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Bear
In this thrilling novel by Van Allen, a young couple hopes to rekindle their flailing relationship in a remote mountain cabin. Their get-away from the city quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival when they run into a vicious killing machine, a natural predator.
Old Man Jones, a local hunting pro had this to “I spect grizzlies would kill more people if it were true that grizzly bears wanted to eat people. That’s what city folk thank. There ain’t no truth to that. Grizzlies don’t want to eat people. If they did there’s plenty people to eat and people is easier to kill than most other creatures in these here woods. If anything, grizzly bears kill people to get rid of they nuisance, meddlin, holdin hands skippin through the woods with headphones on listenin to Bob Marley or some stupid s--- like they own the world. Git one thang straight. See out here in these here woods, you is the nuisance, an unnatural nuisance. You the pathetic contradiction to nature. Thank cause you got a gun, that evens the score? Well it don’t even nothing, not a d--- thang. And if you slip and forget for one minute who’s got the real advantage, you’ll be dead. You’ll be dead.”
Old Man Jones, a local hunting pro had this to “I spect grizzlies would kill more people if it were true that grizzly bears wanted to eat people. That’s what city folk thank. There ain’t no truth to that. Grizzlies don’t want to eat people. If they did there’s plenty people to eat and people is easier to kill than most other creatures in these here woods. If anything, grizzly bears kill people to get rid of they nuisance, meddlin, holdin hands skippin through the woods with headphones on listenin to Bob Marley or some stupid s--- like they own the world. Git one thang straight. See out here in these here woods, you is the nuisance, an unnatural nuisance. You the pathetic contradiction to nature. Thank cause you got a gun, that evens the score? Well it don’t even nothing, not a d--- thang. And if you slip and forget for one minute who’s got the real advantage, you’ll be dead. You’ll be dead.”
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Published February 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 13, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
'Bear' by Van Allen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on June 8, 2017
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW
$3.50 on Kindle | $12.65 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A couple who are looking to rekindle the romance in their failing marriage head out to a secluded cabin in the mountains where an especially monstrous bear has already killed several hunters. This bear is said to be a God spirit by the local native population, and that's what gives it its remarkable savagery. The couple came to fight for their marriage but end up fighting for their lives in this thrilling novel by Van Allen.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had so much fun reading this book. I blasted through it and did not want it to end. It's definitely one of those stories you have to suspend your disbelief with, so if you're one of those folks that constantly picks things apart (a party pooper, as far as I'm concerned), this might not be the book for you, but if you can sit back and enjoy a thrilling ride, you'll love it, too.
Phil is one of those characters you love to hate. He's almost unbearably obnoxious in his stupidity and selfishness. There were so many times that I just wanted the bear to rip him to shreds. He's also the sort of character I'll never understand why women like Suzie, smart and capable women, love. It's a trope I am not a fan of and am up to my neck sick of, frankly. There wasn't much redeemable about Phil. Even when you think he's pulling himself together and realizing his mistakes, he shows he's still a turd through and through, and that's real life. There are plenty of people like that in life. Some people never learn and are just insufferable.
I have always been a fan of monster stories, so this was right up my alley. There was even one point in which I audibly exclaimed, "Oh, sh*t!"
There are a few grammatical and typographical errors in this book, so it could use a bit more editing, but I try not to let that factor into my reviews too much, especially when it comes to independently published works. I know how hard it is to get all of those worked out when you're doing this on your own. Those things can easily be fixed with another editing session.
So, if you're a fan of monster-themed horror and want a fast-paced, wild ride, you should pick up this book!
'Bear' by Van Allen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on June 8, 2017
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW
$3.50 on Kindle | $12.65 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A couple who are looking to rekindle the romance in their failing marriage head out to a secluded cabin in the mountains where an especially monstrous bear has already killed several hunters. This bear is said to be a God spirit by the local native population, and that's what gives it its remarkable savagery. The couple came to fight for their marriage but end up fighting for their lives in this thrilling novel by Van Allen.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had so much fun reading this book. I blasted through it and did not want it to end. It's definitely one of those stories you have to suspend your disbelief with, so if you're one of those folks that constantly picks things apart (a party pooper, as far as I'm concerned), this might not be the book for you, but if you can sit back and enjoy a thrilling ride, you'll love it, too.
Phil is one of those characters you love to hate. He's almost unbearably obnoxious in his stupidity and selfishness. There were so many times that I just wanted the bear to rip him to shreds. He's also the sort of character I'll never understand why women like Suzie, smart and capable women, love. It's a trope I am not a fan of and am up to my neck sick of, frankly. There wasn't much redeemable about Phil. Even when you think he's pulling himself together and realizing his mistakes, he shows he's still a turd through and through, and that's real life. There are plenty of people like that in life. Some people never learn and are just insufferable.
I have always been a fan of monster stories, so this was right up my alley. There was even one point in which I audibly exclaimed, "Oh, sh*t!"
There are a few grammatical and typographical errors in this book, so it could use a bit more editing, but I try not to let that factor into my reviews too much, especially when it comes to independently published works. I know how hard it is to get all of those worked out when you're doing this on your own. Those things can easily be fixed with another editing session.
So, if you're a fan of monster-themed horror and want a fast-paced, wild ride, you should pick up this book!
April 20, 2022
Fun to Read Creature Story
This was a fun creature story. It’s the kind that when you read, you just know that someone is going to do something stupid and they either get killed or eaten, or Both! This does not disappoint. It would have rated 5 stars but there are way to many editing problems on kindle to ignore. At the end of each chapter there was also something at the end of chapter that said ‘ Return to table of contents’ with plenty of story left.
This was a fun creature story. It’s the kind that when you read, you just know that someone is going to do something stupid and they either get killed or eaten, or Both! This does not disappoint. It would have rated 5 stars but there are way to many editing problems on kindle to ignore. At the end of each chapter there was also something at the end of chapter that said ‘ Return to table of contents’ with plenty of story left.
May 17, 2017
Not Your Average Bear Story!
Not by a long shot! Taking place in the sparsely-settled, untamed Northwest, a huge North American bear referred to by the mountain people as “Rotukenokowa”—King of Beasts or God of Beasts—lives up to its rapacious reputation. As attested by the scattered remnants of flesh discarded on snowy terrain, this bear is a serial killing machine on the rampage, preying upon humans and animals within its sensory purview, mutilating its prey beyond recognition.
This novel held me in its grip from the onset until the bitter end, and not because I felt any affinity whatsoever for the story’s four main characters—two of whom are in our sights for the long haul whether inside a “metro-rustic” cabin, or outdoors in the brutally unforgiving elements, either pursuing this menacing, marauding bear or fleeing from its pursuit. We can shrug off cabin owners, Tom and Lillian, since they’ll be attending a family member’s funeral. I didn’t miss Tom, a sarcastic and arrogant S-O-B who’s an indiscriminate hunter with trophy wall mounts and rugs to show for it. I felt neutral towards Lillian who plays devil’s advocate to her husband, striving to reign in his ego. Now the reader is stuck with their friends, Susie and Phil, accompanied by their newborn, vacationing at the cabin by themselves for a couple of days, with time on their hands to salvage their troubled marriage.
Too close for comfort, if you ask me! I’d characterize Susie’s behavior toward her husband as reprehensible for the relentless browbeating and fault finding. Phil is just as pathetic for his bouts of drinking—does a number on Tom’s Wild Turkey stash—gambling, and cheating on his wife. The fact that he can’t handle any type of firearm or take proper aim, and ends up killing a defenseless bear cub, justifies the big bad Mama bear going on the warpath! What ensues from page to page drips with realism the entire time the reader is out there in the cold.
The fact that the reader could still empathize with Phil and Susie’s plight despite their own disdain for each other and my disdain for them, is a testament to the author’s skill at writing a psychological thriller far from your average bear story!
Not by a long shot! Taking place in the sparsely-settled, untamed Northwest, a huge North American bear referred to by the mountain people as “Rotukenokowa”—King of Beasts or God of Beasts—lives up to its rapacious reputation. As attested by the scattered remnants of flesh discarded on snowy terrain, this bear is a serial killing machine on the rampage, preying upon humans and animals within its sensory purview, mutilating its prey beyond recognition.
This novel held me in its grip from the onset until the bitter end, and not because I felt any affinity whatsoever for the story’s four main characters—two of whom are in our sights for the long haul whether inside a “metro-rustic” cabin, or outdoors in the brutally unforgiving elements, either pursuing this menacing, marauding bear or fleeing from its pursuit. We can shrug off cabin owners, Tom and Lillian, since they’ll be attending a family member’s funeral. I didn’t miss Tom, a sarcastic and arrogant S-O-B who’s an indiscriminate hunter with trophy wall mounts and rugs to show for it. I felt neutral towards Lillian who plays devil’s advocate to her husband, striving to reign in his ego. Now the reader is stuck with their friends, Susie and Phil, accompanied by their newborn, vacationing at the cabin by themselves for a couple of days, with time on their hands to salvage their troubled marriage.
Too close for comfort, if you ask me! I’d characterize Susie’s behavior toward her husband as reprehensible for the relentless browbeating and fault finding. Phil is just as pathetic for his bouts of drinking—does a number on Tom’s Wild Turkey stash—gambling, and cheating on his wife. The fact that he can’t handle any type of firearm or take proper aim, and ends up killing a defenseless bear cub, justifies the big bad Mama bear going on the warpath! What ensues from page to page drips with realism the entire time the reader is out there in the cold.
The fact that the reader could still empathize with Phil and Susie’s plight despite their own disdain for each other and my disdain for them, is a testament to the author’s skill at writing a psychological thriller far from your average bear story!
October 21, 2017
A hairy bear story.
I wasn’t sure what to think of this story at first, but be patient. The characters are very well drawn and as the action develops it gets pretty intense. The Grizzly is a magnificent apex predator fearing nothing. The story has a logical ending with a tiny twist. It would make a great creature movie. I found it very satisfying. A proofreader would be a big help.
I wasn’t sure what to think of this story at first, but be patient. The characters are very well drawn and as the action develops it gets pretty intense. The Grizzly is a magnificent apex predator fearing nothing. The story has a logical ending with a tiny twist. It would make a great creature movie. I found it very satisfying. A proofreader would be a big help.
October 22, 2018
Exceptional
I never know what to say so I have never left a comment.
However, I was glued to this book when the real fight started. Good writing and kept me in touch. Finished in 2 sittings.
I never know what to say so I have never left a comment.
However, I was glued to this book when the real fight started. Good writing and kept me in touch. Finished in 2 sittings.
April 4, 2018
Psychological thriller - definitely. There were times I had to stop reading and walk away for a bit and that's actually a good thing, story-wise. I did find a smattering of wrong words, mostly homophones, or just plain typos. Nothing that couldn't be easily fixed with a good editor. That and the strange formatting is what brought this down a whole star. Text font goes from Times New Roman to Courier to TNR, to TNR Bold, switching willy-nilly throughout the book, making it harder to read. There's the basis for an excellent story here, it just needs the polish that a good editor can give it.
Coming back to edit. After taking the "Look Inside" on Amazon, it appears that the formatting may have been corrected. Since I can only review the copy that I have, my rating and review stand as is. I just want to note that I did see that change.
Coming back to edit. After taking the "Look Inside" on Amazon, it appears that the formatting may have been corrected. Since I can only review the copy that I have, my rating and review stand as is. I just want to note that I did see that change.
October 21, 2018
This terrifying story left me shivering. The characters are extremely well developed, and Suzie is quite likeable. Phil, well not so much likeable, but that adds yet another element of stark realism. The author will put you right in their shoes with expert description and narrative, and you will be frightened. One of the main characters is of course the bear. This is not a cute, cuddly bear, no, not by any means. As the author puts it... "To see this bear is to know death." An excellent high paced, thrilling read that I highly recommend. I received a PB copy from the author as a gift.
September 29, 2025
Annoying and repetitive
I was expecting a book about a bear. I didn't get it. It was about 10% bear and 90% annoying people. It was endless inner musing of all the characters. Worse than that everything was repeated over and over. The best thing was the end. The best characters were the dog and the baby. They thankfully didn't talk. The 10% bear was being generous. I almost stopped reading this because it was hard to keep reading.
I was expecting a book about a bear. I didn't get it. It was about 10% bear and 90% annoying people. It was endless inner musing of all the characters. Worse than that everything was repeated over and over. The best thing was the end. The best characters were the dog and the baby. They thankfully didn't talk. The 10% bear was being generous. I almost stopped reading this because it was hard to keep reading.
May 24, 2023
So exciting!
This book kept me up all night to finish it..I was especially surprised to find I laughed out loud several times as well as stayed on the edge of my seat. My favorite horror movies are about wild animals that ACTUALLY exist and this book satisfied my craving for that above and beyond!!
This book kept me up all night to finish it..I was especially surprised to find I laughed out loud several times as well as stayed on the edge of my seat. My favorite horror movies are about wild animals that ACTUALLY exist and this book satisfied my craving for that above and beyond!!
October 10, 2025
If you took a drink every time Phil gets hit in the mouth with the shotgun you would die of alcohol poisoning before you ever finish this book. I don't even know how a gun on a sling could even end up hitting him in the mouth?
December 31, 2019
Too much
Too much redundant detail. If you read this it is decent story. Just keep skipping over every three or four paragraphs .
Too much redundant detail. If you read this it is decent story. Just keep skipping over every three or four paragraphs .
January 8, 2023
Extreme suspense
This story reads well and tracks great. Very realistic and descriptive. Thanks for the great read as I could not put it down.
This story reads well and tracks great. Very realistic and descriptive. Thanks for the great read as I could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews