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Alex Hunter #5
Gorgon
An ancient evil awakens...
Alex Hunter has been found – sullen, alone, leaving a path of destruction as he wanders across America. Only the foolish get in the way of the drifter haunting the streets late at night.
Across the world, something has been released by a treasure hunter in a hidden chamber of the Basilica Cisterns in Istanbul. Something hidden there by Emperor Constantine himself, and deemed by him too horrifying and dangerous to ever be set free. It now stalks the land, leaving its victims turned to stone, and is headed on a collision course with a NATO base. The Americans can't let it get there, but can't be seen to intervene. There is only one option – they need their best HAWC. Alex Hunter, code name Arcadian.
But the HAWCs are not the only ones seeking out the strange being – Uli Borshov, Borshov the Beast, who has a score to settle with the Arcadian, moves to intercept him, setting up a deadly collision of epic proportions where only one can survive.
Join Alex Hunter as he learns to trust his former commander and colleagues again as the HAWCs challenge an age-old being straight from myth and legend.
Alex Hunter has been found – sullen, alone, leaving a path of destruction as he wanders across America. Only the foolish get in the way of the drifter haunting the streets late at night.
Across the world, something has been released by a treasure hunter in a hidden chamber of the Basilica Cisterns in Istanbul. Something hidden there by Emperor Constantine himself, and deemed by him too horrifying and dangerous to ever be set free. It now stalks the land, leaving its victims turned to stone, and is headed on a collision course with a NATO base. The Americans can't let it get there, but can't be seen to intervene. There is only one option – they need their best HAWC. Alex Hunter, code name Arcadian.
But the HAWCs are not the only ones seeking out the strange being – Uli Borshov, Borshov the Beast, who has a score to settle with the Arcadian, moves to intercept him, setting up a deadly collision of epic proportions where only one can survive.
Join Alex Hunter as he learns to trust his former commander and colleagues again as the HAWCs challenge an age-old being straight from myth and legend.
414 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2014
109 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
46 books1,149 followersHi GoodReaders, I’m an Australian author residing in Sydney with my wife, son and a mad Golden Retriever named Jessie. My novels are now available globally, also in Large Print and now in full AUDIO format.
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 5, 2016
I must admit, the Alex Hunter series is fast becoming one of my favourite series of all time, absolutely my favourite adventure/action series. I love the characters, I love the story and I LOVE the narrator of the audio versions Sean Mangan! Even though it wasn’t my favourite of the series so far, I still enjoyed the action-packed Gorgon!
Alex Hunter is back… He has had enough of wandering the country, and contacts Jack, who convinces him to come back to work for the Hawc’s. Meanwhile over in Istanbul, a creature that was hidden in an ancient chamber has escaped and is turning thousands of people to stone. What is this creature? And how can the Hawc’s stop it before it reaches a NATO base?
Like any Alex Hunter book, it was filled with action from start to finish. Beck takes you on a wild ride with each novel and it doesn’t let up until the very last word. This was probably more action packed than the last few novels actually, and that’s saying something. However I felt it was all action and I missed Aimee, I missed Adira, and I missed a bit of the whole romantic/sexual attraction element from the previous novels. Although I love the twist in the story that we find out right at the beginning…
However, nobody can say that Gorgon wasn’t exciting! Action packed. I also LOVED the subtle teasing about where the story is going to go next…? Perhaps bringing Aimee and her family back into it in future novels. I know its not over!!!
I enjoyed that the Hawc’s were back together. I enjoy Sam and Casey’s adventures, and I love that Sam is up and running again!
I loved the audio version of Gorgon. As always, Mangan does a fantastic job narrating. Nobody else could portray Alex Hunter as well as he does. I have enjoyed listening to his narration of this whole series.
Would I recommend Gorgon?
Absolutely! Action, adventure, thrills, violence, mystery, blood, guts, gore, creatures, aliens… What more do you need in a book?
However, I absolutely advise you read the earlier books. Even though this one can be read as a stand alone, you will miss a lot of the story, characters and feel of the story without reading the previous ones.
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/booksbabiesbeing
Alex Hunter is back… He has had enough of wandering the country, and contacts Jack, who convinces him to come back to work for the Hawc’s. Meanwhile over in Istanbul, a creature that was hidden in an ancient chamber has escaped and is turning thousands of people to stone. What is this creature? And how can the Hawc’s stop it before it reaches a NATO base?
Like any Alex Hunter book, it was filled with action from start to finish. Beck takes you on a wild ride with each novel and it doesn’t let up until the very last word. This was probably more action packed than the last few novels actually, and that’s saying something. However I felt it was all action and I missed Aimee, I missed Adira, and I missed a bit of the whole romantic/sexual attraction element from the previous novels. Although I love the twist in the story that we find out right at the beginning…
However, nobody can say that Gorgon wasn’t exciting! Action packed. I also LOVED the subtle teasing about where the story is going to go next…? Perhaps bringing Aimee and her family back into it in future novels. I know its not over!!!
I enjoyed that the Hawc’s were back together. I enjoy Sam and Casey’s adventures, and I love that Sam is up and running again!
I loved the audio version of Gorgon. As always, Mangan does a fantastic job narrating. Nobody else could portray Alex Hunter as well as he does. I have enjoyed listening to his narration of this whole series.
Would I recommend Gorgon?
Absolutely! Action, adventure, thrills, violence, mystery, blood, guts, gore, creatures, aliens… What more do you need in a book?
However, I absolutely advise you read the earlier books. Even though this one can be read as a stand alone, you will miss a lot of the story, characters and feel of the story without reading the previous ones.
For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/booksbabiesbeing
February 25, 2022
A Lot Of Action!
Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCS, and a few scientists, are on the hunt for a murderous mystery. Something is killing people and turning them into stone.
They travel to Crete and back in time while exploring a cave that may hold the answers they need.
Will they find those answers or will they fight for survival instead.
The fight scenes are brutal and scary, but also magnificent. You can imagine yourself there watching the action in person.
Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCS, and a few scientists, are on the hunt for a murderous mystery. Something is killing people and turning them into stone.
They travel to Crete and back in time while exploring a cave that may hold the answers they need.
Will they find those answers or will they fight for survival instead.
The fight scenes are brutal and scary, but also magnificent. You can imagine yourself there watching the action in person.
November 12, 2023
Getting stoned.
Well here I am again, at the end of a book, scratching my head trying to think of a review worthy of you, the excellent Goodreads members. (Enough gratuitous, slobbering, sucking-up for now.)
You know those horror books/movies where most of the characters seem like they were born under a rock, where they lived their entire lives? Of course you do; it's the ones where detectives discover a body with two puncture wounds in the neck and the victim is completely drained of blood. They spend the first half of the movie/book looking for a perp with some new-fangled blood vacuum cleaner. Or try to discover some new virus that causes the victim to turn into a bat and fly away. You scream at the book, “IT'S A DAMN VAMPIRE YOU MORONS”. Sigh. I thought that stuff went out with Punch and Judy and the crocodile that sneaks up on them.
Now, if you found a body that had been completely turned to stone, even down to the individual hairs and eyelashes and internal organs, AND that body was in a previously submerged, 5000 year old crypt, WHERE a huge vacuum flask showed signs of recently being opened...what would you think? Afterwards, if you started to find lots of stone people on a path through a town, what would you think?
A. A Gorgon is on the loose.
B. The US, North Korea, or the Ruskies were testing a powerful new weapon.
C. There was some strange, new ossifying disease out there that took seconds to do its thing.
If you answered A. congratulations, you're normal. If you answered B or C, there's a spot for you in the next horror movie, and also, you deserve a slap across the face with a crown of thorns starfish. The first half of this book is like that. None of that “keep you guessing” stuff here. We all KNOW what's coming, so why so long for our dumb-arse characters to realise? Now that I've got the annoying crap out of the way, the rest of the book is pretty good. Plenty of action, and Alex (you've all seen me before) Hunter is at his limb-ripping best. Greig Beck has taken a leaf out of Michael Crichton's book in that he includes some solid science..well..semi-solid science. Lots of research pays off. Nice one Greig. His writing style is eminently readable and the plot is commendable but in this book, a bit too predictable.
Not his best novel in the series but worth a read.
Well here I am again, at the end of a book, scratching my head trying to think of a review worthy of you, the excellent Goodreads members. (Enough gratuitous, slobbering, sucking-up for now.)
You know those horror books/movies where most of the characters seem like they were born under a rock, where they lived their entire lives? Of course you do; it's the ones where detectives discover a body with two puncture wounds in the neck and the victim is completely drained of blood. They spend the first half of the movie/book looking for a perp with some new-fangled blood vacuum cleaner. Or try to discover some new virus that causes the victim to turn into a bat and fly away. You scream at the book, “IT'S A DAMN VAMPIRE YOU MORONS”. Sigh. I thought that stuff went out with Punch and Judy and the crocodile that sneaks up on them.
Now, if you found a body that had been completely turned to stone, even down to the individual hairs and eyelashes and internal organs, AND that body was in a previously submerged, 5000 year old crypt, WHERE a huge vacuum flask showed signs of recently being opened...what would you think? Afterwards, if you started to find lots of stone people on a path through a town, what would you think?
A. A Gorgon is on the loose.
B. The US, North Korea, or the Ruskies were testing a powerful new weapon.
C. There was some strange, new ossifying disease out there that took seconds to do its thing.
If you answered A. congratulations, you're normal. If you answered B or C, there's a spot for you in the next horror movie, and also, you deserve a slap across the face with a crown of thorns starfish. The first half of this book is like that. None of that “keep you guessing” stuff here. We all KNOW what's coming, so why so long for our dumb-arse characters to realise? Now that I've got the annoying crap out of the way, the rest of the book is pretty good. Plenty of action, and Alex (you've all seen me before) Hunter is at his limb-ripping best. Greig Beck has taken a leaf out of Michael Crichton's book in that he includes some solid science..well..semi-solid science. Lots of research pays off. Nice one Greig. His writing style is eminently readable and the plot is commendable but in this book, a bit too predictable.
Not his best novel in the series but worth a read.
July 11, 2022
The Gorgon serves as a fantastic monster of the week here. The action scenes are really strong and the exploration of the historic sites is really cool. The series is unfortunately losing steam a bit for me. It’s just all a bit too much of the same.
February 27, 2015
I don't exactly go into one of these books expecting emotional depth or deep introspection from the characters. I know I'm in for pages of technical weapons talk, totally OTT action scenes and some extremely extrapolated science. I got all this in spades in this instalment of the Alex Hunter series. What I didn't get was enjoyment.
I don't know. There was just something missing from this story. Possibly it was credible intelligence from supposedly smart people. I mean, how many times does the average person need to be told about victims turned to stone by looking at the Big Bad before they begin to think 'gorgon' or 'Medusa', let alone generals, elite soldiers and scientists who've dealt with four other types of 'supernatural' beasties? In this case, 50% of the book, and it took the intervention of a complete outsider to make the very obvious connections.
Along with this, the other thing that bugged me was Alex's redemption. He seemed to get over his anger issues very easily and there seemed to be no guilt for his past crimes. Like I said, I don't expect a lot of emotional depth, but some would be appreciated. Even acknowledgement of it would be something.
I've been a faithful reader of Beck since Beneath the Dark Ice and have Book of the Dead waiting, but I'm not sure I'll carry on with Alex Hunter after this one.
I don't know. There was just something missing from this story. Possibly it was credible intelligence from supposedly smart people. I mean, how many times does the average person need to be told about victims turned to stone by looking at the Big Bad before they begin to think 'gorgon' or 'Medusa', let alone generals, elite soldiers and scientists who've dealt with four other types of 'supernatural' beasties? In this case, 50% of the book, and it took the intervention of a complete outsider to make the very obvious connections.
Along with this, the other thing that bugged me was Alex's redemption. He seemed to get over his anger issues very easily and there seemed to be no guilt for his past crimes. Like I said, I don't expect a lot of emotional depth, but some would be appreciated. Even acknowledgement of it would be something.
I've been a faithful reader of Beck since Beneath the Dark Ice and have Book of the Dead waiting, but I'm not sure I'll carry on with Alex Hunter after this one.
September 27, 2024
The fifth installment in the Alex Hunter series, delivers as usual a thrilling mix of adventure, mythology, and action. The story follows Alex Hunter, as he delves into the mysterious and dangerous world of ancient creatures.
One of the standout elements of the book and right through the series is Greig's ability to weave together historical mythology and modern-day scenarios. The plot revolves around the legendary Gorgon from Greek mythology, and Beck does a great job of blending myth with intense action sequences. The pacing is brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Hunter confronts various threats.
Character development is also a strong point. Alex is a compelling protagonist, showcasing both strengths and vulnerabilities. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each with their own motivations and arcs that enrich the narrative.
Beck’s writing style is accessible and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings and creatures to life. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuity and evolution of the characters, while newcomers can easily jump into the action without feeling lost.
This is another satisfying read for fans like me of adventure and mythology, with plenty of twists and adrenaline-fueled moments. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that blend history and legend, this book is worth picking up.
One of the standout elements of the book and right through the series is Greig's ability to weave together historical mythology and modern-day scenarios. The plot revolves around the legendary Gorgon from Greek mythology, and Beck does a great job of blending myth with intense action sequences. The pacing is brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Hunter confronts various threats.
Character development is also a strong point. Alex is a compelling protagonist, showcasing both strengths and vulnerabilities. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each with their own motivations and arcs that enrich the narrative.
Beck’s writing style is accessible and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings and creatures to life. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuity and evolution of the characters, while newcomers can easily jump into the action without feeling lost.
This is another satisfying read for fans like me of adventure and mythology, with plenty of twists and adrenaline-fueled moments. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that blend history and legend, this book is worth picking up.
May 27, 2014
Best Aracadian novel yet.
Beck is certainly a favourite writer of mine, but with this book he has completely cemented his place as one of the great authors of military thrillers with a tinge (a strong tinge) of horror of our time.
The damaged soul that is Alex Hunter is seeming both more and less human at the same time, and the story of his internal struggle is nicely reflected in the external struggle he faces.
The science is, as usual, believable and impeccable (at least to this layman), and the fantastic creature of the title is explained in the only way it could ever be.
If you've missed out on reading Beck, start at the beginning of the series, and don't stop until you catch up.
I couldn't put this one down.
Absolutely deserving of a five out of five rating for this one.
Beck is certainly a favourite writer of mine, but with this book he has completely cemented his place as one of the great authors of military thrillers with a tinge (a strong tinge) of horror of our time.
The damaged soul that is Alex Hunter is seeming both more and less human at the same time, and the story of his internal struggle is nicely reflected in the external struggle he faces.
The science is, as usual, believable and impeccable (at least to this layman), and the fantastic creature of the title is explained in the only way it could ever be.
If you've missed out on reading Beck, start at the beginning of the series, and don't stop until you catch up.
I couldn't put this one down.
Absolutely deserving of a five out of five rating for this one.
March 28, 2016
I enjoyed the first couple books in this series but the cheesiness is catching up with me. It's a decent action adventure story with a supernatural element but seems to be geared for a YA audience.
April 26, 2016
4 Stars
I love Alex Hunter, the Arcadian. Gorgon is the fifth book in the series by Greig Beck. In this one the story centers on the Greek legendary creature, the Gorgon. This is not about Medusa as she is dead, but it sure could be. Beck writes each new story in such a manner that even though it is led by an amazing man, a super hero named Alex, the story itself takes the center stage / character / plot.
Beck writes non stop action novels that are smart, well written, and impossible to be put down. I compare his works to that such as those done by the late Michael Crichton. They are similar in style and structure and I am sure that Chricton would have loved the Arcadian as well.
Like the previous novels Beck does a fabulous job at making an old legend seem relevant and dare I say plausible. It is just so much fun. He has taken the Arcadian to the top and then knocked him all the way to the bottom. There are some great scenes and story line progression as Alex tries to deal with his uncontrollable anger, as he tried to subdue "The Other"
This is a guilty pleasure series of mine that can do little wrong with me. As a result, I am biased. I loved this book, the action, the creature, and our big ass hero and his equally impressive friends. Matthew Stearn returns again as the brainy professor.
Loved it!
I love Alex Hunter, the Arcadian. Gorgon is the fifth book in the series by Greig Beck. In this one the story centers on the Greek legendary creature, the Gorgon. This is not about Medusa as she is dead, but it sure could be. Beck writes each new story in such a manner that even though it is led by an amazing man, a super hero named Alex, the story itself takes the center stage / character / plot.
Beck writes non stop action novels that are smart, well written, and impossible to be put down. I compare his works to that such as those done by the late Michael Crichton. They are similar in style and structure and I am sure that Chricton would have loved the Arcadian as well.
Like the previous novels Beck does a fabulous job at making an old legend seem relevant and dare I say plausible. It is just so much fun. He has taken the Arcadian to the top and then knocked him all the way to the bottom. There are some great scenes and story line progression as Alex tries to deal with his uncontrollable anger, as he tried to subdue "The Other"
This is a guilty pleasure series of mine that can do little wrong with me. As a result, I am biased. I loved this book, the action, the creature, and our big ass hero and his equally impressive friends. Matthew Stearn returns again as the brainy professor.
Loved it!
July 15, 2014
I have just been gobbling up everything I can get my hands on by Greig Beck, namely anything in the 'Arcadian' series. The fast pace, impossible action scenes and bizarre science combined with a military edge have thrilled me to no end and while the last book before this one was a little...um, domestic, the Arcadian aka Alex Hunter is back in form in this book. The adversary in this book (there is always one from a natural disaster, to mythical beast, to killer alien life forms) is based off of the Medusua legend and boy does Beck have a theory for it! Unstoppable, the Magera (thats the name for it) kills everything in its path by either turning humans to stone or just plain ripping them in half. Add in a crazy although somewhat stereotypical Russian special ops killer and Bam you know that the Arcadian has his work cut out for him.
This one has got to be my favorite in the series by far. Here's to hopping the next book contains as much Special Ops goodness!
This one has got to be my favorite in the series by far. Here's to hopping the next book contains as much Special Ops goodness!
May 13, 2015
This was book 5 in the Arcadian/Alex Hunter series, and after reading Black Mountain (№4 in the series)I personally don't feel that this book measured up. The characters are ones that we have grown familiar with throughout the series, and once again sees Hunter up against Uli Borshov, the huge Russian, at various stages in the story. The pacing of the plot seemed a bit off, as the start seemed to plod along and missed the normal drive and tempo.
Once again something from the realms of mythology, Greek this time, is causing havoc. The Turkish military, and their special forces can't deal with it, and when an Allied base is threatened it is time to send in Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs. Despite just trying to enjoy the storyline, there were certain areas where it all became a bit too fantastical, even for me.
Once again something from the realms of mythology, Greek this time, is causing havoc. The Turkish military, and their special forces can't deal with it, and when an Allied base is threatened it is time to send in Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs. Despite just trying to enjoy the storyline, there were certain areas where it all became a bit too fantastical, even for me.
April 24, 2016
1.5 extra star for being very very addicting. I couldn't unglue myself from the pages and finished the whole thing in one evening. Slept only 2 hours that night x.x
Please note that this book is ridiculous and too dumb to live. It's literally atrocious and the whole ending is a big pile of bullsh*t.
It started good enough - Gorgon released from ancient prison, turning people to stone. So many mysteries! How does it do that - not magic, because it can be transmitted *gasp* electronically. Why is it so resistant physically? What's up with ? Why did it stay put for centuries in a bronze urn even though it can tear through stone.
NOTHING is explained.
Instead, we get
The ending is non-resolution again.
0.5 star for finally .
I liked that Alex couldn't take this thing head on. Even though he still could communicate with it telepathically... geez...
Summing up: so much BS! But it was like an action movie with insane pacing and explosions and I couldn't tear myself away. Just don't try to think while reading it.
Please note that this book is ridiculous and too dumb to live. It's literally atrocious and the whole ending is a big pile of bullsh*t.
It started good enough - Gorgon released from ancient prison, turning people to stone. So many mysteries! How does it do that - not magic, because it can be transmitted *gasp* electronically. Why is it so resistant physically? What's up with ? Why did it stay put for centuries in a bronze urn even though it can tear through stone.
NOTHING is explained.
Instead, we get
The ending is non-resolution again.
0.5 star for finally .
I liked that Alex couldn't take this thing head on. Even though he still could communicate with it telepathically... geez...
Summing up: so much BS! But it was like an action movie with insane pacing and explosions and I couldn't tear myself away. Just don't try to think while reading it.
January 15, 2022
I will preface this review by saying the Alex Hunter series is fast becoming one of my favourite book series which is high praise. For the character development and getting to continue following Alex’s journey and that of his colleagues and friends I will be giving this book a 3 star review. None of that was lost in this continuation of his story. Unfortunately the overall mission that this was wrapped around was unbelievable at best and groan worthy at worst.
You might be surprised to learn that the reason for the unbelievability of this story did not lie in the fact that we are talking about the Gorgon myth. In fact I could deal with that part. Greig Beck is a genius in writing about mythological beings and far fetched ideas and aligning them with science and fact to make the reader think “ok, maybe!” Which is part of what makes his books so enjoyable. The believability of this does, however, depend on the surrounding scenarios around the unbelievable that we are being asked to believe being in themselves true to reality. Unfortunately this addition to the Alex Hunter series fails to do that. Where over 50% of the book is spent watching people turned to stone in a way totally unexplainable and that it seems to happen when people look upon the creature that has been unleashed from a 5000 year old prison by an architect/treasure hunter…even without the book title I doubt many people would be able to avoid mentioning Medusa or the Gorgons…even in joke? So the fact that this isn’t even raised as a possibility for such a long time meant that my brain disengaged, despite the heavy action of the book, and meant by the time things got back to the usual brilliance I expect from Greig Beck I was honestly a bit too far gone down the boredom route.
I feel so sad to write that and as I said in my first sentence of this review I still love the Alex Hunter series and will for sure be continuing despite the slight disappointment of this novel.
You might be surprised to learn that the reason for the unbelievability of this story did not lie in the fact that we are talking about the Gorgon myth. In fact I could deal with that part. Greig Beck is a genius in writing about mythological beings and far fetched ideas and aligning them with science and fact to make the reader think “ok, maybe!” Which is part of what makes his books so enjoyable. The believability of this does, however, depend on the surrounding scenarios around the unbelievable that we are being asked to believe being in themselves true to reality. Unfortunately this addition to the Alex Hunter series fails to do that. Where over 50% of the book is spent watching people turned to stone in a way totally unexplainable and that it seems to happen when people look upon the creature that has been unleashed from a 5000 year old prison by an architect/treasure hunter…even without the book title I doubt many people would be able to avoid mentioning Medusa or the Gorgons…even in joke? So the fact that this isn’t even raised as a possibility for such a long time meant that my brain disengaged, despite the heavy action of the book, and meant by the time things got back to the usual brilliance I expect from Greig Beck I was honestly a bit too far gone down the boredom route.
I feel so sad to write that and as I said in my first sentence of this review I still love the Alex Hunter series and will for sure be continuing despite the slight disappointment of this novel.
October 28, 2019
Gorgon is fifth in the human danger detector Alex Hunter series. The author took a fantastic premise of Greek mythical legends being aliens, and made a mind-numbing action thriller out of it. It could have been so much more. Granted, the setting is military, so weapons have to be involved. Oh, but it was so boring and repetitive. I skipped through pages of droning and drooling of the soldiers over their new weapon toys. And speaking of repetitive , I'll be happy if I never see the word 'Stygian' again.
I loved the last pages of the book- the author's notes much more than the actual story. It was fascinating and informative. Medusa is popular (Go, Percy Jackson, but I didn't know she had three sisters. Titus the commander! Is that where Titus Andromedon got his name? Alas, that would have been cool. I think it's from the Shakespeare play Titus Andronicus
I guess we'll see Aimee again in the next book, and her partner will either die/turn out to be bad guy. BTW, Go Sam! He's the best character in the whole series.
November 12, 2023
I have been on a thrilling roller coaster ride with the Arcadian series. The previous two books, This Green Hell and Black Mountain, were an absolute delight, but I must admit that Gorgon left me slightly uninspired. It's probably my least favourite book in the series thus far. I missed the gritty and atmospheric sensations the previous books had, which took away some of the enjoyment.
I can't quite pinpoint the exact reason, but it might have been the characters' slow realization of the situation they were in that left me a bit frustrated. Additionally, the story seemed to drag on for a few pages too many, never quite picking up the pace. The constant introduction of side characters only to see them meet their demise shortly after also started to feel a bit repetitive.
However, it's not all negative! Some main characters, like Sam and Franks, are developing wonderfully, making them more relatable than Alex Hunter. While the Arcadian series is great for entertaining popcorn reading, I think I'll take a break and explore other books for a while. Despite the setbacks in this book, I'm still looking forward to completing the series. Book 9, The Dark Side, promises to be an adventure like no other.
I can't quite pinpoint the exact reason, but it might have been the characters' slow realization of the situation they were in that left me a bit frustrated. Additionally, the story seemed to drag on for a few pages too many, never quite picking up the pace. The constant introduction of side characters only to see them meet their demise shortly after also started to feel a bit repetitive.
However, it's not all negative! Some main characters, like Sam and Franks, are developing wonderfully, making them more relatable than Alex Hunter. While the Arcadian series is great for entertaining popcorn reading, I think I'll take a break and explore other books for a while. Despite the setbacks in this book, I'm still looking forward to completing the series. Book 9, The Dark Side, promises to be an adventure like no other.
August 4, 2015
I loved--and I mean LOVED--every other book by Greig Beck. But this one was just short of awful. To start with, it was very slow, with too much action of the explosive variety and not enough plot action. It also would have been better if we didn't know right away who/what the creature was based on the title. I think if this had a different title and I was trying to figure out what was happening with the characters, it would have gotten a third star. And seriously, gorgons? It's not exactly a very exciting topic. Definitely not the most exciting myth to come out of ancient Greece. Pretty much the whole book seemed like the author saying look at all the cool weapons and gear I've researched. I could do with more cool history, science, archaeology, etc and less gun, armor, and mechanical limbs. Interesting technology can be fun, but it can only get you so far. All of this said, the climax was fun, though I detested the "history" of the gorgons. If you've read it, you know what I mean. That sealed the deal for me and just sent my ridiculous meter off the charts.
August 20, 2018
A killer adventure with mixes of history, mysticism, and mythology. The series continues to impress.
March 8, 2021
Awesome
Great to find the next installment and a few fav characters. Really enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for the next one.
Great to find the next installment and a few fav characters. Really enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for the next one.
January 27, 2025
The best one so far. This time our characters face off against the Medusa/gorgon legend and we get to see a more vulnerable and emotional side of Alex Hunter. Highly recommend this series for fans of this genre.
April 24, 2025
Recomendable : Si
Interesante desarrollo de la historia.
Continuare con la lectura de la saga #6.
Interesante desarrollo de la historia.
Continuare con la lectura de la saga #6.
February 14, 2017
Enjoyable again. Good story and no crappy characters and as a bonus, fit perfectly into a challenge I did, so yay for that. :)
May 18, 2014
Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to review a novel from one of my favorite authors. This Alex Hunter series is of the science fiction thriller genre. In my opinion there are not enough authors writing within this genre, so I anxiously await each Greig Beck novel.
If you haven't read the other books in this series, you will want to go back and read them after finishing Gorgon. But it is not necessary to read them first to truly enjoy this wild ride of a story. Once again Greig Beck seamlessly weaves fact and fiction to create a fast paced edge of your seat thriller. The characters are well developed and likable. The locations that the story is set in are vivid in description, and makes the reader want to know more about the locales.
Pick this book up when it comes out. You can finish it in 1-2 sittings, because you will not want to put it down until the end.
If you haven't read the other books in this series, you will want to go back and read them after finishing Gorgon. But it is not necessary to read them first to truly enjoy this wild ride of a story. Once again Greig Beck seamlessly weaves fact and fiction to create a fast paced edge of your seat thriller. The characters are well developed and likable. The locations that the story is set in are vivid in description, and makes the reader want to know more about the locales.
Pick this book up when it comes out. You can finish it in 1-2 sittings, because you will not want to put it down until the end.
August 10, 2016
I downloaded this author's first Alex Hunter book about 4 years ago when it was offered for free and finally got around to reading it recently. As soon as I was done, I was hooked and immediately went and bought all the other books in the series and read them all in 2 weeks. I loved everyone one of them, and this one was no exception!
This one had it all...kick-ass military soldiers, cool weapons, nasty bad guys and a Gorgon! We see an ancient myth come to life and the good guys trying to take it down.
A great action-packed thrill ride with some history and myth/legend thrown in for good measure!
Recommended :)
This one had it all...kick-ass military soldiers, cool weapons, nasty bad guys and a Gorgon! We see an ancient myth come to life and the good guys trying to take it down.
A great action-packed thrill ride with some history and myth/legend thrown in for good measure!
Recommended :)
December 27, 2014
I'm so sad that I've finished this book and have to wait for him to write another. Exciting and scary. The brutality, lethality and unreality makes for pure horrification awesomality.
April 10, 2019
I've always been a mythology lover, so when I read the blurb for Gorgon, I knew I'd love it. The story tells of something that escapes a hidden chamber deep within the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Headed towards Crete, a strange fog creeps across the land, leaving the most detailed of stone statues in its wake. Nothing can stop it.
Back on US soil, Hunter's been found and requested to drop his vigilant hiatus and return to the HAWCs. When he takes on a mission, given by The Hammer and his good friend Sam, he finds himself back with people who'd joined him on another journey, as they dive in to what's killing people on the other side of the world.
The adventure of Alex Hunter is powerful. Alex gains new information on who he is, as well as the life he'd left behind. He's hurt but he manages to focus enough to get the job done, when he needs to. Gorgon brings characters back, both good and evil, dropping them in the midst of something that wants nothing but to kill and continue. Can Alex and his HAWCs stop it?
Check out Gorgon and other books by Greig Beck. I love this guy's writing because all his books are linked in some sort of way. You're immersed in a world of action, fighting, monsters, drama and even a tad bit of romance. All in that order! LOL Cheers!
*Full review: https://www.areneehunt.com/the-review...
Gorgon
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Audible Audio, published by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2014
Back on US soil, Hunter's been found and requested to drop his vigilant hiatus and return to the HAWCs. When he takes on a mission, given by The Hammer and his good friend Sam, he finds himself back with people who'd joined him on another journey, as they dive in to what's killing people on the other side of the world.
The adventure of Alex Hunter is powerful. Alex gains new information on who he is, as well as the life he'd left behind. He's hurt but he manages to focus enough to get the job done, when he needs to. Gorgon brings characters back, both good and evil, dropping them in the midst of something that wants nothing but to kill and continue. Can Alex and his HAWCs stop it?
Check out Gorgon and other books by Greig Beck. I love this guy's writing because all his books are linked in some sort of way. You're immersed in a world of action, fighting, monsters, drama and even a tad bit of romance. All in that order! LOL Cheers!
*Full review: https://www.areneehunt.com/the-review...
Gorgon
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Audible Audio, published by Bolinda Audio
Released July 2014
August 14, 2022
You have to be able to suspend belief a bit if you are reading a book of this type. That being said, I think Greig Beck handled the whole Gorgon, and the turn men to stone very well. The cretures trip through the desert and the subsequent tracking by the military was one of the most interesting parts of this novel. The section where Alex Hunter deals with his anger issues/other was a bit slow.
If you're going to read a book like this, there's no better than Beck. Matt Kearns was the star of the story, the historical perspective makes it all work. If it's only Alex Hunter it falls short. Too farfetched for you? Then perhaps don't pick a book with the title "Gorgon". I couldn't stand a steady diet of these scifi-mythical thrillers, but for the handful I read annually, this is as good as they get.
If you're going to read a book like this, there's no better than Beck. Matt Kearns was the star of the story, the historical perspective makes it all work. If it's only Alex Hunter it falls short. Too farfetched for you? Then perhaps don't pick a book with the title "Gorgon". I couldn't stand a steady diet of these scifi-mythical thrillers, but for the handful I read annually, this is as good as they get.
September 27, 2017
A deadly Minoan fable is accidently released in Istanbul. As it scythes it way through Turkey on its way home, all who see it die. To stop it, it you have to know what it is, but it leaves no survivors to tell. They have to be able to see it to stop it, but to see it….
Alex is back in action, but can he keep from losing himself to the ‘Other’. With him are Matt, Sam, Casey and a SAS team.
Footnote: 1) I love it when the stories geography descriptions actually fit the real world map. So many authors don’t.
Fave scenes: the discus statue, the couple ‘statue, draining the pool and Uli meeting the Gorgon.
Alex is back in action, but can he keep from losing himself to the ‘Other’. With him are Matt, Sam, Casey and a SAS team.
Footnote: 1) I love it when the stories geography descriptions actually fit the real world map. So many authors don’t.
Fave scenes: the discus statue, the couple ‘statue, draining the pool and Uli meeting the Gorgon.
March 15, 2021
Good read
As with his other Arcadian books, this story is fast-moving and full of action - with a somewhat deeper development of the internal battle with which the Arcadian is dealing. The basic premise is a fun extrapolation of classic mythology, given a modern twist/explanation, with some nasty human opponents thrown in for additional enjoyment. Although the ending is a bit quick, it all ties together fairly seamlessly and is in accord with the overall story. The book provides some glimpses into the Arcadian’s history and serves up an believable progress to some of the Arcadian’s internal struggles. Good read and an enjoyable addition to the overall story-line.
As with his other Arcadian books, this story is fast-moving and full of action - with a somewhat deeper development of the internal battle with which the Arcadian is dealing. The basic premise is a fun extrapolation of classic mythology, given a modern twist/explanation, with some nasty human opponents thrown in for additional enjoyment. Although the ending is a bit quick, it all ties together fairly seamlessly and is in accord with the overall story. The book provides some glimpses into the Arcadian’s history and serves up an believable progress to some of the Arcadian’s internal struggles. Good read and an enjoyable addition to the overall story-line.
February 8, 2020
The Alex Hunter series has got to be one of my Favourites. I strongly recommend reading the books in order and not as standalones as the character progression is fantastic. I love how past relationships are brought forwards for both good and bad and the hunter hunted scenarios are utilised to incredible effect. Greig Beck never fails to create an explosive story and this next part to Alex Hunters life is no different. I cant wait for the next!
Battling with his inner demons, literal hellish creatures and an old enemy...every page is a page turner.
Battling with his inner demons, literal hellish creatures and an old enemy...every page is a page turner.
June 30, 2021
Loved it!
As usual my favorite author has done it again. This was another great addition to the Alex series. I love how I always think I know where the story is going but am pleasantly surprised by the creative twist at the end. Everyone has read stories over and over about Greek mythology including Medusa. It can get old. But this was not just a Greek myth come to life. There was more to it and it was exciting and so well executed. I am consuming Greig Beck books like a starving animal. Can't wait to move on to the next one.
As usual my favorite author has done it again. This was another great addition to the Alex series. I love how I always think I know where the story is going but am pleasantly surprised by the creative twist at the end. Everyone has read stories over and over about Greek mythology including Medusa. It can get old. But this was not just a Greek myth come to life. There was more to it and it was exciting and so well executed. I am consuming Greig Beck books like a starving animal. Can't wait to move on to the next one.
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