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Claw Emergence #3
Return to Darkness
In this thrilling conclusion to the CLAW Emergence trilogy, Return to Darkness, Caleb Cantrill, Doc Brown, Sandy and the rest of the town must now battle the trinity of horrors that have claimed the peaceful mountain valley. If they fail, not only will the town be wiped from the map, but the entire continent could be overrun with the monstrous blight that has been unleashed.
The life of Kitty Welch hangs in the balance, her whereabouts unknown. If human predators don't get to her first, the inhuman ones might just finish the job.
Still craving the golden cavern's contents for his own, Thomas Sinclair reveals that there is much more to this nameless little town than anyone could ever have imagined.
Even if Caleb succeeds in all that, the bandits still want their gold. He has no choice but to go back up the mountain to find the hidden cavern and pray that his wandering memory returns in time—if it doesn't, he might not live to see the light of another day.
What Readers Say:
"This would make a great series on television."
"It has all the things I like best in a good book---murderous monsters, greedy criminals, a manipulative mastermind, periods of both bad and good fortune, a romance for the ages, heroes, and people simply trying to get by."
"Fun, quick read that I couldn’t put down."
"Wonderful characters in fast paced story with neat scary creatures."
"Another gripping and exciting adventure in BC,.....love this book series and all the characters in it,...very well written, looking forward to the next one..."
"All of the Claw books, which I read each and every one were knucklebiters. I would love to see movies made of them."
"Loved the series. Read all the books so far. What a great imagination this author has."
"The Claw series of 5 books makes for great reading. I was sorry to finish the last book, but am looking forward to the next set of books from the author. Read the Claw series, I guarantee you will not be disappointed."
"These characters will endure themselves on your heart! They will become a part of you."
"I absolutely love this series!!!"
"If you want a wild ride with weird and wild monsters, unlikely heroes and manipulative masterminds, warm-hearted heroines, oh, and did I forget to mention the dog? ...then this entire series is the series for you!"
The life of Kitty Welch hangs in the balance, her whereabouts unknown. If human predators don't get to her first, the inhuman ones might just finish the job.
Still craving the golden cavern's contents for his own, Thomas Sinclair reveals that there is much more to this nameless little town than anyone could ever have imagined.
Even if Caleb succeeds in all that, the bandits still want their gold. He has no choice but to go back up the mountain to find the hidden cavern and pray that his wandering memory returns in time—if it doesn't, he might not live to see the light of another day.
What Readers Say:
"This would make a great series on television."
"It has all the things I like best in a good book---murderous monsters, greedy criminals, a manipulative mastermind, periods of both bad and good fortune, a romance for the ages, heroes, and people simply trying to get by."
"Fun, quick read that I couldn’t put down."
"Wonderful characters in fast paced story with neat scary creatures."
"Another gripping and exciting adventure in BC,.....love this book series and all the characters in it,...very well written, looking forward to the next one..."
"All of the Claw books, which I read each and every one were knucklebiters. I would love to see movies made of them."
"Loved the series. Read all the books so far. What a great imagination this author has."
"The Claw series of 5 books makes for great reading. I was sorry to finish the last book, but am looking forward to the next set of books from the author. Read the Claw series, I guarantee you will not be disappointed."
"These characters will endure themselves on your heart! They will become a part of you."
"I absolutely love this series!!!"
"If you want a wild ride with weird and wild monsters, unlikely heroes and manipulative masterminds, warm-hearted heroines, oh, and did I forget to mention the dog? ...then this entire series is the series for you!"
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2023
68 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Katie Berry
13 books132 followersKatie Berry is a Canadian Author of Thrillers.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Katie moved west to British Columbia during a family migration that occurred during the later-half of the 20th century.
A longtime writer and voracious reader, Katie enjoys a variety of creative and recreational activities when she's not absorbed in the written word.
With many years of keyboard experience, Katie is an avid digital musician, involved in many musical theatre and stage productions in the beautiful West Kootenay region of BC over the past several years.
An eye for detail helps Katie capture many magical moments with her camera as she interprets the natural beauty of the world that surrounds her through its lens.
Always looking for something new to advance her artistic experimentation, Katie is an accomplished sketch artist. She specialises in detailed drawings of friends, family and clients, including fur-babies, such as cats, dogs and the odd ferret.
After a lifetime of experience in numerous fields of endeavour, Katie now spends her days, and most nights, doing what she loves, bringing stories alive for people who enjoy a tale where the everyday suddenly becomes something much, much more...
Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Katie moved west to British Columbia during a family migration that occurred during the later-half of the 20th century.
A longtime writer and voracious reader, Katie enjoys a variety of creative and recreational activities when she's not absorbed in the written word.
With many years of keyboard experience, Katie is an avid digital musician, involved in many musical theatre and stage productions in the beautiful West Kootenay region of BC over the past several years.
An eye for detail helps Katie capture many magical moments with her camera as she interprets the natural beauty of the world that surrounds her through its lens.
Always looking for something new to advance her artistic experimentation, Katie is an accomplished sketch artist. She specialises in detailed drawings of friends, family and clients, including fur-babies, such as cats, dogs and the odd ferret.
After a lifetime of experience in numerous fields of endeavour, Katie now spends her days, and most nights, doing what she loves, bringing stories alive for people who enjoy a tale where the everyday suddenly becomes something much, much more...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 26, 2024
If Jules Verne wrote a book about the Canadian western frontier, well, he would have copied Katie Berry in doing so!! But this is what it would've been
January 5, 2024
Great story
This would make a great series on television. There's a lot of venture, and the characters blend well with the back drop.
This would make a great series on television. There's a lot of venture, and the characters blend well with the back drop.
January 20, 2024
There are strange the going on , but are worth it.
You are taken on journey that has red eyes ants and strange spiders and they all like humans to eat. The author did a great job with the book and kept you wanting more.
You are taken on journey that has red eyes ants and strange spiders and they all like humans to eat. The author did a great job with the book and kept you wanting more.
January 1, 2024
great series
The story continues with the threat of black snakes like creatures and prehistoric ants. Lots edge of your seat danger ! But does end on a cliffhanger! It is a good series, some characters get their just rewards and others are left handing until spring!
The story continues with the threat of black snakes like creatures and prehistoric ants. Lots edge of your seat danger ! But does end on a cliffhanger! It is a good series, some characters get their just rewards and others are left handing until spring!
March 21, 2024
Review of this book.
A really good book. Full of adventure, and suspense. The spiders and ants almost as me nightmares. I hope there is a sequel to this book. I would like to see how the love interest played out. I see several more books by this author. I plan on reading many of these books.
A really good book. Full of adventure, and suspense. The spiders and ants almost as me nightmares. I hope there is a sequel to this book. I would like to see how the love interest played out. I see several more books by this author. I plan on reading many of these books.
February 29, 2024
Creepy
This book,being a continuation of the previous story was much of the same. There was lots of action, but much of the same trouble. I do enjoy the Claw books and I have a feeling we will visit the sleepy little town somewhere down the road. Katie doesn't fool me none. Enjoy!
This book,being a continuation of the previous story was much of the same. There was lots of action, but much of the same trouble. I do enjoy the Claw books and I have a feeling we will visit the sleepy little town somewhere down the road. Katie doesn't fool me none. Enjoy!
August 20, 2024
Great book!
As usual, Katie Berry doesn't disappoint with the third installment to this series. I loved the characters and their back stories. The "monsters" were awesome! Thrilling, emotional, and downright wonderful! Can't wait for the 4th one!
As usual, Katie Berry doesn't disappoint with the third installment to this series. I loved the characters and their back stories. The "monsters" were awesome! Thrilling, emotional, and downright wonderful! Can't wait for the 4th one!
August 16, 2024
More
I can't get enough of this series. Please write some more!! What happens next? More Katie and Caleb adventures, please!!
I can't get enough of this series. Please write some more!! What happens next? More Katie and Caleb adventures, please!!
October 6, 2024
I love these books. But I'm sad to learn this is the conclusion to this set of books. I really wanted to know what exactly happened to certain characters.
January 22, 2024
I recently finished the third and final instalment in Katie Berry's Claw Emergence series, called "Return to Darkness". Let's dive into the highlights and drawbacks of this thrilling journey.
Highlights:
First-half excellence: The first half of "Return to Darkness" is some of the best writing I have read. Katie Berry's narrative prowess in describing the storm and the horrors experienced during it was reminiscent of Stephen King's Bag of Bones conclusion. It's that good!
Original storyline and stellar character development: The storyline is a breath of fresh air, marked by its originality and exceptional character development. Each character is crafted with care, making it easy for readers to connect with them on a personal level. From the likeable Dr Brown and Sandy to the detestable Thomas Sinclair, every character adds depth to the narrative. Special mention to the mysterious gunfighter, Lucias – a character I wished to have seen more of.
Superb scares and thrills: Berry's ability to induce spine-chilling scares and gripping thrills is commendable. There were moments when I found myself squirming in bed, a testament to the author's skill in immersing readers in the heart of the action. Truly, this is the mark of a great storyteller.
South-African flavour: As a South African, I loved the references to the Anglo-Boer war, weaving a unique cultural element into the series. Caleb's experiences during this historical period add an extra layer of richness to the narrative.
Drawbacks:
Series fragmentation: One major drawback is the decision to split the series into three separate books. Unlike the original Claw series, where each book felt like a distinct and memorable epic, this series suffers from being fragmented. The impact of the impressive storyline is diluted, akin to a big diamond cut into smaller pieces. A continuous narrative might have elevated the series to even greater heights. In short, I will remember the series, not the book specifically.
Questionable ending: Without delving into spoilers, the ending left me with mixed feelings. While the ending is fair and justified, it deviates from the tone set throughout the series. It felt somewhat open-ended, leaving room for potential spin-offs. While this may excite some, for me, it didn't quite align with the overall narrative. I am uncertain about the trend among authors of late to conclude a series in this manner. Recently, I finished two series by Greig Beck (Cate Granger and Mysterious Island series), and they, too, left me somewhat dissatisfied.
Conclusion:
Despite my reservations, Katie Berry's conclusion to the Claw Emergence series is a thrilling adventure that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. "Return to Darkness" earns a solid 4 stars, acknowledging its drawbacks. However, judging the series solely on its overall storyline, it undoubtedly deserves a 5-star rating. It really is time for Goodreads to consider incorporating half-stars in their ratings. A rating of 4.5 stars would probably provide a more accurate reflection of my assessment.
Highlights:
First-half excellence: The first half of "Return to Darkness" is some of the best writing I have read. Katie Berry's narrative prowess in describing the storm and the horrors experienced during it was reminiscent of Stephen King's Bag of Bones conclusion. It's that good!
Original storyline and stellar character development: The storyline is a breath of fresh air, marked by its originality and exceptional character development. Each character is crafted with care, making it easy for readers to connect with them on a personal level. From the likeable Dr Brown and Sandy to the detestable Thomas Sinclair, every character adds depth to the narrative. Special mention to the mysterious gunfighter, Lucias – a character I wished to have seen more of.
Superb scares and thrills: Berry's ability to induce spine-chilling scares and gripping thrills is commendable. There were moments when I found myself squirming in bed, a testament to the author's skill in immersing readers in the heart of the action. Truly, this is the mark of a great storyteller.
South-African flavour: As a South African, I loved the references to the Anglo-Boer war, weaving a unique cultural element into the series. Caleb's experiences during this historical period add an extra layer of richness to the narrative.
Drawbacks:
Series fragmentation: One major drawback is the decision to split the series into three separate books. Unlike the original Claw series, where each book felt like a distinct and memorable epic, this series suffers from being fragmented. The impact of the impressive storyline is diluted, akin to a big diamond cut into smaller pieces. A continuous narrative might have elevated the series to even greater heights. In short, I will remember the series, not the book specifically.
Questionable ending: Without delving into spoilers, the ending left me with mixed feelings. While the ending is fair and justified, it deviates from the tone set throughout the series. It felt somewhat open-ended, leaving room for potential spin-offs. While this may excite some, for me, it didn't quite align with the overall narrative. I am uncertain about the trend among authors of late to conclude a series in this manner. Recently, I finished two series by Greig Beck (Cate Granger and Mysterious Island series), and they, too, left me somewhat dissatisfied.
Conclusion:
Despite my reservations, Katie Berry's conclusion to the Claw Emergence series is a thrilling adventure that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. "Return to Darkness" earns a solid 4 stars, acknowledging its drawbacks. However, judging the series solely on its overall storyline, it undoubtedly deserves a 5-star rating. It really is time for Goodreads to consider incorporating half-stars in their ratings. A rating of 4.5 stars would probably provide a more accurate reflection of my assessment.
April 17, 2025
A bit wordy, the author could have made the same points quicker. A bit disappointed that Caleb was left trapped in the cavern and Emily, Doc and Sandy are off to England… I am hoping there will be another book in the series reuniting all of them.
March 7, 2024
this book ties up all the loose ends. Great story
July 21, 2024
End of Claw???
I can't believe you did that. Also
after years of following and buying your Claw series you LEAVE me high and dry? You made a series with what I thought would be at least a good ending and you left it FLAT! I will not buy or read any of your books now because I don't trust you.
I can't believe you did that. Also
after years of following and buying your Claw series you LEAVE me high and dry? You made a series with what I thought would be at least a good ending and you left it FLAT! I will not buy or read any of your books now because I don't trust you.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews