What do you think?
Rate this book
Mine #1
Mine
Something happened that night in the woods at Camp Red Hawk. But all Joel and Leah can recall is sneaking out for a late hike with five camp friends, and that only the two of them and their friend Mike returned.
They have no memory of what happened to the others. No memory of anything after leaving the camp.
In the years that follow, they realize something has changed inside of them. They are different from others, in ways they never should be. In ways that send their lives down disturbing and terrifying paths.
As they grapple with adulthood, their only hope for understanding why they've been altered lies with them finding each other again. But how is that possible when their memories of one another have been erased?
They have no memory of what happened to the others. No memory of anything after leaving the camp.
In the years that follow, they realize something has changed inside of them. They are different from others, in ways they never should be. In ways that send their lives down disturbing and terrifying paths.
As they grapple with adulthood, their only hope for understanding why they've been altered lies with them finding each other again. But how is that possible when their memories of one another have been erased?
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2016
128 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Brett Battles
90 books1,058 followersBrett Battles is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and Barry Award-winning author of forty novels, including the Jonathan Quinn series and its Excoms spinoff, the Project Eden series, and the time bending Rewinder series. He’s also the coauthor, with Robert Gregory Browne, of the Alexandra Poe series. He is one of the founding members of Killer Year, and is a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. He lives and writes in Ventura County, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 18, 2017
When I first started this book I had the feeling it might be for younger readers, although it would be a great book for preteens and up, I quickly found that it is indeed for adults, too. After the first couple of chapters I was thoroughly sucked in. Reading Mine was like reading a Stephen King novel, it had a equal parts science fiction and mystery, with a dash of creepy thrown in. You are pretty much going back and forth between two of the main characters, Leah and Joel, as they are growing up and dealing with the after effects of the strange and mysterious night at summer camp. That night is not only a mystery to us, the reader, but to Leah, Joel and Mike, as well. Strange things have began to happen to them that they don't understand and they are connected in ways that they don't even know, yet. I found Mine to be a very interesting read, actually way more interesting that i thought it would be when i started, with an easy flow that keeps things moving along to hold your attention. I now find that I have the urge to go look up Battles on Amazon so I can read more of his work.
April 13, 2017
Interesting Sci Fi with a mysterious antagonist(s). YA with only a bare hint on romantic feelings (yay!).
Seven young people at the start, a bit hard to discern much difference, but soon settles on two main protagonists with alternate POVs.
Seven young people at the start, a bit hard to discern much difference, but soon settles on two main protagonists with alternate POVs.
October 7, 2016
Mine, by Brett Battles, has one of the best prologues I've read in a long time. The set-up was incredible, filled with everything you'd want -- questions, terror, and some fantastic character moments.
Unfortunately, at least for me, the rest of the book was like pushing a stalled car up a hill.
Now I realize I'm definitely the outlier here as Mine has been picking up some rave reviews from people I typically agree with, but the bulk of this novel was a summary of two of the characters lives. While there were a few moments where we were able to see the changes in their lives caused by the , most of it read like a wikipedia page, without emotion or a reason to care. Even the side adventures they moved through I felt no vested interest in.
I wasn't a fan of seeing things from the mechanical point of view of whatever they were up against, and kept hoping that the ending would pull this together in a really unique way.
Spoiler alert: it didn't.
The novel itself is extremely well written and Battles has proven he can write some terse prose, going places that surprise you. I'm not sure if it's the speed he's whipping out these new books, but both this and Rewinder lacked everything I loved about Sick. The premises are great, but they just sort of stagger without ever lifting off the ground.
Probably my last Battles read for awhile as I'm now expecting "more of the same." But man, the set-up to this novel deserved to be explored. 2.5 stars.
Unfortunately, at least for me, the rest of the book was like pushing a stalled car up a hill.
Now I realize I'm definitely the outlier here as Mine has been picking up some rave reviews from people I typically agree with, but the bulk of this novel was a summary of two of the characters lives. While there were a few moments where we were able to see the changes in their lives caused by the , most of it read like a wikipedia page, without emotion or a reason to care. Even the side adventures they moved through I felt no vested interest in.
I wasn't a fan of seeing things from the mechanical point of view of whatever they were up against, and kept hoping that the ending would pull this together in a really unique way.
Spoiler alert: it didn't.
The novel itself is extremely well written and Battles has proven he can write some terse prose, going places that surprise you. I'm not sure if it's the speed he's whipping out these new books, but both this and Rewinder lacked everything I loved about Sick. The premises are great, but they just sort of stagger without ever lifting off the ground.
Probably my last Battles read for awhile as I'm now expecting "more of the same." But man, the set-up to this novel deserved to be explored. 2.5 stars.
August 4, 2016
Review of MINE by Brett Battles
MINE is a perfectly contained novel, a blend of science fiction, speculative fiction, mystery, and history, perfectly plotted and engrossing. I couldn't set it aside, but had to read through to the end to find out Why? Who? How? and more. Set initially in Colorado, the story line begins at Camp Red Hawk, where a small group of 13-year-old campers, boys and girls, decide on a night hike--an option that will forever, literally, change the lives of each.
The author makes the science fiction-speculative theme of the story so viable that there is no problem with suspension of disbelief. The characters are each finely drawn, and layered upon all this is adventure, action, terror, mental illness, and something far beyond human and incomprehensible.
[The prequel to Mine releases August 5 2016.]
MINE is a perfectly contained novel, a blend of science fiction, speculative fiction, mystery, and history, perfectly plotted and engrossing. I couldn't set it aside, but had to read through to the end to find out Why? Who? How? and more. Set initially in Colorado, the story line begins at Camp Red Hawk, where a small group of 13-year-old campers, boys and girls, decide on a night hike--an option that will forever, literally, change the lives of each.
The author makes the science fiction-speculative theme of the story so viable that there is no problem with suspension of disbelief. The characters are each finely drawn, and layered upon all this is adventure, action, terror, mental illness, and something far beyond human and incomprehensible.
[The prequel to Mine releases August 5 2016.]
July 15, 2016
"Mine" is creepy, intoxicating, exciting and electrifying! I loved it from cover to cover.
From the moment I started this book, my heart was in my throat. I had to keep reading because the driving suspense made me want to know what happened next. This was through the entire book. I have two small kids, so I could only read at night before I went to bed. Every night I would crawl into bed and tell myself I would only read one chapter because I knew my kids would be up early and I didn't want to be a zombie in the morning. However, without fail... every night I would read until I literally had to force myself to turn off my kindle and go to sleep and usually after reading multiple chapters longer than I said I would.
I love Brett Battles' writing. I've read just about every single book of his I can get my hands on. I love the voices of his characters. He has many characters and many series' but they are all vastly different. All of them engaging, but so totally different. I'm in awe of his writing (and he seems to release books from his different series' so frequently) -- seriously, amazing!
Every so often you find a writer whose work just clicks for you. Whose characters you see bits of yourself in. Who makes you feel, think, imagine, dream. Brett Battles is that author for me.
His books make writing seem so effortless, even though I know it's not. Brett Battles was truly born to be a writer.
From the moment I started this book, my heart was in my throat. I had to keep reading because the driving suspense made me want to know what happened next. This was through the entire book. I have two small kids, so I could only read at night before I went to bed. Every night I would crawl into bed and tell myself I would only read one chapter because I knew my kids would be up early and I didn't want to be a zombie in the morning. However, without fail... every night I would read until I literally had to force myself to turn off my kindle and go to sleep and usually after reading multiple chapters longer than I said I would.
I love Brett Battles' writing. I've read just about every single book of his I can get my hands on. I love the voices of his characters. He has many characters and many series' but they are all vastly different. All of them engaging, but so totally different. I'm in awe of his writing (and he seems to release books from his different series' so frequently) -- seriously, amazing!
Every so often you find a writer whose work just clicks for you. Whose characters you see bits of yourself in. Who makes you feel, think, imagine, dream. Brett Battles is that author for me.
His books make writing seem so effortless, even though I know it's not. Brett Battles was truly born to be a writer.
September 10, 2016
Gripping story that I could not put down. Creepy! Really, really good. And the ending, frightening!
April 30, 2017
A bunch of teenagers at summer camp sneak away from their counselors to take a romp through the woods. They encounter a sign saying "No Trespassing - US Government" and being teenagers, of course they ignore the sign and go through a hole in the fence to investigate. Only three of the teens make it back out.
While Mine began with a premise reminiscent of an 80s horror story, it quickly turns into more of a YA SF adventure. Joel and Leah, two of the "survivors" of that night at Camp Red Hawk, become preternaturally gifted - stronger, faster, and smarter than normal people, and also connected by a psychic link that compels Leah to give Joel foreknowledge of trouble. At this point, it almost becomes a superhero story, until the last third of the book when Joel and Leah track down Mike, the third member of their trio, and go back to Camp Red Hawk to find out what really happened to them.
Mine is a lightly entertaining story that had more potential, but the writing was only average, and I found the Big Reveal fairly predictable, and what tension built up was often drained by Leah, Joel, and Mike using their super-YA powers to get out of trouble. As an audiobook, it passed the time but I doubt I'd be very interested in a sequel, though I might check out more from this author.
While Mine began with a premise reminiscent of an 80s horror story, it quickly turns into more of a YA SF adventure. Joel and Leah, two of the "survivors" of that night at Camp Red Hawk, become preternaturally gifted - stronger, faster, and smarter than normal people, and also connected by a psychic link that compels Leah to give Joel foreknowledge of trouble. At this point, it almost becomes a superhero story, until the last third of the book when Joel and Leah track down Mike, the third member of their trio, and go back to Camp Red Hawk to find out what really happened to them.
Mine is a lightly entertaining story that had more potential, but the writing was only average, and I found the Big Reveal fairly predictable, and what tension built up was often drained by Leah, Joel, and Mike using their super-YA powers to get out of trouble. As an audiobook, it passed the time but I doubt I'd be very interested in a sequel, though I might check out more from this author.
July 15, 2016
I have won this novel in a contest in exchange for an honest review.
I have been following and reading Mr. Battles since his first novel, The Cleaner. His Quinn series, Logan Harper series, Project Eden series, the Poe series written with Robert Brown and his new Rewinder series have one thing in common, despite the different genre, the stories are all intriguing and display impressive writing skills. This new novel is no exception. The one more chapter factor is in full swing here. The short chapters propels this story at lightning speed. The story style reminded me of LOST or 14 by Peter Clines, you want to know what is happening to these characters and are following them in their quest to find out. This is something Dean Koontz might have written. The characters are engaging and their adventures, fascinating and puzzling.
While written as a stand-alone, this story might continue and frankly, I would welcome a sequel.
Simply put... I LOVED IT!
I have been following and reading Mr. Battles since his first novel, The Cleaner. His Quinn series, Logan Harper series, Project Eden series, the Poe series written with Robert Brown and his new Rewinder series have one thing in common, despite the different genre, the stories are all intriguing and display impressive writing skills. This new novel is no exception. The one more chapter factor is in full swing here. The short chapters propels this story at lightning speed. The story style reminded me of LOST or 14 by Peter Clines, you want to know what is happening to these characters and are following them in their quest to find out. This is something Dean Koontz might have written. The characters are engaging and their adventures, fascinating and puzzling.
While written as a stand-alone, this story might continue and frankly, I would welcome a sequel.
Simply put... I LOVED IT!
July 12, 2016
I was very Lucky to get a copy of this book before it hit the stands. I am a big fan of the Quinn series from Brett Battles and was very happy to be able to read his new book "MINE". I was not sure what to expect with this story, other than I knew it was going to be good and I was right. 2 things came to mind while reading this book. #1 it was a little like Steven King...and #2 This book should be a MOVIE....What an Oscar winning movie this would be. The 3 main characters were good and even got better as they got older. Its one of those books where you don't want it to end...Great job Brett..
May 1, 2018
Not my usual fare, but great nonetheless. Took me a while to get into this book, due to it staying in the kid years for quite a bit, but then it picks up and turns into a solid action/ mystery with a nice twist at the end. Stick with it early and you'll be rewarded later. :)
April 1, 2019
Good start with a creepy opening. But then it loses steam and falls flat.
July 24, 2018
Audiobook
I wasn't sure what this book was in the beginning. I thought it had to do with an actual mine. Something in it that was dark and sinister. Nope, it's kind of a teenage love conquers all story. The ending was not what I expected or really wanted. 3 stars.
I wasn't sure what this book was in the beginning. I thought it had to do with an actual mine. Something in it that was dark and sinister. Nope, it's kind of a teenage love conquers all story. The ending was not what I expected or really wanted. 3 stars.
November 10, 2016
Hello, dear Audiobooks Fans! As you may well know, Brett Battles is one of my favorites authors and when I ”heard”, earlier this year, that he is working on a new book set apart from his regular series, I was very excited! I waited almost two additional months after the Kindle release in order to get my hands on the audiobook and I’m glad that I did!
I will try to be very careful with what I tell you about the story, because I want to make you want to read it and, at the same time I must avoid spoilers at all costs… Ok, let’s try this!
Mine opens with a scene reminescent of all those scary movies that were airing on US Cable in the late 80s. A few teenagers are in Summer vacation at Camp Red Hawk, deep in the woods and some of them want to do something brave and totally stupid after their minders fall asleep. As you may imagine, everything goes terribly wrong and they all end up missing… After a few days, just three teens are found, and they are changed forever…
The story spans over 20 years and follows the three of them, a girl and two boys, as they try to understand what happened that dreadful night in the woods. Maybe, if they all three put together what they remember, they will find an answer, but how? Their memories of each other have been erased!
freeaudible
Mine is something new, something different from what Mr. Battles usually writes, but it is as good or even better, in some aspects, than some of his previous works. I think that Mine is targeted at a younger audience, somewhere between the ages of 16 to 24, not at fully grown male adults of 33, but, even so I listened to it almost continuously from start to finish and I can say that I loved it!
When I said that Mine is even better than some of Brett‘s previous works, I was thinking about the deep character development we can find in this book. Brett Battles is a Thriller writer at heart, with Quinn, Project Eden an Poe he delivers non-stop action, but with Mine and with the Rewinder series he takes his time to tell the story differently, and I like that very much! As I was listening, I discovered that I was deeply caring for Joel, Leah and even for Mike, cheering them on, wanting to unravel the mystery…
If you like Paranormal and Sci-Fi thrillers, you can give Mine a try and you’ll discover why I love Brett‘s work so much!
Another nice surprise, for me at least, was the selection of Kirby Heyborne as the narrator for Mine. All other series by Brett Battles are performed by some great and award winning actors that include names like Scott Brick, Abby Craden, Vikas Adam and MacLeod Andrews.
I have to admit that I didn’t listen to any audiobooks narrated by Kirby Heyborne before Mine and that I was a little anxious. I’m very picky when it comes to narrators, but I shouldn’t have worried at all! Kirby does a fantastic job with the narration, he reads, he acts, he can switch between voices easily and by doing so he keeps all the characters well differentiated for the listener… Near the end of the book there are some very tensed moments and I think that he overacted, just a little, by shouting too loud in some scenes… but, I won’t keep that against him as he delivered a great overall performance.
As a side note, I want to add that both me and my girlfriend, Alina, are listening to audiobooks everyday and as we are usually talking about what we read, I discovered that she enjoys Kirby Heyborne’s performance of the two of the three audiobooks in the Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children trilogy… She is at the 3rd right now and maybe she’ll start writing a few reviews soon…
I hope to see Brett Battles as he announces the next book in this series very soon and I can’t wait to listen to more audiobooks performed by Kirby Heyborne, as I enjoyed his narration very much…
Please vote Yes below if you found this review helpful and read more reviews on theAudiobookBlog dot com
Thank you!
Victor
I will try to be very careful with what I tell you about the story, because I want to make you want to read it and, at the same time I must avoid spoilers at all costs… Ok, let’s try this!
Mine opens with a scene reminescent of all those scary movies that were airing on US Cable in the late 80s. A few teenagers are in Summer vacation at Camp Red Hawk, deep in the woods and some of them want to do something brave and totally stupid after their minders fall asleep. As you may imagine, everything goes terribly wrong and they all end up missing… After a few days, just three teens are found, and they are changed forever…
The story spans over 20 years and follows the three of them, a girl and two boys, as they try to understand what happened that dreadful night in the woods. Maybe, if they all three put together what they remember, they will find an answer, but how? Their memories of each other have been erased!
freeaudible
Mine is something new, something different from what Mr. Battles usually writes, but it is as good or even better, in some aspects, than some of his previous works. I think that Mine is targeted at a younger audience, somewhere between the ages of 16 to 24, not at fully grown male adults of 33, but, even so I listened to it almost continuously from start to finish and I can say that I loved it!
When I said that Mine is even better than some of Brett‘s previous works, I was thinking about the deep character development we can find in this book. Brett Battles is a Thriller writer at heart, with Quinn, Project Eden an Poe he delivers non-stop action, but with Mine and with the Rewinder series he takes his time to tell the story differently, and I like that very much! As I was listening, I discovered that I was deeply caring for Joel, Leah and even for Mike, cheering them on, wanting to unravel the mystery…
If you like Paranormal and Sci-Fi thrillers, you can give Mine a try and you’ll discover why I love Brett‘s work so much!
Another nice surprise, for me at least, was the selection of Kirby Heyborne as the narrator for Mine. All other series by Brett Battles are performed by some great and award winning actors that include names like Scott Brick, Abby Craden, Vikas Adam and MacLeod Andrews.
I have to admit that I didn’t listen to any audiobooks narrated by Kirby Heyborne before Mine and that I was a little anxious. I’m very picky when it comes to narrators, but I shouldn’t have worried at all! Kirby does a fantastic job with the narration, he reads, he acts, he can switch between voices easily and by doing so he keeps all the characters well differentiated for the listener… Near the end of the book there are some very tensed moments and I think that he overacted, just a little, by shouting too loud in some scenes… but, I won’t keep that against him as he delivered a great overall performance.
As a side note, I want to add that both me and my girlfriend, Alina, are listening to audiobooks everyday and as we are usually talking about what we read, I discovered that she enjoys Kirby Heyborne’s performance of the two of the three audiobooks in the Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children trilogy… She is at the 3rd right now and maybe she’ll start writing a few reviews soon…
I hope to see Brett Battles as he announces the next book in this series very soon and I can’t wait to listen to more audiobooks performed by Kirby Heyborne, as I enjoyed his narration very much…
Please vote Yes below if you found this review helpful and read more reviews on theAudiobookBlog dot com
Thank you!
Victor
July 6, 2016
Review of "Mine" by Brett Battles
5 out of 5 stars
Note: I won this story in a give-away before publication.
Brett Battle's "Mine" was a delight to read! A compelling story - reminiscent of Stephen King's earlier tales, the ease & fluidity of the writing swept me into a feel good, remind-me-of-the-old-days familiar feeling so similar to Mr. King's that I had to remind myself that this was Brett Battles' creation! It was not long before I began to envision this book as a movie and by the time I ventured to put it down, I had read half the book!
It captured my attention from the moment I began reading, not allowing me to to break away. I loved the ease of the writing, the simple but very effective way it pulls you in and ensnares you. I wanted to find out the mystery of this story, but did not wish the tale to end.
With something for every discerning taste, "Mine" will not disappoint. It's been a while since I've read something so intriguing & captivating - I enjoyed every moment of it!
- Ashley Knight, author of Falwyn
5 out of 5 stars
Note: I won this story in a give-away before publication.
Brett Battle's "Mine" was a delight to read! A compelling story - reminiscent of Stephen King's earlier tales, the ease & fluidity of the writing swept me into a feel good, remind-me-of-the-old-days familiar feeling so similar to Mr. King's that I had to remind myself that this was Brett Battles' creation! It was not long before I began to envision this book as a movie and by the time I ventured to put it down, I had read half the book!
It captured my attention from the moment I began reading, not allowing me to to break away. I loved the ease of the writing, the simple but very effective way it pulls you in and ensnares you. I wanted to find out the mystery of this story, but did not wish the tale to end.
With something for every discerning taste, "Mine" will not disappoint. It's been a while since I've read something so intriguing & captivating - I enjoyed every moment of it!
- Ashley Knight, author of Falwyn
July 9, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this from Brett Battles.
The story is a strange one, but I really enjoyed it, the characters were well written and brought the story to life. It is a supernatural sort of story with technology thrown in for good measure. Who knows what is out there and if something like this could ever happen.
The story is a strange one, but I really enjoyed it, the characters were well written and brought the story to life. It is a supernatural sort of story with technology thrown in for good measure. Who knows what is out there and if something like this could ever happen.
September 29, 2020
Yet another young adult novel which found its way on to my 'to read' list somehow, somewhere back in the day, and I'm glad it did. A really well told, and suspenseful tale.
I really enjoyed all the short chapters (one for each scene change and change of point of view). I thought this structure added to the urgency of the plot, and it also made it very clear through whose eyes we were viewing the action. There was some great suspense and foreshadowing which made most of the middle third of the book and the end compelling. I enjoyed the mystery as well and the use of different font for alien talk. These were all clever touches which lifted Mine above the crowd of teenagers go camping and something terrible happens stories. I thought the ending easy was very cool, and foreboding.
I would have enjoyed Mine more had it been a little faster through the opening third. It was a slow burner, but this is only a minor criticism as obviously it was more than enough to keep me reading. Had there been some wow moments, I would have given Mine five stars, but the language didn't quite have enough power for me.
Battles' simple style, imagination, lucid plotting and cool foreshadowing made Mine a winner for this reader.
I really enjoyed all the short chapters (one for each scene change and change of point of view). I thought this structure added to the urgency of the plot, and it also made it very clear through whose eyes we were viewing the action. There was some great suspense and foreshadowing which made most of the middle third of the book and the end compelling. I enjoyed the mystery as well and the use of different font for alien talk. These were all clever touches which lifted Mine above the crowd of teenagers go camping and something terrible happens stories. I thought the ending easy was very cool, and foreboding.
I would have enjoyed Mine more had it been a little faster through the opening third. It was a slow burner, but this is only a minor criticism as obviously it was more than enough to keep me reading. Had there been some wow moments, I would have given Mine five stars, but the language didn't quite have enough power for me.
Battles' simple style, imagination, lucid plotting and cool foreshadowing made Mine a winner for this reader.
March 3, 2019
I would only recommend this novel to someone who is very interested in the plot and genre.
Battles writing style is written for middle school aged children, he does not dive into any depth of his characters emotions, views of the world, or the logistics of how his characters can do what they do. The writing is shallow to say the least. That being said, I am reading this as a sophomore in college. So if your younger and not looking for a very descriptive emotionally enthralling book - this novel should do the job.
If you do read this novel and find yourself being turned away during the first few chapter due his unengaging writing - tough it out. The plot improves and you grow more accustom to his writing. Eventually, if this gene, of super-powered-young adults, entices you then it is worth finishing.
A review I read mentioned that this author's writing style is similar to Stephen King - this is an incredibly uneducated comparison. A case could be made that the plot could be compared to a few of Kings works, but do not, under any circumstances, expect Battles writing to be even be half of Kings.
Battles writing style is written for middle school aged children, he does not dive into any depth of his characters emotions, views of the world, or the logistics of how his characters can do what they do. The writing is shallow to say the least. That being said, I am reading this as a sophomore in college. So if your younger and not looking for a very descriptive emotionally enthralling book - this novel should do the job.
If you do read this novel and find yourself being turned away during the first few chapter due his unengaging writing - tough it out. The plot improves and you grow more accustom to his writing. Eventually, if this gene, of super-powered-young adults, entices you then it is worth finishing.
A review I read mentioned that this author's writing style is similar to Stephen King - this is an incredibly uneducated comparison. A case could be made that the plot could be compared to a few of Kings works, but do not, under any circumstances, expect Battles writing to be even be half of Kings.
October 11, 2020
Mine By Brett Battles is a quick an easy read and loads of fun for anyone from teen and above.
7 teenagers on Summer camp sneak out one night for some fun but get more than they bargain for and here is the plot that Battles sets up as we follow the events of said night and the following years of our 7s lives.
I am a huge fan of Brett Battles and have invested time in all of his books and I find it astonishing that he continues to pump out good quality stories set in many different genres and not more off a household name.
This is a fast paced thrill ride with an equally good mystery the world building is good all the characters are well rounded and a joy to spend time with, Joel’s and Leah’s arch's are great as the two main characters as they try to understand what happened that summer night.
Mine has short snappy chapters and I never once got bored and was compelled to continue to turn the the page and before I knew it the book was finished and left me graving more.
So to find a short Prequal Mine the Arrival has been released made my day.
Well worth your time and hard -earned cash a great easy read.
7 teenagers on Summer camp sneak out one night for some fun but get more than they bargain for and here is the plot that Battles sets up as we follow the events of said night and the following years of our 7s lives.
I am a huge fan of Brett Battles and have invested time in all of his books and I find it astonishing that he continues to pump out good quality stories set in many different genres and not more off a household name.
This is a fast paced thrill ride with an equally good mystery the world building is good all the characters are well rounded and a joy to spend time with, Joel’s and Leah’s arch's are great as the two main characters as they try to understand what happened that summer night.
Mine has short snappy chapters and I never once got bored and was compelled to continue to turn the the page and before I knew it the book was finished and left me graving more.
So to find a short Prequal Mine the Arrival has been released made my day.
Well worth your time and hard -earned cash a great easy read.
April 26, 2020
If you're looking for a book set in the modern era that captures the feel of the Fear Street books of the 90s, this one is for you.
Battles had a good setup for this book. 7 friends at summer camp sneak off one night; only 3 come back with no memories of what occurred.
The author does a good job of keeping the creepy atmosphere going, and expanding on the mystery as the book continues.
Unfortunately, the book lacks details. There's a lot that happens on the surface, but the author never goes in depth into anything, and it hurts the book. A good story that was hindered by being contained in just one book. It would have worked much better as a trilogy.
Still, for all its flaws, the book is a good mix of horror & scifi, and great for a quick read where you don't have to do much thinking.
Battles had a good setup for this book. 7 friends at summer camp sneak off one night; only 3 come back with no memories of what occurred.
The author does a good job of keeping the creepy atmosphere going, and expanding on the mystery as the book continues.
Unfortunately, the book lacks details. There's a lot that happens on the surface, but the author never goes in depth into anything, and it hurts the book. A good story that was hindered by being contained in just one book. It would have worked much better as a trilogy.
Still, for all its flaws, the book is a good mix of horror & scifi, and great for a quick read where you don't have to do much thinking.
May 24, 2017
I have never read Brett Battles before, but I'd heard good things, and this book was an Audible Daily Deal.
Well, let's just say it wasn't my favorite book. But what really irked me was the narrator. I literally thought it was an automated program reading the book at first - it took some convincing to get me to realize it was an actual human. Maybe that was intentional - I don't know. But it was such a plodding delivery. Finally, I changed the speed to 1.25x normal, and that was MUCH better. It didn't help the story, but it did make the narrator sound human.
Otherwise, the plot was bland and the storytelling lacked humor. It was boring. I gave it 2 stars because it was semi interesting at the end.
Well, let's just say it wasn't my favorite book. But what really irked me was the narrator. I literally thought it was an automated program reading the book at first - it took some convincing to get me to realize it was an actual human. Maybe that was intentional - I don't know. But it was such a plodding delivery. Finally, I changed the speed to 1.25x normal, and that was MUCH better. It didn't help the story, but it did make the narrator sound human.
Otherwise, the plot was bland and the storytelling lacked humor. It was boring. I gave it 2 stars because it was semi interesting at the end.
July 3, 2021
Something happened that night in the woods at Camp Red Hawk. But all Joel and Leah can recall is sneaking out for a late hike with five camp friends, and that only the two of them and their friend Mike returned.
They have no memory of what happened to the others. No memory of anything after leaving the camp.
In the years that follow, they realize something has changed inside of them. They are different from others, in ways they never should be. In ways that send their lives down disturbing and terrifying paths.
As they grapple with adulthood, their only hope for understanding why they've been altered lies with them finding each other again. But how is that possible when their memories of one another have been erased?
They have no memory of what happened to the others. No memory of anything after leaving the camp.
In the years that follow, they realize something has changed inside of them. They are different from others, in ways they never should be. In ways that send their lives down disturbing and terrifying paths.
As they grapple with adulthood, their only hope for understanding why they've been altered lies with them finding each other again. But how is that possible when their memories of one another have been erased?
August 23, 2018
One of the BEST books I've read in a long time!!! I was sad when it ended because the ending had gotten so good!! I can see this as a movie that I would gladly pay to go see. I did start reading this story about a year ago, but the beginning seemed too "juvenile", so I thought it wouldn't be this good. After getting to the part where they got lost in the wind tunnel, I shelved it and forgot about it. Man, am I glad I picked it back up. I don't want to give anything away, but WOW this is a good book!!!!
April 22, 2025
Seven young people at a camp in the Colorado Rockies go on an unauthorized night hike. 6 days later, three of them return, with altered mental states and the remaining four disappear. The book is largely a description of the attempt by the returning people to find out what happened while they were gone.
Excellent character work and a strong plot make this a very enjoyable read. The tone of the story is perfect for the subject, and the writing is crisp and engaging throughout.
Recommended.
Excellent character work and a strong plot make this a very enjoyable read. The tone of the story is perfect for the subject, and the writing is crisp and engaging throughout.
Recommended.
August 28, 2017
So this is a story about teenagers at summer camp who are kidnapped and used by a mysterious alien bent on destruction of the Earth. Sounds trite or silly, right? Well, I actually enjoyed listening to this immensely. The author's sense of suspense was great, and I could hardly wait to get back to it. This is the best type of book to listen to while walking or driving - it holds your attention, but not so rigidly that you have to "rewind" a lot
January 17, 2018
This was better than I thought it would be. I read through reviews and knew some people did not think this book was good. A agree that this book is more like young adult fiction or soft sci-fi. The book started off slow, spending a lot of time to build up, but once you hit the 3/4 point the book speeds up a lot. It remind me of a roller coaster in that it takes a while to build up, but once it is over the crust it speeds up a lot.
July 24, 2018
When I started this book, I was expecting a horror novel. There are definitely some twisted and messed up things that happen, but I wouldn't put this in the horror genre. I'm not really sure how I would characterize it. I enjoyed the story, because it flowed nicely, was well-written, and had some unexpected things happening. The character development was a little lacking, but not bad. The ending was vague, which I like.
December 14, 2017
I wanted to love it as it had a Stephen King feel to it and a great set up. In the end, though, it was just ok. It was fairly predictable, and despite much of the story covering a decade or more of the main protagonist’s lives the investment in them just wasn’t there for me. A lot of good ideas from Brett Battles here, I just don’t think they all fit together that well.
April 10, 2018
Credible page turner
Taut, well-plotted story (though the extraterrestrial link is a little too convenient) with convincing characterisation. I read it in one sitting. Perhaps reading the novella wich indicates how the Reclaimer came to be might settle my quibbles over the resolution... perhaps.
Taut, well-plotted story (though the extraterrestrial link is a little too convenient) with convincing characterisation. I read it in one sitting. Perhaps reading the novella wich indicates how the Reclaimer came to be might settle my quibbles over the resolution... perhaps.
August 22, 2023
A major departure from his other books I've read
Being a huge fan of the Jonathan Quinn series I had to try this one out as I thought it might be tied to that series. This was an unexpected turn from those books. Curious as to where Brett came up with this story for sure. It will grab and hold your attention till the end.
Being a huge fan of the Jonathan Quinn series I had to try this one out as I thought it might be tied to that series. This was an unexpected turn from those books. Curious as to where Brett came up with this story for sure. It will grab and hold your attention till the end.
May 27, 2017
3.5. Fun read. Was a blending of several Koontz novels like Cold Fire and By the Light of the Moon. Would give a 4 for entertainment sort of felt like Super 8 or Stranger Things on paper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews