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Scarrett & Kramer #2
The Anomaly
Ben Scarrett’s first impressions of Scotland aren’t all that good. The bad weather is one thing, but talking to a trawlerman who’s been dead for six months and is possessed by a Norse god makes Ben want to get back to his partner Joanne Kramer as soon as he can.
But England’s got its own share of oddities; like the undead roaming country houses, giant trolls eating horses and the bewitchingly beautiful Moira - a woman who can walk through walls.
Oh, and Joanne has managed to get into a parallel universe and it looks like there’s no way back.
But England’s got its own share of oddities; like the undead roaming country houses, giant trolls eating horses and the bewitchingly beautiful Moira - a woman who can walk through walls.
Oh, and Joanne has managed to get into a parallel universe and it looks like there’s no way back.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2017
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Neil Carstairs
13 books43 followersNeil Carstairs lives and works in Worcester, UK. He writes and self-publishes novels that fall mainly in the Supernatural Thriller genre but his short work covers the full range of Speculative Fiction.
His next release comes out on 15th December 2020 and is a spin-off from his Scarrett & Kramer adventure - The Ring of Athreal.
His Scarrett & Kramer series feature #1 The Creator, #2 The Anomaly, #3 The Tomb, and #4 The Rising.
Standalone novels The Other Side of Winter, Hinterland, and The Chamber are also available along with a number of anthologies that feature one of his short stories
His next release comes out on 15th December 2020 and is a spin-off from his Scarrett & Kramer adventure - The Ring of Athreal.
His Scarrett & Kramer series feature #1 The Creator, #2 The Anomaly, #3 The Tomb, and #4 The Rising.
Standalone novels The Other Side of Winter, Hinterland, and The Chamber are also available along with a number of anthologies that feature one of his short stories
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 6, 2017
Can a sequel be better than the original? In this case, yes. I enjoyed this one much better than The Creator. I had issues keeping up with the different Deltas in The Creator and when one of them died, I was kind of like, who was that again? In this book, we get names, faces, and personalities behind the soldiers that are left of the deltas after The Creator. You're there with them, rooting for them along with Kramer and Scarett.
The book is fast paced and action packed. Without spoiling anything, if you've read The Creator, much like George RR Martin, the author isn't afraid to axe someone you've gotten to know and are rooting for. I always think it's quite daring for an author to make this move in a series and I appreciate that they are willing to sacrifice characters they created from scratch to further the plot. Like the Creator, the death toll is high, but you're going to have to read for yourself who makes it and who doesn't.
The author writes the likable characters well and the ones you aren't supposed to like are written in a way that every time they appear on your page, you want to throw your kindle across the room. They do generally get theirs in the end. The exception in this one is Morrigan, the goddess of war. She's almost a psychopath you want to hate, but you look forward to the chapters with her in it and want to read more.
The author did give us a little peek at the end of what could possibly come with either the next book or possibly later books in the series and it will be interesting to see where the series goes
The book is fast paced and action packed. Without spoiling anything, if you've read The Creator, much like George RR Martin, the author isn't afraid to axe someone you've gotten to know and are rooting for. I always think it's quite daring for an author to make this move in a series and I appreciate that they are willing to sacrifice characters they created from scratch to further the plot. Like the Creator, the death toll is high, but you're going to have to read for yourself who makes it and who doesn't.
The author writes the likable characters well and the ones you aren't supposed to like are written in a way that every time they appear on your page, you want to throw your kindle across the room. They do generally get theirs in the end. The exception in this one is Morrigan, the goddess of war. She's almost a psychopath you want to hate, but you look forward to the chapters with her in it and want to read more.
The author did give us a little peek at the end of what could possibly come with either the next book or possibly later books in the series and it will be interesting to see where the series goes
March 22, 2017
Suspense doesn't cover it, fast paced, character driven, horrific and funny in places. The fantastic characterisation makes it even more of a page turner.
Fist pumps, laughs and tears for the good guys, horrific fascination for baddies you'll love to hate. This works as a standalone, you don't have to have read the first story to fully appreciate this one, but the door is left open for a sequel.
Can't wait to read the next one. Chop chop Neil....
Fist pumps, laughs and tears for the good guys, horrific fascination for baddies you'll love to hate. This works as a standalone, you don't have to have read the first story to fully appreciate this one, but the door is left open for a sequel.
Can't wait to read the next one. Chop chop Neil....
April 13, 2017
Reviewed by: Annie Arcane
Actual rating: 5+++ stars
A free copy was provided by the author.
Initial thoughts:
What I loved:
Everything.
Skill-testing question: How can a sequel (can be read as a standalone) ever hope to do The Creator any justice at all?
Answer: How the heck should I know? But it totally pulled off the impossible and was even better than the first, which, if you recall, nearly made me abandon my beloved Land of Romance and join The PNR Thrills Club. Hmm. Willing to bet this actually exists.
Anyhoo, I'm gonna sound like a broken record but the story was so well-written with some fantabulous twists I never saw coming. The writing style was succinct and punchy and perfectly matched to the quick-paced storyline. Oh, and the multiple POVs were handled brilliantly! I seriously don't even know what else to say except make some excited squealing noises and demand you pick up this book ASAP sooo...
I'm gonna do what I always do and quote some awesomeness for your reading pleasure:
Like, OMG, is there a way to get on a constant IV drip of this stuff?
Dear Mr Carstairs,
Sincerely,
Ann
What left me wanting:
Umm, where the heck's book three?!?!!
Final thoughts:
HIGHLY recommend to humans who read. Even the romance-loving ones. Trust me.
Actual rating: 5+++ stars
A free copy was provided by the author.
Initial thoughts:
What I loved:
Everything.
Skill-testing question: How can a sequel (can be read as a standalone) ever hope to do The Creator any justice at all?
Answer: How the heck should I know? But it totally pulled off the impossible and was even better than the first, which, if you recall, nearly made me abandon my beloved Land of Romance and join The PNR Thrills Club. Hmm. Willing to bet this actually exists.
Anyhoo, I'm gonna sound like a broken record but the story was so well-written with some fantabulous twists I never saw coming. The writing style was succinct and punchy and perfectly matched to the quick-paced storyline. Oh, and the multiple POVs were handled brilliantly! I seriously don't even know what else to say except make some excited squealing noises and demand you pick up this book ASAP sooo...
I'm gonna do what I always do and quote some awesomeness for your reading pleasure:
Like, OMG, is there a way to get on a constant IV drip of this stuff?
Dear Mr Carstairs,
Sincerely,
Ann
What left me wanting:
Umm, where the heck's book three?!?!!
Final thoughts:
HIGHLY recommend to humans who read. Even the romance-loving ones. Trust me.
June 17, 2017
This was a book I quite enjoyed. It was fast-paced and well written with a story-line that kept you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put it down. I unfortunately had too. Many times. Not because of the content simply because I had to tend to the daily grind yet that's a story unto itself. Retirement would be welcome if I had an endless supply of books such as this. There is definitely much room for more books to follow regardless of the vast amount of characters that succumbed to the many brutal ways death became their nemesis. Holy. It was not overly gory though, graphic yet in the nicest possible way. The one thing that struck me about this book at first was the cover. As an author I am fully aware of what the cover does for the sake of bringing in potential readers and the importance of such is extremely blatant here. The author has struck gold with this cover. It grabs you.
I do have a little issue though, perhaps a personal pet peeve of mine and I would not point this out if it were simply a few times- yet it was many more than a few. Grammar. A missing "s", a "t" instead of an "s", a simple word missing, an " 's " where it's not needed completely changing the context. Interestingly enough this became more evident the closer to the end of the book I came. Almost as if rushing to finish?
Regardless, I would highly recommend this for a "not so light" yet thoroughly engaging read.
I do have a little issue though, perhaps a personal pet peeve of mine and I would not point this out if it were simply a few times- yet it was many more than a few. Grammar. A missing "s", a "t" instead of an "s", a simple word missing, an " 's " where it's not needed completely changing the context. Interestingly enough this became more evident the closer to the end of the book I came. Almost as if rushing to finish?
Regardless, I would highly recommend this for a "not so light" yet thoroughly engaging read.
June 8, 2017
Scarrett and Kramer are at it again, and the story keeps getting better. If you enjoyed the first in the series, then you will love this one, the second tale that will draw you in and hold you down as the imagery and story surround and overtake you. A truly memorable reading experience that will leave you satisfied, and eager for the next to be released.
The cast has been whittled down since the story began, only a few of the delta team and the characters from the first have survived this long. How much longer will they make it before the darkness is enough to end their fight?
Don't ask me, of course, no spoilers here. Read it yourself. Let the author's imagination give you the thrills and chills you are looking for, and when you are finally able to catch your breath, you will be thanking him for the intense and fulfilling story with a bit of everything you need in a great read.
Fantastic characterization helps set the scene for a battle between good and evil. The skill of the author lets you experience the dance between love and hate firsthand, the exquisite pleasure and unbearable pain of a world on the brink of collapse. A truly remarkable story and a plot full of surprises and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Honestly, it is difficult to sum up such a wonderful ride and do it justice. What can I say that will convince you to pick this one up? If you are looking for a great book, an entertaining story, then this is for you. If you like intense, buckle up. If you prefer a good scare, better bring a change of pants. Nonstop action and clever dialogue, wrapped up in vivid description with likable characters, all paced perfectly for a story that will thoroughly entertain you and leave you begging for the next.
This one has it all.
The cast has been whittled down since the story began, only a few of the delta team and the characters from the first have survived this long. How much longer will they make it before the darkness is enough to end their fight?
Don't ask me, of course, no spoilers here. Read it yourself. Let the author's imagination give you the thrills and chills you are looking for, and when you are finally able to catch your breath, you will be thanking him for the intense and fulfilling story with a bit of everything you need in a great read.
Fantastic characterization helps set the scene for a battle between good and evil. The skill of the author lets you experience the dance between love and hate firsthand, the exquisite pleasure and unbearable pain of a world on the brink of collapse. A truly remarkable story and a plot full of surprises and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Honestly, it is difficult to sum up such a wonderful ride and do it justice. What can I say that will convince you to pick this one up? If you are looking for a great book, an entertaining story, then this is for you. If you like intense, buckle up. If you prefer a good scare, better bring a change of pants. Nonstop action and clever dialogue, wrapped up in vivid description with likable characters, all paced perfectly for a story that will thoroughly entertain you and leave you begging for the next.
This one has it all.
June 17, 2017
Oh. My. God. I was not prepared for this rollercoaster but thankfully I kept my hands in the ride lol. Anomaly was a thrill from beginning to end and I knew by the end of chapter one I had something good on my hands. I didn't read the first in the series but I can't imagine that it was somehow better - either way I don't think I enjoyed or understood this book any less. Scarrett and Kramer are my new faves for sure. I was surprised and quite pleased to see that the author let their vulnerabilities shine through - what better way to get us to care? Their toughness came from their skill-sets and their experience, not some overworked, cliched, hackneyed stereotypical machismo. I loved this! The writing was clever and spare, the side characters were punchy and fleshed out without seeming like placeholders. A big thumbs up for the reality and immediacy of the characters' actions and decisions - again, so vital to keeping a detail freak like myself in the moment. Consider me a new fan!
June 19, 2017
This story was so not what I thought it would be.
What did I think it was going to be? To be honest, I thought it was going to be a little hokey. Well, not hokey, bad hokey, but hokey as in tongue-in-cheek, running for your lives while maybe flinging rotten tomatoes at a troll under the bridge or Monty Python hokey. LOL “Fun” hokey, for sure! With a book description set-up of, “talking to a trawlerman who’s been dead for six months and is possessed by a Norse god,” and the dead walking the lands and a woman who walks through walls, can you blame me? Any book with ALL of those keynotes in it is just going to be over the top! Right? Right? I love a good tongue-in-cheek yarn!
This was not that.
It was an equally good, but more real to life (if a story line of Norse gods and undead can be “real,” LOL) with blood, guts, gore, and good characters sacrificing themselves to save others, and sweat, tears and hard work to get to the end of saving the world. Loved it!
Lots of characters, going off into weird directions, and you think, “What the heck? Why are we learning about this?” but it all ties up in the end. Well.
A couple of things I really really liked. Women are not treated as receptacles for male jealousy in this story. You know who the “couples” are, and when the couples are split up, according to their abilities, and the things that they have to do to make the end happen, and they might end up with a character of the opposite sex, their original partner doesn’t throw a hissy fit and wonder if they are being faithful or not or “warn” the other character off. Never even comes up. Everyone is respectful of couple-ness.
I JUST REALLY LIKED THIS. I dislike when those sorts of insecurities are used as conflict in a story. It’s stupid conflict. Not that a new couple, Scarrett and Kramer, don’t have questions about their relationship, but it doesn’t automatically go “there.” And it’s more about the newness of the relationship instead of the insecurities of each member of the couple.
Also, there was one plot line that I just got a hoot from. McGrath and the Norse god and the old warriors he carried around in head to get them where they needed to go. Poor McGrath! All those rollicking warrior tunes belting away all night long! LOL But, what was interesting about this storyline was that the other characters didn’t know this was happening. They were in a bind, going down hard, and then suddenly McGrath shows up, releases his warriors, and helps to save the day! We knew the Norse god had something to do with something but we didn’t know what. And when it came around, I was quite satisfied with a, “Heck, yeah!” kinda feeling! LOL
One thing to keep in mind, this is a “British English” verses “American Standard English” written story so I was thrown by a few of the alternative spellings on some things and on some of the punctuation. Once I figured that out, I was able to go with that flow again.
Anyways, good story, fine conclusion, probably should read the first of the series but I wasn’t confused by starting with the second or anything. But then, I’m a good back filler and quite adaptable with content enough to go with the flow over stuff I may not have all the info on. LOL
What did I think it was going to be? To be honest, I thought it was going to be a little hokey. Well, not hokey, bad hokey, but hokey as in tongue-in-cheek, running for your lives while maybe flinging rotten tomatoes at a troll under the bridge or Monty Python hokey. LOL “Fun” hokey, for sure! With a book description set-up of, “talking to a trawlerman who’s been dead for six months and is possessed by a Norse god,” and the dead walking the lands and a woman who walks through walls, can you blame me? Any book with ALL of those keynotes in it is just going to be over the top! Right? Right? I love a good tongue-in-cheek yarn!
This was not that.
It was an equally good, but more real to life (if a story line of Norse gods and undead can be “real,” LOL) with blood, guts, gore, and good characters sacrificing themselves to save others, and sweat, tears and hard work to get to the end of saving the world. Loved it!
Lots of characters, going off into weird directions, and you think, “What the heck? Why are we learning about this?” but it all ties up in the end. Well.
A couple of things I really really liked. Women are not treated as receptacles for male jealousy in this story. You know who the “couples” are, and when the couples are split up, according to their abilities, and the things that they have to do to make the end happen, and they might end up with a character of the opposite sex, their original partner doesn’t throw a hissy fit and wonder if they are being faithful or not or “warn” the other character off. Never even comes up. Everyone is respectful of couple-ness.
I JUST REALLY LIKED THIS. I dislike when those sorts of insecurities are used as conflict in a story. It’s stupid conflict. Not that a new couple, Scarrett and Kramer, don’t have questions about their relationship, but it doesn’t automatically go “there.” And it’s more about the newness of the relationship instead of the insecurities of each member of the couple.
Also, there was one plot line that I just got a hoot from. McGrath and the Norse god and the old warriors he carried around in head to get them where they needed to go. Poor McGrath! All those rollicking warrior tunes belting away all night long! LOL But, what was interesting about this storyline was that the other characters didn’t know this was happening. They were in a bind, going down hard, and then suddenly McGrath shows up, releases his warriors, and helps to save the day! We knew the Norse god had something to do with something but we didn’t know what. And when it came around, I was quite satisfied with a, “Heck, yeah!” kinda feeling! LOL
One thing to keep in mind, this is a “British English” verses “American Standard English” written story so I was thrown by a few of the alternative spellings on some things and on some of the punctuation. Once I figured that out, I was able to go with that flow again.
Anyways, good story, fine conclusion, probably should read the first of the series but I wasn’t confused by starting with the second or anything. But then, I’m a good back filler and quite adaptable with content enough to go with the flow over stuff I may not have all the info on. LOL
March 28, 2017
Neil Carstairs is an excellent writer whose work I truly enjoy. He has a pleasant writing style and knows how to keep you reading on. This book follows the creator, however there is no need to read that one first since they are both standalone books. The pace is perfect following a few perspectives of the characters and towards the end merge into one. You are enjoying the story from a few different points of view that complete this story. The story has some nice twists hidden within.
The plots is fantastic and keeps the main characters on their toes. Ben is just adorable and not your typical hero. He is extremely likeable and knows he is not superman, yet he does everything he can to help! Joanne is not your typical female heroine, but is very strong and committed to do what it takes. There are a few more additions like Emily that the story just can't do without and I look forward to read more about them all.
The author always manage to find a new take on this subject, which is refreshing and a reason why I read his books! I have received some for free to review, and others I paid for since I wanted to read more of his work. I can only recommend this author and always look forward to a new book release.
The plots is fantastic and keeps the main characters on their toes. Ben is just adorable and not your typical hero. He is extremely likeable and knows he is not superman, yet he does everything he can to help! Joanne is not your typical female heroine, but is very strong and committed to do what it takes. There are a few more additions like Emily that the story just can't do without and I look forward to read more about them all.
The author always manage to find a new take on this subject, which is refreshing and a reason why I read his books! I have received some for free to review, and others I paid for since I wanted to read more of his work. I can only recommend this author and always look forward to a new book release.
August 29, 2021
Another Must Read!!!
I cannot recommend this book higher than Book 1 in the series but I am. More excitement, more thrills, more action, and yes more Scarrett and Kramer. As soon as I finish this I'm starting Book 3. Thank Neil Carstairs for another sleepless night reading a can't put down thriller.
I cannot recommend this book higher than Book 1 in the series but I am. More excitement, more thrills, more action, and yes more Scarrett and Kramer. As soon as I finish this I'm starting Book 3. Thank Neil Carstairs for another sleepless night reading a can't put down thriller.
May 13, 2018
Great story
This might be more of a book for men but as an avid reader I will try any genre. This series has everything blood gore fighting laughter and a compelling storyline . Well worth reading of you want a change from the usual supernatural themes.
This might be more of a book for men but as an avid reader I will try any genre. This series has everything blood gore fighting laughter and a compelling storyline . Well worth reading of you want a change from the usual supernatural themes.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews