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Alex Hunter #3
This Green Hell
In the jungles of Paraguay, Dr Aimee Weir and her team are in trouble.
While drilling deep into the Earth a contagion strikes, their camp is quarantined, but workers start to vanish in the night.
Is it fear of contamination – or has something far more lethal surfaced?
Alex Hunter – code name Arcadian – and his Hotzone All-Forces Warfare Commandos are dropped in to the disaster area to do whatever it takes to stem the outbreak. But for the mission to be a success, the Arcadian must learn to master his violent inner demons long enough to confront the danger that not only threatens his own immediate survival, but that of mankind.
While drilling deep into the Earth a contagion strikes, their camp is quarantined, but workers start to vanish in the night.
Is it fear of contamination – or has something far more lethal surfaced?
Alex Hunter – code name Arcadian – and his Hotzone All-Forces Warfare Commandos are dropped in to the disaster area to do whatever it takes to stem the outbreak. But for the mission to be a success, the Arcadian must learn to master his violent inner demons long enough to confront the danger that not only threatens his own immediate survival, but that of mankind.
292 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
147 people are currently reading
1202 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
46 books1,148 followersHi GoodReaders, I’m an Australian author residing in Sydney with my wife, son and a mad Golden Retriever named Jessie. My novels are now available globally, also in Large Print and now in full AUDIO format.
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
September 17, 2021
Monstrosity!
“Hell is not hot, or cold.
Nor is it deep below ground, or somewhere in the sky.
Instead it is a place on Earth, filled with sucking bugs,
disfiguring diseases and millions of tiny flesh-eating creatures.
Hell is a jungle, and it is monstrously green.”
Alex Hunter and The HAWCS, are sent to the jungles of Peru to determine what has happened to the Green Berets.
The GB were sent there to protect the workers of a crew of oil and gas drillers, who have been mysteriously disappearing.
The GB are brutally murdered and nobody knows how or why.
So when Alex discovers that his old friend Amy Weir is part of the research team located there, he doesn’t hesitate to leave.
But death is waiting for him. Death and disease. And an unknown abomination, that is older than the Earth.
Whatever can be done?
The author’s use of historical sources and scientific information, and especially horror, helps to make this my favorite episode by far.
Fantastic five stars ✨
“Hell is not hot, or cold.
Nor is it deep below ground, or somewhere in the sky.
Instead it is a place on Earth, filled with sucking bugs,
disfiguring diseases and millions of tiny flesh-eating creatures.
Hell is a jungle, and it is monstrously green.”
Alex Hunter and The HAWCS, are sent to the jungles of Peru to determine what has happened to the Green Berets.
The GB were sent there to protect the workers of a crew of oil and gas drillers, who have been mysteriously disappearing.
The GB are brutally murdered and nobody knows how or why.
So when Alex discovers that his old friend Amy Weir is part of the research team located there, he doesn’t hesitate to leave.
But death is waiting for him. Death and disease. And an unknown abomination, that is older than the Earth.
Whatever can be done?
The author’s use of historical sources and scientific information, and especially horror, helps to make this my favorite episode by far.
Fantastic five stars ✨
September 29, 2015
I saw this audiobook on the shelf in my local library a few times over the last month or so. I looked it up on GoodReads and saw that it was the third in a series so didn't borrow it. Usually I like to start at the first in a series, so I kept my distance. Then last week I saw it again and curiosity got the better of me. WOW So glad I gave it a go! What a ride!
Its like "Matthew Reilly meets Stephen King" in this adventure/horror/thriller/romance/action/sci-fi full throttle novel. Alex Hunter is back (or in my case I was introduced to him) in This Green Hell. Set deep in the rainforest in Paraguay, a group of scientists led by Amiee Weir, dig into the ground to find tiny micro-organisms that will hopefully be the key to unlimited energy. However what they find in the ground and in the rainforest is terrifying and may spell the end to all of mankind! Cue Alex Hunter, Aimee's old flame (that she never really got over), to come and save the day with kick action scenes, excitement, romance, and a heap of darn fun!
You have to know going into this, its totally unrealistic. Even though the science is based around fact, and the science knowledge is quite impressive, at the end of the day this is an action book, its not supposed to be a literary masterpiece. There are parts that are totally unbelievable, but if you love the unbelievable such as I do, this is your type of book! There is something special about a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat like this one.
Why only four stars you ask? Because there was just something unresolved and missing about the Paraguay part of the story for me. It just sort of ended without really explaining much. It was totally going 5 stars for me throughout the whole thing and then it just lost momentum. There was a climax and then nothing, onto the next part of the story... That was the only thing I didn't like about this book. And it wasn't a big deal really, it was still exciting and worth it!
The characters were awesome! The storyline was awesome! Even the totally corny bits were AWESOME
The audio version read by Sean Mangan was fabulous! Loved Mangans performance! I literally didn't want to get out of my car when I was listening to it. Several times I hung around and extra 20 minutes just to listen to the next chapter! I even put an extra load of washing once just so I could keep listening while I was doing something!
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely for anyone who loves the above genres! And doesn't mind some blood and gore!
I am super excited to read the first two novels in the Alex Hunter series. I have a feeling I am going to LOVE them.
Who can write about blood sucking vampires, a terrifying deadly, contagious-as-hell virus and an imminent nuclear bomb ALL AT THE SAME TIME?? Greig Beck can! Hats off to you Mr Beck! A CRACKING read!
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Follow me on Twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
Its like "Matthew Reilly meets Stephen King" in this adventure/horror/thriller/romance/action/sci-fi full throttle novel. Alex Hunter is back (or in my case I was introduced to him) in This Green Hell. Set deep in the rainforest in Paraguay, a group of scientists led by Amiee Weir, dig into the ground to find tiny micro-organisms that will hopefully be the key to unlimited energy. However what they find in the ground and in the rainforest is terrifying and may spell the end to all of mankind! Cue Alex Hunter, Aimee's old flame (that she never really got over), to come and save the day with kick action scenes, excitement, romance, and a heap of darn fun!
You have to know going into this, its totally unrealistic. Even though the science is based around fact, and the science knowledge is quite impressive, at the end of the day this is an action book, its not supposed to be a literary masterpiece. There are parts that are totally unbelievable, but if you love the unbelievable such as I do, this is your type of book! There is something special about a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat like this one.
Why only four stars you ask? Because there was just something unresolved and missing about the Paraguay part of the story for me. It just sort of ended without really explaining much. It was totally going 5 stars for me throughout the whole thing and then it just lost momentum. There was a climax and then nothing, onto the next part of the story... That was the only thing I didn't like about this book. And it wasn't a big deal really, it was still exciting and worth it!
The characters were awesome! The storyline was awesome! Even the totally corny bits were AWESOME
The audio version read by Sean Mangan was fabulous! Loved Mangans performance! I literally didn't want to get out of my car when I was listening to it. Several times I hung around and extra 20 minutes just to listen to the next chapter! I even put an extra load of washing once just so I could keep listening while I was doing something!
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely for anyone who loves the above genres! And doesn't mind some blood and gore!
I am super excited to read the first two novels in the Alex Hunter series. I have a feeling I am going to LOVE them.
Who can write about blood sucking vampires, a terrifying deadly, contagious-as-hell virus and an imminent nuclear bomb ALL AT THE SAME TIME?? Greig Beck can! Hats off to you Mr Beck! A CRACKING read!
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Follow me on Twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
February 29, 2024
Third book in the series is a fantastic take on an alien organism from the stars combined with a vampirical origin tale. Andromeda strain meets Vampirella.
The story for most parts is dark and chilling. The equatorial jungle is perfectly described and lack of habitation and remoteness make it the ideal place for the positioning of this tale and terror that has lasted centuries.
The push for remote bio- organisms and how it may adversely impact our existence is well etched. With the world just coming out of a worldwide pandemic, the story resonates.
Greig has another stellar effort and this is truly a sci-fi thriller. The pace of the story is frenetic and the action crazy.
Loved it.
The story for most parts is dark and chilling. The equatorial jungle is perfectly described and lack of habitation and remoteness make it the ideal place for the positioning of this tale and terror that has lasted centuries.
The push for remote bio- organisms and how it may adversely impact our existence is well etched. With the world just coming out of a worldwide pandemic, the story resonates.
Greig has another stellar effort and this is truly a sci-fi thriller. The pace of the story is frenetic and the action crazy.
Loved it.
May 7, 2018
Alex Hunter is not your ordinary post-trauma soldier. Where a bullet to the brain would normally kill you, or if you survived, you'd be a dribbling vegetable who wore pyjamas all day and constantly watched Days of Our Lives, while being spoon-fed porridge. No, not Alex; instead of farting and leaving stinkin' bum-berries in his peejays every time he stands up, Alex is exactly the opposite. A bullet in his head has left him some kind of super-duper hooman, albeit with a teeny bit of slavering rage. You know....kinda like Bruce Banner when he gets a parking ticket. Lucky bastard.
I loved this story, and that's despite a fairly transparent plot. The writing style of this bloke is pretty engaging and there's action and gore aplenty. He even squeezed some fairly bland romance in there...although when Alex gets a hard-on, he could probably drive concrete piles into the ground with it! Watch out ladies.
Alex is the leader of a you-beaut elite military group called HAWCS (corny, I know) who have to go to South America's deep jungle to dispatch some slimy, toothy super villain and save Alex's hot ex-girlfriend. Hmm...I wonder if he'll see a Predator alien while he's there? It's not a long read and it has a very satisfying and dramatic ending.
It's not up to the standard of my all-time favourite horror (Jaws – Ahh...the 70s was the best period for horror books), but it's pretty darn good anyway. So good, that I'm going to read another instalment of Alex Hunter's gory adventures, whereas I've only read the one Peter Benchley book..high praise.
I loved this story, and that's despite a fairly transparent plot. The writing style of this bloke is pretty engaging and there's action and gore aplenty. He even squeezed some fairly bland romance in there...although when Alex gets a hard-on, he could probably drive concrete piles into the ground with it! Watch out ladies.
Alex is the leader of a you-beaut elite military group called HAWCS (corny, I know) who have to go to South America's deep jungle to dispatch some slimy, toothy super villain and save Alex's hot ex-girlfriend. Hmm...I wonder if he'll see a Predator alien while he's there? It's not a long read and it has a very satisfying and dramatic ending.
It's not up to the standard of my all-time favourite horror (Jaws – Ahh...the 70s was the best period for horror books), but it's pretty darn good anyway. So good, that I'm going to read another instalment of Alex Hunter's gory adventures, whereas I've only read the one Peter Benchley book..high praise.
July 11, 2022
It reads like a horror movie in the jungle, creepy and entertaining. Grab the popcorn and press play.
July 15, 2015
3.5 Stars
This Green Hell, book number three in the Alex Hunter series is a good action adventure and a competent continuation of the story about 'The Arcadian'. This book is a fantastic summer read that will have you having fun turning the page.
Alex is back again only problem with this one is that he doesn't show up until nearly a quarter of the way through this book. This Green Hell does not advance his story or give us any more background or back story on the Arcadian. Alex is the reason to read these stories and I simply wanted more. That is not to say that there are no other likable characters, as their surely are. The HAWCs are many bigger than life people that each bring something unique to the story. My favorite side character is Adira, the crazy Israelian agent who is now training to be a HAWC, has a very limited role, albeit an important one in this novel.
Once the action gets going Beck does not disappoint with his descriptive prose and details of breaking bones, blood splattering, and nasty killings. Good stuff. The science in this book does not reach the levels of the first two books, but it still made for a good read.
I loved the ending of this story as well as the ending of the book. Both were satisfying with the later setting up what is to come with further adventures of the Arcadian. A very recommended series and summer read.
Guilty Pleasure!
This Green Hell, book number three in the Alex Hunter series is a good action adventure and a competent continuation of the story about 'The Arcadian'. This book is a fantastic summer read that will have you having fun turning the page.
Alex is back again only problem with this one is that he doesn't show up until nearly a quarter of the way through this book. This Green Hell does not advance his story or give us any more background or back story on the Arcadian. Alex is the reason to read these stories and I simply wanted more. That is not to say that there are no other likable characters, as their surely are. The HAWCs are many bigger than life people that each bring something unique to the story. My favorite side character is Adira, the crazy Israelian agent who is now training to be a HAWC, has a very limited role, albeit an important one in this novel.
Once the action gets going Beck does not disappoint with his descriptive prose and details of breaking bones, blood splattering, and nasty killings. Good stuff. The science in this book does not reach the levels of the first two books, but it still made for a good read.
I loved the ending of this story as well as the ending of the book. Both were satisfying with the later setting up what is to come with further adventures of the Arcadian. A very recommended series and summer read.
Guilty Pleasure!
June 29, 2017
4.25 Stars
March 9, 2013
3.5* out of 5. It would actually be closer to a four, but I can't bring myself to it for the nonsensical reason of it being - well - not exactly fine literature. Not that I knew I could be such a snob, but okay, I CAN. But I still LOVED this. It was so much fun, a romp in the jungle with a designed super-soldier against an alien species released from a cavern. What more could you possibly ask for on a Saturday night, accompanied with a nice glass of red wine? :D Highly recommended if you like this sort of thing (unpretentious SF).
March 12, 2024
Holy Mother of hell!!! This book is what nightmares are made of. Several times I had to swallow the bile making its way up my throat just from the horrific details. Loved the story though
August 11, 2018
It didn't take me long to get hooked. I've finished two of these books within the last week and I'm already looking forward to starting the next. I think that says it all!
January 27, 2025
I loved the jungle setting here. I'm always amazed how this author can conjure up such vivid and unique settings book to book. Here were treated to a humid, claustrophobic, green hell and lots of action packed twists and suspense. I liked the re-introduction of Amy from book 1.
May 8, 2015
This was book 3 in the Alex Hunter/Arcadian series. So far this series has gone from beneath the Antarctic ice, then out to the Middle Eastern desert, and now to the jungles of Paraguay. I have to admit that I had a feeling that I have either read this book before, or at least something vaguely similar.
This book reintroduces Dr Aimee Weir from the first book in the series. She is down on a drilling site deep in the heart of the jungle, where not only are they plagued by a host of biting insects but there are also rebel forces at large. There is a vast untapped gas field deep beneath the jungle floor, which both the US and Paraguay want to see developed. A detachment of US Green Berets are sent to provide extra site security, but when they go missing, alarm bells start to ring.
The drill site is placed under a quarantine when a mysterious disease breaks out. There is also an odd priest who shows up at the work camp. Sounds like its time to send in the Arcadian and his team of HAWCs. If you want books full of accurate facts and figures then maybe look elsewhere. For those who want an enjoyable action/thriller/sci-fi/horror read without having to concentrate too much then this could be the book for you.
This book reintroduces Dr Aimee Weir from the first book in the series. She is down on a drilling site deep in the heart of the jungle, where not only are they plagued by a host of biting insects but there are also rebel forces at large. There is a vast untapped gas field deep beneath the jungle floor, which both the US and Paraguay want to see developed. A detachment of US Green Berets are sent to provide extra site security, but when they go missing, alarm bells start to ring.
The drill site is placed under a quarantine when a mysterious disease breaks out. There is also an odd priest who shows up at the work camp. Sounds like its time to send in the Arcadian and his team of HAWCs. If you want books full of accurate facts and figures then maybe look elsewhere. For those who want an enjoyable action/thriller/sci-fi/horror read without having to concentrate too much then this could be the book for you.
February 8, 2024
Slow start, but picks up fast
This is a great series for anyone who is a fan of near-future science fiction, horror, international intrigue, and action fiction.
The book starts off a but slow, but I am glad I stuck through it. Beck writes compelling and hard-bitten characters, and This Green Hell doesn't shirk on that. He also paints a vivid picture of how brutal the jungle is.
Very excited to continue the series.
This is a great series for anyone who is a fan of near-future science fiction, horror, international intrigue, and action fiction.
The book starts off a but slow, but I am glad I stuck through it. Beck writes compelling and hard-bitten characters, and This Green Hell doesn't shirk on that. He also paints a vivid picture of how brutal the jungle is.
Very excited to continue the series.
January 17, 2020
I have recently discovered Greig Beck, though he is a seasoned author. I have enjoyed the Alex Hunter series to no end. His writing style is creative, vibrant, and provides fantastic detail. It plays like a movie in your head.
I look forward to reading the rest of his work. Do yourself a service and read his books. You will not be disappointed.
I look forward to reading the rest of his work. Do yourself a service and read his books. You will not be disappointed.
July 17, 2025
Listened on Audiobook
October 25, 2012
This review was originally posted on The Oaken Bookcase on October 25, 2012.
Dr Aimee Weir, deep in the Paraguayan jungle, is on the verge of making a discovery that could change the world – a source of renewable energy from bacteria deep within the earth that produce natural gas from carbonates. When the samples are brought up though, the bacteria begins to feed on any carbon available – including human flesh. On top of that, an ancient evil has been disturbed and is gradually picking off the workers at the drilling site. Can the Arcadian and his team get in there in time to get the survivors out?
This Green Hell is actually the third Alex Hunter book. I wasn’t aware of that before I started reading it, but the fact that I haven’t read the first two didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book. There is a potted explanation of the Arcadian project and references to previous stories in the first few chapters, so I had some idea of what was going on as This Green Hell got under way. Basically, Alex Hunter was a soldier, brought back from the brink of death by a procedure to his brain that has given him enhanced senses, strength and speed (a bit like Captain America, I suppose). Unfortunately it has also made him slightly unstable, and his commanding officer is protecting him from the military scientists who’d like to dissect and study him. He’s an operative in the HAWCs, a marine-style division in the US military.
Alex himself is pretty bad-ass, but also seems quite tortured and prone to losing control in violent ways. His romance with Aimee may rekindle in this book, but I thought she should just stay the hell away, personally!
This book is certainly not for the faint-hearted. There’s plenty of grisly descriptions of the melting-death disease unearthed at the drill site and also the general ripping apart of people that the undead priest is fond of. I’m not usually a huge fan of blood and guts and it was perhaps slightly overdone in this book, but not enough to put me off completely. The detailed descriptions aren’t all grisly though, and the descriptions of the surroundings really put you right into the action. I mean, this is the tropical jungle, here. It’s steamy, sweaty and full of bugs, and you certainly get that feeling while Aimee and the drill site team are at work.
The action is a little slow in the first half of the book but the suspense builds up so well that by the time it all starts happening, it was very, very difficult to put the book down. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger ending which is slightly disappointing after all they had just been through, but the next book is due out very soon so there’s not long to wait to find out what happens next!
I’d recommend This Green Hell to those who enjoy military thrillers with a sci-fi twist, and who don’t mind a bit of blood and guts in their violence.
Dr Aimee Weir, deep in the Paraguayan jungle, is on the verge of making a discovery that could change the world – a source of renewable energy from bacteria deep within the earth that produce natural gas from carbonates. When the samples are brought up though, the bacteria begins to feed on any carbon available – including human flesh. On top of that, an ancient evil has been disturbed and is gradually picking off the workers at the drilling site. Can the Arcadian and his team get in there in time to get the survivors out?
This Green Hell is actually the third Alex Hunter book. I wasn’t aware of that before I started reading it, but the fact that I haven’t read the first two didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book. There is a potted explanation of the Arcadian project and references to previous stories in the first few chapters, so I had some idea of what was going on as This Green Hell got under way. Basically, Alex Hunter was a soldier, brought back from the brink of death by a procedure to his brain that has given him enhanced senses, strength and speed (a bit like Captain America, I suppose). Unfortunately it has also made him slightly unstable, and his commanding officer is protecting him from the military scientists who’d like to dissect and study him. He’s an operative in the HAWCs, a marine-style division in the US military.
Alex himself is pretty bad-ass, but also seems quite tortured and prone to losing control in violent ways. His romance with Aimee may rekindle in this book, but I thought she should just stay the hell away, personally!
This book is certainly not for the faint-hearted. There’s plenty of grisly descriptions of the melting-death disease unearthed at the drill site and also the general ripping apart of people that the undead priest is fond of. I’m not usually a huge fan of blood and guts and it was perhaps slightly overdone in this book, but not enough to put me off completely. The detailed descriptions aren’t all grisly though, and the descriptions of the surroundings really put you right into the action. I mean, this is the tropical jungle, here. It’s steamy, sweaty and full of bugs, and you certainly get that feeling while Aimee and the drill site team are at work.
The action is a little slow in the first half of the book but the suspense builds up so well that by the time it all starts happening, it was very, very difficult to put the book down. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger ending which is slightly disappointing after all they had just been through, but the next book is due out very soon so there’s not long to wait to find out what happens next!
I’d recommend This Green Hell to those who enjoy military thrillers with a sci-fi twist, and who don’t mind a bit of blood and guts in their violence.
March 24, 2011
Greig Beck gives me nightmares – but in a good way!
In This Green Hell he takes us deep into South America’s Paraguay. You can actually feel the heat and humidity and the claustrophobic sensations of the jungle all around.
Like most of his books, Beck starts with a historical point, like a myth or legend. Here it is the Jesuit missionaries in the late 1600s, and he gives us (his) insight into why some disappeared. Fast forward, and we then see how this affects his characters and events today.
We find Aimee Weir, the Petrobiologist, in the jungle after discovering a unique microorganism from deep below the ground – what looks like a potential solution to synthetic gas production turns out to be something horrifying. The bacteria are not benign and humans and animals exposed to the microorganism suffer horrifying side effects! The mining base camp is quarantined, and the workers begin vanishing in the night. But are they running away, or is something else prowling the jungle - something that shouldn't be living and is far more terrifying!
Captain Alex Hunter and his elite HAWCS enter the disaster area, to commence the rescue mission. Alex is still suffering side effects from his Arcadian treatment – some good (enhanced senses), some leading to uncontrollable rages. Beck introduces some great characters as well. I particularly liked the HAWC Casey Franks – all tattoos, muscles and foul mouth.
I really enjoy these sorts of fun stories – great research, great science and weaponry (watch out for the ice-gun), unbelievable action, and great scares.
Beck left me with nightmares – and I loved it. Blockbuster material.
In This Green Hell he takes us deep into South America’s Paraguay. You can actually feel the heat and humidity and the claustrophobic sensations of the jungle all around.
Like most of his books, Beck starts with a historical point, like a myth or legend. Here it is the Jesuit missionaries in the late 1600s, and he gives us (his) insight into why some disappeared. Fast forward, and we then see how this affects his characters and events today.
We find Aimee Weir, the Petrobiologist, in the jungle after discovering a unique microorganism from deep below the ground – what looks like a potential solution to synthetic gas production turns out to be something horrifying. The bacteria are not benign and humans and animals exposed to the microorganism suffer horrifying side effects! The mining base camp is quarantined, and the workers begin vanishing in the night. But are they running away, or is something else prowling the jungle - something that shouldn't be living and is far more terrifying!
Captain Alex Hunter and his elite HAWCS enter the disaster area, to commence the rescue mission. Alex is still suffering side effects from his Arcadian treatment – some good (enhanced senses), some leading to uncontrollable rages. Beck introduces some great characters as well. I particularly liked the HAWC Casey Franks – all tattoos, muscles and foul mouth.
I really enjoy these sorts of fun stories – great research, great science and weaponry (watch out for the ice-gun), unbelievable action, and great scares.
Beck left me with nightmares – and I loved it. Blockbuster material.
April 10, 2019
The story begins with Dr. Amy Weir working on a project that would allow the country, possibly the world to survive on a different kind of fossil fuel. Sadly, there's a primordial ooze that begs to differ.Something ancient and not of this world needs help and the nosy humans in the jungle are just the ones to aide. It's not until a special unit of Green Berets are taken down within minutes of departing the camp that an elite team of HAWKS, lead by Alex Hunter, are sent in to rescue. But can they handle what's waiting for them? Can he rescue Amy and the rest of the science team? And will Alex Hunter be able to handle the rage within him?
This Green Hell puts you in another jungle but up against a different sort of foe. It's different from the first stories, because the intelligence of this creature isn't like the others, but I can't say why. SPOILERS and all. What I can say is the you'll be grossed out and wincing for those that suffer it. Beck manages to create monsters with true science behind them. At the end of his books, he shares the history and truth in the science behind each of his tales. Especially when it comes to the church and missionaries of the story. You have to listen to it to. It gives you a greater scope into the tale.
I think anyone who enjoyed monsters, science and big guns will fly through this one. This Green Hell is a hell of a read. Cheers!
This Green Hell
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Publication by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2012
Runtime: 11h 23m
https://www.areneehunt.com/the-review...
This Green Hell puts you in another jungle but up against a different sort of foe. It's different from the first stories, because the intelligence of this creature isn't like the others, but I can't say why. SPOILERS and all. What I can say is the you'll be grossed out and wincing for those that suffer it. Beck manages to create monsters with true science behind them. At the end of his books, he shares the history and truth in the science behind each of his tales. Especially when it comes to the church and missionaries of the story. You have to listen to it to. It gives you a greater scope into the tale.
I think anyone who enjoyed monsters, science and big guns will fly through this one. This Green Hell is a hell of a read. Cheers!
This Green Hell
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Publication by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2012
Runtime: 11h 23m
https://www.areneehunt.com/the-review...
October 17, 2011
I am so happy I got to read this book. It isn't supposed to be released in the US until August of next year which is bullshit considering it is out in Australia now. I have a friend who travels there all the time so I had her pick me up a copy.
Let me just say that the book was awesome but the ending was so open-ended.
The basic premise is that there is a serious biological outbreak in the amazon after digging for a natural gas deposit brings up bacteria that is unlike anything seen on this planet.
A team of Green Berets disappears while protecting the digging crew and Alex Hunter and the HAWCs are sent in to deal with the situation.
The Arcadian delivers his awesome brand of rage.
>>>>>Begin Spoilers<<<<<<<
At the end of the book, the Arcadian is a victim of the bacterial infection and is frozen to stop the spread. Hammerson then gives him to Mossad to deal with the bacteria and save the Arcadian. There may not be more books coming after that ending.
Let me just say that the book was awesome but the ending was so open-ended.
The basic premise is that there is a serious biological outbreak in the amazon after digging for a natural gas deposit brings up bacteria that is unlike anything seen on this planet.
A team of Green Berets disappears while protecting the digging crew and Alex Hunter and the HAWCs are sent in to deal with the situation.
The Arcadian delivers his awesome brand of rage.
>>>>>Begin Spoilers<<<<<<<
At the end of the book, the Arcadian is a victim of the bacterial infection and is frozen to stop the spread. Hammerson then gives him to Mossad to deal with the bacteria and save the Arcadian. There may not be more books coming after that ending.
October 14, 2011
Started yesterday…finished today - I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. This was an excellent book and another huge winner from Mr. Beck. What a great story with totally believable science and a very familiar set of characters that are easy to root for and cheer on. And…the "villain" in this book…WOW…a real bad guy!! Greig has a way of writing the story so that you are right in the action with the characters - the smells, the lighting, the clothes, the colors, the environment - you are in it when you read it. BOTTOM LINE: a great book that was written extremely well with a fast-paced story that was realistic and honest. Mr. Beck is a great writer - pick up his other two books - Beneath the Dark Ice and Dark Rising - a couple of real winners too!!
September 16, 2012
This is the 3rd installment in the Alex Hunter series. There is a 4th one and it is not out yet. I read this book in one night because I couldn't put it down. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys military thrillers and or Michael Crichton, Rollins, etc. It's a hard book to classify, science fiction thriller, maybe? Or a sci-fi horror thriller? I don't know nor do I care. Greig Beck is a much underrated author and I am looking forward the 4th in this series; however, it will not be out until August of next year....so long time to wait. The only problem with this book is that the cliffhanger is very frustrating;)
November 23, 2021
Pretty lame. Just like the other Alex Hunter book I read. I don't really know why I did read this actually. The funny thing is, I very well might read another one. Just like Kraken Rising, the start was interesting. But as soon as the marines come into it, the silliness is overwhelming. I just can't get by how these macho jarheads refer to each other as "buster" and "mister". It's so fucking stupid. And Alex Hunter is one of the most boring kinds of Action-Man cutout characters I have come across.
June 8, 2017
Wow what an exciting thrilling read. Imagine you are a scientist (Amy) and you spend your whole career looking for something new and exciting. Imagine if you do discover something new and exciting but that turns out to possibly be the end of our species as we know it. How will Amy and her ever shrinking team escape. Enter Alex Hunter, Amy's ex boyfriend and result numerous Defence supersoldier experiments.
I absolutely loved this tale. Awesome read
I absolutely loved this tale. Awesome read
January 13, 2016
This series is starting to get really good. I expected several different things. The author touches on vampires, leads the reader down one path, and then turns it around. He really uses the science and the fiction together to make something truly fun to read.
October 3, 2015
Wow this was a great fast paced action packed book! I didn't realize this was a series so I cannot wait to read more. This was book 3 and I'll definitely be returning to book 1 & 2 and then 4 at some stage!!!
September 21, 2020
The Alex Hunter series is incredible and deserving on a TV series. That said, "This green hell" was sadly my least enjoyable book in the series.
January 21, 2021
Great read
Amazing to bring the Arcadian back to and then snuffed out again. Greig has done an amazing job of writing these three books. Couldn't put the book down.
Amazing to bring the Arcadian back to and then snuffed out again. Greig has done an amazing job of writing these three books. Couldn't put the book down.
June 16, 2019
At this point, I don't think it's even possible to hide the fact that I'm a fan of Greig Beck. His Beneath the Dark Ice blew me away (even if it wasn't the Afirst of his works that I read) and since then I've been slowly making my way through his library, even reading SNAFU: An Anthology of Military Horror because one of his short stories was featured (though I'd question the use of "short" here).
So expect this review to be just a hint biased.
Out of three main books I've read now plus the prequel short story, this is probably the weaker of the bunch. Part of that is definitely the nature of the book which is very different from previous entries. While there is a monstrous presence here, the threat comes more from the microscopical level which leaves Alex Hunter very little to actually punch his way out of. Instead the focus seems to be on Hunter and Aimee Weir's relationship which we were told ended some time before the previous installment.
If you're worried then that there's no action, I can allay any such fears. That said, don't expect this to be the high octane of previous books. It takes a lot longer for the HAWCs to arrive on site and start doing damage and even when there, there's not much for them to do. Guns aren't much good against a bacterial infection. Unless they're really, really, REALLY big guns. If you don't count the creature, as it were, but the guns didn't really help against it either, to be honest. I was rather hoping for some imagery straight out of the Thing at some point, where its otherworld nature really got a chance to shine. But it was not meant to be.
Perhaps we'll meet again, some day.
Pacing-wise, it takes forever for this book to really get going and the structure is a bit odd. There is a lot of jumping around between perspectives which takes a bit of getting used to and even then feels a bit unnecessary. It also feels far more like transport than anything before, or a jumping off point for a new direction for the Arcadian. Every so often it would cut away to something that felt entirely unrelated only for it to come around again in the end, setting up the next book. I really wish this was better built into the story rather than a secondary story happening off to the side, quite possibly added in at a much later stage of writing once an idea for the sequel had begun to coalesce.
It's also hard to suggest this as any sort of entry point for new readers due to it relying on pre-existing relationships established in previous books.
Or I'm being overly negative. Whatever the case, once I got a bit into the book and could really dig in, it was a hard book to put down. At this point it's fair to say I'm a bit invested in the fate of Alex Hunter and the HAWCs so it'll take a lot to make me dislike something. Let's hope it never comes to that.
So expect this review to be just a hint biased.
Out of three main books I've read now plus the prequel short story, this is probably the weaker of the bunch. Part of that is definitely the nature of the book which is very different from previous entries. While there is a monstrous presence here, the threat comes more from the microscopical level which leaves Alex Hunter very little to actually punch his way out of. Instead the focus seems to be on Hunter and Aimee Weir's relationship which we were told ended some time before the previous installment.
If you're worried then that there's no action, I can allay any such fears. That said, don't expect this to be the high octane of previous books. It takes a lot longer for the HAWCs to arrive on site and start doing damage and even when there, there's not much for them to do. Guns aren't much good against a bacterial infection. Unless they're really, really, REALLY big guns. If you don't count the creature, as it were, but the guns didn't really help against it either, to be honest. I was rather hoping for some imagery straight out of the Thing at some point, where its otherworld nature really got a chance to shine. But it was not meant to be.
Perhaps we'll meet again, some day.
Pacing-wise, it takes forever for this book to really get going and the structure is a bit odd. There is a lot of jumping around between perspectives which takes a bit of getting used to and even then feels a bit unnecessary. It also feels far more like transport than anything before, or a jumping off point for a new direction for the Arcadian. Every so often it would cut away to something that felt entirely unrelated only for it to come around again in the end, setting up the next book. I really wish this was better built into the story rather than a secondary story happening off to the side, quite possibly added in at a much later stage of writing once an idea for the sequel had begun to coalesce.
It's also hard to suggest this as any sort of entry point for new readers due to it relying on pre-existing relationships established in previous books.
Or I'm being overly negative. Whatever the case, once I got a bit into the book and could really dig in, it was a hard book to put down. At this point it's fair to say I'm a bit invested in the fate of Alex Hunter and the HAWCs so it'll take a lot to make me dislike something. Let's hope it never comes to that.
December 28, 2021
Black mountain is a fantastic sequel to an already brilliant series. Greig Beck reintroduces characters and memories from the initial “Beneath the Dark Ice” book and entwines them with those from the previous “Dark Rising” to create a wider universe and more character depth. I particularly like that women in this series are not portrayed as weak and needing the help of men in order to get by as I see too often in this style of book. Instead women are represented as strong and holding their own and showing unique bravery even when confronting things outside of their own field of expertise. There is a realistic level of them needing support and hoping that Alex Hunter will show up but that remains the same for the men as well since Hunter is in a different category of human and soldier. The sexism that is portrayed in the book is that which I’m sure does exist in the military and certainly exists in other jobs where women are the minority. The need for the female soldiers to prove themselves and be hardened in order to compete and gain the respect by their other male colleagues is absolutely believable and the response and portrayal in my opinion is done brilliantly.
I also particularly enjoyed that as well as the foreword by Greig Beck, he has also decided to now end with an afterword since he is so often asked about the science and background history for his books. This was absolutely fascinating to me and though, of course, extremes are taken with all of this information, the actual science discussed in the book and the research that has gone into that is nothing less than amazing. It takes fictional sci-fi and thriller to a whole other level with the added in facts and history that makes it all the creepier and captivating to read.
I also particularly enjoyed that as well as the foreword by Greig Beck, he has also decided to now end with an afterword since he is so often asked about the science and background history for his books. This was absolutely fascinating to me and though, of course, extremes are taken with all of this information, the actual science discussed in the book and the research that has gone into that is nothing less than amazing. It takes fictional sci-fi and thriller to a whole other level with the added in facts and history that makes it all the creepier and captivating to read.
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