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Wolf Creek #2
Desolation Game
Mick's learning, and his schoolroom is a war
When sharpshooter and killer Mick Taylor searches for a place to keep a low profile, he finds somewhere where his peculiar talents are appreciated: a war. And in Vietnam, an out-of-control sergeant takes the amateur murderer and turns him into a pro.
Back home, Mick makes use of the sick lessons the army taught him, when hapless tour operators bring a Kombi-load of sightseers out his way into the Western Australian desert. Two suspicious flat tyres deliver an engaged Japanese couple, a father and son, a US army vet and his girlfriend, and a couple of cute girls to Mick's lair. Middle of nowhere, population one. The group finds themselves in hell, as Mick makes sure their once-in-a-lifetime tour stays that way. And though one of the drivers escapes and goes for help, Mick sees no reason to stop the killing spree.
In the second Wolf Creek prequel novel, the cult film's writer/director Greg Mclean and horror writer Brett McBean get to the heart of Australian horror's most terrifying psycho killer. Is Mick Taylor possessed by some dark power in the landscape itself? Something ancient? Does the Red Centre demand blood?
When sharpshooter and killer Mick Taylor searches for a place to keep a low profile, he finds somewhere where his peculiar talents are appreciated: a war. And in Vietnam, an out-of-control sergeant takes the amateur murderer and turns him into a pro.
Back home, Mick makes use of the sick lessons the army taught him, when hapless tour operators bring a Kombi-load of sightseers out his way into the Western Australian desert. Two suspicious flat tyres deliver an engaged Japanese couple, a father and son, a US army vet and his girlfriend, and a couple of cute girls to Mick's lair. Middle of nowhere, population one. The group finds themselves in hell, as Mick makes sure their once-in-a-lifetime tour stays that way. And though one of the drivers escapes and goes for help, Mick sees no reason to stop the killing spree.
In the second Wolf Creek prequel novel, the cult film's writer/director Greg Mclean and horror writer Brett McBean get to the heart of Australian horror's most terrifying psycho killer. Is Mick Taylor possessed by some dark power in the landscape itself? Something ancient? Does the Red Centre demand blood?
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2014
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130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 18, 2020
The second of the Wolf Creek prequel novels continues to expand upon the murderous figure that is Mick Taylor and his blood letting escapades in the Australian outback. DESOLATION GAME takes readers to Mick's time in 'Nam as he hones his kill skills, steadily developing an unrivaled prowess in the art of murder which provide the foundation for the 1968-era blood bath DESOLATION GAME focuses on.
When a tour group fall in Micks's sights, there was never going to be a happy ending. Surrounded by the nothingness of the harsh outback and reliant upon the kindness of strangers, the tour group find themselves at Mick's mercy when their van succumbs to mechanical problems. From there author Greg McLean crafts a deadly game of cat and mouse as, one by one, the group meet their death.
DESOLATION GAME is not for the faint of heart. It's bloody, violent and blends elements of R-rated thriller with survival horror. Mick is perhaps the most terrifying bad guy I've read or seen on the silver screen. His laid-back Aussie accent and unassuming facade make him that much more menacing, especially when he's lost to the voices inside his head and dancing around wearing human hide.
I'm not sure if there are plans for anymore prequel novels continuing the Wolf Creek story but I do have my fingers crossed for more. There is a whole world of pain out there waiting for Mick to explore and exploit. Highly recommended.
Review also on my blog: http://justaguywholikes2read.blogspot...
When a tour group fall in Micks's sights, there was never going to be a happy ending. Surrounded by the nothingness of the harsh outback and reliant upon the kindness of strangers, the tour group find themselves at Mick's mercy when their van succumbs to mechanical problems. From there author Greg McLean crafts a deadly game of cat and mouse as, one by one, the group meet their death.
DESOLATION GAME is not for the faint of heart. It's bloody, violent and blends elements of R-rated thriller with survival horror. Mick is perhaps the most terrifying bad guy I've read or seen on the silver screen. His laid-back Aussie accent and unassuming facade make him that much more menacing, especially when he's lost to the voices inside his head and dancing around wearing human hide.
I'm not sure if there are plans for anymore prequel novels continuing the Wolf Creek story but I do have my fingers crossed for more. There is a whole world of pain out there waiting for Mick to explore and exploit. Highly recommended.
Review also on my blog: http://justaguywholikes2read.blogspot...
September 19, 2015
Really enjoyed this one as it was reminiscent of the two films but with an interweaving continuation of Mick's origin. Both authors managed to capture the Vietnam war with a great deal of realism and mould Mick into a true monster that you love to hate.
January 2, 2021
As tense and gripping as the films
Love these films and the series! This book was genuinely the most tense book I've ever read, there was places where it actually somehow made me jump! I really hope there will be more.
Love these films and the series! This book was genuinely the most tense book I've ever read, there was places where it actually somehow made me jump! I really hope there will be more.
September 8, 2014
From the Description:
Mick's learning, and his schoolroom is a war
When sharpshooter and killer Mick Taylor searches for a place to keep a low profile, he finds somewhere where his peculiar talents are appreciated: a war. And in Vietnam, an out-of-control sergeant takes the amateur murderer and turns him into a pro.
Back home, Mick makes use of the sick lessons the army taught him, when hapless tour operators bring a Kombi-load of sightseers out his way into the Western Australian desert. Two suspicious flat tyres deliver an engaged Japanese couple, a father and son, a US army vet and his girlfriend, and a couple of cute girls to Mick's lair. Middle of nowhere, population one. The group finds themselves in hell, as Mick makes sure their once-in-a-lifetime tour stays that way. And though one of the drivers escapes and goes for help, Mick sees no reason to stop the killing spree.
In the second Wolf Creek prequel novel, the cult film's writer/director Greg Mclean and horror writer Brett McBean get to the heart of Australian horror's most terrifying psycho killer. Is Mick Taylor possessed by some dark power in the landscape itself? Something ancient? Does the Red Centre demand blood?
This book is so much fun!! Even though I knew that this was a prequel to the movies I still found myself hoping that someone would get out alive. Great characters and a fast paced storyline make this book a super fun way to spend an afternoon. Grab this 4.5 star read and enjoy!
Mick's learning, and his schoolroom is a war
When sharpshooter and killer Mick Taylor searches for a place to keep a low profile, he finds somewhere where his peculiar talents are appreciated: a war. And in Vietnam, an out-of-control sergeant takes the amateur murderer and turns him into a pro.
Back home, Mick makes use of the sick lessons the army taught him, when hapless tour operators bring a Kombi-load of sightseers out his way into the Western Australian desert. Two suspicious flat tyres deliver an engaged Japanese couple, a father and son, a US army vet and his girlfriend, and a couple of cute girls to Mick's lair. Middle of nowhere, population one. The group finds themselves in hell, as Mick makes sure their once-in-a-lifetime tour stays that way. And though one of the drivers escapes and goes for help, Mick sees no reason to stop the killing spree.
In the second Wolf Creek prequel novel, the cult film's writer/director Greg Mclean and horror writer Brett McBean get to the heart of Australian horror's most terrifying psycho killer. Is Mick Taylor possessed by some dark power in the landscape itself? Something ancient? Does the Red Centre demand blood?
This book is so much fun!! Even though I knew that this was a prequel to the movies I still found myself hoping that someone would get out alive. Great characters and a fast paced storyline make this book a super fun way to spend an afternoon. Grab this 4.5 star read and enjoy!
July 8, 2014
Loved this book. McLean and McBean didn't let me down however I felt the pace as a lot faster than book one. Though it always takes time to set the scene with a chatacter as intriguing as Mick. I could really see the landscape and enjoyed the group of travellers there was so much going on I honestly didn't know who was going to survive and loved the flashbacks. Will definitely read more!!
March 1, 2021
This novel is probably my favourite one out of the two, it portrays Mick Taylor believably and capitalises on his mannerisms and personality very well. Mclean's character development of especially the tourists is very realistic although it does involve some clichés. The novel itself is quite graphic especially with some scenes that are set in the Vietnam War that are really quite horrific and disturbing, but if you are fascinated by that kinda stuff like me, you'll be fine. If you enjoyed the movies as well as the TV Show (I'm pretty sure this novel is based off the second season) of Wolf Creek, then you'll most likely love, or at least, enjoy this book.
February 26, 2018
Gripping, tense, dripping with blood. Parts of this book are a tie in with the latest Wolf Creek television series. However, it is much darker than the television series. It is very well written, and intensely real. I had to put down the book several times because of the horrific, graphic descriptions of violence. Not for the faint hearted, and, if you suffer from depression, I don't recommend reading this book. If you love horror, then this is the ultimate book for you.
January 17, 2020
Following on from Wolf Creek 1, here we learn how Mick has given in to who he is, and the tactics he uses to firstly gain the trust of his victims before creating a cat and mouse game, allowing the victims to think they have a chance of getting out of his game alive. Set in the Australian outback, it sends chills down the spine as you realise just how wide open the country is out there, and how easy it could be to get away with murder.
January 8, 2023
Wolf Creek Two
Finished Reading this 2nd book of Wolf Creek and the outback killer Mick Taylor and his very unlucky victims in a kombi van in the desert of Far North Western Australia. A very good read indeed
Finished Reading this 2nd book of Wolf Creek and the outback killer Mick Taylor and his very unlucky victims in a kombi van in the desert of Far North Western Australia. A very good read indeed
December 6, 2025
Loved this series! I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more than the first. Such a thrilling read. Found it hard to put the book down. Highly recommend this series and I would definitely read a 3rd novel.
August 1, 2017
GREG MCLEAN STRIKES AGAIN
This is the second book based on Mick Taylor and it is great. I REALLY hope more are coming. I enjoyed them even more than the movies or the series.
This is the second book based on Mick Taylor and it is great. I REALLY hope more are coming. I enjoyed them even more than the movies or the series.
June 23, 2018
Utter trash. So badly written it simply resorts to gratuitous description. Zero character development and no tension.
January 31, 2019
Desolation Game. (Wolf Creek)
If like me you are a fan of the Wolf Creek movies,and the series then you will love this. I couldn't put it down. A great read.
If like me you are a fan of the Wolf Creek movies,and the series then you will love this. I couldn't put it down. A great read.
January 6, 2021
Wow. Couldn’t put it down, a great sequel. Wish there was a 3rd!
April 13, 2021
Head On A Stick
The way the above form of torture is described in graphic detail truly made me gag more so than in the film. That Mick Taylor is one evil but fascinating psycho.
The way the above form of torture is described in graphic detail truly made me gag more so than in the film. That Mick Taylor is one evil but fascinating psycho.
August 10, 2021
lots of horror/gore.. but for me a great read..
June 25, 2025
Was honestly bummed after how good Origin was. Wasn't bad but didn't carry the weight of the first book.
January 23, 2014
This review was originally posted on Bookish Ardour. I originally read Wolf: Origin and Wolf Creek: Desolation Game in quick succession. As a result the reviews have been combined.
Spoiler Alert: Wolf Creek: Origin and Wolf Creek: Desolation Game are two separate books, but they are also the prequels to the Australian movie Wolf Creek. I am unsure on how to go about commenting on both novels without spoilers. Please be aware there may be spoilers in this review, for the books and possibly the movie.
Review
I was going to hold off on reading Wolf Creek: Origin and Wolf Creek: Desolation Game until February, but I cracked. There’s nothing more I love than a decent horror story. When it’s a horror story set in the Australian outback and based on a well-known Australian horror movie, well is it any wonder I cracked? With the options of what to read, with how many books are published a year, it can be difficult to whittle through availability and find harsh Aussie stories. I’m always very excited when I come across a story such as Wolf Creek and I tell you what I was not disappointed.
Here’s the thing; I haven’t seen the movie these stories are a prequel for. I’ve heard about it, I’ve had a rough idea about it, but for some reason I haven’t gotten around to seeing it. After devouring Origin and Desolation Game I can say without a doubt I will be watching the movie as soon as I have the time for it. I usually try to control myself when I finish one book before beginning the next one. I like to process what I’ve read then sit down and draft my thoughts into a review. I didn’t get the chance with Origin and Desolation Game. I happily packed both books for my holiday to Melbourne, as I was halfway through Origin already, and decided I couldn’t wait to read Desolation Game. You’ve got a two-in-one review now folks because I couldn’t keep my eager mitts to myself.
I’m not new to the idea of following a protagonist who is a serial killer, a psychopath, or a sociopath. It’s not a new sensation for me to be so confused by my emotions when it comes to reading a story where the protagonist is doing such horrific things. I love these stories. They mess with your head. They turn your perspectives around and force you to analyse your emotions and how you view such deadly people. Don’t get me wrong, I would rather avoid anyone who has a craving for violence, but when you come across a character like Mick Taylor it really does make you see there is no such thing as black and white.
I found myself sympathising for Mick. I found myself being appalled by his behaviour and sad when he gave into his urges. I found myself wanting Mick to get away with murder and at the same time I desperately wanted him to stop. Mick gets under your skin. He gets so far under your skin in Origin that by the time you are well into Desolation Game your thought process is very messed up.
Origin follows Mick and tells the story of his struggles against his dark urges, his inability to accept himself, and the fear he has of being dominated by what he knows is not common. Mick does have victims in Origin, but what I loved about it was Mick being a victim himself. Origin is mainly told from Mick’s perspective and I couldn’t help loving the guy by the end of the story, while being aghast. Desolation Game takes a slightly different tact with following the story from Mick’s perspective as well as a few of his victims. I loved the story being broken up by his time during the war in Vietnam. It added so much more depth to his character.
If you know the story of Wolf Creek you know Mick will need to survive the prequels and get away free in order to wreak terror on his victims in the movie, but there’s still plenty of times where I wondered how on earth he was going to get away with it. His actions are grisly, his manner is cold, but I loved him as a character, and I can’t wait to watch the movie Wolf Creek.
Spoiler Alert: Wolf Creek: Origin and Wolf Creek: Desolation Game are two separate books, but they are also the prequels to the Australian movie Wolf Creek. I am unsure on how to go about commenting on both novels without spoilers. Please be aware there may be spoilers in this review, for the books and possibly the movie.
Review
I was going to hold off on reading Wolf Creek: Origin and Wolf Creek: Desolation Game until February, but I cracked. There’s nothing more I love than a decent horror story. When it’s a horror story set in the Australian outback and based on a well-known Australian horror movie, well is it any wonder I cracked? With the options of what to read, with how many books are published a year, it can be difficult to whittle through availability and find harsh Aussie stories. I’m always very excited when I come across a story such as Wolf Creek and I tell you what I was not disappointed.
Here’s the thing; I haven’t seen the movie these stories are a prequel for. I’ve heard about it, I’ve had a rough idea about it, but for some reason I haven’t gotten around to seeing it. After devouring Origin and Desolation Game I can say without a doubt I will be watching the movie as soon as I have the time for it. I usually try to control myself when I finish one book before beginning the next one. I like to process what I’ve read then sit down and draft my thoughts into a review. I didn’t get the chance with Origin and Desolation Game. I happily packed both books for my holiday to Melbourne, as I was halfway through Origin already, and decided I couldn’t wait to read Desolation Game. You’ve got a two-in-one review now folks because I couldn’t keep my eager mitts to myself.
I’m not new to the idea of following a protagonist who is a serial killer, a psychopath, or a sociopath. It’s not a new sensation for me to be so confused by my emotions when it comes to reading a story where the protagonist is doing such horrific things. I love these stories. They mess with your head. They turn your perspectives around and force you to analyse your emotions and how you view such deadly people. Don’t get me wrong, I would rather avoid anyone who has a craving for violence, but when you come across a character like Mick Taylor it really does make you see there is no such thing as black and white.
I found myself sympathising for Mick. I found myself being appalled by his behaviour and sad when he gave into his urges. I found myself wanting Mick to get away with murder and at the same time I desperately wanted him to stop. Mick gets under your skin. He gets so far under your skin in Origin that by the time you are well into Desolation Game your thought process is very messed up.
Origin follows Mick and tells the story of his struggles against his dark urges, his inability to accept himself, and the fear he has of being dominated by what he knows is not common. Mick does have victims in Origin, but what I loved about it was Mick being a victim himself. Origin is mainly told from Mick’s perspective and I couldn’t help loving the guy by the end of the story, while being aghast. Desolation Game takes a slightly different tact with following the story from Mick’s perspective as well as a few of his victims. I loved the story being broken up by his time during the war in Vietnam. It added so much more depth to his character.
If you know the story of Wolf Creek you know Mick will need to survive the prequels and get away free in order to wreak terror on his victims in the movie, but there’s still plenty of times where I wondered how on earth he was going to get away with it. His actions are grisly, his manner is cold, but I loved him as a character, and I can’t wait to watch the movie Wolf Creek.
April 20, 2023
I absolutely loved Wolf Creek Desolation by Greg McLean & Brett McBean. It is the second book of the Wolf Creek series. I absolutely loved Wolf Creek Origin & this one does not disappoint at all. There was so much information & it was very well written. There were parts that went back to when Mick was in the war but it worked in well and was not confusing. 100 stars for me, if I could so, 5 stars.
January 10, 2014
3.5 out of 5
A solid and well-written chapter of Mick Taylor's life. Clichéd, read a bit like the movie, and I had some issues with suspension of disbelief. One example that springs to mind is that Mick sniped two of the tires (from where I assumed was the side of the road) and shot the two front tires. It would be more reasonable (and therefore more believable) if he shot the two tires on the same side.
Then, toward the end, the local cop consciously decided that he would not call for backup. Seems a bit unbelievable.
Finally, Mick's depraved mind invented spirits of the land talking to him from a place of great power within the mineshaft he used as a base, spirits that offered him all sorts of miraculous things, yet he happily walked away from this place of power without a second thought.
Another thing (a personal bugbear) was the choice of present tense for a back story. Seemed jarring to me, and I had trouble losing myself in all these sections.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2015
Oh God, this book; there aren't enough stars in the sky to rate how good it is. I only got into the franchise because I fancied Mick Taylor on sight. The book creaks and groans like his voice. I could see the choking blood-red soil; the bone altar where Mick talked to the spirits; “hear” the bluesy rock band 2 characters played in; every time I saw the references to the Roadhouse I heard 'Roadhouse Blues'. I want to go there now. As an actual head on a stick (severely disabled) this book's even more special to me!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews