Denisovans

World's Scariest Legends #6

by Jeremy Bates

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!”

Genres: Horror, Thriller

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Michael Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. it kept me hooked from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down. I was reading this book late into the night and sometimes all day the characters were amazing. the setting was amazing! it was so so good. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I've read all of Jeremy Bates previous books And I can say this is another one of my favourites of his! I loved the character development. the character development was amazing. the way the language was written in the book was good. there was no swearing. There was no cussing. it was great! there was so much mystery and intrigue at every page turn!

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[C.L.]

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.

[Amy Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Chanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

This book was really good . Very different from the books I have already read. It went from one problem to another bigger problem. I'm not trying to reveal anything so I'll just finish with the book was very unexpected . check it out......Kelly

[Selina Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

good character relationships

The story included good character relationships, which was nice and helped to move the story along. It was a quick and interesting read. It wasn’t as involved with plot twist and action as other Bates’ books, but was a good thorough story.

[James Siachos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece by Mr Bates

When I first started reading this book, I was concerned that I was not going to like it because it had a backstory of Vietnam war, however, it turned out to be an amazing book. A great addition to the World's scariest Legends series.

[Maria C Isdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[MIchele Coolen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Matt Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Loved the writing and storyline. It was very original and had me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend.

[Shannon]

DNF

[Linda Relyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lynn craycroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Diane Ebbole · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3 stars for the use of archaic hominins.

[Adam Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t want to say Bates is inconsistent exactly, but he is inconsistent, or feels like two very different authors from time time. This one is not afraid to spend a lot, and I mean a lot, of time on characterization, but the book is so much better for it. I wish the No End House had this because I thought the story was a bit more interesting, but damn man, this is some good monster fun with some genuine emotion tossed in and a couple scenes that made me view Bates a little differently and more respectfully, not that I didn’t respect the dude before. This is probably his most potentially offensive novel but he dances around anything truly horrible by showing a bit of restraint. I think this novel offers some valuable discussion about how suggestion and letting you imagine how bad it could have gotten gives you basically the same effect as actually having something disturbing fully play out. You listening, extreme horror! Of course you’re not. You are too busy cutting descriptions and characterization out of your NOVELLAS to notice.