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Grant Coleman Adventures #8
River of Death
Paleontologist Grant Coleman teaches at Robeson University, but has a nice side job writing creature feature fiction during his downtime. His success as an author gets him invited to be the guest of honor at a writers’ conference at an African safari lodge.
He arrives to find the conference cancelled. Lionel Van Rooyen has commandeered the entire lodge for his personal safari, a hunt travelling up what the locals call the River of Death. He’s leading a team of mercenary poachers to kill the mythical zuhwiri, a giant rhinoceros.
When Van Rooyen’s cryptid expert guide fails to show up, he forces Grant to take his place. The cross-river passage becomes a gauntlet of attacks by jungle animals, some of which should have been extinct for a few million years. Danger lurks around every bend, in every tree, and even beneath their feet.
Grant has survived some close calls before, but the odds are against him now. No one has ever returned from a passage up the River of Death.
He arrives to find the conference cancelled. Lionel Van Rooyen has commandeered the entire lodge for his personal safari, a hunt travelling up what the locals call the River of Death. He’s leading a team of mercenary poachers to kill the mythical zuhwiri, a giant rhinoceros.
When Van Rooyen’s cryptid expert guide fails to show up, he forces Grant to take his place. The cross-river passage becomes a gauntlet of attacks by jungle animals, some of which should have been extinct for a few million years. Danger lurks around every bend, in every tree, and even beneath their feet.
Grant has survived some close calls before, but the odds are against him now. No one has ever returned from a passage up the River of Death.
143 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2024
About the author
Russell James
51 books229 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 4, 2024
If you follow Grant "at the wrong place at the wrong time" Coleman adventures, you will know what to expect from this loveable, sarcastic guy. I think this adventure is just a little more tame than some of his other escapades. Maybe not though. He still gets humiliated and pummelled, so we always have that to look forward to. It's a fast, feel good story with good guys and bad guys and giant monster creatures that are trying to kill people, and a guy that is witty and funny. Love it.
January 7, 2025
Still not dead!
Grant is heroic in a not-heroic way. He's clumsy, and it's frequently luck that keeps him alive. Sarcastically, he pushes the villains near their breaking point, but it's funny, and when I finish one book, I'm eager for his next adventure.
Grant is heroic in a not-heroic way. He's clumsy, and it's frequently luck that keeps him alive. Sarcastically, he pushes the villains near their breaking point, but it's funny, and when I finish one book, I'm eager for his next adventure.
November 14, 2024
More great adventures with Grant!
This is the perfect series if you're looking for a 'palate cleanser' - funny, simple but flowing plotline, and characters you'll both love and hate.
As long as Russell James continues to write these novels, I will continue to read them!
This is the perfect series if you're looking for a 'palate cleanser' - funny, simple but flowing plotline, and characters you'll both love and hate.
As long as Russell James continues to write these novels, I will continue to read them!
November 21, 2024
How is this guy still alive?
This is my eighth Grant Coleman. I have had a fun time reading about his adventures. This one was no different. I just keep wondering how he stays alive. I know he is a fictional character, but still he does get himself in all kinds of trouble. This time it was prehistoric hippos, rhinos, sandworms that can eat people, some crazy otter like creatures, killer primates, and oh yeah a gang of mercenaries, who want to kill him. this story is set in Africa along the River of Death, surprise. I will have to say that this was one fast paced story. If you like a hero, who is not very heroic then the adventures of Grant Coleman are what you need. Just have to say one more thing Grant get a new literary agent. This one is going to get you killed.
This is my eighth Grant Coleman. I have had a fun time reading about his adventures. This one was no different. I just keep wondering how he stays alive. I know he is a fictional character, but still he does get himself in all kinds of trouble. This time it was prehistoric hippos, rhinos, sandworms that can eat people, some crazy otter like creatures, killer primates, and oh yeah a gang of mercenaries, who want to kill him. this story is set in Africa along the River of Death, surprise. I will have to say that this was one fast paced story. If you like a hero, who is not very heroic then the adventures of Grant Coleman are what you need. Just have to say one more thing Grant get a new literary agent. This one is going to get you killed.
November 17, 2024
Grant Coleman returns, hoping for better luck in his future, unfortunately that is never going to happen! Once again he finds himself in the wrong place and is dragged along on a monster hunt, he is soon fighting for his life. Another good adventure, Coleman is a fun character, that you can't help but root for. Still not dead...
May 3, 2026
"River Of Death" by Russell James presents an eerie journey into the depths of suspense and horror. The story unfolds with a group facing terrifying and mysterious events, capturing the essence of dark suspense. James crafts an atmosphere thick with dread, using vivid descriptions and unsettling imagery that effectively draws readers into the story's ominous world.
However, while the novel excels in creating a palpable sense of fear and suspense, some elements could have been more developed. The pacing, at times, feels uneven, with moments of intense action followed by slower, more descriptive passages. While these descriptive parts contribute to the overall atmosphere, they occasionally disrupt the story's momentum, which may affect the reader's engagement, depending on their preferences.
It is a decent read for those who enjoy horror with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and suspense. Russell James succeeds in crafting a chilling narrative that lingers in the mind, though some may find the pacing inconsistent. Overall, it's an engaging novel that balances suspense and horror, making it a worthwhile, if not perfect, addition to the genre.
However, while the novel excels in creating a palpable sense of fear and suspense, some elements could have been more developed. The pacing, at times, feels uneven, with moments of intense action followed by slower, more descriptive passages. While these descriptive parts contribute to the overall atmosphere, they occasionally disrupt the story's momentum, which may affect the reader's engagement, depending on their preferences.
It is a decent read for those who enjoy horror with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and suspense. Russell James succeeds in crafting a chilling narrative that lingers in the mind, though some may find the pacing inconsistent. Overall, it's an engaging novel that balances suspense and horror, making it a worthwhile, if not perfect, addition to the genre.
November 6, 2024
Great book!
Great adventure! Exciting, great characters, enjoyed the book immensely. Fast read with interesting facts. Would highly recommend reading this book.
Great adventure! Exciting, great characters, enjoyed the book immensely. Fast read with interesting facts. Would highly recommend reading this book.
November 9, 2024
Delightful read
I love this authors work, read all his creature adventures. His main character professor Grant is richly written with a dry sense of humor. Love his plot lines. I follow him so I don't miss any of his work.
I love this authors work, read all his creature adventures. His main character professor Grant is richly written with a dry sense of humor. Love his plot lines. I follow him so I don't miss any of his work.
November 13, 2024
Another great adventure with the good Dr. Coleman, and I love each and every book in the series. Please tell me there are more on the way.
February 8, 2025
Another entertaining book!
The doctor who never works out and vows to get a gym membership after each adventure slowly strikes again! The jungle organizing against the hunters was pretty cool. I enjoyed it.
The doctor who never works out and vows to get a gym membership after each adventure slowly strikes again! The jungle organizing against the hunters was pretty cool. I enjoyed it.
January 11, 2025
head up the river rectum
Fun,exaggerated, ridiculous and yet compelling. All of these descriptions and a slew of new snarks, comprise a story of depressing truths about poaching and treatment of the locals. Give a totalitarian regime a foothold in economically stressed areas; a recipe for disaster is complete.
This could be a true story,with different animals ,and makes us, as a species, a lot less capable and decent!
Fun,exaggerated, ridiculous and yet compelling. All of these descriptions and a slew of new snarks, comprise a story of depressing truths about poaching and treatment of the locals. Give a totalitarian regime a foothold in economically stressed areas; a recipe for disaster is complete.
This could be a true story,with different animals ,and makes us, as a species, a lot less capable and decent!
May 11, 2025
Grant Coleman book number 8. I completely enjoyed reading this book. I was hooked right from the get go. I was so invested that I messaged Russell James about a few things, lol. Grant is a great character in all sense of that word. I enjoy his adventures and his mishaps. I also thoroughly enjoy Russell’s explanation at the end of his stories. He does a lot of research and I appreciate that.
January 12, 2025
Another good Grant Coleman adventure although I do wish he would either stop vowing to hit the gym or actually do it. Beyond that it was a good, fun read.
February 22, 2026
5 Stars
I like Russel James "Grant Coleman" adventure books. They have excitement and some amusing parts too with Grant as the reluctant hero. This one takes Grant to Africa where he is "volunteered" to go on an expedition to the River of Death.
I like Russel James "Grant Coleman" adventure books. They have excitement and some amusing parts too with Grant as the reluctant hero. This one takes Grant to Africa where he is "volunteered" to go on an expedition to the River of Death.
March 4, 2025
Hippos and Rhinos and Worms, oh my!
Grant travels to Simpupu, a small African country to be the main speaker at a writer's conference. He gets kidnapped by a band of mercenaries and poachers who are on the hunt for an ancient rhino. Lots of large creatures, grisly deaths and merciless rain combine to ruin Grant relaxing trip. Very interesting and exciting adventure with Professor Coleman!
Grant travels to Simpupu, a small African country to be the main speaker at a writer's conference. He gets kidnapped by a band of mercenaries and poachers who are on the hunt for an ancient rhino. Lots of large creatures, grisly deaths and merciless rain combine to ruin Grant relaxing trip. Very interesting and exciting adventure with Professor Coleman!
March 3, 2026
Another great adventure!
I really liked this one. Many modern crypto zoologists believe that this is one part of the world where a large cryptid would be able to stay hidden.
I really liked this one. Many modern crypto zoologists believe that this is one part of the world where a large cryptid would be able to stay hidden.
September 18, 2025
This series is so hit or miss. I still know I’m going to read the next one.
3.0 🌟
3.0 🌟
November 20, 2024
If you're a Grant Coleman fan, you won't be disappointed. You'll know that he is the last person to ever plan a vacation with because it will always end in danger, disaster, monsters who really shouldn't still be alive and, even when they were, didn't behave in such bloodthirsty, malevolent ways - well, some of them didn't anyway. Our intrepid hero finds himself in a real pickle this time. Will he survive? Will anyone survive the river of death?
You'll have tor read this to find out. No spoilers here.
Great adventure, great fun, great scares and plenty of pace. Perfect entertainment.
You'll have tor read this to find out. No spoilers here.
Great adventure, great fun, great scares and plenty of pace. Perfect entertainment.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews