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Precipice #1
The Beginning
The End is only the Beginning....
It wasn't the first time Lieutenant Travis Daniels had been far from his wife and son. Leading an elite team on countless missions, dodging death at every turn-it was what he was trained to do. And returning to his family was always his driving force... but this time might be different. Imprisoned for an unsanctioned intrusion into a hot zone, Travis and his elite team took a deal to assist in the colonization of Mars to evade the death penalty. While stationed there, Travis' only source of sanity were the brief video conversations he was allowed with his family. When the last transmission received showed choppy images of the city in darkness and blurs of humanoid creatures running through the streets, Travis and his team must decide to either stay on Mars or find a way back to his family-unknowing of the hell that Earth has become.
It wasn't the first time Lieutenant Travis Daniels had been far from his wife and son. Leading an elite team on countless missions, dodging death at every turn-it was what he was trained to do. And returning to his family was always his driving force... but this time might be different. Imprisoned for an unsanctioned intrusion into a hot zone, Travis and his elite team took a deal to assist in the colonization of Mars to evade the death penalty. While stationed there, Travis' only source of sanity were the brief video conversations he was allowed with his family. When the last transmission received showed choppy images of the city in darkness and blurs of humanoid creatures running through the streets, Travis and his team must decide to either stay on Mars or find a way back to his family-unknowing of the hell that Earth has become.
- GenresHorrorScience Fiction
482 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2012
403 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Howard
4 books67 followershttps://www.authorkevinhoward.com/
15 feature-length screenplays and 2 television pilots that have placed in over 350 film festivals in 36 countries in 6 different genres. 8 completed novels, one of which is the silver medal winner from the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. 4 screenplays have been finalists in Academy Award, BAFTA and Canadian Screen Awards qualifying events. Winner of the Vitruvian Award at the Da Vinci International Film Festival, writer of the year in Florence and Mumbai in 2020. Excellent coverage received from the Atlanta Screenplay Awards, the Chicago Screenplay Awards, the New York Screenplay Awards and the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and Screenplay Competition.
Currently lives in Washington with his two sons.
15 feature-length screenplays and 2 television pilots that have placed in over 350 film festivals in 36 countries in 6 different genres. 8 completed novels, one of which is the silver medal winner from the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards. 4 screenplays have been finalists in Academy Award, BAFTA and Canadian Screen Awards qualifying events. Winner of the Vitruvian Award at the Da Vinci International Film Festival, writer of the year in Florence and Mumbai in 2020. Excellent coverage received from the Atlanta Screenplay Awards, the Chicago Screenplay Awards, the New York Screenplay Awards and the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and Screenplay Competition.
Currently lives in Washington with his two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 11, 2013
This novel was recommended to me by a friend here on Goodreads from a local author. I had no idea such talent could live in my state. This was an incredible novel. So many elements all coming together to make such an interesting read. The characters were many and all of them so very different. Travis Daniels and his special unit friends were wonderful. I loved their many conversations, so realistic of people banding together in times of hardship. It's always so much fun to read a novel that can so accurately show the destruction of our planet. How savage the beasts were as they demolished humanity. There were some heartbreaking chapters as well, most of them centered around Dasher and his poor life or Annie Daniels and her sheer determination to keep her son safe. Such tragedy mixed with so much love. Truly a wonderful novel and I am very thankful to have stumbled upon it. A must read.
March 27, 2016
I have become a fan of Kevin J. Howard ever since I read Faithful Shadow. But I have to say that this book took me for a ride! After a cruise ship is swallowed into the sea by something, the Earth is doomed for extinction. Meanwhile, a million miles above Earth, an elite team of a chosen few are trying to colonize Mars while battling fierce storms and living alone in their cells. But what is happening on Mars is nowhere near as bad as what is happening back on Earth.
The Earth opens up, and lets out these creatures that seem to have a pack mentality, with smaller creatures scouting, and the bigger ones killing everyone. Daniels' wife, Annie, must not only protect their only child, Logan, but she must also protect her best friend, her daughter, and an orphaned child, whose parents were killed by the creatures. As the world is going haywire, the facility on Mars is close to a mutiny.
This was a ride of a read! I raced through the pages, wondering if they're going to make it or what was going to happen on Mars. Each character is strong in their own way, whether they are drunk with power or fueled by wanting to stay alive. It is a great book to read, especially for those who are fans of horror. The book ends abruptly, leaving you wanting more. I wish I could read the next book now!
The Earth opens up, and lets out these creatures that seem to have a pack mentality, with smaller creatures scouting, and the bigger ones killing everyone. Daniels' wife, Annie, must not only protect their only child, Logan, but she must also protect her best friend, her daughter, and an orphaned child, whose parents were killed by the creatures. As the world is going haywire, the facility on Mars is close to a mutiny.
This was a ride of a read! I raced through the pages, wondering if they're going to make it or what was going to happen on Mars. Each character is strong in their own way, whether they are drunk with power or fueled by wanting to stay alive. It is a great book to read, especially for those who are fans of horror. The book ends abruptly, leaving you wanting more. I wish I could read the next book now!
January 5, 2013
This is now one of my favorite books. The characters in this novel were so relatable, and I found myself feeling so sorry for them. The monstrosities that tear the Earth apart were really scary. The author did an amazing job of making me feel the terror while these beasts went door to door in the heavy rain and dragged people from their home. It never really says what exactly they are and I think that's what makes it truly disturbing. One night everyone is fine and then they're being torn to shreds. The love between Travis and his son is so genuine it makes you want to cry, and Annie is tough as nails. I really admire her for making the journey with her son and dealing with her idiot neighbor. Annie is awesome, one of my favorite characters. Well, her and Dasher. I feel so sorry for that poor man and I hope he gets some good news in the second book. Bottom line: this book is awesome!
January 7, 2013
This was one hell of a thrill ride. I am not a fan of tough chicks, but Annie Daniels is one awesome character. No one better mess with her son, no matter how creepy or terrifying the monsters may be. This book seems to have everything. Trouble on the distant Mars with the security officers slowly going insane, Travis doing everything he can to keep the men in his unit safe, and Annie leading her son and neighbors to safety while being chased by horrible creatures. These things don't mess around either. I love when you read a novel that gets right down to business, none of this 'wait three hundred pages' before something interesting happens. I won't spoil the ending, but I will say this is definitely a series I will want to read. Also, the end is action packed, one problem after the other and you're just on edge. Very happy it ended the way it did, but there's a second book. When will it be available?! A must read.
March 19, 2013
What can I say!!!! Fantastic book, loved it! Exactly what I was looking for with monsters/aliens destroying civilisation on earth and a base on mars with a group of prisoners (politically imprisoned ex marines) with absolutely no hope of ever going back to earth. A few cracks in the earths crust, a few thousand (?) hungry big,small and seriously massive monsters out to devour the remnants of mankind. Kick ass story line. Great character descriptions and just the right amount of detail on the monsters. Looking forward to the sequel. Also I don't really think my review gives the book justice. Read it if you like a good read!
December 4, 2012
Just in time for the end of the world, Precipice: The Beginning takes you through the terrifying events that threaten to destroy humanity.
May 23, 2013
“Are you going to give it a rest or do I have to smack you in the balls?”
Had me laughing until……….
Beth and Sebastian were cruising on the largest ship to ever sail. They heard the alarms going off and ran to the balcony, only to watch as the rogue wave washed over them.
Does something have to end for something to begin?
Precipice: The Beginning (Part One)
Travis felt so much guilt over leaving Christine and Logan, his wife and son. He, along with the other members of his team – Morgan Ellis, mechanic, Christina Perez, combat trainer (the only woman at the facility), TJ, equipment specialist, and Sean Jeffries, pilot - were sent to Mars. Travis had made the decision for the team, go to Mars instead of receiving a death sentence. Mars wasn’t a prison, but it might as well have been.
Travis was called in for his monthly evaluation with Dr. Hoffman. He was asked about his coworkers and the facility, the normal questions. Travis told him that he missed his family terribly and Hoffman told him he would be allowed to talk with them.
Annie wanted to look her best when she saw Travis today. The only comm link to Mars from Earth was at TransWorld, the company that built the place on Mars. It was a three and a half hour drive from home. On the way, she thought of how life would be, knowing Travis would never be coming home.
Contact with Earth became sporadic, then non-existent, he began to prepare for the worst. Andrews warned his people, the men at the mine were prisoners, no matter what anyone said.
“Men can be like dogs if put in the right situation. Obedient, loyal. But when the chips are down and they feel threatened, you bet your balls they’ll turn on you.”
Annie awoke to the latest news on Earth. The ozone layer was almost gone, high acid levels made the ocean toxic, earthquakes were ripping the ground out from under them and releasing the unthinkable. Would humans be the next animal to become extinct?
Annie and Logan make it to TransWorld and Annie is able to contact Travis on Mars. As he and his team watch the horrific images on screen, they wonder what would meet them if they manage to return to Earth. Would it be a fate worse than death?
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
Kevin J. Howard is an excellent writer with a vivid imagination and otherworldly stories to tell. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I wanted this book. Beautiful and intriguing. The title, Precipice, evokes the feeling of impending doom. Knowing Kevin’s mind, I knew there was an intriguing adventure waiting between the “pages”.
His descriptions of the end of the world and life on Mars remind me of H. G. Wells and his visions of the future. Kevin describes Travis wearing front loaders, made me think of a scene in Avatar. You will have to read the book to know what he is talking about, but who is to say what tools will be developed in the future.
Water on Mars was recycled urine. Is that a thing of the future? MMMM Something to look forward to?
I loved all the detail, so starting out kind of slow is fine by me. Once it had me drawn and quartered, I found I couldn’t escape its clutches. The action came from all directions. There was so much going on and new storylines kept popping up.
And what will happen after we destroy the Earth, using up all the available resources? Ozone layers about gone, oceans toxic, the ground shaking – vanishing beneath our feet.
“Humanity! The most lethal virus unleashed upon the universe.”
Kevin tells us about Christine seeing a chimp at the Chicago Zoo when she was 15, but now, chimps, polar bears and elephants were only seen as photos in books.
The Mars Project is run by Trans World Incorporated. It is an off world facility, preparing the way for mining and the colonization of Mars. Is it preparation for when the world becomes uninhabitable?
Does any of this have a familiar ring to it?
Ever wonder if it has happened before? Maybe we came here from somewhere else.
I love strong women protagonists and Annie is one.
“Take your goddamn gun out of my son’s face.”
“I said now, before I rip off your fucking balls and beat you with them.”
Oh man, I was so bummed when I reached the end. I wanted so badly to keep on reading. How long until Book II? I’m thinking it will knock my socks off. So, bring it on!!
Kevin J. Howard
Had me laughing until……….
Beth and Sebastian were cruising on the largest ship to ever sail. They heard the alarms going off and ran to the balcony, only to watch as the rogue wave washed over them.
Does something have to end for something to begin?
Precipice: The Beginning (Part One)
Travis felt so much guilt over leaving Christine and Logan, his wife and son. He, along with the other members of his team – Morgan Ellis, mechanic, Christina Perez, combat trainer (the only woman at the facility), TJ, equipment specialist, and Sean Jeffries, pilot - were sent to Mars. Travis had made the decision for the team, go to Mars instead of receiving a death sentence. Mars wasn’t a prison, but it might as well have been.
Travis was called in for his monthly evaluation with Dr. Hoffman. He was asked about his coworkers and the facility, the normal questions. Travis told him that he missed his family terribly and Hoffman told him he would be allowed to talk with them.
Annie wanted to look her best when she saw Travis today. The only comm link to Mars from Earth was at TransWorld, the company that built the place on Mars. It was a three and a half hour drive from home. On the way, she thought of how life would be, knowing Travis would never be coming home.
Contact with Earth became sporadic, then non-existent, he began to prepare for the worst. Andrews warned his people, the men at the mine were prisoners, no matter what anyone said.
“Men can be like dogs if put in the right situation. Obedient, loyal. But when the chips are down and they feel threatened, you bet your balls they’ll turn on you.”
Annie awoke to the latest news on Earth. The ozone layer was almost gone, high acid levels made the ocean toxic, earthquakes were ripping the ground out from under them and releasing the unthinkable. Would humans be the next animal to become extinct?
Annie and Logan make it to TransWorld and Annie is able to contact Travis on Mars. As he and his team watch the horrific images on screen, they wonder what would meet them if they manage to return to Earth. Would it be a fate worse than death?
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
Kevin J. Howard is an excellent writer with a vivid imagination and otherworldly stories to tell. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I wanted this book. Beautiful and intriguing. The title, Precipice, evokes the feeling of impending doom. Knowing Kevin’s mind, I knew there was an intriguing adventure waiting between the “pages”.
His descriptions of the end of the world and life on Mars remind me of H. G. Wells and his visions of the future. Kevin describes Travis wearing front loaders, made me think of a scene in Avatar. You will have to read the book to know what he is talking about, but who is to say what tools will be developed in the future.
Water on Mars was recycled urine. Is that a thing of the future? MMMM Something to look forward to?
I loved all the detail, so starting out kind of slow is fine by me. Once it had me drawn and quartered, I found I couldn’t escape its clutches. The action came from all directions. There was so much going on and new storylines kept popping up.
And what will happen after we destroy the Earth, using up all the available resources? Ozone layers about gone, oceans toxic, the ground shaking – vanishing beneath our feet.
“Humanity! The most lethal virus unleashed upon the universe.”
Kevin tells us about Christine seeing a chimp at the Chicago Zoo when she was 15, but now, chimps, polar bears and elephants were only seen as photos in books.
The Mars Project is run by Trans World Incorporated. It is an off world facility, preparing the way for mining and the colonization of Mars. Is it preparation for when the world becomes uninhabitable?
Does any of this have a familiar ring to it?
Ever wonder if it has happened before? Maybe we came here from somewhere else.
I love strong women protagonists and Annie is one.
“Take your goddamn gun out of my son’s face.”
“I said now, before I rip off your fucking balls and beat you with them.”
Oh man, I was so bummed when I reached the end. I wanted so badly to keep on reading. How long until Book II? I’m thinking it will knock my socks off. So, bring it on!!
Kevin J. Howard
May 23, 2013
I love books about space travel and other planets. I also love stories with horrific creatures.
I found both in Precipice.
A large ship is swallowed up in the ocean and it sounds the death knell for Earth.
Meanwhile, 55 million miles from Earth, Lieutenant Travis Daniels and his elite team are little more than prisoners.
After a FUBAR mission, Travis made a deal to keep his team from a death sentence and they are now on Mars, helping to colonize it.
When they aren’t mining, they spend most of their time in their cells.
“The excitement of being stationed on the fourth planet from the sun has long since worn off.”
Travis was already on Mars when his wife, Annie, discovers she’s pregnant. Since then, he’s only seen his son, Logan, twice, and that was on a monitor.
When they lose all communication with Earth, and finally do get a transmission, it shows an Earth with deep trenches ripped through it and flashes of strange creatures crawling out of them.
Travis has to find a way to get to his family while dealing with a madman that has control over them and the only ship able to get them home.
I enjoyed the camaraderie between Travis and his team. Each had their own distinct voice and their own place in the story. Without good secondary characters a story falls flat. Not so with this book.
While the situation on Mars is deteriorating, Earth has fallen into ruin. What crawls out of those trenches is terrifying.
They are so fast, you barely have time to blink before they’re on you. With lizard like skin and jaws of a hell hound, once they get close to you, you’re dead. I call them the ‘dobiegators.’
Then there’s the big guy. He is so huge he's beyond comprehension. The best description I can give you is the creature from the movie Cloverfield.
This thing is so big it crushes buildings, reaching in to grab the people cowering inside.
It’s one thing after another, both on Earth and on Mars.
With Earth overrun and Mars not ready to be colonized yet, these people are between a rock and a hard place.
Kevin has written a thrilling, terrifying story with special ops, the end of the world, madmen, creatures from the bowels of Hell, and action galore.
When I finished reading Precipice, I said, “Yep, just what I needed.”
I love my horror and suspense and that’s just what I got!
I'm anxious to see if the Kevin can top this in Book Two!
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for my honest review.
I found both in Precipice.
A large ship is swallowed up in the ocean and it sounds the death knell for Earth.
Meanwhile, 55 million miles from Earth, Lieutenant Travis Daniels and his elite team are little more than prisoners.
After a FUBAR mission, Travis made a deal to keep his team from a death sentence and they are now on Mars, helping to colonize it.
When they aren’t mining, they spend most of their time in their cells.
“The excitement of being stationed on the fourth planet from the sun has long since worn off.”
Travis was already on Mars when his wife, Annie, discovers she’s pregnant. Since then, he’s only seen his son, Logan, twice, and that was on a monitor.
When they lose all communication with Earth, and finally do get a transmission, it shows an Earth with deep trenches ripped through it and flashes of strange creatures crawling out of them.
Travis has to find a way to get to his family while dealing with a madman that has control over them and the only ship able to get them home.
I enjoyed the camaraderie between Travis and his team. Each had their own distinct voice and their own place in the story. Without good secondary characters a story falls flat. Not so with this book.
While the situation on Mars is deteriorating, Earth has fallen into ruin. What crawls out of those trenches is terrifying.
They are so fast, you barely have time to blink before they’re on you. With lizard like skin and jaws of a hell hound, once they get close to you, you’re dead. I call them the ‘dobiegators.’
Then there’s the big guy. He is so huge he's beyond comprehension. The best description I can give you is the creature from the movie Cloverfield.
This thing is so big it crushes buildings, reaching in to grab the people cowering inside.
It’s one thing after another, both on Earth and on Mars.
With Earth overrun and Mars not ready to be colonized yet, these people are between a rock and a hard place.
Kevin has written a thrilling, terrifying story with special ops, the end of the world, madmen, creatures from the bowels of Hell, and action galore.
When I finished reading Precipice, I said, “Yep, just what I needed.”
I love my horror and suspense and that’s just what I got!
I'm anxious to see if the Kevin can top this in Book Two!
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for my honest review.
June 6, 2013
I need time to process what I just read. There's so much that I liked and some things I didn't like. I'll get into more details later. I am looking forward to reading the next book cuz I need to know what happens!
** EDIT**
So I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this book... With that being said, this book was a very great read! It had me on my toes at a lot of parts, holding my breath at others. Hell, I even shed some tears! I actually felt like I was with these people sometimes, especially with Annie and Logan. (You'll meet them right near the beginning)
Another thing I liked about this book, was the different POV's. It was a bit confusing at first but after a few chapters, I got used to it.
The book starts out with a couple on a cruise ship, enjoying a vacation. When all of a sudden, alarms are going off and the captain of the ship addresses the passengers and tells them to put on their life vests.
After this first chapter, the POV changes to many different characters. We meet a lot of people, and learn as much about them as we are able to. Throughout the book, things go from bad to worse and then some! These creatures start appearing all over Earth, buildings are burning, people are screaming with fear. The world is in chaos.
I will say that my favorite POV's were that of Travis and his crew on Mars, Annie and her son Logan, and a man named Dasher. Once you read this book, you'll understand what I mean.
Anyway, back to the book... It gets so insane later on. You'll freak out a bit. I know I did! The amount of creativity that went into this book, just blows me away. I love the Mars scenes... Except a few that involved the only female there, near the end anyway. There was another scene near the end that I loved most that involves Dasher.
Kevin J. Howard has this interesting writing style and I think it's fantastic! I really really liked this book a lot. So much so that I've purchased the Kindle copy of book 2! I can't wait to find out what happens next!
** EDIT**
So I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this book... With that being said, this book was a very great read! It had me on my toes at a lot of parts, holding my breath at others. Hell, I even shed some tears! I actually felt like I was with these people sometimes, especially with Annie and Logan. (You'll meet them right near the beginning)
Another thing I liked about this book, was the different POV's. It was a bit confusing at first but after a few chapters, I got used to it.
The book starts out with a couple on a cruise ship, enjoying a vacation. When all of a sudden, alarms are going off and the captain of the ship addresses the passengers and tells them to put on their life vests.
After this first chapter, the POV changes to many different characters. We meet a lot of people, and learn as much about them as we are able to. Throughout the book, things go from bad to worse and then some! These creatures start appearing all over Earth, buildings are burning, people are screaming with fear. The world is in chaos.
I will say that my favorite POV's were that of Travis and his crew on Mars, Annie and her son Logan, and a man named Dasher. Once you read this book, you'll understand what I mean.
Anyway, back to the book... It gets so insane later on. You'll freak out a bit. I know I did! The amount of creativity that went into this book, just blows me away. I love the Mars scenes... Except a few that involved the only female there, near the end anyway. There was another scene near the end that I loved most that involves Dasher.
Kevin J. Howard has this interesting writing style and I think it's fantastic! I really really liked this book a lot. So much so that I've purchased the Kindle copy of book 2! I can't wait to find out what happens next!
June 10, 2013
This book was reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.
“Precipice: The Beginning” by Kevin J. Howard is proof positive that his “Faithful Shadow” was NOT just a one-time hit; Kevin is an exceptional writer.
“Precipice” begins by introducing us to a young couple enjoying a cruise… but not for long. Then we move on to Mars, to join a small military unit working with over 300 miners, helping to make Mars into an Earth-like inhabitable planet. Then we visit a scientific research vessel at sea, monitoring an apparent major shifting of undersea tectonic plates. Soon, the Earth is littered with an abundance of humongous “cracks” in the crust, many miles long, and seemingly bottomless.
After that, things start going downhill.
“Precipice” is, in a word, awesome. Under ordinary conditions, when I see the words “to be continued…” at the end of a book, I get cranky. I don’t want to wait for the story to conclude. In this case, though, I was delighted to see those words. This is a story I don’t want to end! There is way too much going on, still needing resolution.
Kevin Howard has an uncanny ability to make you believe he has actually been to Mars, and worked in the mine, to be able to create such vivid and realistic characters and situations. At the same time, you have to believe he also went through the engagingly incredible apocalyptic happenings back on Earth. Ironically, never once in the whole 476 pages was the word “apocalypse” used.
“Precipice” was not written as an apocalyptic dystopian novel; it was written more like a true account of some things that really happened. This is a stunning Science Fiction tale, with an overabundance of realism that will make your hair stand on end. I very definitely recommend this for everybody, not just Sci-Fi fans. There is something for everybody in “Precipice”.
“Precipice: The Beginning” by Kevin J. Howard is proof positive that his “Faithful Shadow” was NOT just a one-time hit; Kevin is an exceptional writer.
“Precipice” begins by introducing us to a young couple enjoying a cruise… but not for long. Then we move on to Mars, to join a small military unit working with over 300 miners, helping to make Mars into an Earth-like inhabitable planet. Then we visit a scientific research vessel at sea, monitoring an apparent major shifting of undersea tectonic plates. Soon, the Earth is littered with an abundance of humongous “cracks” in the crust, many miles long, and seemingly bottomless.
After that, things start going downhill.
“Precipice” is, in a word, awesome. Under ordinary conditions, when I see the words “to be continued…” at the end of a book, I get cranky. I don’t want to wait for the story to conclude. In this case, though, I was delighted to see those words. This is a story I don’t want to end! There is way too much going on, still needing resolution.
Kevin Howard has an uncanny ability to make you believe he has actually been to Mars, and worked in the mine, to be able to create such vivid and realistic characters and situations. At the same time, you have to believe he also went through the engagingly incredible apocalyptic happenings back on Earth. Ironically, never once in the whole 476 pages was the word “apocalypse” used.
“Precipice” was not written as an apocalyptic dystopian novel; it was written more like a true account of some things that really happened. This is a stunning Science Fiction tale, with an overabundance of realism that will make your hair stand on end. I very definitely recommend this for everybody, not just Sci-Fi fans. There is something for everybody in “Precipice”.
June 23, 2013
What a rush! This book captivated me from the first page and kept me enthralled until “To Be Continued!” with its action, suspense and otherworldly scenery.
Travis Daniels and his team are stuck on Mars. After a mission gone bad, they are basically forced to either assist with the colonizing of said planet, or face the death penalty. His wife Annie is back on earth raising their son Logan, when all hell breaks loose, literally! The last transmission Travis and his team receive from earth shows the planet is being annihilated by monsters that have crawled through cracks in the planet’s surface. The situation on Mar’s deteriorates quickly as Travis and his team try to find a way back home.
I tore through this book, going back and forth between Travis on Mars trying to get home to protect his family. All the while dealing with a mad man intent on keeping them right where they are. And Annie on earth who is fiercely protective of her son, and will do anything to keep them alive. Amazing character development throughout the story not only for the main characters, but secondary characters as well. And what the hell are these monsters? It’s very the bad side of Journey to the Center of the Earth with these things. There are smaller scouts and larger killers, for lack of a better word, and they seem to have a pack mentality and an uncanny ability to communicate.
I anxiously await the second book in this series! If you are a fan of horror, monsters, strong ass leading ladies and some intense action this is a must read for you.
Travis Daniels and his team are stuck on Mars. After a mission gone bad, they are basically forced to either assist with the colonizing of said planet, or face the death penalty. His wife Annie is back on earth raising their son Logan, when all hell breaks loose, literally! The last transmission Travis and his team receive from earth shows the planet is being annihilated by monsters that have crawled through cracks in the planet’s surface. The situation on Mar’s deteriorates quickly as Travis and his team try to find a way back home.
I tore through this book, going back and forth between Travis on Mars trying to get home to protect his family. All the while dealing with a mad man intent on keeping them right where they are. And Annie on earth who is fiercely protective of her son, and will do anything to keep them alive. Amazing character development throughout the story not only for the main characters, but secondary characters as well. And what the hell are these monsters? It’s very the bad side of Journey to the Center of the Earth with these things. There are smaller scouts and larger killers, for lack of a better word, and they seem to have a pack mentality and an uncanny ability to communicate.
I anxiously await the second book in this series! If you are a fan of horror, monsters, strong ass leading ladies and some intense action this is a must read for you.
January 9, 2013
Just finished and I'm pretty mad the second book is not in my hands. I love this novel. The characters were so well written. I just about fell in love with Travis and Annie kicks butt. She's the kind of woman you don't want to mess with. The trouble swarming about Dasher is enough to break your heart and you feel so sorry for the poor guy. The creatures in this book are fresh and nasty, ripping up the planet and killing anyone and everyone. I love how despite all the terrible uglies walking about in the darkness, some of the worst monsters are the humans you're hiding with. Such great character development and execution. Security officer Andrews is almost as bad as the creatures. All I can say is that the second novel in the series can't come out fast enough.
April 29, 2013
'Precipice: The Beginning' is an apocalyptic sci-fi tale with the story split between a group of miners on Mars and a few ordinary people battling to survive the devastation being visited on Earth after some major natural disasters occur.
This is a fast paced, action-packed first book in a series. I was shocked several times as the story unfolded and I was very quickly hooked. The characters were all well developed, both good guys and bad guys alike. Things got very tense towards the end, it became edge of seat reading about halfway through. The ending was a bit of a surprise, and totally not what I'd been expecting!
I very much look forward to the next part. I would recommend this to anyone who likes an action-packed read.
This is a fast paced, action-packed first book in a series. I was shocked several times as the story unfolded and I was very quickly hooked. The characters were all well developed, both good guys and bad guys alike. Things got very tense towards the end, it became edge of seat reading about halfway through. The ending was a bit of a surprise, and totally not what I'd been expecting!
I very much look forward to the next part. I would recommend this to anyone who likes an action-packed read.
May 19, 2013
Absolutely loved this one! The story and characters are exquisitely written. The characters are very realistic and easy to relate to. My only concern is this story will turn out to be a biblical end times scenario which I am not a fan of. So keeping my fingers crossed that won't be the case. Either way so far has been an excellent story thus far. I was very pleased with the ending. It is a "to be continued" ending but wraps up this first book very well. Really looking forward to book 2.
June 25, 2013
I have to say I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this, not that I thought I would dislike it or hate it or anything, but just because I have never (ever) read a book similar to it. With that being said, going into The Beginning I really didn't know what to expect from it. A horror/scifi/thriller? Completely out of my usual, but I loved it.
If you are someone that's a skimmer, then I do not recommend this kinda book for you, this is a book you need to devour and really pay attention to everything going on to fully experience this novel in the best way. This isn't a light read, it's dark and complex. Lots of characters, lots of details on how things look and work, and lots of emotion too. Normally when a book is very well detailed, I actually don't like it. I'm more of a light reader, and when things get to descriptive I tend to get a headache. Thank goodness though, that was not the case with The Beginning, I was able to read this and picture everything perfectly, normally I have trouble with any scifi like novels when it comes to picturing how things look and work (not sure why, but it's always been difficult). Kevin J. Howard made it very easy in The Beginning though, I found myself able to flow through the pages, picture everything clearly, and most importantly not get a headache. (yay!)
The characters were also awesome, I have to say my favorite character was easily Annie though. Girl is TOUGH. If there is one thing I love in a character it's for them to be sweet, but when a time comes where they need to put on their 'bad ass' pants, they do. Annie did just that. While Annie was my favorite character I also really liked Travis, and Logan (okay so Logan is kinda a given..I mean who doesn't like the kid?!) I found Travis's love for his wife and son very moving. Also along with Annie being one tough chick I admired her for being such a strong wife and mother even before all the monsters came, she was struggling being without her husband and raising Logan on her own, but she stuck true to Travis, and tried her best anyways.
This book starts out a little slow, but it still gives you enough to be intrigued to go forward, never did I feel bored while reading this book. Also the slow beginning was well worth what came after the slowness. This book turns quickly into a scary, on the edge of your seat read once you get through the first slow part. So don't give up on reading it, trust me when I say it keeps getting better.
Overall, I am really surprised with how much I liked this book, it's the first full on sci-fi book I have read that was not a YA novel, and I have to say, it set the bar up high for whatever sci-fi book I read next. I recommend it to anyone that loves sci-fi, but I also recommend it to people who want to try something new, if you are someone that doesn't normally read something like this, then The Beginning would be an amazing book to start with.
p.s. - I will for sure be purchasing and reading book 2 within the next month or so, so keep an eye out for a review for that (;
If you are someone that's a skimmer, then I do not recommend this kinda book for you, this is a book you need to devour and really pay attention to everything going on to fully experience this novel in the best way. This isn't a light read, it's dark and complex. Lots of characters, lots of details on how things look and work, and lots of emotion too. Normally when a book is very well detailed, I actually don't like it. I'm more of a light reader, and when things get to descriptive I tend to get a headache. Thank goodness though, that was not the case with The Beginning, I was able to read this and picture everything perfectly, normally I have trouble with any scifi like novels when it comes to picturing how things look and work (not sure why, but it's always been difficult). Kevin J. Howard made it very easy in The Beginning though, I found myself able to flow through the pages, picture everything clearly, and most importantly not get a headache. (yay!)
The characters were also awesome, I have to say my favorite character was easily Annie though. Girl is TOUGH. If there is one thing I love in a character it's for them to be sweet, but when a time comes where they need to put on their 'bad ass' pants, they do. Annie did just that. While Annie was my favorite character I also really liked Travis, and Logan (okay so Logan is kinda a given..I mean who doesn't like the kid?!) I found Travis's love for his wife and son very moving. Also along with Annie being one tough chick I admired her for being such a strong wife and mother even before all the monsters came, she was struggling being without her husband and raising Logan on her own, but she stuck true to Travis, and tried her best anyways.
This book starts out a little slow, but it still gives you enough to be intrigued to go forward, never did I feel bored while reading this book. Also the slow beginning was well worth what came after the slowness. This book turns quickly into a scary, on the edge of your seat read once you get through the first slow part. So don't give up on reading it, trust me when I say it keeps getting better.
Overall, I am really surprised with how much I liked this book, it's the first full on sci-fi book I have read that was not a YA novel, and I have to say, it set the bar up high for whatever sci-fi book I read next. I recommend it to anyone that loves sci-fi, but I also recommend it to people who want to try something new, if you are someone that doesn't normally read something like this, then The Beginning would be an amazing book to start with.
p.s. - I will for sure be purchasing and reading book 2 within the next month or so, so keep an eye out for a review for that (;
January 22, 2014
Here is a book that starts out with a bang and takes you on a ride that only gets better and better. The characters were rich and the horrors that befell upon them vivid. By the time I reached the books cliffhanger ending I desperately wanted to pick up the next installment simply to learn if the people I’d come to care about would make it out of their current situation as planned.
I didn’t find myself any too attached to the main character, unfortunately. I found his wife a much tougher breed of hero. Still, given the situation that he was in prior to almost the end of the story, I wouldn’t have expected him to behave any differently than he did. When the time came, we got a glimmer of who the man really is and how he might break out and show us his quality in the next installment.
It’s a difficult thing to write a book with changing POVs and to do so in a successful manner. But it’s also the type of book that I really like because it gives me perspective not only on the motivation of the characters, themselves, but how others see them. Especially when you throw in opportunists who justify their less than honorable actions in a crumbling society. Kevin J. Howard certainly managed to bring out both the best and worst of the characters at the exact time you’d expect to see it.
I read another review by a reader who didn’t like the lack of sci-fi in this book. I may have to lean toward agreement that, for now, the genre is mislabeled. But that didn’t really disturb me too much as I found the pages turning quickly and a lunch hour or two passing by far too swiftly. At the end of the day, Howard has delivered a solid story with great potential to become even better still in books two and three.
If you’re the type of reader who likes to get lost in a story, this book is one to definitely consider.
Precipice: The Beginning is available on Amazon.com in both print and kindle format. Note that, as of the posting of this review, the kindle version is on sale for $0.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Precipice-Begin...
I didn’t find myself any too attached to the main character, unfortunately. I found his wife a much tougher breed of hero. Still, given the situation that he was in prior to almost the end of the story, I wouldn’t have expected him to behave any differently than he did. When the time came, we got a glimmer of who the man really is and how he might break out and show us his quality in the next installment.
It’s a difficult thing to write a book with changing POVs and to do so in a successful manner. But it’s also the type of book that I really like because it gives me perspective not only on the motivation of the characters, themselves, but how others see them. Especially when you throw in opportunists who justify their less than honorable actions in a crumbling society. Kevin J. Howard certainly managed to bring out both the best and worst of the characters at the exact time you’d expect to see it.
I read another review by a reader who didn’t like the lack of sci-fi in this book. I may have to lean toward agreement that, for now, the genre is mislabeled. But that didn’t really disturb me too much as I found the pages turning quickly and a lunch hour or two passing by far too swiftly. At the end of the day, Howard has delivered a solid story with great potential to become even better still in books two and three.
If you’re the type of reader who likes to get lost in a story, this book is one to definitely consider.
Precipice: The Beginning is available on Amazon.com in both print and kindle format. Note that, as of the posting of this review, the kindle version is on sale for $0.99.
http://www.amazon.com/Precipice-Begin...
June 20, 2013
When Lieutenant Travis Daniels and his elite team were imprisoned for an unofficial intrusion, they were able to dodge the death penalty by helping in the colonization of Mars. Stationed a planet away from his wife and son, he enjoyed every second he was given to video chat with his family. When the last video transmission came in distorted and showed images of alien-like creatures, he and his team decide to a way back to Earth. Kevin J. Howard’s first book in the Precipice Series, The Beginning, is an amazingly written story that looks into an Earth that is literally falling apart.
The horrors that are tearing Earth apart were really scary. The fact that readers are given such great details in every scene, it was easy to imagine a world in ruins. Author Kevin is an amazing storyteller as he can easily transport readers into his world. The details set forth about Mars made it feel like I was actually in that foreign planet.
Another great aspect of the book is the development of characters. It takes great writing to build perhaps one or two memorable characters, but Kevin manages to put life and a beating heart into each one. Although we were introduced to a great cast of characters, I never felt like it was overkill. Kevin made the extra attempt to ensure that readers will enjoy each of them by giving them real voice.
The hellish Earth that Travis and Annie had to face was filled with nonstop action. The chaos that was consuming planet Earth felt real through Kevin’s words. From start to finish, it delivered an outstanding story about the destruction of Earth, monsters, men on mars and of course, a love story. The first book in this series certainly started out with a bang. I am totally engrossed into its gripping story and the amazing cliffhanger only fed my need to get my hands on the second book. Precipice: The Beginning is an action-packed story filled with memorable characters pitted in dangerous situations. It will nab your attention and manages to keep it throughout.
The horrors that are tearing Earth apart were really scary. The fact that readers are given such great details in every scene, it was easy to imagine a world in ruins. Author Kevin is an amazing storyteller as he can easily transport readers into his world. The details set forth about Mars made it feel like I was actually in that foreign planet.
Another great aspect of the book is the development of characters. It takes great writing to build perhaps one or two memorable characters, but Kevin manages to put life and a beating heart into each one. Although we were introduced to a great cast of characters, I never felt like it was overkill. Kevin made the extra attempt to ensure that readers will enjoy each of them by giving them real voice.
The hellish Earth that Travis and Annie had to face was filled with nonstop action. The chaos that was consuming planet Earth felt real through Kevin’s words. From start to finish, it delivered an outstanding story about the destruction of Earth, monsters, men on mars and of course, a love story. The first book in this series certainly started out with a bang. I am totally engrossed into its gripping story and the amazing cliffhanger only fed my need to get my hands on the second book. Precipice: The Beginning is an action-packed story filled with memorable characters pitted in dangerous situations. It will nab your attention and manages to keep it throughout.
June 18, 2013
'Precipice: The Beginning' is the first novel in a science fiction/horror series that follows main character Lieutenant Travis Daniels as he and his team are on a mission to help colonize Mars instead of facing the death penalty for a home intrusion. While on Mars, Travis has brief video chats with his family - it's these videos that help keep him sane while on the mission. However, during the last transmission, Travis sees disturbing images on the screen - humanoid creatures taking over the streets while the city is shrouded in darkness. Now Travis and his team must decide whether to complete their mission on Mars or return early to Earth and face the unknown situation that awaits them.
This was a fantastically written and completely engaging science fiction/horror novel that had me hooked from the first page. The characters were well written, especially the main character of Travis Daniels. He was a great hero for the book - a strong leader, devoted family man, loyal soldier - but he had flaws that made him feel realistic and likeable. The plot wasn't completely original, but the author added in great twists and lots of suspense and thrills to help liven up the storyline and keep the reader eagerly turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. The plot was fascinating and I enjoyed reading about the dystopian world that Earth turned into. The writing was well done with a fast pace and easy flow that had me engrossed right away. I definitely recommend this for fans of science fiction and dystopian lovers as well as fans of horror novels.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fantastically written and completely engaging science fiction/horror novel that had me hooked from the first page. The characters were well written, especially the main character of Travis Daniels. He was a great hero for the book - a strong leader, devoted family man, loyal soldier - but he had flaws that made him feel realistic and likeable. The plot wasn't completely original, but the author added in great twists and lots of suspense and thrills to help liven up the storyline and keep the reader eagerly turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. The plot was fascinating and I enjoyed reading about the dystopian world that Earth turned into. The writing was well done with a fast pace and easy flow that had me engrossed right away. I definitely recommend this for fans of science fiction and dystopian lovers as well as fans of horror novels.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2013
Where do I start! I was not too sure what this one was going to be about and getting into it I still was unsure. But I did enjoy!
I loved how Howard had me feeling like I was in this one. It was page turning and fast pace moving. So many emotions came out in this one and I loved it! I did get somewhat confused in the start with the different POV’s but once the book got rocking I was not stopping I just needed more.
You will switch between a few different POV’s in this one and will start to take the journey with different characters. Things will get worse and you will get more hooked! I really enjoyed the whole POV of Travis in this one, and the life he was living on Mars it was just different. Like I said I just really felt like I was in the book, I loved how Howard had me sucked in and wanting more and more.
I will for sure be reading book two I need to know more. Annie, Dasher and Travis are just some of the many characters you will meet in this one and I can’t wait to hear what one you enjoyed the most. A great read for all ages and if you are a Si-Fi/Horror/Paranormal read this one if for you!
June 10, 2013
Hang on to the seat of your pants and run! Monsters, men on Mars, the destruction of earth and A love story all together in one book! Creatures appear from cracks that have formed all over Earth. Lieutenant Travis Daniels had been far from his wife and son. Travis and his elite team took a deal to assist in the colonization of Mars to evade the death penalty.When Travis learns of the chaos on earth he knows its up to him and his team to rescue his wife and son. Mean while on Earth Daniels' wife, Annie, must not only protect their only child, Logan, but she must also protect her best friend, her daughter, and an orphaned child, whose parents were killed by the creatures. Of course there is the cliffhanger but in "Precipice: The Retrieval" there is an solution.You got to read this!
May 15, 2013
An excellent novel from start to finish. I would have liked to have more description on the monsters, but I must admit that I did enjoy their vicious nature. There were some truly nasty chapters involving the Martian security forces, and I often wondered who the real monsters were. I guess that’s what made this such an excellent read. I found the characters to be very believable and I was truly grateful that nothing happened to Christina. As a warning to everyone who reads this novel, it does end in a ‘to be continued’, but I received an invite for the release of part two and I’m looking forward to reading the second installment.
April 20, 2013
This is an amazing read. I fell in love with the characters and routed for Annie and Travis to make it. Annie has so much love for her son, and she literally battles hell to keep him safe. The slow breakdown of the security officers on Mars was so disturbing, and Andrews is such a monster. I am upset the novel ended in a ‘to be continued’, but it was a fun adventure and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
March 5, 2013
Would not recommend unless you like hearing a joke....and getting to the punch line only to find out it hasn't been written yet. Average book would recommend anyone getting tricked in to reading that you wait until all three books are complete.
January 9, 2014
I loved this book. It's been a while since I read it but I raced out (well virtually)! And got the second book. ( not so enjoyable ).
Monsters, Sci fi, disaster. Jolly good hero. Can't ask for much more.
Hope there's a 3 to make sense of 2.....
Monsters, Sci fi, disaster. Jolly good hero. Can't ask for much more.
Hope there's a 3 to make sense of 2.....
July 23, 2013
Likes:
Good build-up
Suspenseful
Good characters
Not too graphic with the killings
Dislikes:
Not that it matters, too much, but I noticed a lot of typos
Lots of questions left unanswered, even in the part #2.
Good build-up
Suspenseful
Good characters
Not too graphic with the killings
Dislikes:
Not that it matters, too much, but I noticed a lot of typos
Lots of questions left unanswered, even in the part #2.
December 29, 2012
I just love all the characters and how they are all dealing with the major catastrophe. All the action and suspense left me wanting to read the next book. I can't wait until it's out.
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