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From USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Jeremy Bates comes a harrowing new survival horror set in the jungles of Vietnam—where the ghosts of war still linger, and something far older waits in the dark. Perfect for fans of Stephen King, Nick Cutter, and Richard Laymon.

“A pulse-pounding mix of science, myth, and horror. You’ll never look at human evolution the same way again.” - Kirkus Reviews

Denisovans drags you into the dark caves of prehistory—and makes you pray you’ll get out again.” - New York Journal of Books


From the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the overgrown jungles of the HoBo Woods, their mission leads them to a long-abandoned base camp. But when a storm bears down, Nika is dragged into a sprawling underground labyrinth by a band of mysterious, lethal creatures.

Haunted by the ghosts of his slaughtered squad, Ernest must summon every skill he learned in the war to save her. But as time runs out and the tunnels close in, he may have finally met an enemy he cannot defeat…

Praise for Jeremy

★ “Old-school horror story reminiscent of Stephen King!”
★ “A master storyteller—non-stop suspense from start to finish!”
★ “Perfect for fans of Richard Laymon, Joe Hill, and Dean Koontz!”
★ “The scariest book I’ve ever read!”
★ “If you love classic horror, you need to read Jeremy Bates!”

Discover why readers call Jeremy Bates “the king of spine-tingling suspense” and “a true master of horror!”

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

110 people are currently reading
1851 people want to read

About the author

Jeremy Bates

46 books1,838 followers
USA TODAY and #1 Amazon bestselling author Jeremy Bates has written over twenty novels and novellas, selling more than one million copies worldwide. His work has been translated into multiple languages and optioned for film and television by major studios. Midwest Book Review has likened his storytelling to that of Stephen King and Joe Lansdale, calling him a "master of the art." Bates is a KDP Select All-Star and the recipient of the Australian Shadows Award and the Canadian Arthur Ellis Award. He was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book honors chosen by readers.

His latest novel, *The No-End House*, is a standalone horror story set in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where a pair of volunteers must navigate nine mysterious rooms in a sinister house. Scheduled for release by Kensington Publishing in July 2025, it’s a chilling tale of survival and escape.

Visit Amazon to get DENISOVANS for a special release-date price now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...

Also, MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD is currently only $0.99 in a limited-time deal.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KW3N72

Finally, visit Jeremy’s website to receive a free copy of *Black Canyon*, winner of the Lou Allin Memorial Award.
https://www.jeremybatesbooks.com

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5 stars
80 (47%)
4 stars
52 (31%)
3 stars
30 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
2 reviews
November 26, 2025
interesting

I won this book via Goodreads giveaways and it was definitely interesting. I’m now curious about what the other books in this series are like. Thanks for the free book!
Profile Image for C.L..
Author 1 book17 followers
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October 16, 2025
Brilliant thriller

An old veteran's promise to be fulfilled, a granddaughter trying to rekindle a relationship, and a trip to Viet Nam that bonds them not due former enemies but an unusual, terrifying discovery. Paced well. Somewhat graphic. Ultimately, a thriller in a whole new way.
Profile Image for Amy Quinn.
12 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2025
Was excited to win this Kindle book from Goodreads. As always Jeremy Bates doesn't disappoint. The World's Scariest Legends series is one of my favorites. Ready for the next exciting thriller from Bates.
Profile Image for Chanda.
36 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2025
I was excited to read my giveaway win! It started off a bit slow for me but I was pleased how well it rounded out! It was very suffocating at times, maybe claustrophobic even. But overall, a good read!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
26 reviews
November 26, 2025
Bates has done it again!

Like all of his books, Bates has written an amazing story. The details about the Vietnam war, as well as the hominid bring the book to great heights. I can't wait for the next book.
11 reviews
September 13, 2025
absolutely a book to read

Great full characters. Only down part was some of the responses from the 27 year old character, at time more like a late teen.
Profile Image for Matt Egan.
621 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2025
Not bad, claustrophobic, in a good way. I just wish it didn't take half the book for things to get interesting. Its good once it gets going, but definitely does get there.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Thomas.
45 reviews
September 25, 2025
great book

Loved the writing and storyline. It was very original and had me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend.
10 reviews
November 17, 2025
Scary

Interesting idea of a tribe of early man creatures living underground... No more hints. Read the book and I bet you won't be,able to put it down.
73 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2025
A real surprise!

I don’t want to spoil the story with details but this was an unexpected thriller that I loved and found difficult to put down.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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