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Alex Hunter #6
Kraken Rising
The Arcadian returns to the dark ice in a reprisal of one of his first and most deadly missions. But this time the stakes couldn't be higher.
In 2008, a top secret US submarine went missing on its test voyage off the coast of Antarctica. After years of silence, its emergency beacon is suddenly activated, but strangely, the beacon is emanating from a point miles below the ice sheets of the frozen continent.
The race is on. The Chinese government, alerted at the same time as the Americans, is after the submarine's secrets. And the Americans need to retrieve their technology, quickly and quietly, from a place now marked as an international forbidden zone.
With the reluctant assistance of petrobiologist Aimee Weir, Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs return to the location of their first mission together.
But only a few members of the team know the truth. A treacherous horror lies in wait for them, deep beneath the Antarctic ice.
In 2008, a top secret US submarine went missing on its test voyage off the coast of Antarctica. After years of silence, its emergency beacon is suddenly activated, but strangely, the beacon is emanating from a point miles below the ice sheets of the frozen continent.
The race is on. The Chinese government, alerted at the same time as the Americans, is after the submarine's secrets. And the Americans need to retrieve their technology, quickly and quietly, from a place now marked as an international forbidden zone.
With the reluctant assistance of petrobiologist Aimee Weir, Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs return to the location of their first mission together.
But only a few members of the team know the truth. A treacherous horror lies in wait for them, deep beneath the Antarctic ice.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2015
152 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
46 books1,147 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 106 reviews
February 22, 2016
WOW! This was the best Alex Hunter novel yet!
An American submarine with superior weapons technology was lost at sea years ago. Suddenly, its distress call is discovered pulsing under the dark ice of the Antarctic. So it's back to where it all began, Alex must go down under the Antarctic and face the foe he was introduced to in the first novel, who is very much still alive. Also, he must beat the Chinese from getting to the submarine first, and prevent a devastating nuclear war. Meanwhile, Jack convinces Aimee to go back under the dark ice in order to help save her son from the looming nuclear disaster.
Well, I know its only February, but this is my pick of the year so far. I can't remember enjoying an action book as much as I enjoyed this one! Absolutely fantastic!
If you are an action/adventure fan and have not read a Greig Beck novel yet, do yourself a massive favour and grab one! You will not be disappointed! In this one alone there was a giant monster, giant killer turtle, flesh eating worms, deadly humanoid creatures - that's just the start, and all with the backdrop of impending nuclear war. There is never a dull moment. It goes from action to action, but also has an intriguing and gripping back story and plot with Alex and his relationship with Aimee, and their son Joshua.
I absolutely love all the characters, the good and bad guys! I am quite attached to them all now, I worry that they are going to die, as Beck doesn't exactly hold back from killing off big characters! That's a really good thing though, you never know what's going to happen!
The audio version, yet again was performed by Sean Mangan. What a superb narrator he is for this kind of book! So entertaining!
I LOVE that Aimee is back! I was REALLY looking forward to their reunion, as its been looming for a two novels and a novella now! I was not disappointed! Although, I wish that she would have found out he was alive in another way, it was still ultimately extremely satisfying!
As always, the science and research that goes into the novel was fantastic! There is SO MUCH information not only in the book itself but at the very end with the scientific explanations and information. I'm not sure how he does it, but he manages to weave a whole lot of interesting scientific aspects into every one of his novels, and it is fantastic!
I absolutely cannot wait to see where Beck goes with this series! There is SO MUCH potential for more absolutely awesome stories in regards to Alex and Joshua as he grows up. I'm hoping there are going to be some father/son adventure novels and then perhaps change focus to Joshua for the next generation. That's just what I'm hoping for! Kinda like Dirk Pitt and Dirk Jr - Only even more exciting!! Can't wait to see where it goes!
Beck has become one of my all time favourite authors, one that I will read without hesitation and recommend unconditionally to anyone who loves a bit of adventure and horror (and blood and guts)!
Would I recommend Kraken Rising?
YES YES YES!!!! It is absolutely fantastic! I recommend the entire series, especially the audio books! So entertaining! They can all be read as stand alone novels, but if you want to experience the whole Arcadian experience and back story, Beneath the Dark Ice is the first one.
Big thanks to Greig Beck for a copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews check out my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/booksbabiesbeing
An American submarine with superior weapons technology was lost at sea years ago. Suddenly, its distress call is discovered pulsing under the dark ice of the Antarctic. So it's back to where it all began, Alex must go down under the Antarctic and face the foe he was introduced to in the first novel, who is very much still alive. Also, he must beat the Chinese from getting to the submarine first, and prevent a devastating nuclear war. Meanwhile, Jack convinces Aimee to go back under the dark ice in order to help save her son from the looming nuclear disaster.
Well, I know its only February, but this is my pick of the year so far. I can't remember enjoying an action book as much as I enjoyed this one! Absolutely fantastic!
If you are an action/adventure fan and have not read a Greig Beck novel yet, do yourself a massive favour and grab one! You will not be disappointed! In this one alone there was a giant monster, giant killer turtle, flesh eating worms, deadly humanoid creatures - that's just the start, and all with the backdrop of impending nuclear war. There is never a dull moment. It goes from action to action, but also has an intriguing and gripping back story and plot with Alex and his relationship with Aimee, and their son Joshua.
I absolutely love all the characters, the good and bad guys! I am quite attached to them all now, I worry that they are going to die, as Beck doesn't exactly hold back from killing off big characters! That's a really good thing though, you never know what's going to happen!
The audio version, yet again was performed by Sean Mangan. What a superb narrator he is for this kind of book! So entertaining!
I LOVE that Aimee is back! I was REALLY looking forward to their reunion, as its been looming for a two novels and a novella now! I was not disappointed! Although, I wish that she would have found out he was alive in another way, it was still ultimately extremely satisfying!
As always, the science and research that goes into the novel was fantastic! There is SO MUCH information not only in the book itself but at the very end with the scientific explanations and information. I'm not sure how he does it, but he manages to weave a whole lot of interesting scientific aspects into every one of his novels, and it is fantastic!
I absolutely cannot wait to see where Beck goes with this series! There is SO MUCH potential for more absolutely awesome stories in regards to Alex and Joshua as he grows up. I'm hoping there are going to be some father/son adventure novels and then perhaps change focus to Joshua for the next generation. That's just what I'm hoping for! Kinda like Dirk Pitt and Dirk Jr - Only even more exciting!! Can't wait to see where it goes!
Beck has become one of my all time favourite authors, one that I will read without hesitation and recommend unconditionally to anyone who loves a bit of adventure and horror (and blood and guts)!
Would I recommend Kraken Rising?
YES YES YES!!!! It is absolutely fantastic! I recommend the entire series, especially the audio books! So entertaining! They can all be read as stand alone novels, but if you want to experience the whole Arcadian experience and back story, Beneath the Dark Ice is the first one.
Big thanks to Greig Beck for a copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews check out my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/booksbabiesbeing
January 7, 2017
Alex Hunter, the Arcadian, goes back to Antarctica, or at least, beneath it, and faces an old menace. And we, the readers, are along for the ride. This book is as much horror as action. I have always thought as the polar ice caps melt, something will be revealed that we may not want unleashed in the modern world. Pathogens that could wipe out humanity. This book touches on these fears, both at a macro and micro level. The world beneath Antarctica as a whole seemed out to get to the explorers. There are moments in this book that made my skin crawl and made me wince. I didn't read this before bed, but I can imagine it might have given me some night terrors. I do admit to a phobia about infection and pathogenesis.
Alex is a complex character. As much a hero as a man on the brink of psychosis. He received a treatment that saved his life and made him a super-soldier, but has also awakened an Other inside of him that is basically a deranged psychopathic killer. It takes an incredible amount of effort to Alex to surpress that part of himself. Alex had to leave behind his loved ones, including Aimee his ex-lover and the child they made together. But he will have to come out of the dark when they are both in danger.
But a huge problem is that China and United States may start a global thermonuclear war because of the conflict arising from their altercations at the South Pole and a lost US submarine. In order to neutralize this conflict, Alex has to go find that sub. The sub search will put them in the crosshairs of an ancient and powerful beast, a creature of biblical fame, and a species that has adapted over millions of years to its sub-oceanic/sub-Antarctica environment.
This is not the second book in the series, but it's actually fine to read this after Beneath the Dark Ice. Stuff happens in the books before this, but the author does a good job of not letting that be an issue to understanding the events of this book.
The gore factor is fairly high and so is the gross out level. Some of the stuff in this place literally made my skin crawl. I'm a germaphobe, and this has plenty of triggers for folks like me. Like I said, this whole habitat is out to get the humans who trespass. To the environment and its inhabitants, humans are just prey. High body count, so be warned about that as well. I liked all the high tech gadgets. I am not a gun person in real life, but I enjoy reading about hardware in books. There is also plenty of excellent action sequences, of many kinds. Try going man to giant kraken and see how well that turns out for you. Generally not good. And don't think that you can hide from it. Oh no. There's no hiding.
Recommended to readers who like action/adventure with sci-fi horror elements.
Alex is a complex character. As much a hero as a man on the brink of psychosis. He received a treatment that saved his life and made him a super-soldier, but has also awakened an Other inside of him that is basically a deranged psychopathic killer. It takes an incredible amount of effort to Alex to surpress that part of himself. Alex had to leave behind his loved ones, including Aimee his ex-lover and the child they made together. But he will have to come out of the dark when they are both in danger.
But a huge problem is that China and United States may start a global thermonuclear war because of the conflict arising from their altercations at the South Pole and a lost US submarine. In order to neutralize this conflict, Alex has to go find that sub. The sub search will put them in the crosshairs of an ancient and powerful beast, a creature of biblical fame, and a species that has adapted over millions of years to its sub-oceanic/sub-Antarctica environment.
This is not the second book in the series, but it's actually fine to read this after Beneath the Dark Ice. Stuff happens in the books before this, but the author does a good job of not letting that be an issue to understanding the events of this book.
The gore factor is fairly high and so is the gross out level. Some of the stuff in this place literally made my skin crawl. I'm a germaphobe, and this has plenty of triggers for folks like me. Like I said, this whole habitat is out to get the humans who trespass. To the environment and its inhabitants, humans are just prey. High body count, so be warned about that as well. I liked all the high tech gadgets. I am not a gun person in real life, but I enjoy reading about hardware in books. There is also plenty of excellent action sequences, of many kinds. Try going man to giant kraken and see how well that turns out for you. Generally not good. And don't think that you can hide from it. Oh no. There's no hiding.
Recommended to readers who like action/adventure with sci-fi horror elements.
October 23, 2015
The Arcadian returns to the dark ice in a reprisal of one of his first and most deadly missions. But this time the stakes couldn't be higher.
In 2008, a top secret US submarine went missing on its test voyage off the coast of Antarctica. After years silent, its emergency beacon is suddenly activated, but strangely, the beacon is emanating from a point miles below the ice sheets of the frozen continent.
The race is on. The Chinese government, alerted at the same time as the Americans, is after the submarine's secrets. And the Americans need to retrieve their technology, quickly and quietly, from a place now marked as an international forbidden zone.
With the reluctant assistance of petrobiologist Aimee Weir, Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs return to the location of their first mission together.
But only a few members of the team know the truth. A treacherous horror lies in wait for them, deep beneath the Antarctic ice.
When I first heard that Beck was returning to the world that he had explored so well in Beneath the Dark Ice I was initially skeptical. Why would he go down that path again? Would he do it justice? Or was Kraken Rising doomed to fail from the start. Well, after ripping through it in one sitting (and annoying my wife by keeping my bedside light on until the early hours of the morning) I can safely say the following.
Kraken Rising is Beck's best work yet.. and the Arcadian is back.
HELL YEAH!!!
I loved absolutely everything in this book, from it's off the hook action sequences and spine tingling encounters right through to the moments of pure primordial terror. Kraken Rising not only hits all of the markers for a great action story, it also scares the living shit out of you as you read. One of Beck's greatest skills as a writer is his ability to explore our greatest fears and to build suspense. The further I got into Kraken Rising the higher the stakes got, and at one stage I had to put the book down for a minute just to take a breather from the insane and terrifying encounters with the monster (a gigantic and super intelligent cephalopod/orthocone with a taste for humans). Add to this mix the threat of nuclear war, and a showdown between the navies of the United States and China off Antartica, and you have the recipe for what is simply an amazing story. The military hardware and tech that was also explored in Kraken Rising blew my mind. Super soldiers, genetic engineering, body armour that would make Tony Stark jealous, advanced weaponry, and secret submarines all leap out from the pages as you read, and make Kraken Rising even more addictive and explosive (one particular scene where the monster assaults a Chinese naval vessel was just INSANE). What makes this book unforgettable however is Alex Hunter. The Arcadian. The original super soldier. The best. How Beck has handled his evolution over this series has been nothing short of impressive, and I adored the subtle nuances and layers to his character that have slowly started to appear and come to prominence throughout the last few books (having a child, dealing with the psychotic side of his mind, etc). His showdown with the monster reminded me of Brody taking on the shark in Jaws, or Dutch facing off against the Predator. It had that same level of excitement, tension, and awesomeness. All in all this story gripped me from the opening page and just refused to let go. And now, days afterwards, I'm still googling about things Beck mentions throughout the book (sightings of giant squids, fossils, boats and planes going missing with no trace, strange sounds heard from the depths, etc). That's how much of an impact it had.
Kraken Rising is military horror at its absolute finest, and I would recommended it to anyone with a heartbeat and a functioning brain!
5 out of 5 stars.
A review copy was provided.
In 2008, a top secret US submarine went missing on its test voyage off the coast of Antarctica. After years silent, its emergency beacon is suddenly activated, but strangely, the beacon is emanating from a point miles below the ice sheets of the frozen continent.
The race is on. The Chinese government, alerted at the same time as the Americans, is after the submarine's secrets. And the Americans need to retrieve their technology, quickly and quietly, from a place now marked as an international forbidden zone.
With the reluctant assistance of petrobiologist Aimee Weir, Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs return to the location of their first mission together.
But only a few members of the team know the truth. A treacherous horror lies in wait for them, deep beneath the Antarctic ice.
When I first heard that Beck was returning to the world that he had explored so well in Beneath the Dark Ice I was initially skeptical. Why would he go down that path again? Would he do it justice? Or was Kraken Rising doomed to fail from the start. Well, after ripping through it in one sitting (and annoying my wife by keeping my bedside light on until the early hours of the morning) I can safely say the following.
Kraken Rising is Beck's best work yet.. and the Arcadian is back.
HELL YEAH!!!
I loved absolutely everything in this book, from it's off the hook action sequences and spine tingling encounters right through to the moments of pure primordial terror. Kraken Rising not only hits all of the markers for a great action story, it also scares the living shit out of you as you read. One of Beck's greatest skills as a writer is his ability to explore our greatest fears and to build suspense. The further I got into Kraken Rising the higher the stakes got, and at one stage I had to put the book down for a minute just to take a breather from the insane and terrifying encounters with the monster (a gigantic and super intelligent cephalopod/orthocone with a taste for humans). Add to this mix the threat of nuclear war, and a showdown between the navies of the United States and China off Antartica, and you have the recipe for what is simply an amazing story. The military hardware and tech that was also explored in Kraken Rising blew my mind. Super soldiers, genetic engineering, body armour that would make Tony Stark jealous, advanced weaponry, and secret submarines all leap out from the pages as you read, and make Kraken Rising even more addictive and explosive (one particular scene where the monster assaults a Chinese naval vessel was just INSANE). What makes this book unforgettable however is Alex Hunter. The Arcadian. The original super soldier. The best. How Beck has handled his evolution over this series has been nothing short of impressive, and I adored the subtle nuances and layers to his character that have slowly started to appear and come to prominence throughout the last few books (having a child, dealing with the psychotic side of his mind, etc). His showdown with the monster reminded me of Brody taking on the shark in Jaws, or Dutch facing off against the Predator. It had that same level of excitement, tension, and awesomeness. All in all this story gripped me from the opening page and just refused to let go. And now, days afterwards, I'm still googling about things Beck mentions throughout the book (sightings of giant squids, fossils, boats and planes going missing with no trace, strange sounds heard from the depths, etc). That's how much of an impact it had.
Kraken Rising is military horror at its absolute finest, and I would recommended it to anyone with a heartbeat and a functioning brain!
5 out of 5 stars.
A review copy was provided.
July 11, 2022
Release the Kraken! Really strong sequel to the first book in the series. Action-packed from start to finish.
October 1, 2015
Greig Beck sent me his book as an ARC. Below is my honest review.
Alex Hunter pops up in the Kremlin. Literally. He’s just cut his way through two feet of reinforced concrete and steel in the Kremlin basement to either rescue or terminate a captured American army captain.
To catch you up, Alex Hunter is a super soldier. He was so damaged during a previous mission that he was given an experimental treatment to save his life. The treatment worked almost too well. Alex now has increased strength and speed, but at a high cost. The treatment has made him subject to fits of rage. He also has his soft side which shows in his love for his child and the child’s mother, as well as for his team.
In the prologue, we find that an American sub was caught and dragged down by something huge and powerful in 2008.
Today, at the English research station in Antarctica, they hear a beacon which was picked up by their probe. A huge eye peers at the researchers, just before the probe gets crushed in a lake under the ice. They discount the beacon as random noise, but the signal is monitored by the Americans.
At the Chinese Antarctic station, their diggers break through a hole in the granite under the ice and they too hear a signal from behind the rock wall. This means that the sub is miles away from where it disappeared and two miles under the ice and rock, as well. Then the Chinese diggers and engineers start disappearing. First at night, then during the day, until only one person is left alive and he is babbling about an evil spirit that has taken everyone.
The Chinese and the Americans are now in a race to get to the sub. A lot of saber rattling could lead to a very dangerous situation.
Like every good monster story, we are led piecemeal to what is under the ice. There is the smell of ammonia which the Chinese team encounters. Gouge marks in the tunnels. A warm breeze well below ground where there should be no air movement. And, of course, the eye that the British probe saw.
Once again Mr Beck introduces us to the most incredible technology. Talk about a flight suit, Alex wears one made of polymer and ceramic as he parachutes from a plane flying just under Mach 1 and at several thousand feet. There are explosives that are so hot they can melt steel cannons, incredibly flexible body armor that can deflect bullets, probes that can quickly drill through miles of ice and rock. And that’s just a few things we are introduced to. Techies, be prepared to get your socks knocked off.
Mr Beck is a master at building up suspense. Just when I think that nothing else can be thrown at the protagonists, the author ratchets up the suspense some more. This is absolutely a page turner. He is quickly converting me to be a lover of action books. You’ll be tempted to read this all in one go, but at over 500 pages, you probably won’t be able to, so you’ll just have to anticipate your next reading session. It’s a big book, but would I cut it anyplace? No! It’s just too good. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
Kraken Rising is another in the continuing series of Alex Hunter books. There are references to other stories, but this book easily stands alone.
Alex Hunter pops up in the Kremlin. Literally. He’s just cut his way through two feet of reinforced concrete and steel in the Kremlin basement to either rescue or terminate a captured American army captain.
To catch you up, Alex Hunter is a super soldier. He was so damaged during a previous mission that he was given an experimental treatment to save his life. The treatment worked almost too well. Alex now has increased strength and speed, but at a high cost. The treatment has made him subject to fits of rage. He also has his soft side which shows in his love for his child and the child’s mother, as well as for his team.
In the prologue, we find that an American sub was caught and dragged down by something huge and powerful in 2008.
Today, at the English research station in Antarctica, they hear a beacon which was picked up by their probe. A huge eye peers at the researchers, just before the probe gets crushed in a lake under the ice. They discount the beacon as random noise, but the signal is monitored by the Americans.
At the Chinese Antarctic station, their diggers break through a hole in the granite under the ice and they too hear a signal from behind the rock wall. This means that the sub is miles away from where it disappeared and two miles under the ice and rock, as well. Then the Chinese diggers and engineers start disappearing. First at night, then during the day, until only one person is left alive and he is babbling about an evil spirit that has taken everyone.
The Chinese and the Americans are now in a race to get to the sub. A lot of saber rattling could lead to a very dangerous situation.
Like every good monster story, we are led piecemeal to what is under the ice. There is the smell of ammonia which the Chinese team encounters. Gouge marks in the tunnels. A warm breeze well below ground where there should be no air movement. And, of course, the eye that the British probe saw.
Once again Mr Beck introduces us to the most incredible technology. Talk about a flight suit, Alex wears one made of polymer and ceramic as he parachutes from a plane flying just under Mach 1 and at several thousand feet. There are explosives that are so hot they can melt steel cannons, incredibly flexible body armor that can deflect bullets, probes that can quickly drill through miles of ice and rock. And that’s just a few things we are introduced to. Techies, be prepared to get your socks knocked off.
Mr Beck is a master at building up suspense. Just when I think that nothing else can be thrown at the protagonists, the author ratchets up the suspense some more. This is absolutely a page turner. He is quickly converting me to be a lover of action books. You’ll be tempted to read this all in one go, but at over 500 pages, you probably won’t be able to, so you’ll just have to anticipate your next reading session. It’s a big book, but would I cut it anyplace? No! It’s just too good. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
Kraken Rising is another in the continuing series of Alex Hunter books. There are references to other stories, but this book easily stands alone.
September 13, 2023
Again with the weird, alternative spelling of names.
Hey, all you Iains, Greigs, and Eoins. Go fuck yourselves!
A cool concept is wasted with lacklustre writing, hackneyed dialogue, abysmal characters and too many pages. In a story that follows a set of mercenaries plummeting the "monster-infested" depths of Antarctica, one ought not to expect staunch realism. On the other hand, they should be lavished with a fun and over-the-top action/adventure. While Kraken Rising was certainly the latter, it seemed most of the time our heroes simply tromped through tunnels. And there must have been a bad case of flu going round: I lost count of the amount of times a character "snorted" - then again, they were in Antarctica, so perhaps there was "staunch realism" after all. The villainous Chinese captain was the most cliched, moustache-twirling baddie you just wanted to die in the most horrible way and novel (SPOILER: he does).
The American soldiers may as well have been ripped right out of James Cameron's Aliens. You've got all your cliches ticked off. The hard-ass lesbian, preferably with a buzzcut - CHECK. The douchebag with a death-wish - CHECK. The muscle (several, in fact) - CHECK. The science girl who is underappreciated until she finally proves the pen is mightier than, etc, etc - CHECK.
And what a boring hero is Alex Hunter, right down to his generic action-hero name. Like the Kraken mimic, Hunter is just a lifeless ingestion of every other bonehead macho character in popular fiction - a bit of Sam Fisher, Jack Ryan, Jack Reacher, and the guy in that other thing.
So why two stars instead of one?
Well, despite not enjoying this book, I will give it the benefit of the doubt, which doesn't actually make sense in this context as no doubt prefigures here, it's just that I felt like using the phrase so there it is.
It was, I'm surprised to say, actually quite scary when it bothered to be. The parts with the Kraken - especially as it stalks the mercs in the crevices, picking them off one by one, was good stuff. While the writing was nothing amazing, the gore is where Beck truly came to life as a writer. I can see young teenage boys enjoying this. It just wasn't for me.
I might consider, for the hell of it, reading another Alex Hunter book one day. If they're all as long as this one though, then probably not.
Hey, all you Iains, Greigs, and Eoins. Go fuck yourselves!
A cool concept is wasted with lacklustre writing, hackneyed dialogue, abysmal characters and too many pages. In a story that follows a set of mercenaries plummeting the "monster-infested" depths of Antarctica, one ought not to expect staunch realism. On the other hand, they should be lavished with a fun and over-the-top action/adventure. While Kraken Rising was certainly the latter, it seemed most of the time our heroes simply tromped through tunnels. And there must have been a bad case of flu going round: I lost count of the amount of times a character "snorted" - then again, they were in Antarctica, so perhaps there was "staunch realism" after all. The villainous Chinese captain was the most cliched, moustache-twirling baddie you just wanted to die in the most horrible way and novel (SPOILER: he does).
The American soldiers may as well have been ripped right out of James Cameron's Aliens. You've got all your cliches ticked off. The hard-ass lesbian, preferably with a buzzcut - CHECK. The douchebag with a death-wish - CHECK. The muscle (several, in fact) - CHECK. The science girl who is underappreciated until she finally proves the pen is mightier than, etc, etc - CHECK.
And what a boring hero is Alex Hunter, right down to his generic action-hero name. Like the Kraken mimic, Hunter is just a lifeless ingestion of every other bonehead macho character in popular fiction - a bit of Sam Fisher, Jack Ryan, Jack Reacher, and the guy in that other thing.
So why two stars instead of one?
Well, despite not enjoying this book, I will give it the benefit of the doubt, which doesn't actually make sense in this context as no doubt prefigures here, it's just that I felt like using the phrase so there it is.
It was, I'm surprised to say, actually quite scary when it bothered to be. The parts with the Kraken - especially as it stalks the mercs in the crevices, picking them off one by one, was good stuff. While the writing was nothing amazing, the gore is where Beck truly came to life as a writer. I can see young teenage boys enjoying this. It just wasn't for me.
I might consider, for the hell of it, reading another Alex Hunter book one day. If they're all as long as this one though, then probably not.
September 27, 2024
Another thrilling installment that takes the series to new depths—literally! From the very first page, I was captivated by the fast-paced action and the intricate plot that blends mythology with modern-day adventure understating the reason why I read all of Greig's output.
Greig’s writing shines as he expertly builds tension, introducing readers to an exhilarating new threat that tests Alex Hunter like never before. The stakes are incredibly high, and I found myself completely invested in his journey. The character development is outstanding; we see not only Alex’s strength and resilience but also his vulnerability as he navigates this intense challenge.
The underwater settings are vividly depicted, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters, battling ancient horrors beneath the waves. The attention to detail strengthens the narrative, enhancing the sense of danger and urgency.
The pacing is spot-on, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The usual blend of action, suspense, and mythological elements makes this story another standout entry in the series.
Overall, Greig Beck has delivered another remarkable adventure that fans of Alex Hunter won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for an electrifying read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book is a must-add to your collection.
Greig’s writing shines as he expertly builds tension, introducing readers to an exhilarating new threat that tests Alex Hunter like never before. The stakes are incredibly high, and I found myself completely invested in his journey. The character development is outstanding; we see not only Alex’s strength and resilience but also his vulnerability as he navigates this intense challenge.
The underwater settings are vividly depicted, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters, battling ancient horrors beneath the waves. The attention to detail strengthens the narrative, enhancing the sense of danger and urgency.
The pacing is spot-on, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The usual blend of action, suspense, and mythological elements makes this story another standout entry in the series.
Overall, Greig Beck has delivered another remarkable adventure that fans of Alex Hunter won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for an electrifying read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book is a must-add to your collection.
August 28, 2019
I loved it! Beneath The Dark Ice was the book that got me hooked on Greig Beck's novels. So I was thrilled to realize Kraken Rising was a sequel to it. This book didn't disappoint! It had all the heart-pounding, page-turning action and thrill of the first book, and then some. My favourite book of the Alex Hunter series so far I think. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 13, 2018
I once read an author’s review of his book, set in Antarctica, in which he stated that a continent largely unexplored could be the setting for all manner of books. It may have been Alex Hunter’s first visit to the Antarctic continent. I do not remember.
Kraken Rising has been sitting on my reading list for some time now and I am not sure why I did not read it at an earlier date. Kraken Rising has all the pace and intrigue as any of Greg Beck’s previous books.
With the world on the brink of nuclear war it is up to Arcadian and his team to Antarctica to save the day. And it is not only the world Arcadian is trying to save this time round, it is also the mother of his son who has been sent to Antarctica find Arcadian who is of prime concern.
Likening the monster to modern day animal was a stroke of genius and I don’t think I will ever go near the beach again. Cephalopods, at least the octopus, do have a beak and when this monster's beak came chasing our heroes…well, just close your eyes and imagine.
Throw in reports of missing ships, boats and sailors in Australia’s Bass Strait, a Strait which has never been more than a forty-minute drive from home, and we have enough facts to substantiate another great plot.
Definitely a four star read
Kraken Rising has been sitting on my reading list for some time now and I am not sure why I did not read it at an earlier date. Kraken Rising has all the pace and intrigue as any of Greg Beck’s previous books.
With the world on the brink of nuclear war it is up to Arcadian and his team to Antarctica to save the day. And it is not only the world Arcadian is trying to save this time round, it is also the mother of his son who has been sent to Antarctica find Arcadian who is of prime concern.
Likening the monster to modern day animal was a stroke of genius and I don’t think I will ever go near the beach again. Cephalopods, at least the octopus, do have a beak and when this monster's beak came chasing our heroes…well, just close your eyes and imagine.
Throw in reports of missing ships, boats and sailors in Australia’s Bass Strait, a Strait which has never been more than a forty-minute drive from home, and we have enough facts to substantiate another great plot.
Definitely a four star read
September 22, 2015
I've been waiting for many years to see if Greig Beck would go back to his roots and continue on with perhaps the most engaging adventure story of this decade. Needless to say, I was thrilled to find out that he wrote this book and I was happy to give up precious hours of sleep in order to clear it in one sitting.
Kraken Rising builds directly upon the story from Beneath the Dark Ice, just fast forwarded a few years and x number of mini-books in the middle. It was wonderful to read about so many old characters from the series and to follow them on their dangerous journey beneath the Antarctic ice for a second time. I'm a sucker for history, military, and anthropology, and the story had all three. Of course the action was exciting and the plot could hold your attention indefinitely. The book was thorough, well paced, and well written. I couldn't have asked for a more solid story to take over where the first book left off. I highly recommended it; I just hope that we don't have to wait 5 more years for gold to be stuck again.
Kraken Rising builds directly upon the story from Beneath the Dark Ice, just fast forwarded a few years and x number of mini-books in the middle. It was wonderful to read about so many old characters from the series and to follow them on their dangerous journey beneath the Antarctic ice for a second time. I'm a sucker for history, military, and anthropology, and the story had all three. Of course the action was exciting and the plot could hold your attention indefinitely. The book was thorough, well paced, and well written. I couldn't have asked for a more solid story to take over where the first book left off. I highly recommended it; I just hope that we don't have to wait 5 more years for gold to be stuck again.
July 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book almost as much as Beneath the Dark Ice. Familiar with enough changes to make it interesting. The book didn't focus entirely on Alex (the Arcadian) and I found I missed him. I wanted more from his point of view but it was made up for by the personalities from the other characters brought to the fore. The villainous humans were typical stereotypes but it was almost necessary to have them written in this way. It saves time and pages to have a stereotype we all know rather than explain their motivations and any nationality could have been thrown in there. People are loyal to their own country and all governments are crazy. Suspend your disbelief, don't nitpick and enjoy the book as entertainment.
August 10, 2020
Just what I needed!
When the world is going crazy and we live with Covid-19 fear and political dishonesty; this book served as therapy for me. For just a while it took me away. Thank you Alex Hunter for sharing your talent.
When the world is going crazy and we live with Covid-19 fear and political dishonesty; this book served as therapy for me. For just a while it took me away. Thank you Alex Hunter for sharing your talent.
January 9, 2016
The first installment of the Kraken story (Beneath the Ice) was far better and had more originality, less cliche and patriotic stereotypes.
July 6, 2017
4.25 Stars
June 28, 2020
Super soldier Alex Hunter reunites with an old flame and returns to the dark ice. I love the underground setting returning from the first novel it's such a cool area filled with horrifying creatures.
August 20, 2019
A bit all over the place. Some great descriptions of the primordial world below the ice, a few intense battle scenes, and plenty of places that made me gag--in a good way. But there was a bit too much toxic masculinity for me. Not all American soldiers are buzz-cut wearing jerks who only want a reason to get in a fight and show off their muscles. Some of them are, sure. Stereotypes exist for a reason. But I felt like the book spent way too much time watching insecure people argue about who was the bigger douche. Even the Chinese soldiers felt like cardboard cut-outs of bad guys at times. Not this author's best work in my opinion, but certainly not his worst. (I'm looking at you, Gorgon.)
February 16, 2022
I wanted to like this book. Despite the cheesy, ridiculous plot, I quite enjoyed the first book in this series. So I was excited to go back to where it all started, under the Antarctic ice. Instead there were far too many convoluted storylines. The first book was simple; people go looking for missing people, get trapped under the ice themselves, then have to flee from a Kraken. Included in this book (but not limited to): search for missing top secret military submarine, potential world war three, Chinese PLA soldiers (with their own version of super soldiers), underground mutant people (WTF and why?), Alex's son inheriting his super soldier abilities (now with extra mind reading skills), dumb scientists (the author doesn't think much of the British), overuse of the phrase "been to hell and back" and, a whole load of unnecessary crap. Not to mention so many unlikable people and villains. When they finally faced the Kraken again, I hoped it would eat them all. Alas, it didn't. One star for the Kraken and another for the killer worms/parasites/whatever they were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2015
Kraken Rising by Greig Beck is a very highly recommended action-packed military-adventure-terror-thriller. It kept my total attention from the beginning to the end.
We know several things from the opening chapters: a sub has been attacked by some huge, mysterious creature; Alex Hunter, the Arcadian, is still alive and working for the US military; an emergency beacon signal is being picked up by bases on Antarctica; and Chinese operatives have tried to capture Joshua, Alex's son and Aimee, his mother. This should tell all you action/adventure junkies that Kraken Rising will be an adrenaline-packed-thrill-ride of a novel.
In 2008 a top secret US prototype submarine goes missing off the coast of Antarctica in the Southern Sandwich trench. The area is also known as the Southern Sea's Devil's Triangle. Thinking it was lost in a deep trench, the USA is surprised when the emergency locator beacon is discovered to now be sending a signal - a signal located deep underneath Antarctica. But the race is on because the Chinese, who have been illegally mining for precious minerals nearby have also heard the emergency beacon and are determined to claim the missing sub. Several different groups of soldiers with some scientists mixed in, are on the hunt and the situation is quickly turning political and the potential for an exchange of military fire is increasing exponentially.
Alex Hunter, the Arcadian, is a super soldier. An experimental treatment after he was mortally wounded in a previous assignment has left him with super-human powers/skills, but he also has a dark side. Alex is sent in to find the sub on his own, but at the same time a team of HAWCs is also on the mission. Adding to the tension is the fact that Joshua's mother, petrobiologist Aimee Weir, is also on the mission since she has had previous experience dealing with the terrifying creature they must all now face.
You really don't have to read any of the previous books to enjoy this one. I could swear I've read the first book in this series, the book which presents the first assignment in Antarctica, but although I kept remembering facts as I read this book, I couldn't find a review of it. Now it does resemble some other books set in the same geographical area with similar scenarios, so perhaps I was thinking of one of those books. Setting all that aside, I was totally engrossed in the story from beginning to end. Even though I think I read the first book, I know I haven't read any of the adventures in-between the first and this, the sixth, but still I had no trouble following the story.
If you like skirmishes between super-human combatants and military novels with an element of sheer terror as both sides face the unknown as well as each other, Kraken Rising should make you happy. It's all about the action. I mean, come on, there's a kraken. This is a perfect stuck-over-night-at-the-airport book.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Pan Macmillian for review purposes.
We know several things from the opening chapters: a sub has been attacked by some huge, mysterious creature; Alex Hunter, the Arcadian, is still alive and working for the US military; an emergency beacon signal is being picked up by bases on Antarctica; and Chinese operatives have tried to capture Joshua, Alex's son and Aimee, his mother. This should tell all you action/adventure junkies that Kraken Rising will be an adrenaline-packed-thrill-ride of a novel.
In 2008 a top secret US prototype submarine goes missing off the coast of Antarctica in the Southern Sandwich trench. The area is also known as the Southern Sea's Devil's Triangle. Thinking it was lost in a deep trench, the USA is surprised when the emergency locator beacon is discovered to now be sending a signal - a signal located deep underneath Antarctica. But the race is on because the Chinese, who have been illegally mining for precious minerals nearby have also heard the emergency beacon and are determined to claim the missing sub. Several different groups of soldiers with some scientists mixed in, are on the hunt and the situation is quickly turning political and the potential for an exchange of military fire is increasing exponentially.
Alex Hunter, the Arcadian, is a super soldier. An experimental treatment after he was mortally wounded in a previous assignment has left him with super-human powers/skills, but he also has a dark side. Alex is sent in to find the sub on his own, but at the same time a team of HAWCs is also on the mission. Adding to the tension is the fact that Joshua's mother, petrobiologist Aimee Weir, is also on the mission since she has had previous experience dealing with the terrifying creature they must all now face.
You really don't have to read any of the previous books to enjoy this one. I could swear I've read the first book in this series, the book which presents the first assignment in Antarctica, but although I kept remembering facts as I read this book, I couldn't find a review of it. Now it does resemble some other books set in the same geographical area with similar scenarios, so perhaps I was thinking of one of those books. Setting all that aside, I was totally engrossed in the story from beginning to end. Even though I think I read the first book, I know I haven't read any of the adventures in-between the first and this, the sixth, but still I had no trouble following the story.
If you like skirmishes between super-human combatants and military novels with an element of sheer terror as both sides face the unknown as well as each other, Kraken Rising should make you happy. It's all about the action. I mean, come on, there's a kraken. This is a perfect stuck-over-night-at-the-airport book.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Pan Macmillian for review purposes.
September 7, 2023
Another good exciting addition to the Alex Hunter series. A British core-sample study team working over a lake deep under Antarctica receives a seemingly innocuous RF transmission from deep within the ice. However, what seems to just be junk data turns out to be a distress beacon from a long-lost U.S. submarine prototype which disappeared in the South Seas. Unaware of the importance of the data, the British pass it on and the data falls in to two sets of hands: the U.S. military and the Chinese government. For the Chinese, the submarine represents a treasure trove of state of the art submarine technology, for the United States the submarine is a loose end that needs to be eliminated. So it is both parties push to send teams deep under the ice to recover or destroy the sub. However, while the lake is buried under miles of ice, it is a place of riotous life, home to prehistoric creatures unknown to the historic record. A fragment of a long-dead world, still thriving. A place where man is very low on the food chain. Alex Hunter knows this all too well, it's a place he's been once before, where he led a team of highly trained troops and scientific experts, of whom only three (including himself) survived. However, even knowing what awaits, the situation is simply too grave to stand back and do nothing. The submarine cannot be allowed to fall into Chinese hands, and if Alex fails, the Navy is prepared to do what it has to do to keep that from happening, even if it means starting World War 3.
Mostly, I really enjoyed this volume. It serves as a more direct sequel to Beneath the Dark Ice than any of the prior volumes in the series and given Mr. Beck more opportunity to explore the bizarro micro-world he's imagined. The monster is just as terrifying and vicious in its second showing and the Chinese antagonists are much less cartoonish (and more competent) than the Russians. On the other hand, I did have some minor quibbles. For much of the book, we're following three different groups simultaneously descending towards the lake. Of whom only two people have been to the lake before. So we have a lot of repeated information as the two returning characters try and convince the rest of the characters that they are in incredible danger and need to be on constant guard from the monster, but practically no one really believes them until they're being eaten. My other problem is a bit of a ret-con, I won't explain it much to avoid spoilers but in the first book, it was implied that the monster hadn't interacted with humans for a LONG time prior to the expedition in Beneath the Dark Ice, and this book definitively says otherwise. Anyway, as I said minor quibbles in a very enjoyable (in a B-movie sort of way) action-horror story.
Mostly, I really enjoyed this volume. It serves as a more direct sequel to Beneath the Dark Ice than any of the prior volumes in the series and given Mr. Beck more opportunity to explore the bizarro micro-world he's imagined. The monster is just as terrifying and vicious in its second showing and the Chinese antagonists are much less cartoonish (and more competent) than the Russians. On the other hand, I did have some minor quibbles. For much of the book, we're following three different groups simultaneously descending towards the lake. Of whom only two people have been to the lake before. So we have a lot of repeated information as the two returning characters try and convince the rest of the characters that they are in incredible danger and need to be on constant guard from the monster, but practically no one really believes them until they're being eaten. My other problem is a bit of a ret-con, I won't explain it much to avoid spoilers but in the first book, it was implied that the monster hadn't interacted with humans for a LONG time prior to the expedition in Beneath the Dark Ice, and this book definitively says otherwise. Anyway, as I said minor quibbles in a very enjoyable (in a B-movie sort of way) action-horror story.
November 4, 2015
I found this to be a very enjoyable semi-supernatural, horror and high tech thriller. Alex Hunter is back in his role as a super-hero style elite agent and he is thrown into a mission that brings him back to one of his old “hunting grounds”. There are a few threads in Alex Hunter’s history that are tied together in this book and, at least, one rather interesting new one that is begun.
Alex Hunter is sent back to the mysterious (Jurassic) caves below the ice sheets and is once again forced to confront the horrors that lie beyond the ice. Just to add to the suspense (and the mess) he also has to deal with a Chinese communist elite team who are doing their best to screw things up, often by shear stupidity. Actually these guys frustrated me enormously. I would say that they where a proper depiction of commie fanatics who never ever got a glimpse of the world outside of their little bubble of commie propaganda but their reluctance to take in the facts around them and their ludicrous fanaticism was making me squirm when reading it.
To me the enjoyment of this book came from the rest of the characters and the setting. A few of Alex friends are back, including of course Amiee Weir. A few new are introduced as well of which Cate is the one I quite liked. I also liked Sam dealing out some serious pain in his exoskeleton suit.
The book is going for the, not too original, World War 3 nuclear holocaust threat but that is pretty okay. The main parts of the book play themselves out down the Jurassic caves below the ice though and these are the good parts. The Chinese commie fanatics are, as I wrote above, really frustrating in their fanatic stupidity but at least they do get what the deserve in the end, after having screwed things up royally of course.
The last parts of the book, where our friends managed to escape from their imprisonment in the world below the ice was stretching it a wee bit though. It was not altogether bad but it felt a bit like some A-Team or other Hollywood TV-show in how they managed to “make due” with the hardware at hand.
Not surprisingly the ending left a few loose ends which I assume might be used in future books. One was more or less the usual oh by the way the monster is not truly dead kind of loose thread but the one I like was the one about Alex’s son. That one had been brewing all through the book and I am quite looking forward to know where the author will be going with that one.
Bottom line, for me, is that this is an above average techno / horror thriller and I am looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
Alex Hunter is sent back to the mysterious (Jurassic) caves below the ice sheets and is once again forced to confront the horrors that lie beyond the ice. Just to add to the suspense (and the mess) he also has to deal with a Chinese communist elite team who are doing their best to screw things up, often by shear stupidity. Actually these guys frustrated me enormously. I would say that they where a proper depiction of commie fanatics who never ever got a glimpse of the world outside of their little bubble of commie propaganda but their reluctance to take in the facts around them and their ludicrous fanaticism was making me squirm when reading it.
To me the enjoyment of this book came from the rest of the characters and the setting. A few of Alex friends are back, including of course Amiee Weir. A few new are introduced as well of which Cate is the one I quite liked. I also liked Sam dealing out some serious pain in his exoskeleton suit.
The book is going for the, not too original, World War 3 nuclear holocaust threat but that is pretty okay. The main parts of the book play themselves out down the Jurassic caves below the ice though and these are the good parts. The Chinese commie fanatics are, as I wrote above, really frustrating in their fanatic stupidity but at least they do get what the deserve in the end, after having screwed things up royally of course.
The last parts of the book, where our friends managed to escape from their imprisonment in the world below the ice was stretching it a wee bit though. It was not altogether bad but it felt a bit like some A-Team or other Hollywood TV-show in how they managed to “make due” with the hardware at hand.
Not surprisingly the ending left a few loose ends which I assume might be used in future books. One was more or less the usual oh by the way the monster is not truly dead kind of loose thread but the one I like was the one about Alex’s son. That one had been brewing all through the book and I am quite looking forward to know where the author will be going with that one.
Bottom line, for me, is that this is an above average techno / horror thriller and I am looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
April 10, 2019
Every novel I nab by Greig Beck makes my skin crawl and the exciting hunger for more intensifies! This review is for book number six in the Alex Hunter series. Kraken Rising is the return of a previous foe of great intelligence, but this time, there's not only trouble for the HAWC's but for the world! This is Kraken Rising...
I am so used to listening to the voice of Sean Mangan now. His voice is now that of Alex Hunter, but it's the amazing story that keeps you mesmerized. This time, Alex was sent to prevent what could possible be another world war, but when he's lost Hammer sends someone in to possibly save him. Who could that be?
There's so much going on in this book that I must be extremely careful when telling how much I enjoyed it. The book carries four groups through the Antarctic tunnels and dangers of Area 24. The American's did their best to warn China off but they didn't listen. Now there's the threat of war while people below the icy landscape fight for their lives from dangers unknown. Horrific things that eat you alive. Drink you alive... It's unreal!
The best bits of Kraken Rising are when you're down below, running from things that shouldn't exist. Beck managed to bring alive the most nightmarish of creatures and even bipedal beings. How does he do it? Where does he get his information and is this guy truly the King of Geeks? He wields a mastery of word and imagination that makes me want to listen and read his novels all day and night long.
This book, along with all the others are perfect if you love to be grossed out while fighting for your imaginary life. Greig Beck is the best- now if only I can get him to like the American Military! LOL Check out the Alex Hunter series- Cheers!
Kraken Rising
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Publishing, PTY LTD
Audible
Listeing Time: 18 H 2 M
November 2015
For more of my reviews: www.areneehunt.com
I am so used to listening to the voice of Sean Mangan now. His voice is now that of Alex Hunter, but it's the amazing story that keeps you mesmerized. This time, Alex was sent to prevent what could possible be another world war, but when he's lost Hammer sends someone in to possibly save him. Who could that be?
There's so much going on in this book that I must be extremely careful when telling how much I enjoyed it. The book carries four groups through the Antarctic tunnels and dangers of Area 24. The American's did their best to warn China off but they didn't listen. Now there's the threat of war while people below the icy landscape fight for their lives from dangers unknown. Horrific things that eat you alive. Drink you alive... It's unreal!
The best bits of Kraken Rising are when you're down below, running from things that shouldn't exist. Beck managed to bring alive the most nightmarish of creatures and even bipedal beings. How does he do it? Where does he get his information and is this guy truly the King of Geeks? He wields a mastery of word and imagination that makes me want to listen and read his novels all day and night long.
This book, along with all the others are perfect if you love to be grossed out while fighting for your imaginary life. Greig Beck is the best- now if only I can get him to like the American Military! LOL Check out the Alex Hunter series- Cheers!
Kraken Rising
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Publishing, PTY LTD
Audible
Listeing Time: 18 H 2 M
November 2015
For more of my reviews: www.areneehunt.com
November 12, 2023
ARC/Thriller/Alex Hunter #6: I love underwater books. Steve Alten’s “Meg” got me hooked. I mean , there’s no air, everything is slow, people get eaten. Love it. Except this book isn’t underwater; the kraken in this book is a recurring character from a previous book that goes by land or sea. Instead our characters are in an underground cave system under the Antarctic ice shelf.
This book is good stuff. The pseudo science is out there and you say to yourself, “If kraken is covered with sticky slime, then why doesn't it have gravel and dirt all over?” Or, “If it takes three days to travel to Antarctica, then what exactly was Alex doing that whole time?” Or, “If a Kraken eats a person, how can they flatten themselves”. Or, “Shouldn’t everyone have a headache from either dehydration or blood loss”. And then I say to myself, “Oh, just go with it”. I loved it…except for one thing:
The Chinese depiction. As I wrote in my review of Saturn Run, this is the third book I’ve finished in the past two weeks that has the Chinese as the antagonist. They are depicted as a cliché character that has no identity except for one that is militaristic, greedy, and the aptitude of the Keystone Cops. “Here, let me drink this water”. The good sensible Chinese are depicted as meek doormats.
Otherwise, this book is great. Even with it being the sixth book, and me not reading any others, I was able to figure out stuff quickly. Alex is a full character, but wasn’t in most of the first half of the book. You learned a lot about the Kraken SWAT team and Rhino was my favorite. I also wanted to learn more about the Chinese couple. There is a lot of action and death.
I got this from Net Galley in lieu of an honest review.
This book is good stuff. The pseudo science is out there and you say to yourself, “If kraken is covered with sticky slime, then why doesn't it have gravel and dirt all over?” Or, “If it takes three days to travel to Antarctica, then what exactly was Alex doing that whole time?” Or, “If a Kraken eats a person, how can they flatten themselves”. Or, “Shouldn’t everyone have a headache from either dehydration or blood loss”. And then I say to myself, “Oh, just go with it”. I loved it…except for one thing:
The Chinese depiction. As I wrote in my review of Saturn Run, this is the third book I’ve finished in the past two weeks that has the Chinese as the antagonist. They are depicted as a cliché character that has no identity except for one that is militaristic, greedy, and the aptitude of the Keystone Cops. “Here, let me drink this water”. The good sensible Chinese are depicted as meek doormats.
Otherwise, this book is great. Even with it being the sixth book, and me not reading any others, I was able to figure out stuff quickly. Alex is a full character, but wasn’t in most of the first half of the book. You learned a lot about the Kraken SWAT team and Rhino was my favorite. I also wanted to learn more about the Chinese couple. There is a lot of action and death.
I got this from Net Galley in lieu of an honest review.
October 6, 2023
Lots of action loved it
December 1, 2015
Back under the ice
THE SIGNAL...a signal is found coming from the most impossible place on the planet. There is only one man suited to go find it. Even after losing most of his team to a ginormous prehistoric monster cephalopod;, the Arcadian (Alex Hunter) is sent back down below the ice; to face the nightmarish depths AGAIN. The signal is coming from a top secret submarine that mysteriously disappeared during it's text run a decade ago. The Chinese have been mining in an "Off Limits" zone. The Chinese hear the signal too, and arrogantly make a run for the sub...But, the vast underwater realm is "Off Limits" for a very good reason. Soon the Chinese break into the giant cavern, and one by one, the Chinese mysteriously disappear. Instead of finding an emergency beacon...they discover what horrors live in the deep dark belly of the underworld. The Chinese send in it's military. A race to recoup the subs prototype super stealth secrets brings the Chinese running to get to the sub and invoke the "right to salvage" law. Little do they know , the cavern is the home of an ancient evil.. Alex has been there before. He knows what lies beneath the dark waters of the Black sea. He still has nightmares about his first trip into the inky blackness.. But Alex is the only one that has a chance to make it to the sub before it falls into the hands of a potential enemy. He must put away his fear and jump into action. The sub is to be found and recovered, or destroyed.
THE SIGNAL...a signal is found coming from the most impossible place on the planet. There is only one man suited to go find it. Even after losing most of his team to a ginormous prehistoric monster cephalopod;, the Arcadian (Alex Hunter) is sent back down below the ice; to face the nightmarish depths AGAIN. The signal is coming from a top secret submarine that mysteriously disappeared during it's text run a decade ago. The Chinese have been mining in an "Off Limits" zone. The Chinese hear the signal too, and arrogantly make a run for the sub...But, the vast underwater realm is "Off Limits" for a very good reason. Soon the Chinese break into the giant cavern, and one by one, the Chinese mysteriously disappear. Instead of finding an emergency beacon...they discover what horrors live in the deep dark belly of the underworld. The Chinese send in it's military. A race to recoup the subs prototype super stealth secrets brings the Chinese running to get to the sub and invoke the "right to salvage" law. Little do they know , the cavern is the home of an ancient evil.. Alex has been there before. He knows what lies beneath the dark waters of the Black sea. He still has nightmares about his first trip into the inky blackness.. But Alex is the only one that has a chance to make it to the sub before it falls into the hands of a potential enemy. He must put away his fear and jump into action. The sub is to be found and recovered, or destroyed.
November 27, 2024
Five stars for Kraken Rising.
The latest Arcadian/Alex Hunter novel by Aussie writer Greig Beck is no slouch. Known for his mastery of the style, Beck has once again given us a fast-paced, action-filled, epic adventure set firmly in the realms of military horror and sci-fi.
When lost US military technology turns up under the dark ice of the Antarctic, it’s a race to see which country can get there first. The thing is, only the US team knows they won’t be alone deep under the surface of that frozen continent. Deep within its depths lies a hidden world, beautiful yet more dangerous than anything on the planet’s surface. To survive down there, each team needs someone special, someone stronger and infinitely more dangerous than a normal military grunt.
Alex Hunter just such a man, highly-trained and with certain abilities that make him much more than human, yet he suffers from many human frailties, especially when it comes to controlling his rage, the ‘other’ that lurks deep within his mind. This tension worms throughout what is a great story of courage, sacrifice, and going where no man wants to go. Added, it takes the readers’ worries and amplifies them even more.
A great novel, perfectly-paced, with many old favourites appearing once again.
Highly recommended.
The latest Arcadian/Alex Hunter novel by Aussie writer Greig Beck is no slouch. Known for his mastery of the style, Beck has once again given us a fast-paced, action-filled, epic adventure set firmly in the realms of military horror and sci-fi.
When lost US military technology turns up under the dark ice of the Antarctic, it’s a race to see which country can get there first. The thing is, only the US team knows they won’t be alone deep under the surface of that frozen continent. Deep within its depths lies a hidden world, beautiful yet more dangerous than anything on the planet’s surface. To survive down there, each team needs someone special, someone stronger and infinitely more dangerous than a normal military grunt.
Alex Hunter just such a man, highly-trained and with certain abilities that make him much more than human, yet he suffers from many human frailties, especially when it comes to controlling his rage, the ‘other’ that lurks deep within his mind. This tension worms throughout what is a great story of courage, sacrifice, and going where no man wants to go. Added, it takes the readers’ worries and amplifies them even more.
A great novel, perfectly-paced, with many old favourites appearing once again.
Highly recommended.
April 4, 2016
This one took me awhile to finish. Plot-wise, it was pretty interesting: I enjoyed Beneath the Dark Ice, so I was excited to return to Aztlan and the domain of the kraken.
Character-wise, this was disappointing. You had the two Chinese players: Shenjung, the good, yin character, and Yang, the voice of the Chinese communist party. (Also the "yang" to Shenjung's yin). Because of this, it was really predictable how these two characters were gonna act. Then there was the biologist Cate Canning, who started to develop as a character in the underground, right up until Alex found Aimee and the HAWC's. Then she was pretty much sidelined to excess baggage. She had so much potential- maybe as a perceived rival by Aimee over Alex- and got kicked out of the picture halfway.
Finally, there's the ending. Yeah, World War 3 is about to go down, the Chinese ships are ready to fire, and then BAM- here comes the kraken. Enough to kill a confrontation? Yeah. But from the way the Chinese act throughout the novel, it's kinda surprising that the kraken showing up was all it took for them to flee and end the fight. I honestly thought there'd have been more global tension after they were out of the Arctic. Guess not.
Character-wise, this was disappointing. You had the two Chinese players: Shenjung, the good, yin character, and Yang, the voice of the Chinese communist party. (Also the "yang" to Shenjung's yin). Because of this, it was really predictable how these two characters were gonna act. Then there was the biologist Cate Canning, who started to develop as a character in the underground, right up until Alex found Aimee and the HAWC's. Then she was pretty much sidelined to excess baggage. She had so much potential- maybe as a perceived rival by Aimee over Alex- and got kicked out of the picture halfway.
Finally, there's the ending. Yeah, World War 3 is about to go down, the Chinese ships are ready to fire, and then BAM- here comes the kraken. Enough to kill a confrontation? Yeah. But from the way the Chinese act throughout the novel, it's kinda surprising that the kraken showing up was all it took for them to flee and end the fight. I honestly thought there'd have been more global tension after they were out of the Arctic. Guess not.
January 18, 2022
Greig Beck back on top form after my slightly disappointing experience with Gorgon. Alex Hunter is back below the ice. My biggest concern going into this book knowing that it was a return to the world of the first brilliant entry into the Alex Hunter series was that it would be too repetitive. That perhaps Greig Beck was capitalising and just reusing his first great idea. Harsh indeed when I already know what a great writer Beck is but the concern was there nonetheless. Well. 18 hours of audiobook and a 5 star rating later I have been proved well and truly wrong. The action was hard hitting from moment one, and the tension was constant, yet without being overwhelming, in the tumultuous journeys of the different teams above and below the ice with nuclear war at risk if the teams’ missions failed!
Again the authors notes were brilliant and as always such an intriguing and exciting addition to the main storyline and definitely filled me in on and made me go away to do my own research on areas I know next to nothing about!
The Alex Hunter book storms ahead at full speed and continues to get entries onto my “favourites” bookshelf. 5 stars without question!
Again the authors notes were brilliant and as always such an intriguing and exciting addition to the main storyline and definitely filled me in on and made me go away to do my own research on areas I know next to nothing about!
The Alex Hunter book storms ahead at full speed and continues to get entries onto my “favourites” bookshelf. 5 stars without question!
July 7, 2021
Excellent. Loved it!
Another incredible adventure in the Alex Hunter series. I have to be honest and say this was my least favorite along with the first under the ice but that's only in comparison to the rest of the series and i loved it. I think for me it was just a personal preference with their being too much military talk and conversations that explained the same situation respectively. I felt like i kept reading the same conversation over and over between different people. But that's ok. As usual i loved our HAWCS and Alex and Amy. I missed Matt Kearns in this one. And our underwater villians were of course terrifying as ever and so creative in its characteristics. I love the descriptions of the underground caves and jungle and all the other creatures living in it. Then the one surprise finding certain creatures i will not explain to avoid spoilers. But it was an exciting and interesting adventure. Im really sad that i only have 2 books left in this series. I'm so glad that i have this amazing writer's world to keep me engaged all summer long.
Another incredible adventure in the Alex Hunter series. I have to be honest and say this was my least favorite along with the first under the ice but that's only in comparison to the rest of the series and i loved it. I think for me it was just a personal preference with their being too much military talk and conversations that explained the same situation respectively. I felt like i kept reading the same conversation over and over between different people. But that's ok. As usual i loved our HAWCS and Alex and Amy. I missed Matt Kearns in this one. And our underwater villians were of course terrifying as ever and so creative in its characteristics. I love the descriptions of the underground caves and jungle and all the other creatures living in it. Then the one surprise finding certain creatures i will not explain to avoid spoilers. But it was an exciting and interesting adventure. Im really sad that i only have 2 books left in this series. I'm so glad that i have this amazing writer's world to keep me engaged all summer long.
October 20, 2015
I would give Kraken Rising 4.5 stars. I've read a couple other books in the Alex Hunter series, so I knew what to expect. While some of the creatures and action is a little over the top in terms of believability, it all makes for a good story and popcorn adventure. It reminds me a bit of Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt novels- you know you're going to get some outlandish escape scenes and tongue-in-cheek remarks from the main characters, but it's a fun ride. I'm interested to see where Alex Hunter and his son Joshua's relationship goes. For those uninitiated, Super Soldier Alex was part of a program that saved him from death, and enhanced many of his abilities, but gave him another personality that is primal and lurks beneath the surface. Often, Alex can barely control it, and worries that the thing that saved him will cause him to harm the ones he loves.
**I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in return for an honest review**
**I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in return for an honest review**
December 30, 2018
Case of the Killer Calamari.
Imagine this: You're in a restaurant and you order the Salt 'n' Pepper Calamari. “Umm, I'm afraid Calamari is off the menu – it ate the kitchen staff.”
WHAT? “Did you call the cops?”
“Yes sir. It ate them too. And the entire back half of the restaurant. And most of our navy.”
Seafood revenge.
While I found the last 15% of this book good, I struggled to get through the first 85%. There was plenty of action, but it seemed to be going nowhere for quite a while. I might be getting over Alex Hunter a bit. To me, the book seemed to be about 150 pages too long. There just wasn't the grab-you-and-drag-you-in style of the author's other books. Many of the subterranean scenes seemed predictable and repetitive. Editing (of the paperback) seemed good and I only found one typo.
I think this'll be the last of Greig Beck's books I'll read – for a while at least.
Imagine this: You're in a restaurant and you order the Salt 'n' Pepper Calamari. “Umm, I'm afraid Calamari is off the menu – it ate the kitchen staff.”
WHAT? “Did you call the cops?”
“Yes sir. It ate them too. And the entire back half of the restaurant. And most of our navy.”
Seafood revenge.
While I found the last 15% of this book good, I struggled to get through the first 85%. There was plenty of action, but it seemed to be going nowhere for quite a while. I might be getting over Alex Hunter a bit. To me, the book seemed to be about 150 pages too long. There just wasn't the grab-you-and-drag-you-in style of the author's other books. Many of the subterranean scenes seemed predictable and repetitive. Editing (of the paperback) seemed good and I only found one typo.
I think this'll be the last of Greig Beck's books I'll read – for a while at least.
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