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Anaconda: The Writer's Cut
As the original writer of the hit movie Anaconda, my ebook novel, ANACONDA: The Writer's Cut, is now available from Amazon.
($4.99, 4.3 – 87 reviews, 365 pages). goo.gl/udfBuk.
“It has been said that, among the continents, South America will teach it to you: God and the Devil are the same; this last great reservoir of primordial wilderness is at once both Garden of Eden and green sweltering Hell.”
An epic adventure, Anaconda tells the story of twenty-something, middle-school biology teacher Andie Easter and six young colleagues who, in the dead of a Chicago winter, hatch a plan to spend their summer in Brazil, hoping to reverse their meager fortunes by joining a modern-day gold rush on a tributary of the mighty Amazon.
Disoriented and increasingly isolated, the treasure hunters find themselves journeying though the remote domains of three colossal snakes: daughter, mother, grandmother. One by one, under terrifying circumstances, the teachers fall victim to the devastating effects of gold fever and the relentless brutality of the primeval South American jungle. Andie Easter must discover her inner Amazon as she struggles to survive the Mother of All Snakes.
If you have a few moments to spare, your Amazon review will be greatly appreciated.
($4.99, 4.3 – 87 reviews, 365 pages). goo.gl/udfBuk.
“It has been said that, among the continents, South America will teach it to you: God and the Devil are the same; this last great reservoir of primordial wilderness is at once both Garden of Eden and green sweltering Hell.”
An epic adventure, Anaconda tells the story of twenty-something, middle-school biology teacher Andie Easter and six young colleagues who, in the dead of a Chicago winter, hatch a plan to spend their summer in Brazil, hoping to reverse their meager fortunes by joining a modern-day gold rush on a tributary of the mighty Amazon.
Disoriented and increasingly isolated, the treasure hunters find themselves journeying though the remote domains of three colossal snakes: daughter, mother, grandmother. One by one, under terrifying circumstances, the teachers fall victim to the devastating effects of gold fever and the relentless brutality of the primeval South American jungle. Andie Easter must discover her inner Amazon as she struggles to survive the Mother of All Snakes.
If you have a few moments to spare, your Amazon review will be greatly appreciated.
365 pages, ebook
First published January 15, 2014
28 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Hans Bauer
99 books18 followersHans Bauer is the co-author of Fishtale, the Young Adult adventure novel that reached #4 on Amazon's Children’s Bestseller List, and for which he received the 2013 Austin Waldorf Children’s Choice Award. He is also the writer of Anaconda: The Writer’s Cut, his novelization of the popular Anaconda film franchise. His most recent books are the co-authored The Adventures of Mitch and Geo, Lil' Elvis (Just the Way He Was), and An American Christmas. He is also the editor of In the Beginning: Great Opening Lines From Your Favorite Books.
As a screenwriter, he has several additional films to his credit, including Titan A.E. The Flock, and Highwaymen.
Hans lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
As a screenwriter, he has several additional films to his credit, including Titan A.E. The Flock, and Highwaymen.
Hans lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 16, 2014
I highly recommend Anaconda to anyone who loves good storytelling and high adventure.
I originally planned on giving this book a rating of 4 for a variety of reasons, all of them having to do with my personal preferences. The descriptions of the Amazon and the origins of the snake were fascinating and well-delivered, but reinforced my horror of heat, humidity and being eaten by snakes or fish. Although Bauer gave clues as to when the ill-fated summer took place, I wish he would have mentioned the year because I want to know details like that without having to look them up. I would have also preferred getting to the story sooner, but my opinion about that should in no way deter anyone from reading this book.
I changed the rating to a 5 because Bauer’s combined gift of storytelling and ability to paint a picture with words almost caused me to miss the opening episode of The Walking Dead. I literally could not stop reading. Anyone who can keep me reading about a place I’ve vowed to never go and about a species I loathe is quite the writer.
The rest of the characters were well-developed, but Easter is a character who deserves a place in history alongside Ripley of Alien fame. It’s a pity the movie didn’t do justice to Bauer’s original vision; although I did enjoy watching Jon Voigt’s character get swallowed alive.
As an advocate of truth in advertising, I confess I know the author and agreed to read Anaconda even though I had no real interest in doing so. I’m so glad I did because it transported me back to my misspent youth when I would sit outside in our front yard with my back propped against a tree reading all the Tarzan books.
I originally planned on giving this book a rating of 4 for a variety of reasons, all of them having to do with my personal preferences. The descriptions of the Amazon and the origins of the snake were fascinating and well-delivered, but reinforced my horror of heat, humidity and being eaten by snakes or fish. Although Bauer gave clues as to when the ill-fated summer took place, I wish he would have mentioned the year because I want to know details like that without having to look them up. I would have also preferred getting to the story sooner, but my opinion about that should in no way deter anyone from reading this book.
I changed the rating to a 5 because Bauer’s combined gift of storytelling and ability to paint a picture with words almost caused me to miss the opening episode of The Walking Dead. I literally could not stop reading. Anyone who can keep me reading about a place I’ve vowed to never go and about a species I loathe is quite the writer.
The rest of the characters were well-developed, but Easter is a character who deserves a place in history alongside Ripley of Alien fame. It’s a pity the movie didn’t do justice to Bauer’s original vision; although I did enjoy watching Jon Voigt’s character get swallowed alive.
As an advocate of truth in advertising, I confess I know the author and agreed to read Anaconda even though I had no real interest in doing so. I’m so glad I did because it transported me back to my misspent youth when I would sit outside in our front yard with my back propped against a tree reading all the Tarzan books.
July 24, 2014
Anaconda: The Director’s Cut goes along with the movie, which I saw several years ago. A story about 7 teachers that head to Brazil to dredge the Amazon River in hopes of finding gold. They do find gold, but what they also find there is the stuff nightmares are made of. Creepy, crawly things are abundant throughout Anaconda… the author paints a vivid picture of the life surrounding the Amazon, but also does a good job developing the characters and their interactions before coming on the treasure hunt and during their “adventure.”
There were parts that were very slow, and others that were action packed, so it was a mix for me as I read it. I admit, I started to skim over some of the long, slow background stories, descriptions, and histories of the land and people. Overall, I think this books was decent, but not one of my favorites.
There were parts that were very slow, and others that were action packed, so it was a mix for me as I read it. I admit, I started to skim over some of the long, slow background stories, descriptions, and histories of the land and people. Overall, I think this books was decent, but not one of my favorites.
May 2, 2014
Hans Bauer's ability to paint a rich and textured picture with words makes Anaconda: The Writer's Cut a great read.
July 7, 2014
anyone who knows me can not be surprised that I loved this book. giant maneating snakes during a treasure hunting adventure.... what's not to like?
December 9, 2020
Disclaimer: I have not seen the "Anaconda" film, so I'm judging this book on its own merits rather than in comparison to said film. That said, the story behind this book is still fascinating -- the screenwriter wanted to see his original vision of the story come to light, and so wrote it in novel format. The resulting book is a bit overwritten and predictable, but still a fun guilty-pleasure read, and will appeal to "man vs. nature" enthusiasts and fans of such books/films as "Jaws."
The Amazon River and its surrounding jungles are no place for a group of Chicago middle-school teachers... yet that's where these six educators and their barge captain have ended up, fueled by a modern-day gold rush and hoping to strike it big. Andie Easter, a soft-spoken but unflappable biology teacher, just hopes to make enough to see her through the lean times... but as tempers among her fellow teachers flare and a terrible accident leads to them getting lost in the Amazon Rainforest, she realizes they'll just be lucky to make it home alive. Especially when they discover that their wanderings have led them directly into the territory of three massive, deadly anacondas, and these snakes are hungry...
The writing in this book is serviceable, even good, though tends to be overwrought in its description at times. The wording choice can be awkward sometimes, and like many disaster/horror books of this type it has a rather slow build-up -- the first half of the book seems to be dedicated to setting the stage for the accidents and attacks that most people will come to this type of book for. Still, at least we get to know the characters, and even if some of them feel a bit stereotypical or flat, it's still appreciated.
Despite its flaws, this is still a fun and entertaining read. It's brain candy, naturally, just like the film it's connected to, but it still manages to maintain a decent air of suspense and menace, and the snakes are genuinely terrifying. The gold-mad teacher who serves as a secondary antagonist is great in a love-to-hate way, and Easter herself is a likable protagonist, one you can't help but root for. The love interest is a little TOO perfect, but perhaps we needed a too-perfect guy after spending a boat ride with jerks...
"Anaconda: The Writer's Cut" is a must-read for fans of the film, if only to see what could have been. And if you like fun, non-cerebral thriller books or anything with giant critter attacks (like the aforementioned "Jaws,") you'll probably enjoy this book. And I admit, it makes me curious to check out the film...
The Amazon River and its surrounding jungles are no place for a group of Chicago middle-school teachers... yet that's where these six educators and their barge captain have ended up, fueled by a modern-day gold rush and hoping to strike it big. Andie Easter, a soft-spoken but unflappable biology teacher, just hopes to make enough to see her through the lean times... but as tempers among her fellow teachers flare and a terrible accident leads to them getting lost in the Amazon Rainforest, she realizes they'll just be lucky to make it home alive. Especially when they discover that their wanderings have led them directly into the territory of three massive, deadly anacondas, and these snakes are hungry...
The writing in this book is serviceable, even good, though tends to be overwrought in its description at times. The wording choice can be awkward sometimes, and like many disaster/horror books of this type it has a rather slow build-up -- the first half of the book seems to be dedicated to setting the stage for the accidents and attacks that most people will come to this type of book for. Still, at least we get to know the characters, and even if some of them feel a bit stereotypical or flat, it's still appreciated.
Despite its flaws, this is still a fun and entertaining read. It's brain candy, naturally, just like the film it's connected to, but it still manages to maintain a decent air of suspense and menace, and the snakes are genuinely terrifying. The gold-mad teacher who serves as a secondary antagonist is great in a love-to-hate way, and Easter herself is a likable protagonist, one you can't help but root for. The love interest is a little TOO perfect, but perhaps we needed a too-perfect guy after spending a boat ride with jerks...
"Anaconda: The Writer's Cut" is a must-read for fans of the film, if only to see what could have been. And if you like fun, non-cerebral thriller books or anything with giant critter attacks (like the aforementioned "Jaws,") you'll probably enjoy this book. And I admit, it makes me curious to check out the film...
September 8, 2020
Quite different from the movie. Pretty enjoyable.
November 27, 2025
Scientists search for a hidden tribe in the amazon and encounter a huge snake, anaconda.
October 12, 2020
I have always said and truly believed that the book is always better than the movie but in this case I would be wrong in making that statement.
Easter and a group of other teachers decide to spend their summer hunting the Amazon for gold. When greed gets the better of them and snakes start eating them their summer changes from fun to fighting for their lives.
The story line is good but the book falls flat I was so bored that I was switching books after two pages. I tried though, I really tried I was able to finish a quarter of the book before I skipped to the back to see how it ended. If the author had stopped the book at the death of the last snake or had Mike and Easter in a major make out moment then maybe that would have been good but he didn’t and the ending became flat.
Hans Bauer wrote a good screenplay about giant snakes that translated into a scary movie that had me jump and scream but the book though different than the movie left bored and yawning and I just can’t finish it believe me I really tried but this book just didn’t do it for me.
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
Easter and a group of other teachers decide to spend their summer hunting the Amazon for gold. When greed gets the better of them and snakes start eating them their summer changes from fun to fighting for their lives.
The story line is good but the book falls flat I was so bored that I was switching books after two pages. I tried though, I really tried I was able to finish a quarter of the book before I skipped to the back to see how it ended. If the author had stopped the book at the death of the last snake or had Mike and Easter in a major make out moment then maybe that would have been good but he didn’t and the ending became flat.
Hans Bauer wrote a good screenplay about giant snakes that translated into a scary movie that had me jump and scream but the book though different than the movie left bored and yawning and I just can’t finish it believe me I really tried but this book just didn’t do it for me.
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
July 5, 2014
Way different from the movie
I got this book because I have found that many times the book is better than the movie. This was the case with this one. The characters were very different from the movie. They were all school teachers on summer vacation and looking to get rich. One thing that I liked was the way things slowly fell apart for them. I won' go into too much detail, but will say that greed plays a big part in the story. There were some interesting twist in the story. As to how it stands up to the movie, all I can say is that the movie and the book are both great stories just different. If you liked the movie then give this book a try, I am sure that you will like the book, the writer's cut.
I got this book because I have found that many times the book is better than the movie. This was the case with this one. The characters were very different from the movie. They were all school teachers on summer vacation and looking to get rich. One thing that I liked was the way things slowly fell apart for them. I won' go into too much detail, but will say that greed plays a big part in the story. There were some interesting twist in the story. As to how it stands up to the movie, all I can say is that the movie and the book are both great stories just different. If you liked the movie then give this book a try, I am sure that you will like the book, the writer's cut.
September 24, 2023
WOW! Ok, first let me say that I hate snakes. I've spent time overseas in lands where some of the most dangerous snakes make their home. I don't like snakes at all. I'll kill a garter snake if it doesn't have a photo ID and a letter from the state governor stating it is a valuable natural resource, so for me to watch the movie Anaconda was a facing of my worst fears. This book is what the movie should have been.
This book gives more details, a slightly different plotline, and a more interesting take on the three snakes featured in the movie. The book goes in depth into the history of the snakes. I really had a wonderful time reading it. Now I just have to worry about bad dreams for a few nights.
This book gives more details, a slightly different plotline, and a more interesting take on the three snakes featured in the movie. The book goes in depth into the history of the snakes. I really had a wonderful time reading it. Now I just have to worry about bad dreams for a few nights.
June 6, 2016
This book was well explained by the author as to its existence. The premise is a group of teachers on Summer Break decide to hunt for gold in South America. The head guy is a total ass but they can't let go of their dreams of fortune so they go along. Bad decision. I actually liked the Anaconda movies, at least the first two, and this book fell in just as it should have.
Good plot, great mental visuals because, when you're lost in the Amazon you don't usually run across George of the Jungle.
Good plot, great mental visuals because, when you're lost in the Amazon you don't usually run across George of the Jungle.
July 3, 2014
Great 1st story....
I love the movie "Anaconda", but definitely loved this version better. Maybe Hollywood should give it another try with this version. No offense to Jennifer, Jon or Ice as actors, they did a great job. But I would enjoy this version being seen on the big screen. I'd go see it, and am sure others would as well. Hans Bauer did a great job writing a great story involving a deadly predator, and may have scared some people from ever going to the Amazon.
I love the movie "Anaconda", but definitely loved this version better. Maybe Hollywood should give it another try with this version. No offense to Jennifer, Jon or Ice as actors, they did a great job. But I would enjoy this version being seen on the big screen. I'd go see it, and am sure others would as well. Hans Bauer did a great job writing a great story involving a deadly predator, and may have scared some people from ever going to the Amazon.
August 12, 2014
I got this as a free book from BookBub and wasn't sure about it when I read the author's note in the beginning, but I'm glad it gave it. Shot. The writing was pretty good, though at times I had trouble visualizing the boats and their details, which is pretty critical to following the intricate fight scenes. The plot was quite original and I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which is a departure from my normal picks.
September 19, 2014
As everyone knows, the movie was great, so I decided to read the book and it was great, better than the movie. The location was the same and there were big snakes in both the book and the movie but that's pretty much all that's the same besides of course people getting ate by snakes. If you liked "Anaconda" the movie you should love the book but don't expect the same plot line or the same characters. This is the only book by "Hans Bauer" I have read but I will read more if there are any.
July 6, 2014
This is a book that the writer of the movie decided to write after the movie was made. It was interesting to see the different directions the author went from the movie (since he didn't have to worry about budget, special effects, etc.). I enjoyed the book, but not necessarily something I have to read again.
April 14, 2015
An adventure thriller set DEEP (deep) in the Amazon. These Anacondas come in 3 sizes: big, Bigger, and BIGGEST! After reading this thriller I will need to actually watch these Anaconda films. I have my DVR set to record the 1st two Anaconda movies this weekend. High Art? Hardly, but a fun story, Jaws in the Jungle!
June 16, 2016
Fun Read
I enjoyed reading the "writer's cut" story of Anaconda. It gave a lot more insight into the characters and their motivation than the movie could. There were a few spots where the author simply told the reader what was happening rather than letting the story unfold through the character's actions, but for the most part this was a fun read.
I enjoyed reading the "writer's cut" story of Anaconda. It gave a lot more insight into the characters and their motivation than the movie could. There were a few spots where the author simply told the reader what was happening rather than letting the story unfold through the character's actions, but for the most part this was a fun read.
November 22, 2014
I refused to watch the movie, but enjoyed the book. Minor formatting errors and a few misused words distracted me early on, but didn't detract from the suspense. I did have trouble visualizing the show down with the final snake.
December 10, 2014
Great!!
Absolutely loved this book!! So much more detail! The writer's vision is WAY better than Hollywood's vision! Highly recommended is you like a good adventure!
Absolutely loved this book!! So much more detail! The writer's vision is WAY better than Hollywood's vision! Highly recommended is you like a good adventure!
December 26, 2014
Standard fare adventure-thriller, with pacing that tended to grate a bit. Way better than the movie - a rather different plot and certainly more informative.
December 27, 2014
a fun read.
Not a bad book, with some good action sequences, but things take a while to get going. I liked it but didn't love it.
Not a bad book, with some good action sequences, but things take a while to get going. I liked it but didn't love it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews