great, it was neither to fast nor to slow it was just right. It was exactly the type of novel I needed to read at the time and it was a quick entertaining one at that. I think I managed to finish this one in just over two hours which I wish could have lasted longer because I enjoyed it so much.
Overall, I have to say that the author did a great job creating a spooky, action filled adrenaline rushing Big Foot novel and I can't wait to see more by him. My hope is he writes more books like this because I think that he did a great job. I would recommend this novel to anyone look for a quick spooky read with Big Foot as the star.
November 9, 2012
I’ve encountered this author’s work once before in the introductory volume of The Endlands anthology. My reintroduction to the author with this book has been a fantastic experience. Patrick C. Greene’s Progeny takes us to woods of North Carolina, where an up and coming writer moves from the big city to the country. Not long after his arrival, he discovers that there is more to the peaceful mountains than he first realizes. A series of ominous encounters with mysterious figures haunting the countryside eventually culminates into a gripping tale of terror and revenge.
What impressed me most about this novel is the ease in which the reader is immersed into the story. It’s presented in a very inviting format, guiding the reader along with a cozy prose style and a compelling plot. Tension literally seeps from the pages as you move from chapter-to-chapter, each twist in the plot heightening the suspense. The whole time you know things are going to get hairy when the story kicks into overdrive. I would recommend this story not only to fans of Sasquatch-lore and horror, but readers who enjoy a gripping tale featuring a cast of colorful characters.
4.5 Stars.
What impressed me most about this novel is the ease in which the reader is immersed into the story. It’s presented in a very inviting format, guiding the reader along with a cozy prose style and a compelling plot. Tension literally seeps from the pages as you move from chapter-to-chapter, each twist in the plot heightening the suspense. The whole time you know things are going to get hairy when the story kicks into overdrive. I would recommend this story not only to fans of Sasquatch-lore and horror, but readers who enjoy a gripping tale featuring a cast of colorful characters.
4.5 Stars.
June 4, 2013
It's about love and fear and self-doubt and self-preservation. If you are a father or a son, or a woman who has ever loved a man who was a father or a son you should read this. ♥ (5-stars)
December 1, 2012
PDF free via author for honest review
This book was a great read and I did so in a matter of one day. I just couldn't put it down. My hate for the character of Zane and his fellow "hunting buddies" grew and grew and I just had to see if they met a bad end, because they deserved one. I cherished the character of Owen and his son Chuck who are striving to build and keep a relationship of father/son even though Owen is so far away from Chuck and he has divorced Chuck's Mom. The secret comes out about why his seemingly great and solid marriage broke apart and why he hates violence and guns. Another secret comes out too, one about the creatures that live on Owens land of almost 2,000 acres of woods. These creatures are more like humans than anyone really knows and also really do exist no matter what people say and how much folklore there is about them. They are the legendary "Bigfoot", but why have they, after many years of peaceful living, now turned on the people of the land? What caused them to go on a killing spree? Will Owen and his son Chuck survive to find out all the details and come to understand this legandary creature? Can a "truce" be called with something so powerful?
This was a different plot line than what I have read and I loved it. It had a great concept, great underlying meaning, and wonderful characters whom I, as a reader, came to really love and really hate. The characters were so real, I could almost see them in my own living area. This was a well written book and I very much recommend it to anyone looking for a good fiction/horror read. I personally think it would make a great movie too someday down the road. I would go see it if it ever got to the big screens. It had it all, suspense, action, a touch of love/romance, family bonds, friendships, and monsters! The descriptions were very well thought out as were the emotions of the characters in the book. Things were described in such ways that you felt like you were in the thick of it with Owen, Chuck, Zane, and the others. Must read if you are into this type of book!
5/5 Stars!
This book was a great read and I did so in a matter of one day. I just couldn't put it down. My hate for the character of Zane and his fellow "hunting buddies" grew and grew and I just had to see if they met a bad end, because they deserved one. I cherished the character of Owen and his son Chuck who are striving to build and keep a relationship of father/son even though Owen is so far away from Chuck and he has divorced Chuck's Mom. The secret comes out about why his seemingly great and solid marriage broke apart and why he hates violence and guns. Another secret comes out too, one about the creatures that live on Owens land of almost 2,000 acres of woods. These creatures are more like humans than anyone really knows and also really do exist no matter what people say and how much folklore there is about them. They are the legendary "Bigfoot", but why have they, after many years of peaceful living, now turned on the people of the land? What caused them to go on a killing spree? Will Owen and his son Chuck survive to find out all the details and come to understand this legandary creature? Can a "truce" be called with something so powerful?
This was a different plot line than what I have read and I loved it. It had a great concept, great underlying meaning, and wonderful characters whom I, as a reader, came to really love and really hate. The characters were so real, I could almost see them in my own living area. This was a well written book and I very much recommend it to anyone looking for a good fiction/horror read. I personally think it would make a great movie too someday down the road. I would go see it if it ever got to the big screens. It had it all, suspense, action, a touch of love/romance, family bonds, friendships, and monsters! The descriptions were very well thought out as were the emotions of the characters in the book. Things were described in such ways that you felt like you were in the thick of it with Owen, Chuck, Zane, and the others. Must read if you are into this type of book!
5/5 Stars!
January 16, 2013
An intriguing novel of parents and their children, Patrick Greene’s Progeny follows two dysfunctional families and their interactions as reclusive author Owen Sterling brings his eleven-year-old son to stay with him in the woods. The son, brought up by his mother after the parents separate, presents himself as a mystery to his father. Meanwhile other fathers prove mysterious to their sons, and all are wrapped in the overarching mystery of Indian tribal lands where Owen lives and Zane Carver longs to turn his teenager into a hunter.
When Zane and his friends discover the secret of Owen’s forest, quiet mystery gives way to fast and scary action, even horror, while love struggles to reveal itself behind a veneer of self-image and self-respect. I really enjoyed the characters in this tale and longed for more honest communication, even while holding my breath in hopes the best men might survive. And I enjoyed the non-human characters too, mourned the dog and recognized honest respect in the “other” whose progeny fuels the story’s disaster.
I’d love to see this novel made into a film. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free ecopy of this novel when it was released. I’m just sorry it took me so long to get around to reading it.
When Zane and his friends discover the secret of Owen’s forest, quiet mystery gives way to fast and scary action, even horror, while love struggles to reveal itself behind a veneer of self-image and self-respect. I really enjoyed the characters in this tale and longed for more honest communication, even while holding my breath in hopes the best men might survive. And I enjoyed the non-human characters too, mourned the dog and recognized honest respect in the “other” whose progeny fuels the story’s disaster.
I’d love to see this novel made into a film. I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free ecopy of this novel when it was released. I’m just sorry it took me so long to get around to reading it.
March 6, 2013
Owen Sterling is a reclusive author living in a secluded house deep in the woods.
This is not the usual "Man comes face to face with monster and runs screaming from woods" tale. It is a story about family told between species. I love it when a writer brings a legend to life but does not belabor the possibilities of the legend. It is a well told tale with a bit of gore included. I would not recommend it to the under fourteen age group. I would recommend it to every one else who enjoys a good read and doesn't look for the monster under the bed. A well told story with characters one can recognize in their own group or hometown. My only complaint? I liked it so much I wish the story had been longer and followed the legend family a little more.
This is not the usual "Man comes face to face with monster and runs screaming from woods" tale. It is a story about family told between species. I love it when a writer brings a legend to life but does not belabor the possibilities of the legend. It is a well told tale with a bit of gore included. I would not recommend it to the under fourteen age group. I would recommend it to every one else who enjoys a good read and doesn't look for the monster under the bed. A well told story with characters one can recognize in their own group or hometown. My only complaint? I liked it so much I wish the story had been longer and followed the legend family a little more.
May 7, 2013
This is more a story about father / son relationships than one about Bigfoot. Never the less, it kept my interest throughout, and had good character development. The characters are believable and the plot moves along well. It's a relatively short book...it would have been a 5 star book if the author had given more time and attention to developing the Bigfoot characters, as he did with his human protagonists.
December 26, 2022
Great writing
To be honest, I didn't think I'd enjoy this book so much. Couldn't put it down, edge of my seat stuff.
To be honest, I didn't think I'd enjoy this book so much. Couldn't put it down, edge of my seat stuff.
December 20, 2012
*Spoiler Alert*
A couple weeks back when Mr. Turning the Pages went to a friend's house one evening I commandeered his iPad and set about reading Progeny one of the Kindle freebies that I had downloaded for Mr. Turning the Pages to read. After looking the book up on Goodreads I couldn't start reading the book fast enough.
It's no secret at all that I enjoy a good monster novel especially when the monster happens to be Big Foot. Honestly how can anyone not love a horror novel featuring one of the most iconic monsters in the world? Not me! I always love any novel with Big Foot and Progeny by Patrick C. Greene was no exception.
I was immediately drawn into the novel. It was set mostly in the outskirts of a small rural town in the middle of no where the setting was ideal for the type of novel this turned out to be. The story centers around a small but well rounded cast of characters. There's Owen the writer, his son, his love interest, as well as Zane Carver, his teenage son as well as Zane's hunting buddies and of course a family of Big Foot.
The novel centers around Zane who wants to make his son more manly and wants to piss off Owen who owns the land that the local Native American Tribe allowed him to purchase by hunting on the prime wilderness zone out of season. The two have had numerous confrontations about the subject of hunting but Owen holds fast. He's seen what is out there in the woods behind his home and he knows that they deserve protection.
Things seem to be going well until shortly after Owen's son Chuck comes for a visit when stuff between Zane and his son hits the proverbial fan accelerating both families towards a dangerous confrontation. Zane breaks the law along with his reluctant son and eager cronies steal on to Owens land and meet the creature no one knew existed.
A series of violent event follow for both human a Big Foot alike accelerating a confrontation between the two different yet similar species. The way Patrick wrote about the hunting scenes reminded me of how me of the typical arrogant small town hunters that we've all met or seen in movies. I thought that the way he created them and the tension between the hunters and Owen was great. In fact I thought all the characters were pretty well developed. True I would have liked to know more about them but the way they fit into the story is the reason why I thought they were so good.
I enjoyed the plot, while it may not be very unique on it's own it is unique in the way that the author told the story. The author's voice is what I feel made the book most enjoyable to me. There was a lot of action, violence, gore and a great storyline between the covers of this novel and I thought it was a wonderfully fun yet spooky read. The way that the author depicted the Big Foot species as being very human like was an added bonus that I could really appreciate. The pacing of the novel was great, it was neither to fast nor to slow it was just right. It was exactly the type of novel I needed to read at the time and it was a quick entertaining one at that. I think I managed to finish this one in just over two hours which I wish could have lasted longer because I enjoyed it so much.
Overall, I have to say that the author did a great job creating a spooky, action filled adrenaline rushing Big Foot novel and I can't wait to see more by him. My hope is he writes more books like this because I think that he did a great job. I would recommend this novel to anyone look for a quick spooky read with Big Foot as the star.
A couple weeks back when Mr. Turning the Pages went to a friend's house one evening I commandeered his iPad and set about reading Progeny one of the Kindle freebies that I had downloaded for Mr. Turning the Pages to read. After looking the book up on Goodreads I couldn't start reading the book fast enough.
It's no secret at all that I enjoy a good monster novel especially when the monster happens to be Big Foot. Honestly how can anyone not love a horror novel featuring one of the most iconic monsters in the world? Not me! I always love any novel with Big Foot and Progeny by Patrick C. Greene was no exception.
I was immediately drawn into the novel. It was set mostly in the outskirts of a small rural town in the middle of no where the setting was ideal for the type of novel this turned out to be. The story centers around a small but well rounded cast of characters. There's Owen the writer, his son, his love interest, as well as Zane Carver, his teenage son as well as Zane's hunting buddies and of course a family of Big Foot.
The novel centers around Zane who wants to make his son more manly and wants to piss off Owen who owns the land that the local Native American Tribe allowed him to purchase by hunting on the prime wilderness zone out of season. The two have had numerous confrontations about the subject of hunting but Owen holds fast. He's seen what is out there in the woods behind his home and he knows that they deserve protection.
Things seem to be going well until shortly after Owen's son Chuck comes for a visit when stuff between Zane and his son hits the proverbial fan accelerating both families towards a dangerous confrontation. Zane breaks the law along with his reluctant son and eager cronies steal on to Owens land and meet the creature no one knew existed.
A series of violent event follow for both human a Big Foot alike accelerating a confrontation between the two different yet similar species. The way Patrick wrote about the hunting scenes reminded me of how me of the typical arrogant small town hunters that we've all met or seen in movies. I thought that the way he created them and the tension between the hunters and Owen was great. In fact I thought all the characters were pretty well developed. True I would have liked to know more about them but the way they fit into the story is the reason why I thought they were so good.
I enjoyed the plot, while it may not be very unique on it's own it is unique in the way that the author told the story. The author's voice is what I feel made the book most enjoyable to me. There was a lot of action, violence, gore and a great storyline between the covers of this novel and I thought it was a wonderfully fun yet spooky read. The way that the author depicted the Big Foot species as being very human like was an added bonus that I could really appreciate. The pacing of the novel was great, it was neither to fast nor to slow it was just right. It was exactly the type of novel I needed to read at the time and it was a quick entertaining one at that. I think I managed to finish this one in just over two hours which I wish could have lasted longer because I enjoyed it so much.
Overall, I have to say that the author did a great job creating a spooky, action filled adrenaline rushing Big Foot novel and I can't wait to see more by him. My hope is he writes more books like this because I think that he did a great job. I would recommend this novel to anyone look for a quick spooky read with Big Foot as the star.
February 6, 2013
From the very fist page I was drawn into this amazing book. I have to admit this is my first Big Foot horror novel and I wasn't sure what to expect, but Patrick C. Greene gives you a book that you not only read but fall into.
One of the best things for me were all of the characters. They were all very well written and not overly detailed, including the beasts. Following along with Owen's journal was like a story within the story and makes it all the better. Owen is a loving father and passive man who just wants to do the best not only for his son but for the land that he was able to purchase and was made caretaker of. As he settles into his new environment he soon makes and scary but wonderful discovery, he is not alone on his land, and there are more than one of the creatures that share his surroundings with him. When his son comes for his summer visit everything Owen has been trying to learn about and learn from comes out in the open in the worst of ways.
Even though Zane is supposed to be the bad guy in this novel I kind of understand what he was trying to do. But by the end of the story I was so ready to hate him. Then what happens? I am made to love him and see a man forever changed by his night of horror. While his son knows in his heart his father has always loved him.
The emotions the creatures in this book were given were almost enough to cause me to need my tissues. I am a sensitive reader to begin with and I'm not a hunter. I do believe that it is ok to hunt for food but I don't like the hunting for sport kind of thing. The human like screams of loss that these creatures were given made them even more real and left me wondering, what is really in the woods around us all?
One of the best things for me were all of the characters. They were all very well written and not overly detailed, including the beasts. Following along with Owen's journal was like a story within the story and makes it all the better. Owen is a loving father and passive man who just wants to do the best not only for his son but for the land that he was able to purchase and was made caretaker of. As he settles into his new environment he soon makes and scary but wonderful discovery, he is not alone on his land, and there are more than one of the creatures that share his surroundings with him. When his son comes for his summer visit everything Owen has been trying to learn about and learn from comes out in the open in the worst of ways.
Even though Zane is supposed to be the bad guy in this novel I kind of understand what he was trying to do. But by the end of the story I was so ready to hate him. Then what happens? I am made to love him and see a man forever changed by his night of horror. While his son knows in his heart his father has always loved him.
The emotions the creatures in this book were given were almost enough to cause me to need my tissues. I am a sensitive reader to begin with and I'm not a hunter. I do believe that it is ok to hunt for food but I don't like the hunting for sport kind of thing. The human like screams of loss that these creatures were given made them even more real and left me wondering, what is really in the woods around us all?
March 23, 2013
I received a copy of Progeny through a goodreads giveaway.
The book was smooth and super easy to read.
The book was smooth and super easy to read.
May 22, 2013
I have to say this book was such a pleasant surprise! More of a father and son relationship book. I was expecting horror or maybe a goofy bigfoot book but this is so not that! Yes, we do have bigfoot but its done so well.
November 3, 2012
See my full review here: http://beautybrite.com/2012/11/progen...
February 5, 2013
I like this story, it is quick easy reading, not really scary with a positive ending.
January 31, 2013
A short read. I'll be honest, I figured this book would be cliche. Quite the opposite. A wonderful tale meant for anyone. Kudos to the artist and publisher.
March 27, 2024
Bigfoot 3, Rednecks 1.
A slightly scary story about Bigfoot. A bit more scary were the Rednecks with guns. I would have scored this story higher, but the ending was such a fizzer. Still...a fun read that requires little thought.
A slightly scary story about Bigfoot. A bit more scary were the Rednecks with guns. I would have scored this story higher, but the ending was such a fizzer. Still...a fun read that requires little thought.
October 28, 2013
Progeny is a rip-roaring quick read that's told so vividly, you'll feel like you're watching a movie. It's one of those stories that builds its premise slowly but surely, enticing the reader to turn the pages faster and faster as the terror heats up. In fact, I'd say for the last third of the book, I was curled in a fetal position, afraid to even look out my own window lest I see a giant monster staring in at me.
"Deanna reflexively turned toward Chuck--but her eyes were drawn to the window of the door behind him. A massive dark form was there, filling the window frame, peering in at them with huge eyes that eerily reflected the firelight."
For me, Progeny was all the scarier because of my fear of the woods (don't you dare laugh!). I don't know how many times I've walked through the forest and heard a twig snap or seen a footprint that was way too large to be a deer or rabbit. Furthermore, I don't know how many stories I've heard from friends who've come upon a mountain lion or bear while hiking. The woods are teeming with life, and in Progeny, they're teeming with a life that's far more alarming than any mountain lion or bear.
"Lightening flashed in an extended strobing burst, silencing Zane--and giving all of them a brief glimpse of the massive hairy beast standing less than ten yards behind them...Then it was dark again."
Yet, despite its many terrifying moments, Progeny had its touching moments, too. Bigger than the battle between man and Bigfoot is the battle between man and son. The word "progeny" means offspring, descendent, or son. In this book there are three distinctive father/son relationships, and each one has their own complexities and dramas and heartaches. Yet, although these three father/son pairings are different from each other, they also share a painful similarity: loss. Loss of respect. Loss of innocence. Loss of control. Loss of love. Loss of life! Patrick C. Greene does a terrific job of telling a horror story that goes beyond monsters lurking in a forest. He tells a story of monsters lurking within living beings. Of anger and sorrow and regret. Of broken relationships and misunderstandings that wreak more havoc than Bigfoot himself.
If you're looking for a heartfelt yet suspenseful read, this is it!
"Deanna reflexively turned toward Chuck--but her eyes were drawn to the window of the door behind him. A massive dark form was there, filling the window frame, peering in at them with huge eyes that eerily reflected the firelight."
For me, Progeny was all the scarier because of my fear of the woods (don't you dare laugh!). I don't know how many times I've walked through the forest and heard a twig snap or seen a footprint that was way too large to be a deer or rabbit. Furthermore, I don't know how many stories I've heard from friends who've come upon a mountain lion or bear while hiking. The woods are teeming with life, and in Progeny, they're teeming with a life that's far more alarming than any mountain lion or bear.
"Lightening flashed in an extended strobing burst, silencing Zane--and giving all of them a brief glimpse of the massive hairy beast standing less than ten yards behind them...Then it was dark again."
Yet, despite its many terrifying moments, Progeny had its touching moments, too. Bigger than the battle between man and Bigfoot is the battle between man and son. The word "progeny" means offspring, descendent, or son. In this book there are three distinctive father/son relationships, and each one has their own complexities and dramas and heartaches. Yet, although these three father/son pairings are different from each other, they also share a painful similarity: loss. Loss of respect. Loss of innocence. Loss of control. Loss of love. Loss of life! Patrick C. Greene does a terrific job of telling a horror story that goes beyond monsters lurking in a forest. He tells a story of monsters lurking within living beings. Of anger and sorrow and regret. Of broken relationships and misunderstandings that wreak more havoc than Bigfoot himself.
If you're looking for a heartfelt yet suspenseful read, this is it!
April 10, 2013
Progeny ist Bigfoot Horror. Ein Genre, von dem ich bis vor kurzem nicht einmal wußte, dass es das gibt. Doch in Nordamerika leben noch versprengte Bigfoot Populationen. Der erste Bigfoot taucht in persona erst bei 51 % auf und dann wird das arme Ding gleich erschossen. In der ersten Hälfte wird noch versucht, die Existenz der Bigfoots als Überraschung zurückzuhalten. Mit dem Fußabdruck auf dem Cover klappt das nicht so gut.
Owen Sterling ist Schriftsteller und weiß um die Existenz dieser Waldwesen, wie man nach und nach aus den jedem Kapitel vorangestellten Auszügen aus seinem Tagebuch erfährt. In diesem Sommer besucht ihn sein elfjähriger Sohn Chuck. Zack Carver führt den örtlichen Waffenladen und ist begeisterter Jäger. Sein Sohn Byron teilt diese Leidenschaft nicht, kann sich aber nicht gegen seinen übermächtigen Vater durchsetzen. Zum Konflikt kommt es, weil Owen das Jagen in seinem Wald verbietet.
In der ersten Hälfte des Romans passiert nicht sehr viel, obwohl durchaus Atmosphäre aufgebaut wird. Die zweite Hälfte des Romans läuft ab wie ein Genrefilm, typischer Backwood Horror. Die Jäger werden zu den Gejagten. Die Eltern des toten Bigfoot werden böse, wütend und kennen keine Gnade mit den Mördern. Eine wilde Hetzjagd bei Nacht durch den Wald folgt und zum großen Showdown versammeln sich alle inkulsive der Sterlings.
Die schwierigen Beziehungen zwischen Vätern und Söhnen sind Thema des Romans und ansatzweise gelungen. Auch den Bigfoots werden zutiefst menschliche Gefühle zugeschrieben, Trauer und das Bedürfnis nach Rache. Da in dem Buch amerikanische Ureinwohner und deren Legende zumindest eine kleine Rolle spielen, habe ich etwas über deren Mythen über Bigfoot vermißt. Unterhaltsamer Horror mit B-Movie-Flair.
Owen Sterling ist Schriftsteller und weiß um die Existenz dieser Waldwesen, wie man nach und nach aus den jedem Kapitel vorangestellten Auszügen aus seinem Tagebuch erfährt. In diesem Sommer besucht ihn sein elfjähriger Sohn Chuck. Zack Carver führt den örtlichen Waffenladen und ist begeisterter Jäger. Sein Sohn Byron teilt diese Leidenschaft nicht, kann sich aber nicht gegen seinen übermächtigen Vater durchsetzen. Zum Konflikt kommt es, weil Owen das Jagen in seinem Wald verbietet.
In der ersten Hälfte des Romans passiert nicht sehr viel, obwohl durchaus Atmosphäre aufgebaut wird. Die zweite Hälfte des Romans läuft ab wie ein Genrefilm, typischer Backwood Horror. Die Jäger werden zu den Gejagten. Die Eltern des toten Bigfoot werden böse, wütend und kennen keine Gnade mit den Mördern. Eine wilde Hetzjagd bei Nacht durch den Wald folgt und zum großen Showdown versammeln sich alle inkulsive der Sterlings.
Die schwierigen Beziehungen zwischen Vätern und Söhnen sind Thema des Romans und ansatzweise gelungen. Auch den Bigfoots werden zutiefst menschliche Gefühle zugeschrieben, Trauer und das Bedürfnis nach Rache. Da in dem Buch amerikanische Ureinwohner und deren Legende zumindest eine kleine Rolle spielen, habe ich etwas über deren Mythen über Bigfoot vermißt. Unterhaltsamer Horror mit B-Movie-Flair.
March 6, 2014
This was a different type of story for me to read being a fan of zombie books but a friend had recommended it and I am so glad she did! From the first chapter I was hooked into it. This story is not just about the all eluding creature that we have all heard stories of for years but it is a story about fathers and sons and their relationships. The characters in this story are made more real by Mr. Greene’s writing ability. Yes this is a true horror story with blood and gore and with it being about Bigfoot you have got to love it and I did! I do recommend this book not because I liked it but because I’m sure you will too! Come on…it’s about Bigfoot…how could you not like it?
May 26, 2013
This is one of the most lovely tales I've read in quite some time. I'm not a Bigfoot fan. I do enjoy horror. However, Progeny is much more than horror, much more than a Bigfoot story. It's a coming of age tale about father and son. There are some scary moments, but nothing gory. The story is poetic, the writing is professional. One of the best books I've read in 2013. Kudos to the publisher for always putting out such amazing work.
September 11, 2013
I loved this one. It reminded me a bit of my novel VICIOUS, but the way Patrick weaves a story shows that he is an author to watch and watch closely. The characters were very real, the "monsters" told realistically and in a way that allowed you to relate to them. A really terrific novel.
December 6, 2012
Review pending....
August 4, 2013
Don't usually read Bigfoot stories but I liked it. Really had a good plot and good character development. Would read this author again for sure!
July 13, 2014
Although a short read, it was a good one. More than just a Bigfoot story, it also looked at father/son dynamics. An enjoyable read.
May 11, 2017
A definite page-turner!
What a gripping story! Apparently the great northwest is not the only territory for Sasquatch or Bigfoot or whatever you want to call it. There is an interesting comparison of cultures in this book also. The urban author, who has bought a large tract of land from a local native American tribe with the understanding that it was to be left as a preserve, represents one group. The rural gunshop owner represents another and the family of Sasquatch like beings represent the third. Which of these groups would I like to hang out with and get to know better? I'd say the ones who would have a very hard time buying shoes, should they be so inclined.
What a gripping story! Apparently the great northwest is not the only territory for Sasquatch or Bigfoot or whatever you want to call it. There is an interesting comparison of cultures in this book also. The urban author, who has bought a large tract of land from a local native American tribe with the understanding that it was to be left as a preserve, represents one group. The rural gunshop owner represents another and the family of Sasquatch like beings represent the third. Which of these groups would I like to hang out with and get to know better? I'd say the ones who would have a very hard time buying shoes, should they be so inclined.
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