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Grant Coleman Adventures #7
Desolation Canyon
It seems like the perfect trip when paleontologist Grant Coleman joins a geology professor and an anthropologist to explore an unmapped canyon far out in the Utah desert. The sponsor’s team leader promises Grant he can take home all the fossils he finds.
On the first day at camp, an explosion strands the entire team hundreds of feet down on the canyon floor. It is soon clear that the mining company sponsor has more nefarious plans than the benign research they promised. The going is about to get tough for the three professors.
Then the situation gets worse. These humans aren’t the only ones in this canyon. Supposedly extinct dinosaur species still roam the canyon’s floor, and they aren’t about to let humans become the new apex predator. Can Grant’s dinosaur expertise and the other professors’ insights combine to save them from these monsters? If not, they are doomed, because there’s no rescue coming to Desolation Canyon.
On the first day at camp, an explosion strands the entire team hundreds of feet down on the canyon floor. It is soon clear that the mining company sponsor has more nefarious plans than the benign research they promised. The going is about to get tough for the three professors.
Then the situation gets worse. These humans aren’t the only ones in this canyon. Supposedly extinct dinosaur species still roam the canyon’s floor, and they aren’t about to let humans become the new apex predator. Can Grant’s dinosaur expertise and the other professors’ insights combine to save them from these monsters? If not, they are doomed, because there’s no rescue coming to Desolation Canyon.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2023
225 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Russell James
48 books216 followersRussell R. James was raised on Long Island, New York and spent too much time watching Chiller, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and Dark Shadows, despite his parents’ warnings. Bookshelves full of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe didn’t make things better. He graduated from Cornell University and the University of Central Florida.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 25, 2024
Well paleontologists can never really answer a question. They all just study fragments and fossils and then take a guess at an extinct animal's properties, followed by an even wilder guess at its behaviour.
So true.
Hey! I know you're thinking this is just another trashy, dinosaur pulp p.o.s. Don't be so judgy! I know...the cover isn't exactly classically enhancing. It's actually slightly well-written. Yes, it ain't no Journey to the Centre of the Earth, but it sure is a fun read. The author seems to have a sense of humour similar to my own, with witty lines like this: (After being spied by a dino and told to stand perfectly still,) "Change of plan," Grant said. "Sudden movements mandatory. Run!" Then, "Why am I so delectable?" and then, "I don't want to be a food source," Prya said. "Neither do I. I have greater ambitions in life."
The action is non-stop and the unlikely protagonist, Prof. Grant Coleman, seems to have more lucky escapes than a certain U.S. ex-president. The plot is okay, but I just wish there'd been a larger variety of reptiles of the toothy extinct type. Given this is the 7th in the Grant Coleman series, (How lucky can one bloke be?) I'll probably read a couple more...even though fact checking and research seems to be something other less-busy authors do.
So true.
Hey! I know you're thinking this is just another trashy, dinosaur pulp p.o.s. Don't be so judgy! I know...the cover isn't exactly classically enhancing. It's actually slightly well-written. Yes, it ain't no Journey to the Centre of the Earth, but it sure is a fun read. The author seems to have a sense of humour similar to my own, with witty lines like this: (After being spied by a dino and told to stand perfectly still,) "Change of plan," Grant said. "Sudden movements mandatory. Run!" Then, "Why am I so delectable?" and then, "I don't want to be a food source," Prya said. "Neither do I. I have greater ambitions in life."
The action is non-stop and the unlikely protagonist, Prof. Grant Coleman, seems to have more lucky escapes than a certain U.S. ex-president. The plot is okay, but I just wish there'd been a larger variety of reptiles of the toothy extinct type. Given this is the 7th in the Grant Coleman series, (How lucky can one bloke be?) I'll probably read a couple more...even though fact checking and research seems to be something other less-busy authors do.
November 14, 2023
Grant's adventures continue!
There was a little plot twist at the end that I must admit I did not see coming, so I added a star just for that. Sometimes, not even full-fledged thrillers can catch me off-guard!
As usual, I loved being back in his crazy world and I can't wait to see where he goes next.
There was a little plot twist at the end that I must admit I did not see coming, so I added a star just for that. Sometimes, not even full-fledged thrillers can catch me off-guard!
As usual, I loved being back in his crazy world and I can't wait to see where he goes next.
November 12, 2023
Grant manages to get in over his head, as usual and narrowly escape with his life. Desolation Canyon was another fun read with new monsters that nearly kill our brave adventurer. This character is one of my favorites from Russell James. These adventure series he turns out are a ton of fun and I eagerly wait the next book.
November 30, 2023
Excellent fun
Another great time for Grant Coleman. Poor guy gets into the worst adventures. Love Russell James' writing. Great characters always. And always great humor partnered with terrible danger and horrible beasties. We're out in, over and under the desert this time. I enjoyed the idea of a hidden canyon lost to everyone. Kinda fun Lost World stuff, right? I really liked the story. It just seemed a bit too short. I guess I need more Grant misadventures. Already know where poor Grant is heading to next... Africa. It sure would be swell if he could be the hero sometime. There's always hope. Thanks Russell. Highly recommended.
Another great time for Grant Coleman. Poor guy gets into the worst adventures. Love Russell James' writing. Great characters always. And always great humor partnered with terrible danger and horrible beasties. We're out in, over and under the desert this time. I enjoyed the idea of a hidden canyon lost to everyone. Kinda fun Lost World stuff, right? I really liked the story. It just seemed a bit too short. I guess I need more Grant misadventures. Already know where poor Grant is heading to next... Africa. It sure would be swell if he could be the hero sometime. There's always hope. Thanks Russell. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2024
Good installment
This was another good installment of the Grant Coleman series. There were a little more twist and turns in this one, I just wish that they would get over the him being overweight thing. Let him lose weight! It really be nice to see him get the girl one of these times too!
This was another good installment of the Grant Coleman series. There were a little more twist and turns in this one, I just wish that they would get over the him being overweight thing. Let him lose weight! It really be nice to see him get the girl one of these times too!
January 11, 2024
Once again Grant Coleman finds himself in big trouble. When a mining operation offers to let him and two colleagues hunt for fossils, ruins and geological finds. They soon find out all is not well.
April 20, 2024
So many coincidences!
So entertaining how this guy can find ancient creatures, civilizations within a day or two that have been around for thousands of years and then wipe out all evidence of them in a day. Still entertaining as always.
So entertaining how this guy can find ancient creatures, civilizations within a day or two that have been around for thousands of years and then wipe out all evidence of them in a day. Still entertaining as always.
June 1, 2024
Entertaining little adventure
It’s well-written and fun, with fierce prehistoric beasts and ancient ruins. I will admit that the text referring to phytosaurs as dinosaurs repeatedly was annoying, especially because the author concedes in his afterword that that wasn’t the case. But overall a decent quick read.
It’s well-written and fun, with fierce prehistoric beasts and ancient ruins. I will admit that the text referring to phytosaurs as dinosaurs repeatedly was annoying, especially because the author concedes in his afterword that that wasn’t the case. But overall a decent quick read.
June 22, 2024
If you have kindle unlimited I highly recommend this 7 book series by Russell James.
⚠️Warning: can be a bit gory and gruesome.⚠️
These short books are adventurous, fast paced and so different! I absolutely loved all the plot twists, even with the gore.
⚠️Warning: can be a bit gory and gruesome.⚠️
These short books are adventurous, fast paced and so different! I absolutely loved all the plot twists, even with the gore.
November 12, 2023
Grant Coleman again finds himself in the wrong place, as his latest expedition begins badly and goes down hill even faster. Another good adventure as Coleman fights to survive, will he live long enough to publish another monster book.
March 13, 2024
Funny when you don't expect it. Not sure I believe that there are still unknown dinosaurs roaming about, but you never know.
April 29, 2024
Another great Grant Coleman adventure, this time dealing with dessert life, a great read with lots of enjoyable twists and turns. Great work, throughly enjoyed reading this series back to back
April 16, 2024
The whole series is a fun read.
I have finished all seven books. They are to me a fun read. Bad humor and lots of impossible scenarios. I love his answer to everything - "Not dead yet.". If the author continues to write these light hearted monster stories I will continue to read them.
I have finished all seven books. They are to me a fun read. Bad humor and lots of impossible scenarios. I love his answer to everything - "Not dead yet.". If the author continues to write these light hearted monster stories I will continue to read them.
February 14, 2025
Still not dead!
Professor Grant Coleman joins two of his colleagues on a adventure to Desolation Canyon in the southwest. Unfortunately wherever Grant goes danger and death follows and this easy trip is no exception. I enjoy these adventures with Grant very much especially since I learn while reading. I must admit that I worry that if he doesn't take a well deserved rest with no dinosaurs chasing him he's going to fall into pieces like the Blues mobile did at the end of the movie. Seriously as long as Russell James keeps writing these great adventures, I'll keep reading them.
Professor Grant Coleman joins two of his colleagues on a adventure to Desolation Canyon in the southwest. Unfortunately wherever Grant goes danger and death follows and this easy trip is no exception. I enjoy these adventures with Grant very much especially since I learn while reading. I must admit that I worry that if he doesn't take a well deserved rest with no dinosaurs chasing him he's going to fall into pieces like the Blues mobile did at the end of the movie. Seriously as long as Russell James keeps writing these great adventures, I'll keep reading them.
July 9, 2024
While I did enjoy this book, Grant referring to his size got old rather quickly. Seemed like there were few conversations or contemplations where him getting overweight didn't get mentioned.
Having said that, this is another adventure where Grant finds out his expedition isn't what he thought it would be. You'd think by now, he'd stop expecting it to be normal. I enjoyed the story and the dinosaurs. I was disappointed in Casey, but knew from the beginning that he would end the way he did.
Having said that, this is another adventure where Grant finds out his expedition isn't what he thought it would be. You'd think by now, he'd stop expecting it to be normal. I enjoyed the story and the dinosaurs. I was disappointed in Casey, but knew from the beginning that he would end the way he did.
November 13, 2023
Poor old Grant Coleman. He simply can’t get a break. If only those fossils could be what they appear to be – remnants of a species long dead and extinct - but for our favourite palaeontologist, life is never that simple. In a remote and inhospitable location these creatures have survived, but the question is, will he?
Russell James’ Grant Coleman adventures are a must-read for any fans craving an Indiana Jones/Jurassic Park fix. The action is pacy, the plot addictive, and the characters come alive on the page. Grant Coleman is a lovable anti-hero – the kind of guy you want to go for a drink with. Word of caution though – never go on vacation with him. Chances are there will be monsters!
Great fun and I look forward to the next in the series.
Russell James’ Grant Coleman adventures are a must-read for any fans craving an Indiana Jones/Jurassic Park fix. The action is pacy, the plot addictive, and the characters come alive on the page. Grant Coleman is a lovable anti-hero – the kind of guy you want to go for a drink with. Word of caution though – never go on vacation with him. Chances are there will be monsters!
Great fun and I look forward to the next in the series.
October 20, 2024
I don't know if this the last Grant Coleman book or not. But it was an enjoyable read for me. I like the main character, Grant Coleman. He is not some super macho adventurer,. He is a dweeb professor of paleontology and out of shape to boot. In all of his adventures it seems he is in way over his head, but somehow managed to survive to the end of the book . He has a knack for rubbing people the wrong way and he doesn't even try to. The sarcasm is great from him and he uses it to great advantage. I just wish he would get the girl at the end of the story, but no he gets a nice big dose of nothing. For me this was a guilty pleasure series of books. You know the ones that have no great message for the masses just good old, everyday fun, and no deep thoughts required.
November 6, 2023
Not all heroes wear capes and tights, some wear XXL size boxers and a shield of snark.
If you have been fortunate enough to have read the previous Grant Coleman adventures, (high five to the other Grant groupies), you will love this. I also liked the cast of characters and setting and monsters. Grant's sarcasm is in fine form in this story, even more than usual, and he gets as battered as a badger in a washing machine. Great fun and super fast read. I loved it.
If you have been fortunate enough to have read the previous Grant Coleman adventures, (high five to the other Grant groupies), you will love this. I also liked the cast of characters and setting and monsters. Grant's sarcasm is in fine form in this story, even more than usual, and he gets as battered as a badger in a washing machine. Great fun and super fast read. I loved it.
June 26, 2024
Grant Coleman Book 7. 3 college geology/archealogy professors go on a trip into a very remote part of the US desert. They are attacked by dinosaurs thought to be long extinct. The main character Grant is not anything like Indiana Jones. Entertaining but not long enough. C. 2023
July 19, 2024
This was the first one that fell flat for me. Just not enough doctor for me, this story was to spread out.
September 16, 2025
It’s not a twist if it’s always the same twist.
3.0 🌟
3.0 🌟
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews