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Abominable
A mysterious unidentifiable object is discovered buried deep in an isolated glacier in Alaska’s rugged Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It is composed of materials unknown to science and the mystery only deepens when the large unidentified object is determined to be twenty-eight thousand years old. Who left it there so many thousands of years ago? Why?
Dr. Shelby Hollister, a specialist in primatology, is consulted when bones dug from the ice alongside the object are found to belong to an unknown species of prehistoric primate.
The story explodes in magnitude when the object begins a physical transformation revealing what is inside—a perfectly preserved giant ape!
ABOMINABLE. What happens when a giant Ice Age ‘Abominable Snowman’ escapes into the twenty-first century?
Dr. Shelby Hollister, a specialist in primatology, is consulted when bones dug from the ice alongside the object are found to belong to an unknown species of prehistoric primate.
The story explodes in magnitude when the object begins a physical transformation revealing what is inside—a perfectly preserved giant ape!
ABOMINABLE. What happens when a giant Ice Age ‘Abominable Snowman’ escapes into the twenty-first century?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2016
About the author
Alan Nayes
25 books378 followersAlan Nayes is the author of numerous novels and short stories. He resides in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 29, 2017
Abominable by Alan Nayes is my kind of book! Bones are found in a glacier along with a super large cylinder. Dating the bones and the depth, both are estimated to be about 28-30 years old. The cylinder is nothing like anything seen before. It can't be opened. They tried everything to look into it. Then on accident, UV light showed they could see inside...
Meanwhile the bones were of nothing ever known on earth. It is female, adult, and the child is female too.
While flying the cylinder to SETI, there is an explosion and the cylinder is dropped, it is found opened. Nothing inside. Giant footprints outside...
It is so freaking goooooood!!!!!! I loved this book!
Meanwhile the bones were of nothing ever known on earth. It is female, adult, and the child is female too.
While flying the cylinder to SETI, there is an explosion and the cylinder is dropped, it is found opened. Nothing inside. Giant footprints outside...
It is so freaking goooooood!!!!!! I loved this book!
November 20, 2016
Great read. Love the cylinder found in a snow crevasse, and it contains a huge primal ape, possibly gigantipithigaous, wow, that's a hard work to spell, and obviously, I can't. Anyway, the interest and the action grows from there. this story is well written, with great lead characters. I really liked it.
August 4, 2017
I guess, by nature of the genre, it is required to have a protagonist made of cardboard, and a villain from foam core. And a plot line designed for as much destruction as possible. Exactly why we read these types of books.
I’m a sucker for giant monsters. I admit it. They’re a great diversion from the Romance novels I usually read (just kidding). ‘Abominable’ is a cut above the rest. And a surprisingly good read. My expectations are usually low for this type of book, so it was a pleasant surprise to find it well-written, compelling narrative (and creature), and just enough pseudo-science for some interesting twists.
A large container is discovered buried in the Arctic ice. An enormous white ape has been preserved inside. See? That’s an intriguing idea.
There are some genuine cliff-hanger moments, and it will keep you up late wanting to know what will happen.
Gotta say: thoroughly enjoyed this!
I’m a sucker for giant monsters. I admit it. They’re a great diversion from the Romance novels I usually read (just kidding). ‘Abominable’ is a cut above the rest. And a surprisingly good read. My expectations are usually low for this type of book, so it was a pleasant surprise to find it well-written, compelling narrative (and creature), and just enough pseudo-science for some interesting twists.
A large container is discovered buried in the Arctic ice. An enormous white ape has been preserved inside. See? That’s an intriguing idea.
There are some genuine cliff-hanger moments, and it will keep you up late wanting to know what will happen.
Gotta say: thoroughly enjoyed this!
November 25, 2020
I didn't expect to feel much emotion with this book but I have. I have felt excitement, burning curiosity, sadness, and disdain for one of the characters. The characters are well developed and I find myself cheering along sometimes and not wanting to put it down.
Hayes did a great job creating the star of book (Goliath) into a creature you can connect to and feel sympathy for. I've never felt that way reading other yeti books. The end of every chapter leaves you asking more questions and the suspense building and strongly pushing you to keep reading. There is a little touch of romance but it's understated and doesn't take over the story.
There were unanswered questions at the end but it didn't feel like it ruined the story or left me feeling frustrated.
Hayes did a great job creating the star of book (Goliath) into a creature you can connect to and feel sympathy for. I've never felt that way reading other yeti books. The end of every chapter leaves you asking more questions and the suspense building and strongly pushing you to keep reading. There is a little touch of romance but it's understated and doesn't take over the story.
There were unanswered questions at the end but it didn't feel like it ruined the story or left me feeling frustrated.
March 20, 2017
Real good read! Enough mystery to keep me involved and action to satisfy my need for, well, action!
March 24, 2017
I liked this book. The author is a fine wordcrafter and has created a most entertaining story.
November 3, 2018
I was hooked before the first chapter was done! Fast paced, action packed, great and likable characters, and I even loved the way the story ended. Very well written, thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish! I highly recommend!
February 24, 2017
Enjoyed this book completely.
Hey check out this book. It has great characters. And is action packed. Read2it was a pleasure. Please check it out.
Hey check out this book. It has great characters. And is action packed. Read2it was a pleasure. Please check it out.
December 29, 2017
Apes, Aliens, and Time Travel
Mighty Joe Young meets the yeti is how I would describe this book. At first I thought it might not be very entertaining but throwing in SETI and NASA was enough to keep me reading.
Mighty Joe Young meets the yeti is how I would describe this book. At first I thought it might not be very entertaining but throwing in SETI and NASA was enough to keep me reading.
November 14, 2018
Some of the worst writing I’ve ever come across. How this is above 4 stars when there are classics rated lower I cannot understand except that this is free on Amazon and maybe attracts a different kind of reader
January 25, 2017
Good
I really liked the book it kept me interested. Thru out. To the end although I didn't Care about alien s
I really liked the book it kept me interested. Thru out. To the end although I didn't Care about alien s
March 31, 2017
Kong's got nuthin on me
Big, bad,ancient and in need of a shower, that is the wonders of Goliath. He is a mensch of epic proportions
Big, bad,ancient and in need of a shower, that is the wonders of Goliath. He is a mensch of epic proportions
May 22, 2017
Wonderful story line.
It's amazing what could happen in today's world. But it was a great story, but c also sad. I teared up a few times.
It's amazing what could happen in today's world. But it was a great story, but c also sad. I teared up a few times.
September 14, 2024
Everything had been going so damn well—
I found Alan Nayes' "Abominable" to be an acceptably interesting book - and more than a positive addition to my recent "cryptid-read-a-thon" collection - with lots of intriquing and unique ideas strewn throughout. Keep in mind this book was published in 2016 which would place it fairly well ahead of the multiverse approaches of Marvel though maybe not the re-invented Star Trek movie franchises. However, if we're going to use movie analogies to summarize things - which I think is appropriate considering the book reads in many ways like a screenplay - a very safe, no risk "edits are accepted" screenplay - I would place this book squarely alongside 1997's "Jurassic Park: The Lost World" the Jeff Goldblum-centric catastrophe. Yes, I said it: catastrophe. Including zipping around town with a baby T-Rex in the car! That movie to me was about as silly as silly gets and I was sure would doom the franchise for good (do NOT take investment advice from me btw).
A twenty-eight-thousand-year-old ape, locked in some mysterious alien “specimen jar”…
Just like in that film, "Abominable" had just too much happening that had me shaking my head - all those experts including scientists, hunters, and more doing so many really stupid things again and again! Plus, I found it a tad awkward that there was little to no growth from the characters other than maybe making sure their roles would exist well into another sequel (though killing off the jerks was more than acceptable as you'll see). This is what hurt this book the most for me, namely, the repeated "oh whoever thought bringing a monster to Los Angeles would turn out bad?" events as well as the clichéd inter-departmental / -agency tensions. I would have enjoyed a lot more focus not just on but physically with the creature in question. But I guess the stress and pressure of getting grants for the University is a more realistic focal point. As a former grad student myself, I can understand why that aspect might satisfy the level of violence and mayhem many readers are seeking (that was sarcasm kids, look it up).
How could everything have gone to shit in so little time?
Don't get me wrong: this is a well-written book. Nayes' proved himself more than a worthy wordsmith and if you're like me, there were more than enough delicious new words to double-click on for clearer definition. Even the parts that I assume many might call technobabble including about the fascinatingly conceived UCO were convincingly presented although this was perhaps most responsible for what I'd consider very slow pacing, particularly in the first third of the book. Where I might then say the skill level in getting the story down on paper differed from the actual result would be first of all that there were no real surprises - interesting hypotheses, sure, but not actual plot shockers. Secondly, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that Nayes' used any examples of foreshadowing like he was swinging a particularly nasty model of cudgel at his typewriter. For example: "I want to commend you on your preparation. The ape is as docile as a kitten." Or even the classic "How bad could it really be?" So, yeah, not subtle at all, smash smash!
That big powerful smart sonofabitch outsmarted us.
Having said all that (I'm assuming at least one of you is still reading by this point), I will also say that I considered giving this book 4 stars until I read what wound up being a very unsatisfying and rushed ending. To come all this way - both literally and figuratively - and have things end like that was a real let-down. Yes, yes, we can go back and take the whole shebang to the screenplay polishers and somehow argue that nothing was finally-finalized. But as it was, that was a real 'meh' finale for me. We don't really get any true closure about the grander scheme of things - or even the budding relationship of the apparently only two attractive people in the cast. Again, I just felt the "monster" - Goliath (another aspect I would hope they'd change before filming) - deserved better with maybe even some kind of hokey ride off into the sunset closing scene. But heavy sigh, it was not to be. C'est la vie. Cue credits.
I found Alan Nayes' "Abominable" to be an acceptably interesting book - and more than a positive addition to my recent "cryptid-read-a-thon" collection - with lots of intriquing and unique ideas strewn throughout. Keep in mind this book was published in 2016 which would place it fairly well ahead of the multiverse approaches of Marvel though maybe not the re-invented Star Trek movie franchises. However, if we're going to use movie analogies to summarize things - which I think is appropriate considering the book reads in many ways like a screenplay - a very safe, no risk "edits are accepted" screenplay - I would place this book squarely alongside 1997's "Jurassic Park: The Lost World" the Jeff Goldblum-centric catastrophe. Yes, I said it: catastrophe. Including zipping around town with a baby T-Rex in the car! That movie to me was about as silly as silly gets and I was sure would doom the franchise for good (do NOT take investment advice from me btw).
A twenty-eight-thousand-year-old ape, locked in some mysterious alien “specimen jar”…
Just like in that film, "Abominable" had just too much happening that had me shaking my head - all those experts including scientists, hunters, and more doing so many really stupid things again and again! Plus, I found it a tad awkward that there was little to no growth from the characters other than maybe making sure their roles would exist well into another sequel (though killing off the jerks was more than acceptable as you'll see). This is what hurt this book the most for me, namely, the repeated "oh whoever thought bringing a monster to Los Angeles would turn out bad?" events as well as the clichéd inter-departmental / -agency tensions. I would have enjoyed a lot more focus not just on but physically with the creature in question. But I guess the stress and pressure of getting grants for the University is a more realistic focal point. As a former grad student myself, I can understand why that aspect might satisfy the level of violence and mayhem many readers are seeking (that was sarcasm kids, look it up).
How could everything have gone to shit in so little time?
Don't get me wrong: this is a well-written book. Nayes' proved himself more than a worthy wordsmith and if you're like me, there were more than enough delicious new words to double-click on for clearer definition. Even the parts that I assume many might call technobabble including about the fascinatingly conceived UCO were convincingly presented although this was perhaps most responsible for what I'd consider very slow pacing, particularly in the first third of the book. Where I might then say the skill level in getting the story down on paper differed from the actual result would be first of all that there were no real surprises - interesting hypotheses, sure, but not actual plot shockers. Secondly, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that Nayes' used any examples of foreshadowing like he was swinging a particularly nasty model of cudgel at his typewriter. For example: "I want to commend you on your preparation. The ape is as docile as a kitten." Or even the classic "How bad could it really be?" So, yeah, not subtle at all, smash smash!
That big powerful smart sonofabitch outsmarted us.
Having said all that (I'm assuming at least one of you is still reading by this point), I will also say that I considered giving this book 4 stars until I read what wound up being a very unsatisfying and rushed ending. To come all this way - both literally and figuratively - and have things end like that was a real let-down. Yes, yes, we can go back and take the whole shebang to the screenplay polishers and somehow argue that nothing was finally-finalized. But as it was, that was a real 'meh' finale for me. We don't really get any true closure about the grander scheme of things - or even the budding relationship of the apparently only two attractive people in the cast. Again, I just felt the "monster" - Goliath (another aspect I would hope they'd change before filming) - deserved better with maybe even some kind of hokey ride off into the sunset closing scene. But heavy sigh, it was not to be. C'est la vie. Cue credits.
February 1, 2020
There must be a downloadable template out there for these types of stories. They all seem to have the same basic plot - beautiful young scientist, hunky adventurer (also a scientist), greedy megawealthy individual bent on owning the world, etc. This one has all those but that doesn't necessarily make it a bad read. I did, in fact, rather enjoyed it. It was a modern take on King Kong with elements of Yeti thrown in for good measure. During an exploration of a glacier in Alaska, a mysterious device is discovered that defies all attempts to identify or open it. When it does finally give up its secrets, all hell breaks loose.
I did enjoy this book despite its formulaic plot. I found myself rooting for the giant ape as he escapes and tries to go back to his home. The author gives him a degree of emotion and intelligence not found in extant primates. I was disappointed that the alien aspect wasn't developed more. It was a major factor early on and hints were dropped as to further inclusion in the story but it just wasn't there. Maybe there is a sequel in the works. I don't know.
I did enjoy this book despite its formulaic plot. I found myself rooting for the giant ape as he escapes and tries to go back to his home. The author gives him a degree of emotion and intelligence not found in extant primates. I was disappointed that the alien aspect wasn't developed more. It was a major factor early on and hints were dropped as to further inclusion in the story but it just wasn't there. Maybe there is a sequel in the works. I don't know.
August 18, 2019
Okay story
To me this book had a slow start to it. That said what I liked was it asked questions in around about way of just what was our role in dealing with other species. It seemed to ask who was the more human the humans in the story or Goliath, the prehistoric primate. Now maybe I am reading too much into the story, but it seemed that Goliath was a lot smarter than the humans have him credit for. The ending to me kind of sucked, but it was to be expected for the story could only end one way. Now in closing this review I want to say don't get me wrong this was a good story it just seemed to go slower than I like. Also don't think this was a sermon on animal rights because it didn't feel that way to me it was just a bit slow in its pacing.
To me this book had a slow start to it. That said what I liked was it asked questions in around about way of just what was our role in dealing with other species. It seemed to ask who was the more human the humans in the story or Goliath, the prehistoric primate. Now maybe I am reading too much into the story, but it seemed that Goliath was a lot smarter than the humans have him credit for. The ending to me kind of sucked, but it was to be expected for the story could only end one way. Now in closing this review I want to say don't get me wrong this was a good story it just seemed to go slower than I like. Also don't think this was a sermon on animal rights because it didn't feel that way to me it was just a bit slow in its pacing.
January 17, 2020
Abominable is the first book I've read by Alan Nayes but it won't be the last. I've already ordered Smilodon .Smilodon
Abdominable revolves around the discovery of a strange object embedded in a glacier next to the fossilized remains of an ancient giant ape (Gigantopithecus), which dates the object as being roughly 28,000 years old. Where did the object come from? What does it contain?
The world will never be the same.
Extremely well plotted and written the book flows effortlessly from scene to scene, becoming more and more compelling. Excellent, believable characters and exceptionally good dialogue round out a tour de force for Alan Nayes.
Abdominable revolves around the discovery of a strange object embedded in a glacier next to the fossilized remains of an ancient giant ape (Gigantopithecus), which dates the object as being roughly 28,000 years old. Where did the object come from? What does it contain?
The world will never be the same.
Extremely well plotted and written the book flows effortlessly from scene to scene, becoming more and more compelling. Excellent, believable characters and exceptionally good dialogue round out a tour de force for Alan Nayes.
November 13, 2017
King Kong on ice.
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book, and what I read, I didn't expect. The story grabbed my attention rather quickly and held on until the end. However, just like King Kong, the story had danger, romance and a damsel that was stressed...or whatever. I can't say anything else about the Kong similarities without giving away spoilers. So, I'll just say I liked the story but didn't love it and if you want more monster mayhem and less "story", look elsewhere. If you want a more well rounded monster story, I think you will enjoy this "chilling" story.
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book, and what I read, I didn't expect. The story grabbed my attention rather quickly and held on until the end. However, just like King Kong, the story had danger, romance and a damsel that was stressed...or whatever. I can't say anything else about the Kong similarities without giving away spoilers. So, I'll just say I liked the story but didn't love it and if you want more monster mayhem and less "story", look elsewhere. If you want a more well rounded monster story, I think you will enjoy this "chilling" story.
December 8, 2019
A very compelling story
The story is about a discovery of a long extinct ape encased in a mysterious container for 28,000 yrs. The container was made of an unknown material with fantastic properties. While being transported by military plane it caused some type of explosion obliterating the plane. The container survived and released the specimen. It was captured and brought to the U.S. The situation got out of control and the after people died out was sold to rich Canadian who planned to kill it and put it in his collection of primates. Of course things didn't work out quite that way. It's a very good story with drama, action, and romance.
The story is about a discovery of a long extinct ape encased in a mysterious container for 28,000 yrs. The container was made of an unknown material with fantastic properties. While being transported by military plane it caused some type of explosion obliterating the plane. The container survived and released the specimen. It was captured and brought to the U.S. The situation got out of control and the after people died out was sold to rich Canadian who planned to kill it and put it in his collection of primates. Of course things didn't work out quite that way. It's a very good story with drama, action, and romance.
December 17, 2019
Pretty good
Good read for the most part. My only really complaint is that the writer told what was going to happen before it did. Example: “The ape’s massacre commences tomorrow.” Only he had it backward."
The author did this all throughout the book. Instead of letting the reader keep the feeling of suspense; wondering what will happen. It's like waiting to open a gift, and right before you open it, the person tells you what it is. Very frustrating. Still a good story though, and would definitely recommend.
Good read for the most part. My only really complaint is that the writer told what was going to happen before it did. Example: “The ape’s massacre commences tomorrow.” Only he had it backward."
The author did this all throughout the book. Instead of letting the reader keep the feeling of suspense; wondering what will happen. It's like waiting to open a gift, and right before you open it, the person tells you what it is. Very frustrating. Still a good story though, and would definitely recommend.
December 11, 2022
The story goes nowhere
Great possibilities..... Buut.....it goes absolutely nowhere! Nothing ever develops; there are absolutely no "discoveries" or "revelations" or any explanations! (And there were lots of really interesting possibilities!!!) I kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting.....then the poor thing just laid down and died!!!!
Don't waste your time or money. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is the really interesting possibilities the author dangled in the beginning of the book
Great possibilities..... Buut.....it goes absolutely nowhere! Nothing ever develops; there are absolutely no "discoveries" or "revelations" or any explanations! (And there were lots of really interesting possibilities!!!) I kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting.....then the poor thing just laid down and died!!!!
Don't waste your time or money. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is the really interesting possibilities the author dangled in the beginning of the book
January 15, 2018
Abominable Snowman and Aliens
The premise of this story caught my interest. I'd call this a paleontoligical science fiction novel, and the combination works! The pace in this novel is brisk, and the action fast and attention grabbing. This author is talented and knows how to spin a far fetched yarn, yet make it believable, too. Some of the dialog is a bit stilted, but we're not reading a story like this for Shakespearean dialog. Overall a great choice for a good read.
The premise of this story caught my interest. I'd call this a paleontoligical science fiction novel, and the combination works! The pace in this novel is brisk, and the action fast and attention grabbing. This author is talented and knows how to spin a far fetched yarn, yet make it believable, too. Some of the dialog is a bit stilted, but we're not reading a story like this for Shakespearean dialog. Overall a great choice for a good read.
June 25, 2019
Good Story
I enjoyed reading this book. It borrowed some themes from the story of King Kong which detracted from its originality. Kind of like Beauty meets the Yeti.
The action though is continuous and the main character, Shelby, has integrity and is likeable.
The descriptions of Alaska and in general other locations are detailed enough to spur your imagination.
Worth a read.
I enjoyed reading this book. It borrowed some themes from the story of King Kong which detracted from its originality. Kind of like Beauty meets the Yeti.
The action though is continuous and the main character, Shelby, has integrity and is likeable.
The descriptions of Alaska and in general other locations are detailed enough to spur your imagination.
Worth a read.
June 16, 2019
Fantastic story
I found this book to be a little slow to get my attention in the beginning, but I knew it was.going to be something really worth reading, and it was. I felt so much sympathy and pain for both Shelby and Goliath. I really enjoyed the story, and recommend it to everyone.
I found this book to be a little slow to get my attention in the beginning, but I knew it was.going to be something really worth reading, and it was. I felt so much sympathy and pain for both Shelby and Goliath. I really enjoyed the story, and recommend it to everyone.
July 27, 2019
Good Old Fashion SF Adventure Story
Really enjoyed this story of scientists stumbling on an alien artifact containing the mysteriously preserved body of a 28,000 hear old hitherto unknown giant primate. Action, mystery, romance and high level poaching prove a heady brew well worth savoring.
Really enjoyed this story of scientists stumbling on an alien artifact containing the mysteriously preserved body of a 28,000 hear old hitherto unknown giant primate. Action, mystery, romance and high level poaching prove a heady brew well worth savoring.
August 29, 2020
I really enjoyed the story. The characters were believable, even though some were really unlikable. I fell in love with Goliath. The way the story ended is the reason for the 4 stars, instead of 5. It felt rushed and a bit like it was just thrown together. I was so sure that Goliath would survive and that there would be a sequel. 😪
July 30, 2021
Great read
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested from start to finish. The characters were great and I was really rooting for Goliath. Part of what made me want to keep reading late into the night was concern for Goliath's fate. I'll definitely be reading more by this author!
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested from start to finish. The characters were great and I was really rooting for Goliath. Part of what made me want to keep reading late into the night was concern for Goliath's fate. I'll definitely be reading more by this author!
January 31, 2023
Totally absorbing
This is the evolving story of an unfortunate creature captured many years ago in the past and is now dealing with the greed and cruelty of humans. There is one woman who understands his dilemma and is heart broken. He is highly intelligent and driven by love for his family to follow his instincts which means danger for everyone.
This is the evolving story of an unfortunate creature captured many years ago in the past and is now dealing with the greed and cruelty of humans. There is one woman who understands his dilemma and is heart broken. He is highly intelligent and driven by love for his family to follow his instincts which means danger for everyone.
July 20, 2024
The riveting story was masterfully presented against the brutal but breathtaking beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Goliath's existence was fully believable, and his current state was completely mind blowing. It was impossible to determine just where this plot was going to take me, but I was all in. Wow! What a ride. Action-Packed, Thrilling, and Unputdownable!!!!!
July 9, 2017
Different
I liked this novel because it was a different take on the usual yeti type story. However, it left a major p!ot point unanswered. I won't spoil it. It would make a good movie.
I liked this novel because it was a different take on the usual yeti type story. However, it left a major p!ot point unanswered. I won't spoil it. It would make a good movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews