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Matt Kearns
The First Bird: Episode 2
The South American one of the last truly unexplored jungles on our planet. In its dark heart is an ancient crater basin, sealed in by a living cage, making it a time capsule for an ancient, deadly ecosystem.
Matt Kearns, Carla Nero and a team of scientist explorers have found their way in. In the crater's sunken interior are creatures from a primordial nightmare. Dangers lurk in every treetop, under every rock or loom monstrously over them. It is a place where mankind is out of time.
Matt and Carla must find out how the terrifying parasite wreaking havoc in the United States can be controlled while staying ahead of things that defy belief and shake their understanding of evolution on our planet.
Trapped, with time running out, the team of explorers will find themselves a part of a food chain ... and nowhere near the top.
This title is a novella-length episode of The First Bird. The final episode will be released on 1 August. Please visit www.momentumbooks.com.au for release dates, further information and to sign-up to be notified of the next release.
Matt Kearns, Carla Nero and a team of scientist explorers have found their way in. In the crater's sunken interior are creatures from a primordial nightmare. Dangers lurk in every treetop, under every rock or loom monstrously over them. It is a place where mankind is out of time.
Matt and Carla must find out how the terrifying parasite wreaking havoc in the United States can be controlled while staying ahead of things that defy belief and shake their understanding of evolution on our planet.
Trapped, with time running out, the team of explorers will find themselves a part of a food chain ... and nowhere near the top.
This title is a novella-length episode of The First Bird. The final episode will be released on 1 August. Please visit www.momentumbooks.com.au for release dates, further information and to sign-up to be notified of the next release.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
44 people are currently reading
194 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 32 reviews
August 30, 2020
Just as boring as the first. Used this as my falling asleep book cuz it didn't hold my interest.
July 31, 2020
A great bridge from the first novella to the third, I think this may be even better than episode one. A little predictable at times, but the story flowed quite nicely and there weren’t really any “oh come on” moments that come to mind. If you like jungle adventures with lost tribes, gigantism and cryptozoology come to life...you will not be disappointed...unless you suffer from Arachnophobia.
May 15, 2017
Good second installment in this storyline.
This was a good follow up to the introductory story. Good continuity and character development. I liked the way characters were eliminated from the story line. No happy endings here. Good job.
This was a good follow up to the introductory story. Good continuity and character development. I liked the way characters were eliminated from the story line. No happy endings here. Good job.
April 23, 2017
A good story and a great narrator (Sean Mangan) can't get me past the fact that this single (average length) story has been broken up into 3 short pieces that have to be purchased separately.
January 27, 2020
Again, not quite what Primordia was. Had I read them in opposite order, I may have liked this more. But, still, this was a good adventure. They're in the hidden crater jungle now and stumble upon various insects and amphibians, only they're drastically larger... and carnivorous. The jumbo spider attacks were just shiveringly creepy to listen to. But, worst of all was the crawl through the tight cave tunnels and probably one of the most horrifying ways to die I can even imagine... Being stuck in a cave you can only lie down in, and being swarmed by giant centipedes almost as big as you. *involuntarily shivers*
February 7, 2025
The story picks up from the first episode and gets a fair bit more interesting this time around. It felt very reminiscent of Beck’s Center of the Earth trilogy, which is where he excels—his descriptions of landscapes that feel almost other-worldly are always a highlight.
Just as things started to get engaging, the book ended abruptly, which left me feeling let down. I get that this is part of a serialised story, but it still felt like being cut off mid-stride. While Episode 2 was an improvement over the first, the format continues to be frustrating. I wish I could rate this 3.5 stars. Ignoring the diabolical decision to split this story up into three parts, I am happy to rate it 4 stars.
Just as things started to get engaging, the book ended abruptly, which left me feeling let down. I get that this is part of a serialised story, but it still felt like being cut off mid-stride. While Episode 2 was an improvement over the first, the format continues to be frustrating. I wish I could rate this 3.5 stars. Ignoring the diabolical decision to split this story up into three parts, I am happy to rate it 4 stars.
December 3, 2020
This Polly bites
I do love these books, and this author. Visiting ancient worlds well you never know what’s going to jump out at you. I’m glad I’m only a Reader and not a visitor. Another world and story that could give you nightmares. Don’t read in the dark, surgeons warning.
I do love these books, and this author. Visiting ancient worlds well you never know what’s going to jump out at you. I’m glad I’m only a Reader and not a visitor. Another world and story that could give you nightmares. Don’t read in the dark, surgeons warning.
August 6, 2017
I really liked this book but towards the end of the 3rd part, I think it became a little too fast paced.
The infection just ran rampart across the countryside before the end of the book.
The infection just ran rampart across the countryside before the end of the book.
December 31, 2019
Archaeopteryx returns and is totally out of focus with a looming black plague type of virus. Has good twists and turns. Excited about what would happen in episode 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 13, 2024Was good what’s next?
January 1, 2014
In Episode 2, the adventure continues, in the heart of the jungle. The team has found its way into an ancient ecosystem, which has managed not only to survive over countless years, but to evolve into something sinister and entirely unfamiliar to us. Not only do the group find what they're looking for, they also come across some things they never expected to exist. People die and with all the vivid gory details, it's certainly not pretty. The journey gets even more harrowing and scary, especially after the group splits up. The first episode did the work of introducing the characters and displaying the tension between them. Most problems, though, are resolved in this book, more out of necessity than anything else and the focus is on the absurdities of the jungle. Their first encounter with a primeval predator is amazing, no one can describe action scenes quite so well. The images are lifelike and the blend of fact and fiction is very fascinating.
Episode 2 ends with another annoying cliffhanger, only this time I am more anxious to read the third episode than anything else. The story, the part of the journey, that started in this book does get resolved by the end. I can't wait to read about the aftermath of the expedition now and about what was happening in the outer world all this time. I can only imagine what a perfect ending it would be, to such a great story.
Episode 2 ends with another annoying cliffhanger, only this time I am more anxious to read the third episode than anything else. The story, the part of the journey, that started in this book does get resolved by the end. I can't wait to read about the aftermath of the expedition now and about what was happening in the outer world all this time. I can only imagine what a perfect ending it would be, to such a great story.
July 7, 2013
Awesome.
As with all my other review's of Beck's books, I will say that the research involved in writing this one is excellent. The science utilised in The First Bird: Episode Two, is flawless.
The first book in this series took us on the trip through the heart of the Amazon, searching for a creature long thought extinct. Then, it left us right at the point when it was about to get really exciting.
This second volume takes up where the first left off, as Matt Kearns (the protagonist) ventures into a forgotten world, isolated from the rest of the planet and lost in time. Flora and fauna from millennia gone flourishes, and the exploration team finds themselves, as the synopsis puts it, a part of the food chain, but not at the top.
Another excellent and taut thriller from a writer who seems to be just reaching his stride.
Engaging, well-paced, and eminently believable, I highly recommend this for any fan of Matthew Reilly, James Rollins or Warren Fahy.
Five stars, which it deserves.
As with all my other review's of Beck's books, I will say that the research involved in writing this one is excellent. The science utilised in The First Bird: Episode Two, is flawless.
The first book in this series took us on the trip through the heart of the Amazon, searching for a creature long thought extinct. Then, it left us right at the point when it was about to get really exciting.
This second volume takes up where the first left off, as Matt Kearns (the protagonist) ventures into a forgotten world, isolated from the rest of the planet and lost in time. Flora and fauna from millennia gone flourishes, and the exploration team finds themselves, as the synopsis puts it, a part of the food chain, but not at the top.
Another excellent and taut thriller from a writer who seems to be just reaching his stride.
Engaging, well-paced, and eminently believable, I highly recommend this for any fan of Matthew Reilly, James Rollins or Warren Fahy.
Five stars, which it deserves.
November 4, 2013
The second episode is every bit as good as the first. It boasts pre-historic creatures, hidden treasure, vomit, running, caves, and spiders the size of Rottweilers. It's adventure turned horror in a Lost World setting. And the last episode is supposed to be an apocalyptic world setting, so I'm game to keep reading. Methinks I'm going to be using this author to satisfy my adventure-style popcorn-read needs in the future.
Typical quotes:
"The scream exploded out of the jungle again - closer this time - and Megan cringed. Something was being torn apart literally a few dozen feet away. 'What the f*** is that?'. Carla looked up and pulled a face. 'I don't know, but it sounds like it's having a bad day.'"
and
"I'm about to become a milkshake, he thought morbidly."
Mmm.. just another day in a tropical paradise.
Typical quotes:
"The scream exploded out of the jungle again - closer this time - and Megan cringed. Something was being torn apart literally a few dozen feet away. 'What the f*** is that?'. Carla looked up and pulled a face. 'I don't know, but it sounds like it's having a bad day.'"
and
"I'm about to become a milkshake, he thought morbidly."
Mmm.. just another day in a tropical paradise.
October 4, 2013
Matt Kearns, Carla Nero and a team of scientist explorers have found their way in. In the crater's sunken interior are creatures from a primordial nightmare. Dangers lurk in every treetop, under every rock or loom monstrously over them. It is a place where mankind is out of time.
Matt and Carla must find out how the terrifying parasite wreaking havoc in the United States can be controlled while staying ahead of things that defy belief and shake their understanding of evolution on our planet.
Trapped, with time running out, the team of explorers will find themselves a part of a food chain ... and nowhere near the top.
The first book of the series was the best, but this book was better than Book Three.
Matt and Carla must find out how the terrifying parasite wreaking havoc in the United States can be controlled while staying ahead of things that defy belief and shake their understanding of evolution on our planet.
Trapped, with time running out, the team of explorers will find themselves a part of a food chain ... and nowhere near the top.
The first book of the series was the best, but this book was better than Book Three.
March 17, 2016
Welcome to paradise. Our intrepid group reaches the thorn wall and discovers the water pool which leads them under the wall and into "paradise". The movie producer group is interested in obtaining specimens to take back. The CDC group wants to find the local natives to discover why they are immune to the mites. The "first bird" specimen is captured, but all does not go as planned of course. Dangerous creatures abound in the jungle and our groups run across their share with varying results, claiming the lives of some. By accident they discover how to rid themselves of the mites. Having had enough of this jungle, the infestation solution, and one specimen in hand the plan now is to return to the pool and get the heck out of there. Interesting tale deserves a bump.
July 10, 2016
Episode 2 of The First Bird continues to be as exciting as Episode 1. In this novella, the intrepid explorers are in an enclosed area in the Amazon that has not changed in millions of years. They do find what they came for, but at a very expensive price.
There were 2 things that I believe could have been edited better what appears in Episode (I'm being picky and I think you will agree with me). One is the expression 'pulled a face'. This expression was used way too many times. Makes one wonder what they looked like at the end of this episode!! The other expression was 'skinless bird or pink and skinless people'. I think/know the author meant hairless or not having fur.
On to Episode 3!
There were 2 things that I believe could have been edited better what appears in Episode (I'm being picky and I think you will agree with me). One is the expression 'pulled a face'. This expression was used way too many times. Makes one wonder what they looked like at the end of this episode!! The other expression was 'skinless bird or pink and skinless people'. I think/know the author meant hairless or not having fur.
On to Episode 3!
April 10, 2019
Episode 2 of The First Bird series is all about the jungle. It picks up exactly where episode one left off and it lets loose all the stops! There be monsters here- but not monsters like you think. This book makes you cringe, yelp and one time while I was washing dishes, I flung a spoon across the kitchen! It was freaking creepy and sad and an unbelievable good listen! I would have finished it in one day, but I have kids and sadly, a life to contend with!
So the story is written in a way that I found myself caught up in the tale. I couldn't stop until I was done! I listened while driving, cooking, washing dishes and laundry, while taking a bath and even before bed. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The story is strong and of course, unreal. But what if, man! What if...
So the story is written in a way that I found myself caught up in the tale. I couldn't stop until I was done! I listened while driving, cooking, washing dishes and laundry, while taking a bath and even before bed. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The story is strong and of course, unreal. But what if, man! What if...
February 5, 2017
so much fun!
July 23, 2014
Wow, what an episode this was. It really keeps your interest, the characters a well written and you can't help but react to what they are going through. I was also totally creeped out - it just had to be spiders and BFS at that.
August 15, 2013
This is a fantastic series. The second book was even better than the first one, which I loved! Book 3, here I come!!!
May 20, 2015
ditto what I said about no 1 episode.
February 26, 2014
Another great adventure, has everything it's now on to Book 3.......
January 21, 2014
Episode 2 is as good as the first. This would be a fantastic movie. Going to start episode 3 right now.
February 17, 2014
Even better than the first book.
July 8, 2014
Exciting!
The second episode is very exciting and actually a nail biter! Definitely need to read these books in order or the whole theme will be lost! Enjoy!
The second episode is very exciting and actually a nail biter! Definitely need to read these books in order or the whole theme will be lost! Enjoy!
July 27, 2014
Beck continues to suck the reader deep into his primordial horror story. I will honestly have nightmares I suspect after reading this! Highly recommended.
January 17, 2015
looking forward to staring the 3rd one!
April 4, 2015
fantastic, exciting, bizarre- freakish - horrifying beasts in an undiscovered place....love it!
September 3, 2015
I was hoping for more with the second installment. Still, it was very entertaining and I had a hard time putting it down. I will go on to the third installment - can't wait to see how it ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews