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Monster Squad #1
Return of the Phoenix
Humanity has spent its time enjoying the peace that can only be had through blissful ignorance. For centuries, stories of things that go ‘bump’ in the night have been passed down and shared. When creatures of the night proved to be real, the best of America’s military came together to form an elite band of rapid response teams. Their to face to challenge and keep the civilian populace safe from those threats and hide all evidence of their existence. But during a routine mission, when things go horribly wrong, the Monster Squad finds themselves having to rebuild from the ashes of what they once were.
This time, they face not only the monsters that threaten the peaceful lives of the citizens they are sworn to protect, but their own government, as a dark storm brews on the horizon. A storm that will threaten not just the squad and their existence, but the lives of every human on earth…
This time, they face not only the monsters that threaten the peaceful lives of the citizens they are sworn to protect, but their own government, as a dark storm brews on the horizon. A storm that will threaten not just the squad and their existence, but the lives of every human on earth…
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2012
203 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Heath Stallcup
73 books86 followersHeath Stallcup was born in Salinas, California and relocated to Tupelo, Oklahoma in his tween years. He joined the US Navy and was stationed in Charleston, SC and Bangor, WA shortly after junior college. After his second tour he attended East Central University where he obtained BS degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He then served ten years with the State of Oklahoma as a Compliance and Enforcement Officer while moonlighting nights and weekends with his local Sheriff’s Office. He still lives in the small township of Tupelo, Oklahoma with his wife and three of his seven children. He steals time to write between household duties, going to ballgames, being a grandfather and the pet of numerous animals that have taken over his home. Visit him here, at heathstallcup.com or on Facebook.com for news of his upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 7, 2023
Monster Squad 1 by Heath Stallcup is really just the beginning to a series that is supposed to be all about action, a war between vampires and werewolves, not necessarily on opposing forces. The story is long and convoluted in order to clearly draw battle lines, but really weaves a meandering narrative full of contrived story beats, vapid character development, and overly generous exposition that focuses more on the attempt to manufacture political intrigue out of whole cloth rather than demonstrate the flawed construction of a military organization. I really wanted to like this book which has been on my TBR for over ten years, but I can not. The only time we see the squad in action was in the beginning and they get wiped out. These, the reader is told, are the best of the best. And the rest of the book shows how a new unit is chosen, the training, and the initiation of a romance between two of the characters. For an action novel, it leaves a lot to be desired. For a monster book, it leaves a lot to be desired. I am very unhappy. This will serve as #9 of 50 on my over 5 yrs reading goal. I can't wait to move on to my next novel.
August 30, 2015
3.5
Looking for an MHI fix. You can get it here. Book 1 us off to a great start and I've already got the end one. I'm hoping for more character development though, someone in which to cling, love or hate etc. The story itself is action packed and fun though.
Looking for an MHI fix. You can get it here. Book 1 us off to a great start and I've already got the end one. I'm hoping for more character development though, someone in which to cling, love or hate etc. The story itself is action packed and fun though.
August 22, 2017
Rather than having one or two major ‘this didn’t work for me’ bits (other than the sense of humor, which I’ll get to in a minute), there were a lot of little things. It’s easiest just to say that the writing quality wasn’t very good. Characters lacked believable depth, or were ridiculous in their behaviors; characters’ plans had holes in them; the book ended at an annoying place; etc. One (military) character, upon being captured by the enemy, volunteered an amazing amount of sensitive information before they even asked him about anything, yet didn’t even seem to realize it.
The sense of humor also had a lot of little problems rather than one big one. Sometimes it’s forced and over the top. Sometimes it’s slapstick. Sometimes it seems rather inappropriate (there’s a plot involving setting up a homophobic, ranting politician for blackmail involving a transsexual–without going into the whole thing, I’ll just say that I think a number of people would find the way it was carried out to be offensive).
On the whole, I think there are enough books that fit any of a number of the aspects of this one, but are written better, that you might as well not settle.
Longer review on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2017/08/r...
The sense of humor also had a lot of little problems rather than one big one. Sometimes it’s forced and over the top. Sometimes it’s slapstick. Sometimes it seems rather inappropriate (there’s a plot involving setting up a homophobic, ranting politician for blackmail involving a transsexual–without going into the whole thing, I’ll just say that I think a number of people would find the way it was carried out to be offensive).
On the whole, I think there are enough books that fit any of a number of the aspects of this one, but are written better, that you might as well not settle.
Longer review on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2017/08/r...
December 29, 2021
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the book but it needs editing
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are numerous errors, including missing words, incorrect words (site instead of sight etc.) And some instances of mixed tense.
The plotline is good and worth the read, however, it needs refining. As it stands it's a little clumsy and there are parts that feel forced.
The characterisation is okay, but even with 'personal' interaction it felt one dimensional. The personality types don't help the author to define a good character, with every character being alpha. To get past this there needs to be a humanising element and the author struggled with this.
There are a couple of sex scenes and some swearing.
I don't know if I will pursue the series, as I feel right now that's doubtful, but my own personality type means I like to know the outcome of a series, so that could change if the storyline takes root in my imagination and subsequently mithers the life out of me in days to come.
If you are a fan of the genre I would probably recommend the book, it is by no means the worst I have ever read.
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are numerous errors, including missing words, incorrect words (site instead of sight etc.) And some instances of mixed tense.
The plotline is good and worth the read, however, it needs refining. As it stands it's a little clumsy and there are parts that feel forced.
The characterisation is okay, but even with 'personal' interaction it felt one dimensional. The personality types don't help the author to define a good character, with every character being alpha. To get past this there needs to be a humanising element and the author struggled with this.
There are a couple of sex scenes and some swearing.
I don't know if I will pursue the series, as I feel right now that's doubtful, but my own personality type means I like to know the outcome of a series, so that could change if the storyline takes root in my imagination and subsequently mithers the life out of me in days to come.
If you are a fan of the genre I would probably recommend the book, it is by no means the worst I have ever read.
July 1, 2022
If Tom Clancy wrote Urban Fantasy, it would be these books.
One of the things I love about Urban Fantasy is that it can be done in so many ways. Return of the Phoenix puts a military thriller spin on the genre.
The story centers around a group of elite soldiers tasked by governments to take on things that go bump in the night.
There was much to like about Return of the Phoenix. The pacing was good with enough tension to keep me turning the page. The different subplots to the story were all strong and kept me engaged. There were some nice surprise twists that I didn’t see coming. The author has also built an interesting world and put his own unique spin on things that kept it fresh.
The one problem I had with the book was the ending or lack of one. The story ended so abruptly that I was confused as I had so many unanswered questions. It felt like the author had written a much larger book and decided to cut it into two or three books and the ending just happened to be where the one-third- or one-half mark was.
The lack of ending has me unsure of whether to continue deeper into the series or not.
One of the things I love about Urban Fantasy is that it can be done in so many ways. Return of the Phoenix puts a military thriller spin on the genre.
The story centers around a group of elite soldiers tasked by governments to take on things that go bump in the night.
There was much to like about Return of the Phoenix. The pacing was good with enough tension to keep me turning the page. The different subplots to the story were all strong and kept me engaged. There were some nice surprise twists that I didn’t see coming. The author has also built an interesting world and put his own unique spin on things that kept it fresh.
The one problem I had with the book was the ending or lack of one. The story ended so abruptly that I was confused as I had so many unanswered questions. It felt like the author had written a much larger book and decided to cut it into two or three books and the ending just happened to be where the one-third- or one-half mark was.
The lack of ending has me unsure of whether to continue deeper into the series or not.
March 8, 2018
Pleasantly not surprised
I first read books 1-4 of Caldera and I'm so looking forward to books 5-? I love zombie books and such and worry that after reading so many that it will become boring, yours were nowhere near boring....thank you
Monster Squad, not sure what I was expecting but I'm glad I read this one. You it all the best parts of must have's. I grew up military and your book is believable and accurate and the way the team play each other is perfect.
Romance and secrets and government intrigue is perfect.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
I first read books 1-4 of Caldera and I'm so looking forward to books 5-? I love zombie books and such and worry that after reading so many that it will become boring, yours were nowhere near boring....thank you
Monster Squad, not sure what I was expecting but I'm glad I read this one. You it all the best parts of must have's. I grew up military and your book is believable and accurate and the way the team play each other is perfect.
Romance and secrets and government intrigue is perfect.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
August 7, 2021
Refreshing
This was a Very interesting story with a nice masculine ethos. I thought he could have left the sex out completely without hurting the story. I also don’t think mixing women and men in a shower is ever a good idea. Will be looking for book 2
This was a Very interesting story with a nice masculine ethos. I thought he could have left the sex out completely without hurting the story. I also don’t think mixing women and men in a shower is ever a good idea. Will be looking for book 2
February 4, 2022
Fun and Different
I like my good guys a little bit dirty. Makes them seem a little more ream in this monstrous wonderland. Going to invest in some night vision when taking my even strolls from now on. 😁
I like my good guys a little bit dirty. Makes them seem a little more ream in this monstrous wonderland. Going to invest in some night vision when taking my even strolls from now on. 😁
August 2, 2023
I didn’t know what to expect but I love Heath Stallcup books so i got it. Another MUST read! You cannot go wrong reading these books. From Yellowstone that sucks you in (Caldera) to Monster Squad (where monsters really do exist) prepare to stay up all night!
February 10, 2017
DNF. Nothing really "wrong" with the book and it is as well written as many in this genre. The plot and the characters just never moved beyond "Ho hum".
August 16, 2017
I gotta agree with everyone else. If you like Monster Hunter International, check this out.
October 30, 2018
Fun
Lots of action and lots of things that go bump in the night, I enjoyed the action and the story
Lots of action and lots of things that go bump in the night, I enjoyed the action and the story
March 3, 2020
Monster Squad
it caught my interest and pulled me in and didn't let go not even at the end. Now I've want the first book and the following. Great story.
it caught my interest and pulled me in and didn't let go not even at the end. Now I've want the first book and the following. Great story.
August 23, 2021
Need to read on...
Love this. Kept me on edge figuring what would happen next. Very happy what happened to the bad guy.
Looking forward to the next book.
Love this. Kept me on edge figuring what would happen next. Very happy what happened to the bad guy.
Looking forward to the next book.
September 5, 2021
[audio book]
January 19, 2022
This series will keep you on your toes. Interlaced with all the human emotions that make it seem so real.
September 11, 2025
great this is so amazing
November 4, 2025
Good read.
This is a quick read. Good characters and a fast moving plot. It does have a little bit of sexual content but nothing graphic. A good read.
This is a quick read. Good characters and a fast moving plot. It does have a little bit of sexual content but nothing graphic. A good read.
August 25, 2018
Great book
Great book my first from this author, so far I would recommend. looking forward to reading more in this series.
Great book my first from this author, so far I would recommend. looking forward to reading more in this series.
September 29, 2014
ABR's full Return of the Phoenix audiobook review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
I am fully expecting some sort of a reinventing of one of my favorite audiobook series, Monster Hunter International. A secret agency battling monsters in real life and protecting us regular people.
I want action, blood and gore, ridiculous monsters with plans to take over the world. I want a solid story that will help define this monster story sub-genre.
What I got was an epic tale of a secret military team that is trained to fight the horrors of the night. They are all given secret injection to help keep them safe from the “contagious” variety of monsters.
What I really liked was the hard core military action scenes, procedures and personalities. Full of subtle and not so subtle humor throughout. Instead of having the monsters be just monsters. Stallcup was able to give them all interesting back stories and agendas.
Where my interest started to wonder was in the love story between a monster and one of the military team. I always find myself becoming very uncomfortable when erotica pops unknowingly in a story. Sitting at my desk at work, hoping that no one will hear what I hear. Constantly looking over my shoulders to make sure that no one gets too close.
All in all this was a fun military story about fighting monsters. With several good plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I think for a first novel that Stallcup did very well and I look forward to hearing how his style progresses with future stories.
In the beginning I found the performance by Jack Voorhies to be a bit soft-spoken for my taste. This changed slowly as the story progressed. By the end I was not able to think of another narrator that would be able to give the story such a unique voice.
I didn’t care for the obnoxious blast of sound for the indicator of story switch. At first I thought there was something wrong with the recording and soon I realized that this was an intentional signal to the listener.
Audiobook provided for review by the Author.
I am fully expecting some sort of a reinventing of one of my favorite audiobook series, Monster Hunter International. A secret agency battling monsters in real life and protecting us regular people.
I want action, blood and gore, ridiculous monsters with plans to take over the world. I want a solid story that will help define this monster story sub-genre.
What I got was an epic tale of a secret military team that is trained to fight the horrors of the night. They are all given secret injection to help keep them safe from the “contagious” variety of monsters.
What I really liked was the hard core military action scenes, procedures and personalities. Full of subtle and not so subtle humor throughout. Instead of having the monsters be just monsters. Stallcup was able to give them all interesting back stories and agendas.
Where my interest started to wonder was in the love story between a monster and one of the military team. I always find myself becoming very uncomfortable when erotica pops unknowingly in a story. Sitting at my desk at work, hoping that no one will hear what I hear. Constantly looking over my shoulders to make sure that no one gets too close.
All in all this was a fun military story about fighting monsters. With several good plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I think for a first novel that Stallcup did very well and I look forward to hearing how his style progresses with future stories.
In the beginning I found the performance by Jack Voorhies to be a bit soft-spoken for my taste. This changed slowly as the story progressed. By the end I was not able to think of another narrator that would be able to give the story such a unique voice.
I didn’t care for the obnoxious blast of sound for the indicator of story switch. At first I thought there was something wrong with the recording and soon I realized that this was an intentional signal to the listener.
Audiobook provided for review by the Author.
April 20, 2015
*Disclosure - The author provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3.5 stars. I almost avoided this book because MHI is my favorite series of all time and I was afraid it would be a little too "in the same vein", but the different styling and tone ensure that I can enjoy both series without feeling like one or the other is being watered down.
This book is a little light on action and mostly serves as a stage setter for the series, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as Stallcup has done a great job of fleshing out his characters. I'm invested in the squad and looking forward to more.
Um...there was an erotica level sex scene that cause me to do uncomfortable shifty eyes while listening at work. And several references to "members". Cough. Also,
The narration was pretty great. The narrator's voice for Senator Franklin is a dead ringer for Bush, so much so that he MUST be doing it on purpose. If it weren't for the fact that the Senator is a Dem I'd swear my beloved bumbler-in-chief was being mocked.
3.5 stars. I almost avoided this book because MHI is my favorite series of all time and I was afraid it would be a little too "in the same vein", but the different styling and tone ensure that I can enjoy both series without feeling like one or the other is being watered down.
This book is a little light on action and mostly serves as a stage setter for the series, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as Stallcup has done a great job of fleshing out his characters. I'm invested in the squad and looking forward to more.
Um...there was an erotica level sex scene that cause me to do uncomfortable shifty eyes while listening at work. And several references to "members". Cough. Also,
The narration was pretty great. The narrator's voice for Senator Franklin is a dead ringer for Bush, so much so that he MUST be doing it on purpose. If it weren't for the fact that the Senator is a Dem I'd swear my beloved bumbler-in-chief was being mocked.
October 1, 2014
I was asked to give an honest review of the book, so here goes. I loved it! As a former soldier, I understand the difficulty of translating the military to any kind of fantasy setting without resorting to clichés and stereotypes, but I think the author really hit it on the head. he either was in the military, or researched like crazy, because it was spot on. The story is about the government's military monster hunting teams, made up of different Special Operations operators. After a teams is wiped out to almost the last man in an ambush, New recruits are brought in, "augmented" and trained to replace them. No spoilers here, but everything is not what it seems. There is a Senator that wants the teams shut down, a civil war fomenting in the supernatural world, and revelations to be made about the teams themselves. Well written and engaging, with strong world building and character development. The only aspect I was kind of leery of was a inter-team romance, that I thought would damage unit cohesion, but the author resolved the issue later in the book in a realistic way. There is not a lot of back story in the book, but the second book fleshes out the back story nicely. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes urban fantasy, and actually, I have recommended it to my friends and family.
January 13, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable
Solid first book in a series! I like the ideas and I enjoy the mix of military and monsters. Wish it was longer, but that is why I am starting book 2!
Solid first book in a series! I like the ideas and I enjoy the mix of military and monsters. Wish it was longer, but that is why I am starting book 2!
October 15, 2015
Got it for free, how good can it be?
Well I now have a new series to read. Half way through this book I bought the next two in the series. A different take on the usual vampire, werewolf monsters book . It starts off as a good action/ monster killing novel & warped in to a interesting story. Can't wait to start on book two.
Well I now have a new series to read. Half way through this book I bought the next two in the series. A different take on the usual vampire, werewolf monsters book . It starts off as a good action/ monster killing novel & warped in to a interesting story. Can't wait to start on book two.
October 28, 2016
Wanted to like it... too flawed to recommend. Not a lot happens. Characters are introduced. Book jumps between them... a lot. They still don't seem to do much. And just when it seems like something might happen... the book ends.
Just sort of meh when all was said and done.
Won't follow up.
Just sort of meh when all was said and done.
Won't follow up.
December 30, 2019
Stay on point
To start, chapter 12 almost made me close the book. This chapter is not needed nor interesting and actually takes away from the story. This is a 2 sided story that starts to lean to a smutty side in an otherwise great (or could be) story. I will not be continuing with the next story....
To start, chapter 12 almost made me close the book. This chapter is not needed nor interesting and actually takes away from the story. This is a 2 sided story that starts to lean to a smutty side in an otherwise great (or could be) story. I will not be continuing with the next story....
January 20, 2014
I really didnt think I would like this, but I read it because it was part of an Epic collection offered on Amazon. Good thing I did because i ended up really liking it. Need to go look for another one in the series now.
March 6, 2016
Loved it.
I love this book. Action packed, it plays with the possibility that there are things out there that go bump in the night. Characters that I could identify with, lots of action and plenty of twists to keep me interested in the story.
I love this book. Action packed, it plays with the possibility that there are things out there that go bump in the night. Characters that I could identify with, lots of action and plenty of twists to keep me interested in the story.
April 24, 2016
Surprisingly easy read!
I was referred this book by another author, and that in itself should have told me what a great story this would be. Very excited to start a new series, knowing there are 8 in it!!! Binge reading....
I was referred this book by another author, and that in itself should have told me what a great story this would be. Very excited to start a new series, knowing there are 8 in it!!! Binge reading....
July 16, 2016
2.5. sorta fun monster hunter international knock off. let down by poor editing, cartoon dialogue and barely two dimensional characters. if you unplug your standards and only expect mindless brain candy then you'll be ok.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews