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Megalodon: Apex Predator
English adventurer Sir Jeffery Mallory charters a ship for a top secret expedition to Antarctica. What starts out as a search and capture mission soon turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the crew come face to face with the fiercest ocean predator to have ever existed - Carcharodon Megalodon.
Alone and with no hope of rescue the crew will need all their resources if they are to survive not only a 60 foot shark but also the harsh Antarctic conditions.
Alone and with no hope of rescue the crew will need all their resources if they are to survive not only a 60 foot shark but also the harsh Antarctic conditions.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 21, 2017
Tedious and unrealistic.
The author has a good command of the English language and is a good wordcrafter, but he needs a lot more research and an editor who is familiar with the subject.
The author mentions several times the warm stinking breath of the shark. Heads up! Sharks don't have lungs and don't breath air, therefore don't expel warm stinking breath.
He also said that the sharks had eyes that were the size of an automobile. I'm trying to think of the smallest car around, like a Cube or a VW Bug, but when the author makes a wild statement like that, I begin to lose interest.
I like a great Meg book, but I want to think that it could actually be out there. This book just doesn't draw me in and keep me interested.
The author has a good command of the English language and is a good wordcrafter, but he needs a lot more research and an editor who is familiar with the subject.
The author mentions several times the warm stinking breath of the shark. Heads up! Sharks don't have lungs and don't breath air, therefore don't expel warm stinking breath.
He also said that the sharks had eyes that were the size of an automobile. I'm trying to think of the smallest car around, like a Cube or a VW Bug, but when the author makes a wild statement like that, I begin to lose interest.
I like a great Meg book, but I want to think that it could actually be out there. This book just doesn't draw me in and keep me interested.
April 1, 2018
Oh my God this has to be without a doubt the worst book I've ever read. I wasn't expecting a literary masterpiece but i expected a half decent story that had been researched.
Picture this if you will... A 45 foot long Megalodon with 8 inch long teeth. Sounds plausible right? Until the author describes it's eyes being as big as cars! I get its a story about an extinct creature but c'mon.
Sharks don't chew their food, they tear off chunks and swallow. Neither do they have warm breath... I wish the author had done some basic shark research. I don't suppose they're a fan of shark week!
And the conquering whole sea sickness sub-plot got extremely repetitive. I mean how many times was it necessarily to describe someone vomiting.
I hated the children. The 12 year old boy was a complete brat, his sister was drooling over a man old enough to be her father one minute and inviting an 18 year old boy back to her cabin the next.
All in all I wish I could get the time back that I spent reading this, yes I could have abandoned it but I was holding out hope that it would redeem itself. Ah well, I'll know next time!
Picture this if you will... A 45 foot long Megalodon with 8 inch long teeth. Sounds plausible right? Until the author describes it's eyes being as big as cars! I get its a story about an extinct creature but c'mon.
Sharks don't chew their food, they tear off chunks and swallow. Neither do they have warm breath... I wish the author had done some basic shark research. I don't suppose they're a fan of shark week!
And the conquering whole sea sickness sub-plot got extremely repetitive. I mean how many times was it necessarily to describe someone vomiting.
I hated the children. The 12 year old boy was a complete brat, his sister was drooling over a man old enough to be her father one minute and inviting an 18 year old boy back to her cabin the next.
All in all I wish I could get the time back that I spent reading this, yes I could have abandoned it but I was holding out hope that it would redeem itself. Ah well, I'll know next time!
July 26, 2019
Mallory was only a child when the boat he was on was crippled by a megalodon, killing the people he was sailing with. Somehow he survived and decided that he had to gain proof that the huge sharks still existed and show them to the world. He has chartered a boat, filling it with experts and weapons, and set up an island base in Antarctica to house the creature when he catches it, a safe environment to film and observe. But Mallory and his ship mates have no idea how dangerous their mission is going to get or what they are really dealing with.
I am a HUGE fan of anything to do with sharks and can never resist a good creature feature book. The first thing that caught my eye was of course the cover, and I'm pretty much always going to read something that has megalodon in the title. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book but I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed it. It is a proper creature feature book with a lot of shark action throughout. I also liked the way the scenes changed throughout the book-the tension filled voyage, the hunt for the shark, the switch to the man made facility on Elephant Island where the shark is to be held and filmed, then the action scenes out on the frigid ocean again. It was a lot of fun.
I also can never resist a story set in Antarctica. There is just something really exciting about the desolate landscapes, the icy waters, the frigid temperatures and being so far away from rescue. It is just such an alien landscape for the ordinary human to survive in. Whether it a shark story like this, an isolated research station attacked by monsters or something nasty breaking out of the ice, I'm all over this kind of story. In this case combining a megalodon, an isolated base, lots of people in danger and terrible conditions to survive in was right up my alley!
The story is told through the connection between the swashbuckling adventurer Mallory, trying to uphold his father's dying wish to tell people about the megalodons and trying to impress and connect with his wife, with the seasick young boy Will. Will is the captain's son and fears he is a disappointment to his sea loving father, dragged along on adventures he doesn't want. But the story of the megalodon excites Will and he finally sees the chance to bond with his dad on a real adventure, capturing a live megalodon. He has no clue how dangerous this mission really is, thinking only of how exciting it will be. The book then follows Will's family and Mallory's experts as they start to look for the shark.
Mallory is certainly a reckless man but I also liked him. I could understand his desire to do what his father wanted, even though it was dangerous. He really thinks that he has covered all the bases, has the right weapons and supplies, and has thought of everything they will need at the base. He has no interest in actually harming the sharks, just capturing it for study and revealing its existance to the wider world. He also likes the idea of being a hero but doesn't come across to be as a total arse, just somewhat misguided! I liked the bond that he forms with Will, who in the beginning is just as keen on the quest as Mallory is. It is only when his family are in danger that he starts to question the wisdom of what they are doing.
Will's father needs a bit of a shake for agreeing to hunt megalodons when he has no experience of doing so and has his precious children on board. At first the safety issue has him disagreeing with the quest but as soon as Will has a strop about it, he caves in. Father of the year! You should've been getting your kids back to dry land instead of putting them in danger with this insane plan! But of course if he had, there would be no book! The plan itself is totally insane but it was pretty exciting to read about and people are getting eaten quite a bit through the book, which always entertains someone twisted like me! I liked the hunting side of it but the plot at Elephant Island was interesting if a little slower paced.
I've seen negative reviews of the book complaining about it not being accurate about the features or behaviour of a shark. Well I can let things like that slide if I'm enjoying the story and I was enjoying it. It's the typical b-movie creature feature book so if you like the genre you might have a good time with this one!
I am a HUGE fan of anything to do with sharks and can never resist a good creature feature book. The first thing that caught my eye was of course the cover, and I'm pretty much always going to read something that has megalodon in the title. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book but I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed it. It is a proper creature feature book with a lot of shark action throughout. I also liked the way the scenes changed throughout the book-the tension filled voyage, the hunt for the shark, the switch to the man made facility on Elephant Island where the shark is to be held and filmed, then the action scenes out on the frigid ocean again. It was a lot of fun.
I also can never resist a story set in Antarctica. There is just something really exciting about the desolate landscapes, the icy waters, the frigid temperatures and being so far away from rescue. It is just such an alien landscape for the ordinary human to survive in. Whether it a shark story like this, an isolated research station attacked by monsters or something nasty breaking out of the ice, I'm all over this kind of story. In this case combining a megalodon, an isolated base, lots of people in danger and terrible conditions to survive in was right up my alley!
The story is told through the connection between the swashbuckling adventurer Mallory, trying to uphold his father's dying wish to tell people about the megalodons and trying to impress and connect with his wife, with the seasick young boy Will. Will is the captain's son and fears he is a disappointment to his sea loving father, dragged along on adventures he doesn't want. But the story of the megalodon excites Will and he finally sees the chance to bond with his dad on a real adventure, capturing a live megalodon. He has no clue how dangerous this mission really is, thinking only of how exciting it will be. The book then follows Will's family and Mallory's experts as they start to look for the shark.
Mallory is certainly a reckless man but I also liked him. I could understand his desire to do what his father wanted, even though it was dangerous. He really thinks that he has covered all the bases, has the right weapons and supplies, and has thought of everything they will need at the base. He has no interest in actually harming the sharks, just capturing it for study and revealing its existance to the wider world. He also likes the idea of being a hero but doesn't come across to be as a total arse, just somewhat misguided! I liked the bond that he forms with Will, who in the beginning is just as keen on the quest as Mallory is. It is only when his family are in danger that he starts to question the wisdom of what they are doing.
Will's father needs a bit of a shake for agreeing to hunt megalodons when he has no experience of doing so and has his precious children on board. At first the safety issue has him disagreeing with the quest but as soon as Will has a strop about it, he caves in. Father of the year! You should've been getting your kids back to dry land instead of putting them in danger with this insane plan! But of course if he had, there would be no book! The plan itself is totally insane but it was pretty exciting to read about and people are getting eaten quite a bit through the book, which always entertains someone twisted like me! I liked the hunting side of it but the plot at Elephant Island was interesting if a little slower paced.
I've seen negative reviews of the book complaining about it not being accurate about the features or behaviour of a shark. Well I can let things like that slide if I'm enjoying the story and I was enjoying it. It's the typical b-movie creature feature book so if you like the genre you might have a good time with this one!
December 14, 2024
Probably my least favorite shark thriller book. Wasn’t expecting a great deal, but it would have been nice if it wasn’t so jumpy and the main character died…
July 16, 2017
Really good thriller
Great for some relaxation and keeps you engrossed. All his books are good reads. Pick up his other stories, too.
Great for some relaxation and keeps you engrossed. All his books are good reads. Pick up his other stories, too.
May 8, 2017
YOU CAN ALMOST FEEL LIKE YOUR ON THE SHIP
Will and his sister Ellen were brought aboard their father's ship for the Drake Passage Expedition, not realizing the real reason of the charter, their father thought it would be good having his children aboard. When Sir Mallory let's the Captain know the reason for the charter, that he's after the Magalodon the killed his father many years earlier while he was saved, Will's father wants to turn back, but Will talks his father in to continuing the trip. What none of them realize is the one they're after now has grown, close to 70ft long and she's not alone. S.J. Larson has done an amazing job with this story and you can almost feel like your on the ship, with ice, snow and freezing water all around you. This is a definite must read and one book I would recommend to others.
Will and his sister Ellen were brought aboard their father's ship for the Drake Passage Expedition, not realizing the real reason of the charter, their father thought it would be good having his children aboard. When Sir Mallory let's the Captain know the reason for the charter, that he's after the Magalodon the killed his father many years earlier while he was saved, Will's father wants to turn back, but Will talks his father in to continuing the trip. What none of them realize is the one they're after now has grown, close to 70ft long and she's not alone. S.J. Larson has done an amazing job with this story and you can almost feel like your on the ship, with ice, snow and freezing water all around you. This is a definite must read and one book I would recommend to others.
March 2, 2025
Surprisingly good 'Megalodon' book
Megalodon: Apex Predator is a surprisingly fun 'extinct shark' book, telling the story of an expedition to the Antarctic seas in an attempt to catch one to display on live TV to prove their continued existence. Everything that can go wrong does, challenging the characters to survive. Will, Ellen and their father are realistic characters, the secondary characters more archetypal, while still being well constructed. Will is the most dynamic character, not surprising given the book is largely written from his perspective. Characters fight and die to protect each other, and the gore isn't too over the top for the genre. More fun than the average sea creature horror thriller. Overall, 4/5 stars, recommended for fans of Marine horror and those interested in the story.
Megalodon: Apex Predator is a surprisingly fun 'extinct shark' book, telling the story of an expedition to the Antarctic seas in an attempt to catch one to display on live TV to prove their continued existence. Everything that can go wrong does, challenging the characters to survive. Will, Ellen and their father are realistic characters, the secondary characters more archetypal, while still being well constructed. Will is the most dynamic character, not surprising given the book is largely written from his perspective. Characters fight and die to protect each other, and the gore isn't too over the top for the genre. More fun than the average sea creature horror thriller. Overall, 4/5 stars, recommended for fans of Marine horror and those interested in the story.
August 22, 2017
Talk about seasick
This story moved along at a good pace, which was a plus. However, the subplot was about a kid conquering his being seasick every time he got on a boat. I enjoy the idea of creatures like the megalodon still existing now days. Of course you have to expect there is someone, who wants to capture the darn thing. Then there is someone, who thinks it is a bad idea and still agrees to help. My only problem with the story was the father and his whip. I mean come on this wasn't Indiana Jones and the Sharks from Bell this was a story set at sea. All in all I do have say it was just another little guilty pleasue, but hey it's Summer. So have fun.
This story moved along at a good pace, which was a plus. However, the subplot was about a kid conquering his being seasick every time he got on a boat. I enjoy the idea of creatures like the megalodon still existing now days. Of course you have to expect there is someone, who wants to capture the darn thing. Then there is someone, who thinks it is a bad idea and still agrees to help. My only problem with the story was the father and his whip. I mean come on this wasn't Indiana Jones and the Sharks from Bell this was a story set at sea. All in all I do have say it was just another little guilty pleasue, but hey it's Summer. So have fun.
June 19, 2020
A big , but Fish tail.......
Who in their right mind would want to catch a Megalodon. The biggest prehistoric dinosaurs to ever live. And who would take their kids on a sailing trip to Anartica to try to catch one???? I'm sure he regretted it totally when they ended up catching two small ones. And then Mama showed. Four of the once numerous crewmen are all that got away! Or did they ??? Highly recommended.
Who in their right mind would want to catch a Megalodon. The biggest prehistoric dinosaurs to ever live. And who would take their kids on a sailing trip to Anartica to try to catch one???? I'm sure he regretted it totally when they ended up catching two small ones. And then Mama showed. Four of the once numerous crewmen are all that got away! Or did they ??? Highly recommended.
August 16, 2021
Megalodon
Hummmmm....I don't know why anyone would think they had the knowledge and power to capture a freaking Megalodon. If it had survived so long then it obviously is smarter than they think. I think everyone was stupid for even considering it. I never would have gone into the ocean again. Lol.
Hummmmm....I don't know why anyone would think they had the knowledge and power to capture a freaking Megalodon. If it had survived so long then it obviously is smarter than they think. I think everyone was stupid for even considering it. I never would have gone into the ocean again. Lol.
November 22, 2019
Excellent!!
Definitely enjoyed every minute of reading this one! The action started at the beginning of the book and continued through to the very end. I loved the main characters and held my breath for them throughout the story.
This one is highly recommended indeed!
Definitely enjoyed every minute of reading this one! The action started at the beginning of the book and continued through to the very end. I loved the main characters and held my breath for them throughout the story.
This one is highly recommended indeed!
January 1, 2021
Plenty of blood and guts
Family drama with a side order of action, blood and gore courtesy of three prehistoric Megalodons and an ill-fated mission. Not the best creature thriller I've read but not the worst either.
Family drama with a side order of action, blood and gore courtesy of three prehistoric Megalodons and an ill-fated mission. Not the best creature thriller I've read but not the worst either.
February 3, 2022
Adventure
This isn’t a book that will transform you into a better being, if you want constant action - then this book is for you. I could give it a 5 for the action only, and a 3.5 for all else. If you like this kind of story, this is your book.
This isn’t a book that will transform you into a better being, if you want constant action - then this book is for you. I could give it a 5 for the action only, and a 3.5 for all else. If you like this kind of story, this is your book.
November 16, 2022
Awesome
Great action and emotional outbursts. Great fun and pictures and images. This was really an emotional roller coaster ride, I will have to read moreover this
Writers works.
Great action and emotional outbursts. Great fun and pictures and images. This was really an emotional roller coaster ride, I will have to read moreover this
Writers works.
April 19, 2024
Shark!
An exciting adventure tale of one man's pursuit of an adversary from his past. He longs to find the Meg that took his father and show the world that this prehistoric shark is not extinct.
An exciting adventure tale of one man's pursuit of an adversary from his past. He longs to find the Meg that took his father and show the world that this prehistoric shark is not extinct.
February 26, 2017
Awesome!!
I wish that I could add more stars! From start to finish, there was never a dull moment, like in some books. Thank you Mr. Larsson!
I wish that I could add more stars! From start to finish, there was never a dull moment, like in some books. Thank you Mr. Larsson!
May 7, 2017
Nice fish story.
In the deep waters of the ocean a living beast survives.
I enjoyed this story. But the 12 year old boy was a brat. But there were a lot of tense moments.
In the deep waters of the ocean a living beast survives.
I enjoyed this story. But the 12 year old boy was a brat. But there were a lot of tense moments.
July 2, 2017
Enjoyed the book
Another Apex Predator book to keep me turning the pages. ..I enjoyed if very much, enough to remind me that I am not a swimmer and to stay off boats ...
Another Apex Predator book to keep me turning the pages. ..I enjoyed if very much, enough to remind me that I am not a swimmer and to stay off boats ...
May 14, 2018
Fine monster, B movie read, but I'm inclined to agree with some other reviews about shark anatomy/behavior. Worth a buck or two for a gory, intense, scare ride.
October 4, 2018
Awesome
It's just like Shark Week, except bigger and great story plot.
Author nailed the constant Megalodon Human interaction.
Thanks for the read!
It's just like Shark Week, except bigger and great story plot.
Author nailed the constant Megalodon Human interaction.
Thanks for the read!
August 20, 2019
Awesome read
Just reading this is enough to keep me out of the ocean. Lol I could not put the book down!
Just reading this is enough to keep me out of the ocean. Lol I could not put the book down!
February 2, 2023
Interesting read
Only read one fact that was wrong. Nice change. Quite a good story! Really enjoyed the whole thing. Worth the read.
Only read one fact that was wrong. Nice change. Quite a good story! Really enjoyed the whole thing. Worth the read.
December 31, 2025
Jaws On Steroids
Megalodons, three to be exact. Four if you include the one at the beginning. There's blood And gore, oodles and oodles of it.
Megalodons, three to be exact. Four if you include the one at the beginning. There's blood And gore, oodles and oodles of it.
August 28, 2024
It was good, it just needed to be a little.....more.
The build up and middle part of the book was very good, especially the opening chapter, however the ending of the book felt very rushed like it had to be completed in a certain amount of time or in as many words.
The build up and middle part of the book was very good, especially the opening chapter, however the ending of the book felt very rushed like it had to be completed in a certain amount of time or in as many words.
February 23, 2017
Good but very unbelievable action scenes
Crazy action scenes with a bit too much explanation on death scenes but very good adventure story keeping the reader entertained on every page!
Crazy action scenes with a bit too much explanation on death scenes but very good adventure story keeping the reader entertained on every page!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews