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Extraction
Aldo Marini is a man marked by survival and betrayal. Fourteen years on a brutal penal ship have left him a broken man, scraping by on the fringes of society as an ex-con haunted by forbidden abilities he dares not use. But when a split-second decision to save an innocent child thrusts him into the crosshairs of powerful enemies, Aldo finds himself with no choice but to take on an impossible heist: stealing a heavily guarded vial of bull semen from the infamous Vorchese Ranch.
To succeed, Aldo must infiltrate the ranks of ruthless enforcers, bypass impregnable security, and confront the fanatical leader of the ranch, a man who sees pain as his sacrament and screams as his prayers. But the greatest challenge of all awaits in the dark corners of his past - a confrontation with the man whose betrayal set Aldo's fate in motion: his father.
With every move risking death or worse, Aldo must decide whether vengeance or redemption will be his guide in this tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the fight for a second chance.
To succeed, Aldo must infiltrate the ranks of ruthless enforcers, bypass impregnable security, and confront the fanatical leader of the ranch, a man who sees pain as his sacrament and screams as his prayers. But the greatest challenge of all awaits in the dark corners of his past - a confrontation with the man whose betrayal set Aldo's fate in motion: his father.
With every move risking death or worse, Aldo must decide whether vengeance or redemption will be his guide in this tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the fight for a second chance.
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2024
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33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 19, 2024
Toni DeLuca leaned forward, fixing hard grey eyes on Aldo Marini. "Mr. Marini... where is my bull semen?"
How could I resist a heist novel on such an outré topic?
Extraction certainly delivers on the premise, with a humorous flair that had me texting funny tidbits to my reading friends to share the laughs. All laid against a subtle, deftly handled background of worldbuilding that had me seeing the gutters, hearing the gulls, and smelling the green, while never being too intrusive.
What I also found was examinations of the intricacies of power dynamics, a different view on the resilience of child-parent relationships, and it plumbed the depths of just how much can go wrong with that (im)perfect plan you came up with. All wrapped up in a captivating blend of heist adventure and fantasy, with a whiff of horror, that kept me on the lookout for the next twist. Or in some instances, the normal, human failings we can all identify with.
I appreciate that Mr. Stogner brought a fresh eye to the familiar, sometimes routine heist genre. The premise may seem amusing on it’s face, but it can be a very serious and pricey undertaking. Just knowing the basis of the story, I was curious to see how Mr. Stogner would bring it through - he did so with humor, heart, and an imperfect humanity which drew me much more that a perfect plan would have. That was the realism in the fantasy setting.
"I don't know your lyrics, but the melody of pain is one that we all can sing from memory."
Aldo is a flawed protagonist who finds himself out of his element and out of his depth as the heist proceeds. We can feel his anger, pain, and imperfection. All of which make him relatable - we can appreciate both his mistakes and growth, and feel his pain.
“I’m terribly sorry,” Aldo said. “Please accept this noble steed as my most heartfelt apology.”
“That might be the most hostile thing you've said since arriving.”
I may have also unintentionally snorted green chili into my sinuses…
I admit I am a tough sell on new authors, but Mr. Stogner captured my attention and imagination with this tale. So I will be looking up some of his other books.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no requirement for a review.
How could I resist a heist novel on such an outré topic?
Extraction certainly delivers on the premise, with a humorous flair that had me texting funny tidbits to my reading friends to share the laughs. All laid against a subtle, deftly handled background of worldbuilding that had me seeing the gutters, hearing the gulls, and smelling the green, while never being too intrusive.
What I also found was examinations of the intricacies of power dynamics, a different view on the resilience of child-parent relationships, and it plumbed the depths of just how much can go wrong with that (im)perfect plan you came up with. All wrapped up in a captivating blend of heist adventure and fantasy, with a whiff of horror, that kept me on the lookout for the next twist. Or in some instances, the normal, human failings we can all identify with.
I appreciate that Mr. Stogner brought a fresh eye to the familiar, sometimes routine heist genre. The premise may seem amusing on it’s face, but it can be a very serious and pricey undertaking. Just knowing the basis of the story, I was curious to see how Mr. Stogner would bring it through - he did so with humor, heart, and an imperfect humanity which drew me much more that a perfect plan would have. That was the realism in the fantasy setting.
"I don't know your lyrics, but the melody of pain is one that we all can sing from memory."
Aldo is a flawed protagonist who finds himself out of his element and out of his depth as the heist proceeds. We can feel his anger, pain, and imperfection. All of which make him relatable - we can appreciate both his mistakes and growth, and feel his pain.
“I’m terribly sorry,” Aldo said. “Please accept this noble steed as my most heartfelt apology.”
“That might be the most hostile thing you've said since arriving.”
I may have also unintentionally snorted green chili into my sinuses…
I admit I am a tough sell on new authors, but Mr. Stogner captured my attention and imagination with this tale. So I will be looking up some of his other books.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no requirement for a review.
November 17, 2024
I received an advanced copy of the book to review.
There aren't many times I can remember covering my own mouth and stifling my horror while my entire body reacts to what I'm reading.
The moment Naath does what Naath does left me reeling.
Extraction definitely has the same feel as Frostbitten. It has the same kind of main character who thinks he's smarter than anyone else and continues to run his own mouth much to his own detriment, all while you tell at the pages to shut up and just do the thing before other things go bad. And things of course, go bad. Very bad.
While sometimes it felt like scenes dragged that didn't need to, the overall pace of the book was good, and it keeps you coming back to find out what happens next.
And while the ending of the book was unsatisfying from a happy ending standpoint, it ties things up well enough to complete the story without wonder what the heck is gonna happen.
I'm excited to see what the next chapter of this series brings.
There aren't many times I can remember covering my own mouth and stifling my horror while my entire body reacts to what I'm reading.
The moment Naath does what Naath does left me reeling.
Extraction definitely has the same feel as Frostbitten. It has the same kind of main character who thinks he's smarter than anyone else and continues to run his own mouth much to his own detriment, all while you tell at the pages to shut up and just do the thing before other things go bad. And things of course, go bad. Very bad.
While sometimes it felt like scenes dragged that didn't need to, the overall pace of the book was good, and it keeps you coming back to find out what happens next.
And while the ending of the book was unsatisfying from a happy ending standpoint, it ties things up well enough to complete the story without wonder what the heck is gonna happen.
I'm excited to see what the next chapter of this series brings.
November 25, 2024
5/5
This book was crack. I loved every second. I’ll admit I was a touch skeptical going in because a heist for bull ‘batter’ didn’t sound like my style of humor, but Stogner earned my trust as an author with Frostbitten. And you know what? I loved Extraction even MORE! The humor landed every time, the characters had such good chemistry, and the action had me by the throat. I was so immersed in this book, I was drowning and happy about it. The heist was dark and insane but for me the heart of the story was Aldo - how his issues with his father and his time on the penance barge shaped him into the man we follow. It gets quite emotionally heavy and physically intense, and is not for the faint of heart. Mistakes, intention, consequence, forgiveness, responsibility, and choices were huge themes. As for the setting, there was a fascinating type of horror to the ranch workers having an unbreakable brotherly bond, yet they live under the thumb of a madman and they’re grateful for it because the world doesn’t offer any better options. Questions are asked about how much control a person has over their life when we’re all a result of how/where we were raised? So much yet so little. No one’s life is glamorous in this world, and the story’s not shy about just how bad it can get. This is a story about life on the ground level of this world - the little guys trying to keep afloat in whatever way they can in the current of the bigger players. The climax was thrilling, and the ending was perfect for Aldo’s character arc and I was simultaneously satisfied and craving more.
Thank you Mr. Stogner for the free advanced review copy! It was a delight to read and review!
This book was crack. I loved every second. I’ll admit I was a touch skeptical going in because a heist for bull ‘batter’ didn’t sound like my style of humor, but Stogner earned my trust as an author with Frostbitten. And you know what? I loved Extraction even MORE! The humor landed every time, the characters had such good chemistry, and the action had me by the throat. I was so immersed in this book, I was drowning and happy about it. The heist was dark and insane but for me the heart of the story was Aldo - how his issues with his father and his time on the penance barge shaped him into the man we follow. It gets quite emotionally heavy and physically intense, and is not for the faint of heart. Mistakes, intention, consequence, forgiveness, responsibility, and choices were huge themes. As for the setting, there was a fascinating type of horror to the ranch workers having an unbreakable brotherly bond, yet they live under the thumb of a madman and they’re grateful for it because the world doesn’t offer any better options. Questions are asked about how much control a person has over their life when we’re all a result of how/where we were raised? So much yet so little. No one’s life is glamorous in this world, and the story’s not shy about just how bad it can get. This is a story about life on the ground level of this world - the little guys trying to keep afloat in whatever way they can in the current of the bigger players. The climax was thrilling, and the ending was perfect for Aldo’s character arc and I was simultaneously satisfied and craving more.
Thank you Mr. Stogner for the free advanced review copy! It was a delight to read and review!
October 4, 2025
Technically, this would be a 4.5 stars. So there, GR!
If you’d asked me a week ago if I’d be a huge fan of a fantasy novel about a heist for bull semen, I would’ve called you the biggest liar who lied. Full stop. Like, c’mon. Bull semen???? Be so for real.
Alas, dear review reader, here we are.
I’m a fan.
Of a bull semen heist book. [sigh]
Let’s get to the goods. EXTRACTION by Dietrich Stogner not only slapped me upside the face with rich setting and gritty characters who have alllll the red flags but a heart despite it, it made me hopelessly addicted to the rest of the companion novels of this world.
First, we have Aldo Marini. He’s freshly off a prison boat for a crime with so many gray areas it’s almost charcoal and is just trying to make some cash, keep his nose clean. He’s also taken to a young orphan who’s maybe more morally gray than Aldo, but dang it, he can’t watch her starve and fall in the same traps as him! Anyway, after a slew of bad decisions that are downright comically facepalm-worthy, Aldo takes a job with more reward than risk, at least he thinks. But if it works, he can disappear with more coin than he’d ever need! And his young friend will never have to grow up as he did.
Admirable, right? You bet.
Then we have the setting. We start in the city of Vetticci, which is like if you took the fish market of New York, slapped some Bourbon Street debauchery on it, and then stewed it in a mob-boss crime network. It’s cramped, it’s loud, it’s riddled with crime, and I loved every bit of it.
Then we meander out to the rolling hills of the Vorchese Ranch, which could be Anywhere, Midwest, but it’s the cattle that make it special. The famous cows. Big as a bus, slow as molasses on a cold day (unless properly motivated *wink wink*), and worth a fortune because of the unique properties of their beef. But it’s not just that. The man of the hour, Naath Vorchese, head of the ranch and a certifiably devout man of his beliefs.
They say a truly terrifying villain is one who believes in their cause, their want, without fail. Naath is that man. And I felt every fanatical and unnervingly direct moment of that barn scene. Holy gods!
Anyway, the dialogue in EXTRACTION was snappy and full of clever wit, the characters made my heart bleed and then sing, the magic system was subtle yet relevant, and other than some personal word icks and the need for an occasional page break when we jump time, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The pacing was top-notch, and Stogner wrapped up this tale with a satisfying ending that was neither tidy nor easy.
So, if you enjoy your fantasy soft but your characters cut with grit and more than a little delusion. If you enjoy high stakes with a beating heart at its center. If you want a heist tale where everything goes off the rails in the most disastrously glorious way, then EXTRACTION is the book for you.
No bull.
If you’d asked me a week ago if I’d be a huge fan of a fantasy novel about a heist for bull semen, I would’ve called you the biggest liar who lied. Full stop. Like, c’mon. Bull semen???? Be so for real.
Alas, dear review reader, here we are.
I’m a fan.
Of a bull semen heist book. [sigh]
Let’s get to the goods. EXTRACTION by Dietrich Stogner not only slapped me upside the face with rich setting and gritty characters who have alllll the red flags but a heart despite it, it made me hopelessly addicted to the rest of the companion novels of this world.
First, we have Aldo Marini. He’s freshly off a prison boat for a crime with so many gray areas it’s almost charcoal and is just trying to make some cash, keep his nose clean. He’s also taken to a young orphan who’s maybe more morally gray than Aldo, but dang it, he can’t watch her starve and fall in the same traps as him! Anyway, after a slew of bad decisions that are downright comically facepalm-worthy, Aldo takes a job with more reward than risk, at least he thinks. But if it works, he can disappear with more coin than he’d ever need! And his young friend will never have to grow up as he did.
Admirable, right? You bet.
Then we have the setting. We start in the city of Vetticci, which is like if you took the fish market of New York, slapped some Bourbon Street debauchery on it, and then stewed it in a mob-boss crime network. It’s cramped, it’s loud, it’s riddled with crime, and I loved every bit of it.
Then we meander out to the rolling hills of the Vorchese Ranch, which could be Anywhere, Midwest, but it’s the cattle that make it special. The famous cows. Big as a bus, slow as molasses on a cold day (unless properly motivated *wink wink*), and worth a fortune because of the unique properties of their beef. But it’s not just that. The man of the hour, Naath Vorchese, head of the ranch and a certifiably devout man of his beliefs.
They say a truly terrifying villain is one who believes in their cause, their want, without fail. Naath is that man. And I felt every fanatical and unnervingly direct moment of that barn scene. Holy gods!
Anyway, the dialogue in EXTRACTION was snappy and full of clever wit, the characters made my heart bleed and then sing, the magic system was subtle yet relevant, and other than some personal word icks and the need for an occasional page break when we jump time, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The pacing was top-notch, and Stogner wrapped up this tale with a satisfying ending that was neither tidy nor easy.
So, if you enjoy your fantasy soft but your characters cut with grit and more than a little delusion. If you enjoy high stakes with a beating heart at its center. If you want a heist tale where everything goes off the rails in the most disastrously glorious way, then EXTRACTION is the book for you.
No bull.
December 3, 2024
*The Bull S*men Heist*
(YES, you read that right)
Who would’ve thought that the biggest heist of all is for bull s*men? I certainly didn’t, but here we are.
Extraction by Dietrich Stogner is what I will forever call The Bull S*emen Heist is one of those stories that starts out with a truly bizarre premise and somehow turns into a rich, emotional rollercoaster of survival, betrayal, and redemption. I never know what to expect this from any of his books, but I came out with my jaw on the floor and a perma-scowl/ grabbed my face in disgust, unable to stop reading.
The story follows Aldo Marini, a man shaped by survival and crushed by betrayal. After fourteen long years on a brutal penal ship, he’s just trying to get by, haunted by abilities he’d rather not tap into, where he makes a split-second decision to save a kid, which lands him in the crosshairs of some pretty powerful and dangerous people. The catch? He’s forced into a heist so wild that even the craziest criminals would think twice—stealing a vial of bull s*men from the notorious Vorchese Ranch.
Now, bear with me here—this is where the story becomes more than just a quirky heist. Aldo must infiltrate said ranch and confront a cult-like leader who considers pain his sacred ritual all in the name of his god (insert eye roll). Oh, and there’s also the small matter of dealing with his estranged father, the man whose betrayal set Aldo’s life spiraling into chaos in the first place.
All of this makes for a journey that’s as much about personal growth and emotional healing as it is about stealing... well, you know.
The emotional depth of Aldo’s journey is honestly what surprised me the most. His growth as a character, his internal struggles, and his complex relationship with his father are explored with such care that it turns the wild premise into something much more profound. You’ll find yourself rooting for Aldo, not just to complete the heist, but to find the redemption and healing he so desperately needs. It’s a story of second chances, the power of forgiveness, and, of course, a bit of revenge sprinkled in for good measure.
In short, this book is a wild ride that mixes heart-pounding action with deep emotional exploration. It’s about survival, redemption, and trying to heal the wounds of the past—one bull s*men heist at a time.
Thank you to the author for this ARC for an honest review.
(YES, you read that right)
Who would’ve thought that the biggest heist of all is for bull s*men? I certainly didn’t, but here we are.
Extraction by Dietrich Stogner is what I will forever call The Bull S*emen Heist is one of those stories that starts out with a truly bizarre premise and somehow turns into a rich, emotional rollercoaster of survival, betrayal, and redemption. I never know what to expect this from any of his books, but I came out with my jaw on the floor and a perma-scowl/ grabbed my face in disgust, unable to stop reading.
The story follows Aldo Marini, a man shaped by survival and crushed by betrayal. After fourteen long years on a brutal penal ship, he’s just trying to get by, haunted by abilities he’d rather not tap into, where he makes a split-second decision to save a kid, which lands him in the crosshairs of some pretty powerful and dangerous people. The catch? He’s forced into a heist so wild that even the craziest criminals would think twice—stealing a vial of bull s*men from the notorious Vorchese Ranch.
Now, bear with me here—this is where the story becomes more than just a quirky heist. Aldo must infiltrate said ranch and confront a cult-like leader who considers pain his sacred ritual all in the name of his god (insert eye roll). Oh, and there’s also the small matter of dealing with his estranged father, the man whose betrayal set Aldo’s life spiraling into chaos in the first place.
All of this makes for a journey that’s as much about personal growth and emotional healing as it is about stealing... well, you know.
The emotional depth of Aldo’s journey is honestly what surprised me the most. His growth as a character, his internal struggles, and his complex relationship with his father are explored with such care that it turns the wild premise into something much more profound. You’ll find yourself rooting for Aldo, not just to complete the heist, but to find the redemption and healing he so desperately needs. It’s a story of second chances, the power of forgiveness, and, of course, a bit of revenge sprinkled in for good measure.
In short, this book is a wild ride that mixes heart-pounding action with deep emotional exploration. It’s about survival, redemption, and trying to heal the wounds of the past—one bull s*men heist at a time.
Thank you to the author for this ARC for an honest review.
November 11, 2024
It's not often that I read a book which sucks me in so hard that I finish it in two days.
This book managed to combined the silliness of a Bull Semen Heist with a serious story where the main character has some serious trauma. I really like how it all worked together; you might think that the silliness is only there to offset the seriousness or the other way around, but it is a serious story, and I mean, wouldn't you make a silly remark now and then when you have to steal bull semen? And it's great how Stogner manages to weave in Pratchett-esque critique on our own society in a heist story.
Being used to reading series of multiples 1000+ pages books I'm amazed by how much world building and character development was done in such a small book. And all the world building is done real casually without info dumps. But I do feel like it's an interesting world which would be worthwhile to revisit.
Already the first chapter already makes quite clear that this wasn't an easy heist which went entirely to plan. And I love how hard everything is; this is no happy boy's adventure where the hero just wins, and this made the story feel so much more "real" to me. And it makes it possible for Aldo to grow from a generic hero-type good guy, to a much deeper and wiser character.
Be sure to heed the trigger warnings as there is some very graphical stomach-churning violence in this book. I do feel it's very functional to the story though.
* I was provided an ARC with hope but no requirement of a review
This book managed to combined the silliness of a Bull Semen Heist with a serious story where the main character has some serious trauma. I really like how it all worked together; you might think that the silliness is only there to offset the seriousness or the other way around, but it is a serious story, and I mean, wouldn't you make a silly remark now and then when you have to steal bull semen? And it's great how Stogner manages to weave in Pratchett-esque critique on our own society in a heist story.
Being used to reading series of multiples 1000+ pages books I'm amazed by how much world building and character development was done in such a small book. And all the world building is done real casually without info dumps. But I do feel like it's an interesting world which would be worthwhile to revisit.
Already the first chapter already makes quite clear that this wasn't an easy heist which went entirely to plan. And I love how hard everything is; this is no happy boy's adventure where the hero just wins, and this made the story feel so much more "real" to me. And it makes it possible for Aldo to grow from a generic hero-type good guy, to a much deeper and wiser character.
Be sure to heed the trigger warnings as there is some very graphical stomach-churning violence in this book. I do feel it's very functional to the story though.
* I was provided an ARC with hope but no requirement of a review
January 9, 2025
Dietrich Stogner’s second foray into the world of the Alddarri Archives is a vastly different version of the world we got in Frostbitten. Aldo Marini is a deeply flawed protagonist, and couldn’t be further from Tomas Greenleaf and co. The immense city of Vetticci provides a stark contrast to the wide-open, sweeping plains of The Dominion and the Vorchese Ranch. Both are fully and vividly realized.
The staff of the ranch provided some of my favorite scenes in the book, and the fun wildlife that lives there were excellent. I need a Vorchese Bull plushie yesterday.
The antagonist, ranch owner Naath Vorchese, is chilling, and there is one scene in particular that stuck with me as much as anything I’ve read in fantasy lately. Truly, Vorchese provides a foil to Aldo that is sufficiently terrifying, even when compared to the monsters of Frostbitten’s frozen wilderness.
I did take off some points for what I viewed as occasionally inconsistent dialogue quality, and a couple moments that I wish were more fleshed out, but all in all, this is more than a worthy follow-up. It is a statement: Dietrich Stogner is here, and his world will demand your attention sooner or later if you are a reader of quality fantasy.
The staff of the ranch provided some of my favorite scenes in the book, and the fun wildlife that lives there were excellent. I need a Vorchese Bull plushie yesterday.
The antagonist, ranch owner Naath Vorchese, is chilling, and there is one scene in particular that stuck with me as much as anything I’ve read in fantasy lately. Truly, Vorchese provides a foil to Aldo that is sufficiently terrifying, even when compared to the monsters of Frostbitten’s frozen wilderness.
I did take off some points for what I viewed as occasionally inconsistent dialogue quality, and a couple moments that I wish were more fleshed out, but all in all, this is more than a worthy follow-up. It is a statement: Dietrich Stogner is here, and his world will demand your attention sooner or later if you are a reader of quality fantasy.
November 9, 2024
In the fictional city of Vetticci, a young man struggles to make a living after serving 14 years on a penance barge after his father left him to take the punishment for a crime they committed together when Aldo was just 14. And when he is caught committing another crime in order to help one of the young Orphans he tries to look after, Aldo gets caught up in a scheme to steal something very valuable - bull semen - which the Vorchese ranch uses to breed the largest cows known to mankind.
What follows is a Heist fantasy novel involving confronting his father who works on the ranch, dangerous plans, dealing with the religious fanatic who owns the ranch as well as themes of loyalty and friendship. While this is not normally my reading genre, and the ending was a bit abrupt for me, overall I really did enjoy this novel and getting to know Aldo and other characters, as well as the land in which they live.
*I was given an Advanced Reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What follows is a Heist fantasy novel involving confronting his father who works on the ranch, dangerous plans, dealing with the religious fanatic who owns the ranch as well as themes of loyalty and friendship. While this is not normally my reading genre, and the ending was a bit abrupt for me, overall I really did enjoy this novel and getting to know Aldo and other characters, as well as the land in which they live.
*I was given an Advanced Reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2024
Oh. My. God.
What a ride.
Extraction is a second world fantasy with some light fantasy elements sprinkled in and a unique interesting world that I cannot wait to read more about in future books (fear not though, this is a standalone that can be read with no commitment to any books before or after - though I highly recommend reading anything by Stogner as his writing style is descriptive and witty and a joy to read).
I cannot put into words how much fun I had reading this. This was an intense ride from start to finish. This is a heist novel about stealing bull semen…but also so much more. I immediately fell in love with the characters. The synopsis may seem like this is a lighter heist novel, but be warned that there are some very serious moments and themes handled here.
There are definitely moments that made me laugh, but this book is in no way focused on being comedic. The wit and snark of some of the characters added some levity to a pretty dark story otherwise. I had to set the book down for a minute to take a deep breath after chapter 14. Oof. Fabulously executed. But oof.
All that’s to say go into this expecting to tear through it but also to incur some emotional damage lol. 100% worth it and will definitely be keeping up with Stogner’s future releases. This whole story was a vaguely traumatizing, satisfying delight.
I received this as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
What a ride.
Extraction is a second world fantasy with some light fantasy elements sprinkled in and a unique interesting world that I cannot wait to read more about in future books (fear not though, this is a standalone that can be read with no commitment to any books before or after - though I highly recommend reading anything by Stogner as his writing style is descriptive and witty and a joy to read).
I cannot put into words how much fun I had reading this. This was an intense ride from start to finish. This is a heist novel about stealing bull semen…but also so much more. I immediately fell in love with the characters. The synopsis may seem like this is a lighter heist novel, but be warned that there are some very serious moments and themes handled here.
There are definitely moments that made me laugh, but this book is in no way focused on being comedic. The wit and snark of some of the characters added some levity to a pretty dark story otherwise. I had to set the book down for a minute to take a deep breath after chapter 14. Oof. Fabulously executed. But oof.
All that’s to say go into this expecting to tear through it but also to incur some emotional damage lol. 100% worth it and will definitely be keeping up with Stogner’s future releases. This whole story was a vaguely traumatizing, satisfying delight.
I received this as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2025
Who would have thought that stealing bull semen would result in such a high steaks (tehe, pun intended!) roller coaster of a ride??
This feels a lot like Yellowstone, but even more unhinged, with a splash of Stormlight Archive. The character Auggie strongly reminds me of Lift from Stormlight. IYKYK. Aldo is a cynical, bitter man with serious trust issues but still has a soft spot for children and the helpless. His journey to complete the impossible keeps going awry, as one might expect, but he keeps pushing.
I loved this book. I laughed out loud, then cringed with Naath… well… was Naath. **shutter** There were a few times I wanted to yell through the pages to tell Aldo to STFU. But then the end somehow all came together, just not how I expected.
Fantastic story. I’m not a western/ranch genre gal… I mean, I liked Yellowstone, but I do think it’s overhyped. But this book is not. Very very good. Definitely recommend!
This feels a lot like Yellowstone, but even more unhinged, with a splash of Stormlight Archive. The character Auggie strongly reminds me of Lift from Stormlight. IYKYK. Aldo is a cynical, bitter man with serious trust issues but still has a soft spot for children and the helpless. His journey to complete the impossible keeps going awry, as one might expect, but he keeps pushing.
I loved this book. I laughed out loud, then cringed with Naath… well… was Naath. **shutter** There were a few times I wanted to yell through the pages to tell Aldo to STFU. But then the end somehow all came together, just not how I expected.
Fantastic story. I’m not a western/ranch genre gal… I mean, I liked Yellowstone, but I do think it’s overhyped. But this book is not. Very very good. Definitely recommend!
February 21, 2025
I finished Extraction with literal tears in my eyes. Not because the story is sad, but because it struck in a deep, personal way. Throughout the book we get to watch our main character’s view of himself and his life--not in the greater world around him, as is common in fantasy, but of the cards he was dealt--change. I’m not going to spoil the specific journey Aldo goes on, but what I will say is: Extraction is a book great for those of us that like to read heists so we can watch cool characters do cool things, work through problems, etc. It is also an excellent illustration of the experience of looking back once you become an adult, seeing your past from the outside, and teaching yourself how to move forward.
This is the second book in a series of (so far) stand alones, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
This is the second book in a series of (so far) stand alones, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
November 7, 2024
Extraction is at the top of my list for best reads of the year. The premise (a heist centered around bull s*men) will grab your attention, but it is the characters, their relationships, and the emotional growth of the main character Aldo, that will keep you turning the pages. There were moments of gut-wrenching terror and tearful confrontations, both of which left me feeling like I had been punched in the stomach. This is a book I will be thinking about for months and months, and I cannot recommend it enough.
November 7, 2024
Oh my gosh. This book had me holding my breath! Aldo’s journey is gripping and he’s such a relatable character. The way this plot is blended is so seamless and fast that I was a little sad it was over. The clever thinking, emotional grittiness, and drops of humor really pull this thriller together. There were chapters that had me laughing one page and then crying the next. Plus the dark cowboy vibes were a total hit. Fans of westerns, horror, and heist movies, this one is for you! I can’t wait to see what else Dietrich brings to this series.
November 13, 2024
*advanced reader*
Oh lawd, what a ride! This book is fast-paced, intense, and keeps you guessing the whole way through. I was *hooked* - get it? no? you will!- from page one. I absolutely loved the characters and their development—and found myself laughing out loud more than once in between the darker, grittier moments. I usually dive into intricate, big arc, split-narrative series that span several books, so Extraction was such a refreshing change of pace! Highly recommend!
Oh lawd, what a ride! This book is fast-paced, intense, and keeps you guessing the whole way through. I was *hooked* - get it? no? you will!- from page one. I absolutely loved the characters and their development—and found myself laughing out loud more than once in between the darker, grittier moments. I usually dive into intricate, big arc, split-narrative series that span several books, so Extraction was such a refreshing change of pace! Highly recommend!
November 30, 2024
I got an ARC of this book out of curiosity, and I don't regret it. After reading Frostbitten, I was looking forward to reading Extraction and the book serves!
Loved the banter in the book and how well Aldo is fleshed out layer by layer. It felt like more than a fantasy book because of the exploration of complicated family dynamics, trauma, friendship and my favourite, religious fanaticism.
100% would recommend this book.
Loved the banter in the book and how well Aldo is fleshed out layer by layer. It felt like more than a fantasy book because of the exploration of complicated family dynamics, trauma, friendship and my favourite, religious fanaticism.
100% would recommend this book.
January 13, 2025
If there was a book that was going to grab you by the horns and reel you in, hook, line, and sinker, it’s Extraction—all puns intended. I’m floored once again by Stogner’s craftsmanship and his absolutely delectable characters, their relationships, and the storytelling that surrounds them. An absolute five star read for me that I get to shelve next to Frostbitten, another incredible work. I’m beyond excited for the next installment in this universe.
November 23, 2024
Another great story in the vault for Dietrich Stogner, and this one’s about bull semen 😂🤣
This novel was action packed and such a fun ride! There were so many times I yelled out WTF, because I didn’t expect the story to take that turn.
Fun read! Loved the characters but my favorite was Stuart 🤣
I can only say good things about the novel. It truly was a great fun read.
This novel was action packed and such a fun ride! There were so many times I yelled out WTF, because I didn’t expect the story to take that turn.
Fun read! Loved the characters but my favorite was Stuart 🤣
I can only say good things about the novel. It truly was a great fun read.
December 4, 2024
A thrilling heist with Western flavour (think Yellowstone, but fantasy), Extraction is also a deeply emotional and thought out study of how our relationships and pasts can shape the people we become as well as the choice we make as to the people we want to become. As exciting as it is heartbreaking, Extraction would make an excellent buddy read or book club choice!
December 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Bought it due to the interesting premise and that I like the authors social media content. Was pleasantly surprised by how much it drew me into the story. A heist story with heart. The pacing was quick which while great, did leave me rereading every so often. Definitely would suggest for a weekend read.
December 5, 2024
This "moo juice masterpiece" easily makes my top ten favorites for 2024. It's funny as hell but has lots of depth when it comes to the emotion of children betrayed by their parents.
You're not ready for the awesome braying/screaming majesty that is Stuart the donkey.
You're not ready for the awesome braying/screaming majesty that is Stuart the donkey.
April 14, 2025
I had so much fun reading this book! I literally busted out laughing when the plot twist revealed they were stealing bull semen—absolutely hilarious and unexpected. The banter between Nicolette and Aldo was sharp, witty, and full of charm. And I cannot write a review without mentioning Stuart—what a gem of a character. Honestly, we all need a Stuart in our lives. This book is a witty, action-packed adventure from start to finish, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
May 27, 2025
One of my favorite books of the year. I enjoyed the comedy and how quickly I was immersed in the world. The characters were witty and likable while others I simply loved to hate. For a book written on such a ridiculous premise, there’s a lot of heartfelt emotion there as well.
August 6, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book, but you can see the author's improvement with handling characters in this book. I struggled putting this book down and definitely stayed up too late a few times. I can't wait for the next in the series!
August 29, 2025
what a ride!
Just flew through this story of a heist to steal bull semen (of all things you can steal).
well written characters, fast paced story and some twists and turns all along made this great entertainment
Just flew through this story of a heist to steal bull semen (of all things you can steal).
well written characters, fast paced story and some twists and turns all along made this great entertainment
December 29, 2025
Dietrick drew me in again. The characters journey had me on edge the entire book. There was one scene in particular that floored me and Im here for it. This book will definitely be going back in my pile to read again! 1000% worth a read.
December 23, 2024
All I could hear in one section was Dietrich reading that on TikTok and it almost broke me. Absolutely wonderful.
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