Triton

by Dan Rix

In the middle of the Atlantic, four hundred miles west of Bermuda, the eight thousand passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship MS Cypress vanish into thin air. Everyone—men, women, and children—all gone. Taken.

Everyone except five teenagers.

In an instant, their seven day cruise becomes a nightmare: eighteen decks of haunted hallways, pools and bars completely empty, desserts still half-eaten in the abandoned Royal Promenade. A ghost ship the size of a city, sailing blind. At least their annoying parents are gone.

But now strange things are happening. Satellites are dropping out of orbit, falling from the sky. Satellites…and bigger things. They’re not as alone as they think. A message appears in an ancient language, burned into the carpet in the deck ten elevator lobby. It’s a warning. A monster lurks onboard, hunting them. What they’ve long suspected appears certain: the vanishing…it was an attack.

Now the most unlikely of friends must confront the shadowy pasts that link them and regain control of a runaway cruise ship, crack a four-thousand-year-old mystery, and wage war on a formless evil…before they too vanish into oblivion.

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Amazon, Thriller

344 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2013

Reviews

[Steffi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second book I read by this author and it will definetely be my last one.
It has the same amazing premise and the same annoying characters as well as a weird storyline.

Welcome to the 5000-passenger cruiseship including a 15-year-old nymphomanic, an absolute control freak, an almost raped and murdered girl and not to forget the former drug addict (Crystal Meth). Remember we are talking about teenagers at the age 15 to 18. Perfect cut through society I would say. *eye roll* Not to forget that they are able to navigated a cruiseship and amost live without eating.
Reading the second book by this author, I really think he has problem with women or definetely a weird world picture. Both books have female characters who only seem to be able to express themselves over sex or their sexual attributes. Dear author, I don't know what kind of women you know but the world is not a playboy mansion.

The only thing that kept me reading was that I wanted to find out how it ends, and even that was absolute disappointing. It started to drag from the middle part and I skipped more and more pages. The ending was just dumb and illogical.

[Anna Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was supposed to be a relaxing holiday cruise soon turns into a nightmare when when everyone on board the Cypress suddenly disappears, leaving behind 5 frightened teenagers:

Cedar Edgerly - the overprotective brother.
Brynn Edgerly - the fifteen year old flirt.
Jake Carmelo - the hot young hero.
Naomi Delacruz - the girl who knows (almost) everything about the ship.
Sky Wilkinson - the girl who was taken.

They make an unlikely five, with instant antagonism between Cedar and Jake. And yet, stranded in the middle of the ocean with no one else to turn to, the five must work together to figure out what has happened to everyone else on the ship, and how they are going to survive on their own.

Triton's a pretty entertaining read but not quite a page-turner. Loosely based on a Bible story (part of the premise at least), it's quite a well-crafted story. The twisty mind-bending bit at the end is pretty nifty though, so maybe I'd give this one a 3.5.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second Dan Rix book I've read, and both were disappointing.
The blurb sounded interesting and intriguing, but the story wasn't able to live up to its promise.
A cruise ship with 8000 passengers, and all of them suddenly vanish into thin air- leaving 5 Teenagers to navigate a ghost ship- that's great story material. While reading, different scenarios were playing out in my mind, but I would have never guessed the ending (that's so lame Mr. Rix).
And don't let me get started about the 5 Teenagers (sex addict, former drug addict, control-freak-jerk, helper-syndrome-sufferer and rape victim) and how they are able to navigate a ship (the size of a small city).
They don't act like Teenagers at all, and I thought they were flat, lifeless and unlikeable.

[Lynnette Lyesmith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the only reason I finished reading this book was because I had paid for it. Luckily, I just bought the eBook version and was able to delete it from my Kindle when I was done.

I had an incredibly difficult time liking any of the characters. The storyline sounded interesting from what I had read of the summary, and while it managed to keep my attention in the beginning, it just wasn't working for me by the middle to end. At a certain point, I was skimming, just because I wanted to know what had happened to cause the disappearance.

Unfortunately for me, I found the ending to be very disappointing. It didn't make sense.


****SPOILERS BELOW****


Why did the teenagers have to figure out how to get onto the Ark? If they're supposed to be the caretakers until the danger has passed and everything can be returned, why weren't they also teleported onto the Ark? And what the heck was with the magician? I mean, maybe I missed that part, due to the skimming, but... I don't really recall that being explained. Maybe that's my fault. There's just a lot with the ending that made it completely unsatisfying and confusing.

[Keith Faigin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book, primarily, because I was on a cruise and I figured a cruise-ship would be a great setting for a supernatural adventure. I have to admit I was disappointed. The storyline seemed like a decent premise. However, the characters were difficult to believe and even more difficult to care about.

I found myself skipping over pages because, against my better judgement, I was curious how it would end but couldn't take spending any more time with the teens left on that cruise-ship.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, I love the books that I have read so far by Dan. My only complain is that I wish there was less foul language in the books. I understand they are YA, but not all young adults use such foul language. And the book is not going to be any less good without it, it's just not necessary. I love the story line and it had me hooked. Stayed up late to finish it!

[Joyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters were unsympathetic, to say the least. Is Cedar psychotic or the hero? Is Brynn a slut or smarter than she appears? Very aggravating. The second half of the book was action packed and kept me reading even though I secretly wanted all of these stupid kids to DIE. And I guessed the twist a mile off.

[Manya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the very first chapter. Loved it!

[Laurie Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undecided

I haven't been able to figure out if I liked this or not. Some of it was ok, but it did get weird, and I just can't say whether I liked it or not.

[Chyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Source: Amazon

Format: ebook

Ratings: 3.5 stars

Reviewer: Chyna

This epic thriller definitely gave me the heebie-jeebies, this is one of the first thrillers I’ve read and I found myself scared to my toes. I had to keep on watching behind me as I continued to read. I was traumatized and deadly terrified. I had no idea who the enemy was in Triton or what lurks among them in the ghost ship. I had no idea what is out there or who’s about to jump out and attack me, but I was the brave reader. Just kidding. I had to stop and absorb a few scary details and then slept through the nightmares. Man, I liked Triton a lot, it wasn’t the usual books I’d pick up, but the alluring plot hypnotized me into reading this book. I loved the way Dan Rix wrote Triton, he didn’t have a messy way in writing, but he should have polished his ending a bit more.

Dan Rix wrote the ending in a unprepared manner. From the way Triton finished I began theorizing that Dan Rix only took precedence on the climax and the danger exposed. But I loved the way he handled the 5 brave protagonists, Brynn the 15 year old flirt, Naomi the captain of the ghost ship, Jake the heroic boy, Sky the girl who was TAKEN, but brought back and then there’s Cedar the murderous protective brother. It was a twisted mix and I loved the hell of it. The story tells us about how 8000 people on a cruise ship suddenly disappeared at midnight when all lights went out. Only 5 chosen people were left. At first I began to think it was a rapture. Dan Rix had another tale to tell and shhhh…I’m not spoiling you anything. I hated jumping onto conclusions and ending up looking stupid in front of the author. I know I ain’t Sherlock, but I like to TRY solving the problem. The main thing is these teenagers have to find a way to stay alive and find out what’s really happening to the world and what is that common thing they all have that they were chosen to stay behind. Can they even trust each other? Is there a traitor? Are they the puppets? Who holds the strings? Don’t ask me! I have no effing idea and I’m too scared to type it out.

You’re all wondering why I gave 3.5 stars to Dan Rix’s Triton, I planned to give it a 4 rating, but the story didn’t end the way I wanted it to. It’s one of those type of books where you just keep asking what the fuck just happened. It’s not the perfect finale and based from what I’ve just experienced I needed something more dynamic. The first approach Dan Rix wrote was perfect and definitely a story that got me to finish this in 3 hours. I couldn’t tear my eyes off the pages unless I was already to frickin’ scared already.

I am recommending this to all types of readers. This thriller has it all, romance, mystery and a whole lot of suspense. You must read this now before the apocalypse! JUST DON’T GET TO DISAPPOINTED IN THE ENDING, THE REST OF THE RIDE IS PERFECT AND YOU WILL ENJOY IT! I thought there was more into it, but it was disappointing. Just a quick tip, look closely at the book cover. Do see it? Good luck finding out what lurks in this book.

[Hinterland Hallucinations · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.45 stars.

I have been really enjoying one of Dan Rix’s series, and wanted to pick up some of his stand-alones to see what else the author has to offer. ‘Triton’ called to me. I love books that mix in oceanic undertakings, and this looked like a spooky adventure on the seas. I should have taken into account this was one of his earlier works because it didn’t quite hit the mark for me…
The first half of the book was painful. With a cast of annoying characters none of whom I could relate to (or even like) and it took too long to set up the premise of the story. So I spent my time grunting, groaning and eye rolling in exasperation… goodness knows what my flat mate thought I was doing with all the strange noises coming out of my bedroom.

These characters acted with inappropriate behaviour bordering on mental illness. So not only was I having difficulty in relating to them, but their course of action just about gave me a migraine. Many, many times I felt their behaviour did not match their circumstances. It boggled my brain at how out of context it all was. Talk about a bunch of bipolar teens running around paranoid on a ghost ship.

Pacing picked up in the second half, and the cast became marginally less annoying. Though, their decision making was still circumspect. I don't think I really cared for any of them at any point in this novel.

I enjoyed the science fiction elements immensely, the premise of the story is a great hook – I was really excited about ‘Triton.’ With a great concept, pacing and the fact I did not predict the major plot twist at all, ‘Triton’ has so much going for it… it’s just the annoying cast! Argh! Also, the conclusion felt like a let-down to me personally... while magnificent, it was not something that washed me in awe; or got me excited. Not that I’d want to change the ending (though an alternative ending would be fun) but maybe re-written to keep the mystery and magnitude of the reveal. Give me that pay-off!

‘Triton’ possesses some great writing and story mechanics; woeful characters, motivation, and behaviour; and a so-so storyline that balances this out to just an under-average read for me. I'm glad this is one of Rix's earlier works, because if this was a latest release I'd be seriously reconsidering my fanship.

It is an okay read, but not a book I'd recommend easily.

[David Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written Teen-Survival Supernatural Thriller, March 26, 2014
By Jesse D. Self (New Orleans) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Triton (Kindle Edition)
I loved the book, so I'll get my only negative comment out of the way: What's with the cover? It seems inappropriate for a YA book. The vastness of this story offers so many better options.

That being said, it's a page turner. The plot takes you through a maze of false-leads, unexpected twists and wrong assumptions - I promise you won't get bored. It's refreshing that Dan Rix used emotionally damaged, unsure teens who shared a common background (no spoiler here) to emphasize the basic good of people and their natural desire to do the right thing at the right time; to make the point that imperfect people can do perfect things - with a little help. Unfortunately, in today's world, it is not a common theme; so for this alone, I would give Mr. Rix five stars. The surprise and reveal of what these kids were actually facing was unexpected, inventive, and a new look at a familiar concept (hard to express with out a spoiler). From being irritated by the kids at the beginning to being anxious about their welfare as the story progresses, to wanting a sequel to find out what happens to them "later," this book will not disappoint. Great read for YA and Adults. Well done Mr. Rix, well done.

[A Darker Shade of Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ A Darker Shade of Rosie + Twitter ✨

→ LIKED: Who wouldn’t be interested in a blurb like that? Eight thousand passengers just disappear at the stroke of midnight!? Needless to say, I had to find out WHY. And HOW. • I was on the edge of my seat in suspense! There had to be some kind of alien abduction, right??? 😬 • Seriously, this was a really brilliant book idea, and the execution (all the little bits and pieces that fit like a puzzle at the end) kind of left my jaw on the floor. Because the author likes to pull you in all kinds of different directions mentally, making you think it’s one thing when it’s really another. I can really appreciate that.

→ DISLIKED: The end made lots of sense, but… was kind of anti-climactic? Like, not the ‘aliens and stuff’ ending I was expecting. So I was kind of let down. • Cedar was a very hostile character, and very territorial over his sister, which was a turn-off. He was always going overboard on being defensive, and it was just exhausting, honestly. • Some of the character’s quirks just seemed unrealistic. Naomi, a teenager, but apparently a former drug-abuser, knows a LOT about how to run the ship *side eyes* and the 15-year-old apparently knows some Hebrew. 🤨

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the story has a lot of potential, I feel that the author did not manage to make use of it. The story is certainly thrilling and enjoyable, but sooner or later the reader will realise that the story is moving only to fulfil the characters' needs, rather than to thrill and entertain. The mystery is certainly there, but just as an afterthought, having the potential of enhancing sales. It is really a shame the author did not choose to explore the story in depth.
With a story such as this, it is quite challenging to not centre in on the characters of course, but in the end, all that makes up the five characters becomes unneeded information. Somehow, there are new skills just when the characters need them, new issues just to avoid simplicity, and new solutions that can, and do, change relationships in moments. As a result, characters are very hard to identify with. I really did not find them likeable, the only exception being Sky.
This book is an enjoyable read if you are looking for an onetimer, but it is unfortunately not among the author's best works.

[D · Rating 1 out of 5]

A short read. I finished this book in an afternoon, even after I'd read another book by Rix that I wasn't particularly impressed with. While Triton was better than the first book of his that I read, I wouldn't say it was particularly good, either.

The premise of the book hooked my attention - strangers stranded on a cruise boat after the mysterious disappearance of everyone else - but while the mystery could have been engaging, it was disappointing and very underdeveloped. The characters were all horribly one-dimensional and their actions were telegraphed and only seemed to happen as the author needed some drama to move the story. I could not care much about their relationships to one another or the conflict because it seemed contrived in the face of the bigger mystery. And the mystery almost seemed like an afterthought in the last few chapters.

Ultimately, this book was very disappointing. Lots of promise - and a lot of unfulfilled potential.

[Bf710 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Rix gets better with each book he writes. I thought this book was really good. I couldn't put it down. I wish though that we learned more about the 5 main characters; he went over their backgrounds briefly but i would have liked to read more about them. The book lost me in the end. There was so much detail when the ship was going down and when Sky was in the Triton trying to find the way out at the end, but it was hard to follow. I wasn't able to picture those two scenes. I also thought the story ended abruptly. They were all together again and that was it. No explanation. It peaked and then immediately ended - too soon for my liking. Although this was the case, I still really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it. I cant wait until Dan Rix comes out with another book.

[SB CS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like nothing I've read before. I enjoyed all the suspense and how the author build it through all the story. I was shocked when I got closer to the end and I didn't know what to think. I'm really impressed of how the author approached this topic and that ending was really good and shocking. I'm glad I've found this book and I'm looking forward to read more about the author.
This book is about Cedar, Brynn, Sky, Naomi and Jake. 5 teens that've been through a lot and decide to take a cruise. The plot was really good and it's completely non predictable and that's something I appreciate. I didn't know how it was going to end and I love that.
If you're into SciFi books, this is the one for you.

[Pamela Furlano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consistently really enjoy books by Dan Rix. Yes, the characters in this novel were particularly unlikable, but remember when we were all annoyed that 99% of the LOST survivors were good looking? This was reminiscent of that phenomenon.

"Triton" is the story of five teenagers on a cruise ship after the rest of the passengers and crew have mysteriously vanished. Our heroes work together (and at times against each other) to figure out what happened to the others on the ship and find a way to safety.

The tension is real, the descriptions are vivid, and once I started the book I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to anybody looking for a tense scifi.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triton captured me from the very first chapter. I could not put it down and stayed up all night reading it. Rix is a great author and I look forward to reading more from him. Triton is gripping and held my attention the whole way through. There was not a single part in the book that bored me. It had action, a little romance, paranormal activity, mystery, life lessons, and was thrilling! The ending surprised me as well. I recommend it highly. May have a few places of strong language so be advised.

[Mylia Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few books that make me not want to put it down and make me go "wow" with the ending. This book has done it.

The main characters are personable and there is never a point in the book where too much is revealed until the ending. No matter what you think is happening, a twist will happen and leave you right back to figuring out what's happening.

I loved reading this book -- in under 24 hours because it was that damn good -- and I can't wait to read what Dan Rix writes next.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a First Reads Giveaway.

This is an engrossing thriller with a unique story line. I was super hooked from the beginning and the plot unfolds just enough at a time to keep me constantly wanting to read more (and stay up way too late.) Tiny criticism: the language was a little too much for me and unnecessary I felt. That and the cover just pushed it beyond the YA genre in my eyes, even though the characters are teenagers.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars. An interesting concept. More language than I care for. There were several spots where I didn't appreciate the crassness. I thought the plot was creative and unique, but for some reason it didn't just grab me. The moral at the end saved some of the things I didn't like about the book though, if that makes any sense.

[Ashton]

I haven't had a chance to read!!!
I love this book!!!! Scary and an adventure all in one!!!
From start to finish was wild ride!!!

[Adelle Claussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it because I love fantasy and this was bout mermaids, but I thought it was a little too cliche.

[Tami · Rating 1 out of 5]

wow that was a complete waste of time. deleting off my kindle never to be seen again.