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The Valkeryn Chronicles #1
Return of the Ancients
Arnold Singer is just like any other fifteen-year-old boy growing up in the suburbs – average height, average looks. The love of his life thinks he’s a geek ... that is if she notices him at all. Pretty normal, and pretty boring, really.
But this normal life is about to change forever. On a school science trip to watch the test firing of a new particle accelerator, Arn is caught up in an accident that propels him into an extraordinary new world.
In this new land, Arn is the last human alive. It is populated with mysterious and bloodthirsty creatures, some of whom want him dead, while others see him as their only hope for survival.
Can Arn survive in a hostile world and save his new friends? Or has he arrived in time to witness the fall of a mighty empire?
An epic tale of love, betrayal and war in a world both familiar and terrifying.
But this normal life is about to change forever. On a school science trip to watch the test firing of a new particle accelerator, Arn is caught up in an accident that propels him into an extraordinary new world.
In this new land, Arn is the last human alive. It is populated with mysterious and bloodthirsty creatures, some of whom want him dead, while others see him as their only hope for survival.
Can Arn survive in a hostile world and save his new friends? Or has he arrived in time to witness the fall of a mighty empire?
An epic tale of love, betrayal and war in a world both familiar and terrifying.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
51 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
65 books1,144 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 37 reviews
October 8, 2022
A teenager is caught in the blast when the testing of a new particle accelerator goes wrong. He lands in a new world inhabited by an evolved species of wolves. But he finds out he’s not as helpless in this new world as he would have thought.
A fascinating and action-packed story which moves at a very fast pace and has world building done absolutely right. It’s also quite reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic A Princess of Mars.
A fascinating and action-packed story which moves at a very fast pace and has world building done absolutely right. It’s also quite reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic A Princess of Mars.
February 22, 2018
4.5 Stars
February 16, 2012
Time travel, tunnels with slimy things hiding in the dark, desert wastelands with giant bleached bones, and then a land populated by creatures that have evolved to be the new rulers of Earth – where was the kitchen sink?
This is Greig Becks first foray into fiction/fantasy, and I’m glad to see he hasn’t totally ignored all the things that make his books fun – some frightening elements, the humor, and the big action and adventure. The world Beck creates is one of wonder – from tiny vampire worms, to the giant forests, and also to the clues as to what happened to mankind and how the new ‘beings’ evolved.
Arnold 'Arn' Singer is pulled into a black hole and hurtled into the future. The moon is closer now, and its light imbues him with the strength he needs to survive in a world that is deadly and beautiful. Two mighty races have evolved who are locked in an eternal war.
I loved the ruthless Colonel Marion Briggs who sends through some kick-ass Green Berets to bring Arn back – no spoilers, but I’ll just say, not everything goes to plan!
Beck includes one more new element in this book that I adored... a budding (unrequited?) romance between Arn and the female Valkeryn Eilif – I know its going to make me sad in the end….but fingers crossed!
I loved this book – hope the next one in the series comes soon.
This is Greig Becks first foray into fiction/fantasy, and I’m glad to see he hasn’t totally ignored all the things that make his books fun – some frightening elements, the humor, and the big action and adventure. The world Beck creates is one of wonder – from tiny vampire worms, to the giant forests, and also to the clues as to what happened to mankind and how the new ‘beings’ evolved.
Arnold 'Arn' Singer is pulled into a black hole and hurtled into the future. The moon is closer now, and its light imbues him with the strength he needs to survive in a world that is deadly and beautiful. Two mighty races have evolved who are locked in an eternal war.
I loved the ruthless Colonel Marion Briggs who sends through some kick-ass Green Berets to bring Arn back – no spoilers, but I’ll just say, not everything goes to plan!
Beck includes one more new element in this book that I adored... a budding (unrequited?) romance between Arn and the female Valkeryn Eilif – I know its going to make me sad in the end….but fingers crossed!
I loved this book – hope the next one in the series comes soon.
March 12, 2012
Not to be harsh, but those reviews below mine sound like planted reviews. When I worked for a hotel, my boss would do that. He'd go on travel websites and plant glowing reviews...problem is, they sounded fake. As do these 5 star reviews.
I had a hard time putting my finger on the intended audience. The main character is in his teens, but he and his classmates act like early middle schoolers. The wolf humanoids reminded me so much of furries that I literally groaned out loud when I came to their introduction. The premise is good and being a science geek, I was excited to read this book, but the characters turned me off from the get-go. They're uninteresting, childish, and lack originality.
The pacing of the book is quick but the action failed to maintain my interest long enough to keep turning the pages.
I really do hate writing bad reviews, but I'm also stricken with a streak of honesty. The childish, unoriginal characters and the furries killed this book for me.
-Munboy
I had a hard time putting my finger on the intended audience. The main character is in his teens, but he and his classmates act like early middle schoolers. The wolf humanoids reminded me so much of furries that I literally groaned out loud when I came to their introduction. The premise is good and being a science geek, I was excited to read this book, but the characters turned me off from the get-go. They're uninteresting, childish, and lack originality.
The pacing of the book is quick but the action failed to maintain my interest long enough to keep turning the pages.
I really do hate writing bad reviews, but I'm also stricken with a streak of honesty. The childish, unoriginal characters and the furries killed this book for me.
-Munboy
July 21, 2012
Review originally posted on The Oaken Bookcase on July 21, 2012.
Arnold Singer, or “Arn” to his friends, is thrown forward in time after an accident during a school trip to a government scientific facility. In this strange future world, humans have been replaced by the honourable Wolfen, an evolved species of dog. The Wolfen lands are under attack from the evil Panterran, an evolved race of cats. There are plenty of other horrors in this world, but Arn’s quest to find out what happened to the human race and get home again is put on hold. War is coming.
I must admit that I’ve been judging this book by its cover. After only scanning the blurb, I thought it looked like an adult dystopian war story. Turns out I was quite wrong, although there is war involved. Let that be a lesson to me!
Arn doesn’t seem in any particular hurry to get home again, but is happy to take up warrior training with the Wolfen and fight alongside them against the Panterran invaders. The “prophecy” of the future links up with what happened in Arn’s proper time rather well – I often wonder about the actual events behind ancient legends, and Greig has taken this a step further by showing us events in both time periods.
The only thing that I found a little off-putting about this story was the romance between Arn and a Wolfen girl (no spoilers…). Why would she be attracted to him so quickly? He looks like a fur-less freak to most of the Wolfen! I know, love conquers all and all that, but… they are different species. I just found it slightly uncomfortable.
That aside, I really did enjoy reading this story and loved the way each race had its rulers, its ambitious underlings and its honourable warriors. I’ll look forward to the next in the series.
Return of the Ancients is a fast-paced adventure with plenty of twists and turns. I’d recommend this story for those who love reading about adventure in strange lands, preparations for war and time travel, especially younger readers.
Arnold Singer, or “Arn” to his friends, is thrown forward in time after an accident during a school trip to a government scientific facility. In this strange future world, humans have been replaced by the honourable Wolfen, an evolved species of dog. The Wolfen lands are under attack from the evil Panterran, an evolved race of cats. There are plenty of other horrors in this world, but Arn’s quest to find out what happened to the human race and get home again is put on hold. War is coming.
I must admit that I’ve been judging this book by its cover. After only scanning the blurb, I thought it looked like an adult dystopian war story. Turns out I was quite wrong, although there is war involved. Let that be a lesson to me!
Arn doesn’t seem in any particular hurry to get home again, but is happy to take up warrior training with the Wolfen and fight alongside them against the Panterran invaders. The “prophecy” of the future links up with what happened in Arn’s proper time rather well – I often wonder about the actual events behind ancient legends, and Greig has taken this a step further by showing us events in both time periods.
The only thing that I found a little off-putting about this story was the romance between Arn and a Wolfen girl (no spoilers…). Why would she be attracted to him so quickly? He looks like a fur-less freak to most of the Wolfen! I know, love conquers all and all that, but… they are different species. I just found it slightly uncomfortable.
That aside, I really did enjoy reading this story and loved the way each race had its rulers, its ambitious underlings and its honourable warriors. I’ll look forward to the next in the series.
Return of the Ancients is a fast-paced adventure with plenty of twists and turns. I’d recommend this story for those who love reading about adventure in strange lands, preparations for war and time travel, especially younger readers.
March 12, 2012
I was really hesitant about buying this book, seeing I’m not a big fan of Young Adult stuff. But I have been a reader of Jeremy Robinson, Boyd, Konrad and especially Greig Beck for years. Thank heavens i did, as this book surprised and delighted me – it had plenty of science in the form of a young man being ripped out of a lab and shot into the future here he finds that mankind has disappeared. Wolf like beings now rule and are in a constant war with the viscous panterrans.
Greig Beck is known for putting some pretty brutal and gory scenes in his books, and a few horrifying scenes slip in here as well (the jorgmunders cave for one). Also he likes his military action, and he used that as well when the government sends some green berets through the wormhole to try and bring Arn back (boy, do they get a shock!). For me though, the most enjoyable thing was the tender scenes where the young female wolfen starts to fall in love with Arn – impossible love, but it made me laugh out loud, and cry a little as well.
If this is the first In a trilogy, I’ll be getting the next as soon as it arrives!
Greig Beck is known for putting some pretty brutal and gory scenes in his books, and a few horrifying scenes slip in here as well (the jorgmunders cave for one). Also he likes his military action, and he used that as well when the government sends some green berets through the wormhole to try and bring Arn back (boy, do they get a shock!). For me though, the most enjoyable thing was the tender scenes where the young female wolfen starts to fall in love with Arn – impossible love, but it made me laugh out loud, and cry a little as well.
If this is the first In a trilogy, I’ll be getting the next as soon as it arrives!
May 15, 2015
This book is a definite step away from the normal Greig Beck books that I have been reading just recently. Supposedly it has been aimed at the young adult market, and the language and situations have been toned down accordingly. Having said that I do have to admit to enjoying this book, even though it reminds me of bits and pieces from several other similar works.
I thought that the characters were a little underdeveloped, but I guess when you are writing fantasy there are so many other things to concentrate on. The pacing of the storyline is quite good, and while not actually being an edge of your seat page turner, there is enough to maintain the interest. The accuracy of the science and technical pieces might be off putting for some though.
The book ends at a logical point, and sets up the sequel very nicely. So if you are looking for escapism in a book where you don't have to think too much, then I can recommend this book to you.
I thought that the characters were a little underdeveloped, but I guess when you are writing fantasy there are so many other things to concentrate on. The pacing of the storyline is quite good, and while not actually being an edge of your seat page turner, there is enough to maintain the interest. The accuracy of the science and technical pieces might be off putting for some though.
The book ends at a logical point, and sets up the sequel very nicely. So if you are looking for escapism in a book where you don't have to think too much, then I can recommend this book to you.
March 20, 2014
I'm not a fantasy reader. I love Greig Beck's books. This is a Greig Beck fantasy novel. I liked it a lot, enough to buy the sequel, The Dark Lands. The reason I don't like fantasy novels, is that I sometimes I have difficulty with a complete new universe and believing in it. Not so with this one. The hero is a teen from our time , so we see this world from his perspective and it helps understand and imagine the universe he's getting pushed into. A great read and great characters, humans and creatures.
February 20, 2012
The Valkeryn is an epic story by Greig Beck. It has just about everything in it you can imagine and you will want to crave more, which is good because the author will be providing more to satisfy your cravings. Greig has this wonderful knack of developing characters with great depth and his character dialogs are exceptional. This is one of the finest reads I have enjoyed in the scifi/fantasy genre in a long time. This is a must read epic tale.
October 18, 2013
Great adventure, with the only problem being that it wasn't long enough. Very, very well-written, with a great mythos building already. Believable characters, and very well-paced. Greig Beck is going from strength to strength.
Now, to wait for the sequel, out toward the end of the year...
4.5 out of 5 stars!
Now, to wait for the sequel, out toward the end of the year...
4.5 out of 5 stars!
October 4, 2015
Loved it! Excellent, excellent story!
Return of the Ancients is a fast-paced, action-packed story that grips the reader and doesn’t let go.
See full review here: http://amandajspedding.com/2015/10/03...
Return of the Ancients is a fast-paced, action-packed story that grips the reader and doesn’t let go.
See full review here: http://amandajspedding.com/2015/10/03...
August 18, 2013
This is very different from Greg's other works and after reading it twice (I didn't really get into it the first time) it kinda grew on me. I will surely be checking out volume two when it comes out.
May 16, 2025
I am a fan of Greig's books and have read almost every one of them. This series was one of my holdouts , possessing the book but never started it.
Techno-thrillers are one of my favourite genre's.
This book starts of well with students visiting a research facility to observe a significant process. Something goes wrong and one boy, Arnold is propelled into a parallel world which he later discovers is the future. So far so good, a science experiment resulting in a time jump and he lands in a time where the dominant species are at war for supremacy.
The rest is a young adult adventure with new species, new parameters, emotions, kinship, love and a search for his past.
The world conjured up by Grieg is good with familiar animals who have evolved over millennia.
The story falters with enough grip and plays at set-pieces and predictable outcomes which make it a bland reading. The possible rescue and human intervention is pushed to the next book and plays a lesser part in this story.
The scientific part and the evolved animals are impressive but not at the level that I expect from Greig's book.
2.5 stars rounded off to 3.
Will read the next one now.
Techno-thrillers are one of my favourite genre's.
This book starts of well with students visiting a research facility to observe a significant process. Something goes wrong and one boy, Arnold is propelled into a parallel world which he later discovers is the future. So far so good, a science experiment resulting in a time jump and he lands in a time where the dominant species are at war for supremacy.
The rest is a young adult adventure with new species, new parameters, emotions, kinship, love and a search for his past.
The world conjured up by Grieg is good with familiar animals who have evolved over millennia.
The story falters with enough grip and plays at set-pieces and predictable outcomes which make it a bland reading. The possible rescue and human intervention is pushed to the next book and plays a lesser part in this story.
The scientific part and the evolved animals are impressive but not at the level that I expect from Greig's book.
2.5 stars rounded off to 3.
Will read the next one now.
November 27, 2022
Threw Greig Becks many books we’ve seen creatures from the distant past to strange evolutionary monsters deep beneath the earth, but we go in to a far and strange future were things have grown with humanity among them.
The plot really felt like a sci-fi version of “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court“ where instead of a modern man going back into medieval times, a modern man is sent to a non-human future kingdom that has only medical Lv tech but full of strange creatures with almost magical abilities. Has the story progresses we get a slow romance build between are MC and non-human heroine. It truly is a good world build with dialog that felt truly live like if a person in there shoes did what they did.
The plot really felt like a sci-fi version of “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court“ where instead of a modern man going back into medieval times, a modern man is sent to a non-human future kingdom that has only medical Lv tech but full of strange creatures with almost magical abilities. Has the story progresses we get a slow romance build between are MC and non-human heroine. It truly is a good world build with dialog that felt truly live like if a person in there shoes did what they did.
January 28, 2022
This was not what I had expected but in such a good way, I loved the characters and the idea of them completely, the wolfen are incredible. The history, the lore, the characters, the storyline...everything has been covered so perfectly to create this huge new land where everything you think you know is different, and I have been left with a huge "I need to know what happens next" feeling. This is not an average fifteen year olds day/life but his quest takes you on a journey of discovery, adaptation, growth, love, war and more as he tries to find his place amongst the perils, lies, evironment and responsibility that he has to learn to survive in. I can't wait to read book number two!
March 23, 2018
I am a serial reader of Greig Beck and his stories. I put this off because it was YA. Curious, I read some of the reviews and I am glad I did. Great little story about a teenager that gets whisked away to a faraway time and place full of creatures very unlike himself. Great story that is tied into the medieval/Viking culture. The bad thing is that it is two books and the second is not available on Kindle. I ordered a paperback......booohooo.
May 7, 2025
Good book, but not as good as his usual stuff. Possibly because it's a little more YA.
MC is an interesting background but somehow Beck doesn't make the most of it. He could have done a lot more with it, like Louis L'Amour Last of the Breed. (awesome book BTW).
MC also slightly OP and
anyway I'm on a beck-athon right now so will read the second.. just not immediately.
MC is an interesting background but somehow Beck doesn't make the most of it. He could have done a lot more with it, like Louis L'Amour Last of the Breed. (awesome book BTW).
MC also slightly OP and
anyway I'm on a beck-athon right now so will read the second.. just not immediately.
November 18, 2020
Great book
It got me hooked from the start and I read through the night to finish it. Well written and a roller coaster of fun
It got me hooked from the start and I read through the night to finish it. Well written and a roller coaster of fun
March 17, 2021
The Valkeryn
One of the best book I have read by Gregg Beck. All of his books are good. I like this one. Keep up the good work.
One of the best book I have read by Gregg Beck. All of his books are good. I like this one. Keep up the good work.
August 25, 2021
Superb character development. Well painted story telling enables complete visualization.
August 27, 2021
Immersive
Just fantastic.. give it a try you won't regret it!
Just fantastic.. give it a try you won't regret it!
March 15, 2023
Beck does a nice job in this YA story of painting a new world filled with fascinating characters that interact extremely well. A little silly at times but not so much as to destract from the story.
January 17, 2024
Greig beck is a fantastic writer ...loving all the books so far
May 6, 2012
Have just finished this, the new series by a great Aussie writer Greig Beck. I like this guys writing. He researches well in his other series and uses some obscure facts to construct a good story. In this new YA series, he has used his imagination to create a new world to play in. For adults it's a little too easy, a lot of the hints hidden in the narrative are a little too obvious, but for boys (and girls) at that 12-14 year old age group, they are going to love the little surprises hidden. I'll not give away any spoilers here because that would ruin it. Suffice to say, kids and lots of adults will like this. It's a good bit of fun. The only serious downside I have to this book again is nothing to do with the writer or what he has written. Rather, it is with the person(s) charged with bringing this book to life. The number of glaring print errors and typos is ridiculous fr a major publisher who credits both a proofreader and a editor. They also ask for any "typographical errors" to be sent to them via email. Sorry, these people do this excellent writer a huge disservice by not putting his work out as perfectly as possible. Readers should be able to read a book without being interrupted by poor trade practices.
Just one more thing, Greig, mate, as an Aussie writer of talent, perhaps an Australian based hero/heroine sometime in the future please.
Other than that, keep them coming.
Thanks for a good read.
Just one more thing, Greig, mate, as an Aussie writer of talent, perhaps an Australian based hero/heroine sometime in the future please.
Other than that, keep them coming.
Thanks for a good read.
June 5, 2012
dang,cliff hanger!!!
been a while since there is a cliff hanger in the climax, usually it ended after the arc finished.
it's killing all those build up excitement that I have that it's about to burst out when the climax start to rise and it to be continued...
feels like a when it's rising then cut right out to 0.
really mood killer there.
====
i am not good with writing good review (I finish reading and even want more,so it's good for me,since I am a daily book dropper)
so i will just let other write that, I will just do the bad part.
there is some point in the book that is actually not making sense,but I let it slide as it's a fiction,too much restrain in book will just hinder imagination
I find that the book is too rushed and how the story jump from one point of view to another pov sometimes makes me go "where is this character again?" it makes me confused with those short and often change.
it need to be more longer, showing us more detail about what happened
especially around Arn's world, it is just bits of quick info what is happening there, although it could be lengthened more, like showing a detail about what happened after it, becky thought, and the bully's (forget the name) reaction after what he had done, what happened to the parents,etc.
Hope the next book will show much more information.
been a while since there is a cliff hanger in the climax, usually it ended after the arc finished.
it's killing all those build up excitement that I have that it's about to burst out when the climax start to rise and it to be continued...
feels like a when it's rising then cut right out to 0.
really mood killer there.
====
i am not good with writing good review (I finish reading and even want more,so it's good for me,since I am a daily book dropper)
so i will just let other write that, I will just do the bad part.
there is some point in the book that is actually not making sense,but I let it slide as it's a fiction,too much restrain in book will just hinder imagination
I find that the book is too rushed and how the story jump from one point of view to another pov sometimes makes me go "where is this character again?" it makes me confused with those short and often change.
it need to be more longer, showing us more detail about what happened
especially around Arn's world, it is just bits of quick info what is happening there, although it could be lengthened more, like showing a detail about what happened after it, becky thought, and the bully's (forget the name) reaction after what he had done, what happened to the parents,etc.
Hope the next book will show much more information.
February 22, 2013
*Won from a Goodreads Giveaway*
Having not read a book by Greig Beck, I wasn't sure what to expect going into this novel. What a pleasant surprise it was to find a fresh new perspective on nuclear warfare, evolution, and wormholes in space! Overall, I would give the story line a 5 star rating but the actual fleshing of the written work I would give a 4 star rating. I didn't necessarily like how the college aged students seemed more akin to high schoolers through verbiage and actions.
And what a cliffhanger!! I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens. I'm very curious as to how Greg plans to wrap up the transformation into the future by humans in the Valkeryn world.
Having not read a book by Greig Beck, I wasn't sure what to expect going into this novel. What a pleasant surprise it was to find a fresh new perspective on nuclear warfare, evolution, and wormholes in space! Overall, I would give the story line a 5 star rating but the actual fleshing of the written work I would give a 4 star rating. I didn't necessarily like how the college aged students seemed more akin to high schoolers through verbiage and actions.
And what a cliffhanger!! I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens. I'm very curious as to how Greg plans to wrap up the transformation into the future by humans in the Valkeryn world.
April 10, 2012
This is a tricky one. Given the age of the MC, the book is meant to be YA. However, it reads more like MG. As YA it leaves something to be desired but it's pretty good science fantasy for middle grade readers.
YA readers will probably be disappointed, wanting something a little more sophisticated, but MG readers will probably love the strange Norse-inspired world of wolf hybrids and other monsters.
YA readers will probably be disappointed, wanting something a little more sophisticated, but MG readers will probably love the strange Norse-inspired world of wolf hybrids and other monsters.
October 25, 2022
Great book
What an awesome story. Mr Beck has such an imagination that it is staggering. This book is so full of action, one cannot put it down after they started reading. A terrific storyline and such a great cast of characters. I recommend reading this to all that love adventures and fiction.
What an awesome story. Mr Beck has such an imagination that it is staggering. This book is so full of action, one cannot put it down after they started reading. A terrific storyline and such a great cast of characters. I recommend reading this to all that love adventures and fiction.
November 29, 2025
I usually love Greig Beck's books, but this one was too much YA for me. Not that that is necessarily a good thing, but I think the characters in this book were too young tomcatch my interest. The book also felt a bit slow at times, and I missed a lot of Beck's sort of trademark action. I don't think I will finish this series.
December 28, 2013
Greig Beck
Love this guys work. If you love fast pace action with twists that can come from anywhere from Jurassic to aliens and Indiana jones to omega man then you will love this guys stories .
Love this guys work. If you love fast pace action with twists that can come from anywhere from Jurassic to aliens and Indiana jones to omega man then you will love this guys stories .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews