Bear Essentials

by Joe Prentis

Merrick and Quentin were government agents who specialized in cleaning up the messes that bureaucratic leaders sometimes created. They were sent into the Rockies to eliminate a dangerous group of terrorists and to bring one of them back alive. They didn’t expect the sudden change of events that transformed them from the hunters into the hunted. Bear Essentials is an adventure story of 4100 words that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is a little horror stirred into the mix, but not enough that you can’t handle it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

13 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2013

About the author

I cannot remember a time when I was not reading. Books have always been an important part of my life, and I continue to be fascinated by the many wonderful things I discover each time I sit down in my favorite chair and open a book. When I was growing up, we moved frequently, living in cities, as well as in small towns, and on a working farm in a rural area. The sharp contrast of each of these places caused me to love and appreciate the busy and varied experience cities had to offer, but also the quiet life of being close to nature in the countryside. I was impressed early on by the vast differences between the geographic areas of the country, and the part ethnic background, social differences, and education played in the lives of people. Books about history, science, romance, mystery and suspense, have always presented an irresistible attraction to me. Writing is my way of introducing others to the things I have observed and experienced. I mostly read and write suspense novels, but cannot resist the temptation of Historical Fiction, or anything that deals with nature. I have just finished a suspense novel called ‘Innocent’ which will be out before the end of September, 2009. I am currently working on ‘The Relic,’ the second book in a series about the religious and political problems in the Middle East. I am doing research on a novel about the Colonial era.

Reviews

[Vardan Partamyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read that takes us to some unexpected areas of the macabre. The concept was well executed and the two (and a half?) men were real enough to wish they could reach safety. At the same time, this safety is tentative and the cost of this safety may be too high.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this story is really short, the author did a great job packing a lot into a small space. As two men head into the woods to find and then eliminate a woman, they are going to find their job is much harder than they first thought. This is the kind of book that leaves you with intense images long after the last page has turned. That is something special and not always easy to do.

[Allie Cresswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear Essentials is a gritty and yet oddly philosophical tale about knowing your enemy. Action-packed from the beginning, the story becomes increasingly macabre with a twist at the end which Roald Dahl would have been proud of.
I found the style of writing punchy; it didn’t hold up the action; the breathless exchange of dialogue as the two men yomp through the wilderness was especially well done. On the other hand I found it hard to distinguish between the two voices at times, which muddied the waters as their characters and the relationship they share does play a vital role in the success of this story.
When you sit back and reflect on the logistics of what the writer is describing, questions arise, but this story illustrates the truism that what happens in a story isn’t always what it is about. The true subject of this one arrives from left field and gives you a slap you won’t be expecting. I guarantee that when you’ve read it you’ll be itching to discuss the questions it raises with someone else, as I am.
If you’re planning a road trip with friends in the near future, make sure you all read it so you can while away the hours in the car talking about it (but not if your trip takes you anywhere near bear country!)

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisted, gruesome little story! The author takes us to some unexpected places that made me cringe even as I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. We're not spared details here and the subject gets dark and disturbing. But it also makes you ask, "What would I do in this circumstance?"