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Bick Downs #1
Prehistoric
A giant boardwalk has been resurrected high up in the Indonesian rainforest canopy, offering guests stunning, spectacular, and unparalleled views of the rainforest. However, the boardwalk is incomplete and in need of more funding. The creator, John Corstine, assembles a group of potential investors for a weekend tour of the boardwalk. Little do they know that high up in the rainforest canopy, they are being watched, but more importantly, they are not alone.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 30, 2015
Grade D Jurassic Park
I tried, I really, really tried to find something positive to say about this book...I finished it...that's the end of any applause on my part. The grammar errors, word misuse, and lack of editing were difficult to get past. Once you did overcome the distraction, poor character development, thin plot line, and repetitive narrative took over. Don't bother wasting money on this one.
I tried, I really, really tried to find something positive to say about this book...I finished it...that's the end of any applause on my part. The grammar errors, word misuse, and lack of editing were difficult to get past. Once you did overcome the distraction, poor character development, thin plot line, and repetitive narrative took over. Don't bother wasting money on this one.
October 4, 2022
Been there done that!
Any random creature feature from the Syfy channel would qualify for the equivalent of this story. We have had books on the equivalent of "Jurassic Park", enclosed area unheard of species, ancient malevolent, etc. but ....
What works here is Esola's treatment of the story.
There are practical impediments to the story arc, loop holes more than swiss cheese and feasible is not a word that can be used for the concept pandered here.
The story per se is fast paced and the Giant Boardwalk in the book blurb is the most interesting thing in the book that hooks you in. Imagine high up in the tree canopies of a rainforest and you are basically Carson of Venus from the ERB books and you caan get some of this gist. Fascinating but not enough.
First book for me from the author which I got as a free book on Kindle Unlimited, so did not make my decision to read this too lack lustre.
I will try another of Esola's books to sample his fare.
I can say that the length of this book vis a vis the story is maybe a one time read.
2 stars.
Any random creature feature from the Syfy channel would qualify for the equivalent of this story. We have had books on the equivalent of "Jurassic Park", enclosed area unheard of species, ancient malevolent, etc. but ....
What works here is Esola's treatment of the story.
There are practical impediments to the story arc, loop holes more than swiss cheese and feasible is not a word that can be used for the concept pandered here.
The story per se is fast paced and the Giant Boardwalk in the book blurb is the most interesting thing in the book that hooks you in. Imagine high up in the tree canopies of a rainforest and you are basically Carson of Venus from the ERB books and you caan get some of this gist. Fascinating but not enough.
First book for me from the author which I got as a free book on Kindle Unlimited, so did not make my decision to read this too lack lustre.
I will try another of Esola's books to sample his fare.
I can say that the length of this book vis a vis the story is maybe a one time read.
2 stars.
October 5, 2022
Not sure about this one, may start next book and see how I feel about it.
Read
April 9, 2016All right. I NEVER - and I do mean NEVER - leave a book unfinished once I have started reading it. This unfortunate piece of unedited meandering (I'm being nice here) has the dubious distinction of being the first. Chapter Three did me in. There is bad writing and there is potentially decent writing that needs a good editor. This gem is bad writing (actually laughable writing) with absolutely no editing whatsoever. And it's not even self-published. Ha! Do yourself a favour and don't climb the stairs to this boardwalk.
December 18, 2020
Prehistoric by Michael Esola has a solid plot that is not a cookie-cutter story, as so many are. The prehistoric animals are frightening, and like most monster storylines, the beasts leave a trail of shredded bodies. Except for the main character, Bick Downs, I didn't really connect with the other characters. However, it did not lack in action and it was a fast read. If you enjoy frightening prehistoric beasts, lots of teeth, and bloody body parts galore, this makes for a fun read. A four-star, in your face, chomp!
June 26, 2025
A lackluster, but at least entertaining book not worthy of a full review at this time. I don't give a lot of 3 star reviews, but that's all the book deserves
April 30, 2021
I'm not sure what's worse - the writing or the narration. Regardless, 1 star means I stopped after struggling through 28 tracks.
The author repeats cliche lines, contradicts his own writing, uses multiple adjectives that are wholly unnecessary, and bogs the story down with needless dialogue.
Try reading something from Michael Koryta.
The author repeats cliche lines, contradicts his own writing, uses multiple adjectives that are wholly unnecessary, and bogs the story down with needless dialogue.
Try reading something from Michael Koryta.
November 22, 2020
Great story possibilities but where was the editor?
Loved the premise of this story, but the writing was so juvenile. I had seen the target age of reader was early to late teen. This is not material for young teens, so I thought maybe it was written by an older kid. Nope. Just poorly written and obviously unedited by any adults. I should have known early on with the repetitive descriptions. Twice Bick's watch was referred to as his "Nike watch", like that was significant. Evidently the only significance was that Bick never used it again as he never had a clue as to the passage of time. The creatures number in the dozens yet no one knew, outside of the local and ignored natives, of their existence. Were only locals used in what had to be a massive undertaking in building the boardwalk, cafe, staircase, office, etc.? Word and pics would have gotten out. The description of the creatures was exactly the same in two places a hundred plus pages apart.
This whole book smacked of a bad "Jurassic Park" rip off. I won't bother with the next installment.
I do wonder where the name "Bick" came from. It is odd, unappealing and never explained.
Loved the premise of this story, but the writing was so juvenile. I had seen the target age of reader was early to late teen. This is not material for young teens, so I thought maybe it was written by an older kid. Nope. Just poorly written and obviously unedited by any adults. I should have known early on with the repetitive descriptions. Twice Bick's watch was referred to as his "Nike watch", like that was significant. Evidently the only significance was that Bick never used it again as he never had a clue as to the passage of time. The creatures number in the dozens yet no one knew, outside of the local and ignored natives, of their existence. Were only locals used in what had to be a massive undertaking in building the boardwalk, cafe, staircase, office, etc.? Word and pics would have gotten out. The description of the creatures was exactly the same in two places a hundred plus pages apart.
This whole book smacked of a bad "Jurassic Park" rip off. I won't bother with the next installment.
I do wonder where the name "Bick" came from. It is odd, unappealing and never explained.
May 28, 2020
I’ve been reading this book off and on for several weeks. At first I enjoyed it but then the facts didn’t add up. Who would build a 35 mile walkway in the jungle tree tops without toilets, water stations and overnight accommodations. To leave the investors and guides without any way of communicating also doesn’t work. Of course there are no weapons. What could hurt you in a jungle. Jurassic park here we come again.
November 6, 2017
mike
This is another story that has a imationation machio man that is a complete ass
several folks who have no commonsense & a guide that does know what is happening.they all have no idea what to do. I must be a sucker for punishment to
keep downloading the work
This is another story that has a imationation machio man that is a complete ass
several folks who have no commonsense & a guide that does know what is happening.they all have no idea what to do. I must be a sucker for punishment to
keep downloading the work
April 27, 2015
Great story!!!
The characters where we'll developed.the story sveryhowed a corrupt and greedy society,as it is today!!! Very gory and imaginative story!!!
The characters where we'll developed.the story sveryhowed a corrupt and greedy society,as it is today!!! Very gory and imaginative story!!!
May 12, 2015
Darn scary!
This was a very scary, action packed book. It had me on the edge the whole entire time! I felt like the ending was a little rushed, but otherwise, was pretty good.
This was a very scary, action packed book. It had me on the edge the whole entire time! I felt like the ending was a little rushed, but otherwise, was pretty good.
May 21, 2015
Three stars
Easy read . Make a good movie. 1st bick downs book for me . Will try others and see what progresses
Easy read . Make a good movie. 1st bick downs book for me . Will try others and see what progresses
Read
December 21, 2015DNF.
January 6, 2020
A very rich megalomaniac decided to build a living amusement park in the Indonesian jungle. He invited an eclectic group of people to walk along the boardwalk which is raised almost to the tops of the trees. The jungle is hot and humid. The people think that thirst and mosquitoes will be the worst of their problems until they reach their pre-arrranged pickup point. But the jungle holds many nasty surprises. One by one the people were dragged away or killed outright. What made the story special was how the people did or didn't work together and how they had to fashion tools based on the materials at hand. The main character, Bick Downs, was a refreshing hero, one who could get hurt and feel the effects of the attacks, yet always manage to get up and keep going.
This was derivative of many other stories, but that's partly what makes it a good, comfortable read. Bick Downs will be the hero of more action books, but this one is a stand alone. It had a satisfactory finish.
This was derivative of many other stories, but that's partly what makes it a good, comfortable read. Bick Downs will be the hero of more action books, but this one is a stand alone. It had a satisfactory finish.
December 10, 2018
A thriller
This was a fast paced story that grabbed you by the throat and just wouldn't let go. When you look at the Table of Contents and see all those chapters you at first wonder what is going on. Soon you find yourself moving along several thread of a story that has you guessing if the animal is a.) a scientific experiment gone wrong, b.) a creature that should be long dead or c.) something not of this world. Whatever it is means deadly trouble for all involved. As I read this book there were elements that were remembrance of Jurassic Park, but to me this was a homage not a copy. There is too much action to tell about so I will just say if you like the idea of prehistoric creatures existing in modern times then do read this one.
This was a fast paced story that grabbed you by the throat and just wouldn't let go. When you look at the Table of Contents and see all those chapters you at first wonder what is going on. Soon you find yourself moving along several thread of a story that has you guessing if the animal is a.) a scientific experiment gone wrong, b.) a creature that should be long dead or c.) something not of this world. Whatever it is means deadly trouble for all involved. As I read this book there were elements that were remembrance of Jurassic Park, but to me this was a homage not a copy. There is too much action to tell about so I will just say if you like the idea of prehistoric creatures existing in modern times then do read this one.
December 5, 2019
What a ride!!
Have you felt like someone or something is watching you? So begins this novel of frightening and unending action as a team of investors embark on a tour of a boardwalk in the rain forest of Indonesia, only to discover that a prehistoric predator is awaiting them.
With thrilling narration and informative dialog, this story will keep you entranced until the very end. In fact, you will want more!!
Don't miss this read!! I enjoyed it immensely, not being able to put it down!! In the future, I will be looking for more of Mr. Escola's books!!
Have you felt like someone or something is watching you? So begins this novel of frightening and unending action as a team of investors embark on a tour of a boardwalk in the rain forest of Indonesia, only to discover that a prehistoric predator is awaiting them.
With thrilling narration and informative dialog, this story will keep you entranced until the very end. In fact, you will want more!!
Don't miss this read!! I enjoyed it immensely, not being able to put it down!! In the future, I will be looking for more of Mr. Escola's books!!
January 5, 2020
Too long, with the same action repeated
While the topic is extremely interesting (ancient lifeforms evolving in unexplored parts of the world), the attacks of the creatures seem endless, with the human characters never changing much, just being slaughtered one after another. I prefer a developing story, where the humans are really using their heads to effectively escape or destroy the danger.
While the topic is extremely interesting (ancient lifeforms evolving in unexplored parts of the world), the attacks of the creatures seem endless, with the human characters never changing much, just being slaughtered one after another. I prefer a developing story, where the humans are really using their heads to effectively escape or destroy the danger.
April 8, 2018
Repetitious and slow
Every part of the books had a sameness to it, the author was overly repetitious with descriptions and action sequences. It’s all sort of a big blur, and the mishmash creature wasn’t all that thrilling. If it was a first book, it was ok. No major errors or misspellings. Author just needs to work on captivating readers more thoroughly.
Every part of the books had a sameness to it, the author was overly repetitious with descriptions and action sequences. It’s all sort of a big blur, and the mishmash creature wasn’t all that thrilling. If it was a first book, it was ok. No major errors or misspellings. Author just needs to work on captivating readers more thoroughly.
January 27, 2020
Prehistoric Terror
I enjoyed the constant suspense of wondering if the people would survive. The adventure of a lifetime turns into a question of survival of the fittest.
From one terrifying moment to another.This book was impossible to put down. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed the constant suspense of wondering if the people would survive. The adventure of a lifetime turns into a question of survival of the fittest.
From one terrifying moment to another.This book was impossible to put down. I look forward to the next book in this series.
August 3, 2022
I did finish this book, hoping that it would improve. Unfortunately, it did not. There was no real story. Monsters pursue and eat almost everyone. None of the characters are developed and almost all of them are unlikeable. Everyone is flawed and/or dishonest. The "prehistoric" monster is a hot mess. Don't waste your time.
January 15, 2025
Fellow Author's Review of Prehistoric
I actually would have ratethe book at 3 3/4, but because the overall story was so very good, I left it at Four stars. The first half of the book was very long winded. However as a fellow writer, I understand the importance of your character's back stories and how easy it is to give too much detail.
I actually would have ratethe book at 3 3/4, but because the overall story was so very good, I left it at Four stars. The first half of the book was very long winded. However as a fellow writer, I understand the importance of your character's back stories and how easy it is to give too much detail.
February 20, 2018
I almost stopped reading this book several times. It has underdeveloped characters and substitutes a repetition of gory killings by a prehistoric like set of beasts in the Indonesian rain forest. I do not recommend picking this book up.
August 16, 2018
Excellent story
This is one scary book! It is almost a constant scene of running terror. What was meant to be an interesting weekend for some business men turns into a life and death struggle that not all survive.
This is one scary book! It is almost a constant scene of running terror. What was meant to be an interesting weekend for some business men turns into a life and death struggle that not all survive.
December 5, 2019
Wow, just wow!
Prehistoric was a mile a second thrill ride that takes the reader to new heights of terror. I used to want to travel, but now I just want to stay in my safe little corner of America.
Prehistoric was a mile a second thrill ride that takes the reader to new heights of terror. I used to want to travel, but now I just want to stay in my safe little corner of America.
January 12, 2020
Loved it!! What makes me sad is the low reviews. I felt it was scary and suspenseful. I read the other newer books first and this one last because of the reviews and was surprised it was so fun. Everyone is critic theses days. Just sit back and enjoy this book kinda like a great roller coaster!
January 19, 2020
Started out just a little slow, but then exploded into incredible action!
Enjoyed this ride.very much and I have already bought Book Two in the series. I am going to start Book Two as soon as I finish this review!!!
Enjoyed this ride.very much and I have already bought Book Two in the series. I am going to start Book Two as soon as I finish this review!!!
June 29, 2020
Pretty good monster book. The mystery starts quickly, and jumps right into crazy. I thought some of the characters were a little one dimensional, but overall, I enjoyed the story. I can't wait to read the next one.
June 4, 2021
The writing was just full of cliches and misuse of words and the storyline was ridiculous but worst of all was the fact that none of the characters were likeable. Definitely do not recommend this book!!
November 7, 2017
Outstanding
This story kept me riveted to my seat! Every page a gut wrencher , not knowing exactly the very actual pending
This story kept me riveted to my seat! Every page a gut wrencher , not knowing exactly the very actual pending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews