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Burning Sands #1
Beneath Burning Sands
Ambitious MBA graduate Reggie Lee thought defense contractor Frontierza was a perfect fit for his first job. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
Frontierza’s work on advanced hibernation technology for sleeper colony ships wasn’t sexy, but what mattered to Reggie was that he would have an extremely visible role leading the first team to test the technology in a month-long cryogenic sleep. The proposition was simple. Succeed and humanity had a real chance of finding a new home before Earth’s ecosystem completely collapsed. Fail and … you don’t wake up. For someone who lived on the edge, the upside outweighed the risk.
But the world Reggie wakes to is nothing like he expected.
Frontierza’s work on advanced hibernation technology for sleeper colony ships wasn’t sexy, but what mattered to Reggie was that he would have an extremely visible role leading the first team to test the technology in a month-long cryogenic sleep. The proposition was simple. Succeed and humanity had a real chance of finding a new home before Earth’s ecosystem completely collapsed. Fail and … you don’t wake up. For someone who lived on the edge, the upside outweighed the risk.
But the world Reggie wakes to is nothing like he expected.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2017
236 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
P.R. Adams
72 books93 followersI was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. I joined the Air Force, and my career took me from coast to coast before depositing me in the St. Louis, Missouri area for several years. After a tour in Korea and a short return to the St. Louis area, I retired and moved to the greater Denver, Colorado metropolitan area.
I write speculative fiction, mostly science fiction and fantasy. My favorite writers over the years have been Robert E. Howard, Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, and Michael Crichton.
I write speculative fiction, mostly science fiction and fantasy. My favorite writers over the years have been Robert E. Howard, Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, and Michael Crichton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 23, 2017
The ending of book one fooled me.
There was a great deal of killing .
Also, a great deal of twists and turns in the plot. I had already guessed the ending but I was wrong.
The book was a good read, and i'm looking forward to books 2 and 3.
There was a great deal of killing .
Also, a great deal of twists and turns in the plot. I had already guessed the ending but I was wrong.
The book was a good read, and i'm looking forward to books 2 and 3.
April 11, 2017
Reggie wakes from hibernation sleep, noting his slack muscle tone and bemoans the loss of all his hard work sculpting his body.
Then he has to focus on waking his team, or as many as can be woken on the power remaining in the reserve batteries. How does he choose? How and when will he mourn the loss of those he didn't wake?
And what on earth is making that awful banging sound at the hatchway?
Reggie will find out only too soon!
And he really does. The system that controls the complex has woken his team, and now they must deal with whatever caused the banging. As well as the situation that the project controllers have left them in. And get all the mechanisms, that support life in the habitat, running again.
Reggie doesn't feel in control, though he really should be. His belief in himself is wavering. Can he get his team through and find out what is going on?
I enjoyed reading this. I had started the proof copy, but re-started once I had the final copy. It was so engaging I didn't mind reading the first third of the book twice. It is the sort of book that I am able to visualise well because of the quality of the writing; that always enhances the read for me. All in all a truly good story and I am looking forward to the next book coming out.
I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Then he has to focus on waking his team, or as many as can be woken on the power remaining in the reserve batteries. How does he choose? How and when will he mourn the loss of those he didn't wake?
And what on earth is making that awful banging sound at the hatchway?
Reggie will find out only too soon!
And he really does. The system that controls the complex has woken his team, and now they must deal with whatever caused the banging. As well as the situation that the project controllers have left them in. And get all the mechanisms, that support life in the habitat, running again.
Reggie doesn't feel in control, though he really should be. His belief in himself is wavering. Can he get his team through and find out what is going on?
I enjoyed reading this. I had started the proof copy, but re-started once I had the final copy. It was so engaging I didn't mind reading the first third of the book twice. It is the sort of book that I am able to visualise well because of the quality of the writing; that always enhances the read for me. All in all a truly good story and I am looking forward to the next book coming out.
I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 18, 2025
Post-apocalyptic books aren't generally my favorite, but I've loved everything else P R Adams and thought I'd give it a try. I don't think he can write a bad book, and like his other works, this one didn't disappoint at all. Fast paced, great characters, great dialog, and believable world building.
Not giving away anything, since it's covered in the description, the main protagonist is just a average guy trying to get by. He doesn't appear to be equipped for the end of the world situation he finds himself in. A constant theme in all of Adam's book is growth and self-knowledge - coming into one's skills and abilities. We see that in Reggie as he copes with rebellious colleagues, murderous mutants, and a harsh environment. I really liked Reggie! Also, as in his other books, the antagonists are believable and I was sympathetic to their situation. Like our human survivors, they, too, are trying to survive in a exceedingly harsh world.
Not giving away anything, since it's covered in the description, the main protagonist is just a average guy trying to get by. He doesn't appear to be equipped for the end of the world situation he finds himself in. A constant theme in all of Adam's book is growth and self-knowledge - coming into one's skills and abilities. We see that in Reggie as he copes with rebellious colleagues, murderous mutants, and a harsh environment. I really liked Reggie! Also, as in his other books, the antagonists are believable and I was sympathetic to their situation. Like our human survivors, they, too, are trying to survive in a exceedingly harsh world.
June 6, 2018
It was a bit of a difficult read but I liked the dystopian idea and the development of the main character.
It was interesting to see the dynamics in the two different "teams", how the difficulties made them change their perspectives and desires.
It is never easy to face the fears especially when they are quite hard to understand. And I think Reginald does it in a very plausible manner.
It was interesting to see the dynamics in the two different "teams", how the difficulties made them change their perspectives and desires.
It is never easy to face the fears especially when they are quite hard to understand. And I think Reginald does it in a very plausible manner.
October 31, 2018
I have The Burning Sands Trilogy Omnibus, of which this is book one. I like it, and I'm looking forward to continuing with book two. An interesting facet of this book is that, like "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, the back story (i.e. how the world got in the post-apocalyptic state that it is in), is not fully explained. Only bits and pieces are revealed as you progress through the book. I presume that is intentional, and that the rest of the story is brought to light in the following volumes.
September 20, 2017
Beneath Burning Sands
A very interesting post-apocalyptic tale that features humans, plus-sized humans, and “sharp teeth” all trying to survive in the Nevada desert somewhere outside Las Vegas. Characterizations are good and easy to understand, and there is plenty of action throughout. Looking forward to trying the rest of the series.
A very interesting post-apocalyptic tale that features humans, plus-sized humans, and “sharp teeth” all trying to survive in the Nevada desert somewhere outside Las Vegas. Characterizations are good and easy to understand, and there is plenty of action throughout. Looking forward to trying the rest of the series.
April 8, 2017
Amazing first time read for me by a fantastic author. A fast paced book that doesn't let you put it down until you're finished and wishing there was more. Loved helping to review this ARC
May 2, 2018
Fast-paced, entertaining story
This was a fun read. Non-stop action an some interesting plot turns. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
This was a fun read. Non-stop action an some interesting plot turns. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
September 5, 2019
An average man is given the chance to be more than he ever knew he could become. A fast paced story that had good characters and wonderful world building. You will become attached to Reggie as he grows and become a survivor. A fast paced
April 9, 2017
Great writing
An interesting storyline. A bit in parts but I still enjoyed it and could barely put it down. Looking for next one.
An interesting storyline. A bit in parts but I still enjoyed it and could barely put it down. Looking for next one.
February 22, 2023
Thought Provoking
You go to sleep for a month as an experiment and instead you wake up 50 years later. No one is who they seem and nothing is the same. A book you don’t want to put down.
You go to sleep for a month as an experiment and instead you wake up 50 years later. No one is who they seem and nothing is the same. A book you don’t want to put down.
February 17, 2022
Good Book
This book is okay even though it isn’t my normal selection type. I did enjoy it and it had plenty of action and kept my attention.
This book is okay even though it isn’t my normal selection type. I did enjoy it and it had plenty of action and kept my attention.
June 11, 2017
SIX STARS FOR A LOOK AT A MICROCOSM OF A UNIQUE DYSTOPIAN FUTURE
Before I get started I want to say I received a free copy of this book with no further expectation of remuneration and no expectation by the author of a positive review.
Beneath Burning Sands was the first book I have read by P.R. Adams. And it really surprised me. As I sit at my computer I look over at the clock and it is a quarter to seven in the morning. I had started this book at eleven last night just to get a feel of it before going to bed, I never made it. I just could not put the book down. There are not many books that have affected me that way, and none since the explosion of indie authors due to the ease of self-publishing. In my younger days. I remember staying up all night with Frank Herbert’s Dune and both A Mote in God’s Eye and Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, and a few others whose names I don’t remember, but they were all in the 1970’s when paperback’s ruled the publishing world.
The novel, the first in his Burning Sands Trilogy was an interesting look at a microcosm of a unique dystopian future that covers the interaction between two small groups of surviving humanity over the span of just a few days. This is a story that is extremely well-written, engaging, and compelling. Once you get past and accept the initial premise of the story, it is one that does not require the reader to suspend disbelief. The characters are diverse, interesting, complex, and most importantly, they are completely believable in their interactions with each other and with the other group. The dynamics within these groups are intense. The dialogue is completely authentic and never feels forced or constricted. The plot lines flow easily from start to finish, with the personal battles inside and outside the groups both engaging and engrossing.
This book, unlike many self-published ones, is expertly edited and proofed. So many authors in today’s indie scene think a pass-through MS Word’s Spelling and Grammar Checking constitutes an edit. The cover was interesting and conveyed a strong sense of the story.
This is the first time in the three plus years I have been reviewing books that I wish I could give six stars. After reading this book by P. R. Adams, I am looking forward to reading his other books
Before I get started I want to say I received a free copy of this book with no further expectation of remuneration and no expectation by the author of a positive review.
Beneath Burning Sands was the first book I have read by P.R. Adams. And it really surprised me. As I sit at my computer I look over at the clock and it is a quarter to seven in the morning. I had started this book at eleven last night just to get a feel of it before going to bed, I never made it. I just could not put the book down. There are not many books that have affected me that way, and none since the explosion of indie authors due to the ease of self-publishing. In my younger days. I remember staying up all night with Frank Herbert’s Dune and both A Mote in God’s Eye and Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, and a few others whose names I don’t remember, but they were all in the 1970’s when paperback’s ruled the publishing world.
The novel, the first in his Burning Sands Trilogy was an interesting look at a microcosm of a unique dystopian future that covers the interaction between two small groups of surviving humanity over the span of just a few days. This is a story that is extremely well-written, engaging, and compelling. Once you get past and accept the initial premise of the story, it is one that does not require the reader to suspend disbelief. The characters are diverse, interesting, complex, and most importantly, they are completely believable in their interactions with each other and with the other group. The dynamics within these groups are intense. The dialogue is completely authentic and never feels forced or constricted. The plot lines flow easily from start to finish, with the personal battles inside and outside the groups both engaging and engrossing.
This book, unlike many self-published ones, is expertly edited and proofed. So many authors in today’s indie scene think a pass-through MS Word’s Spelling and Grammar Checking constitutes an edit. The cover was interesting and conveyed a strong sense of the story.
This is the first time in the three plus years I have been reviewing books that I wish I could give six stars. After reading this book by P. R. Adams, I am looking forward to reading his other books
November 1, 2020
2 stars. Overall a very disappointing and ploddingly dull read. Not poorly written per se but repetitive and completely absent of even one sympathetic character. It's a bad sign when you don't even care that so many of the main players are killed off in a steady cadence of foolish escapades and inexplicably bad decisions.
The 'big mystery' that we are faced with is not enough to carry this introductory tale to conclusion (at best, the book seems to have been written as a teaser for the next parts), particularly as this group of hand-picked 'specialists' have the intelligence of seaweed (seriously, at what point should they have learned that going out at dusk was stupid?). What's even more shocking is that for an apparently quite expensive commercial undertaking, these people - no matter how their numbers were initially reduced or 're-arranged' - have absolutely no ability to get along with each other in any kind of group situation. Plus, it seems many possess borderline psychotic personalities which, sure, helps a story progress but it requires too much suspension of belief for my tastes. I was surprised to learn that Adams has a military background because this group could only be described as a nightmare scenario in terms of putting together a working team.
It's frustrating because I purchased the trilogy omnibus (yes at a special price but still) but this first chapter leaves me with almost no motivation to continue. Even if it all winds up being a simulation or any of the other scenarios proposed, this is not the way to get an audience engaged in a story-line. In terms of dystopian fiction, it's truly a weak entry into the genre. Maybe some day I'll continue and it'll get better but for now, well...
The 'big mystery' that we are faced with is not enough to carry this introductory tale to conclusion (at best, the book seems to have been written as a teaser for the next parts), particularly as this group of hand-picked 'specialists' have the intelligence of seaweed (seriously, at what point should they have learned that going out at dusk was stupid?). What's even more shocking is that for an apparently quite expensive commercial undertaking, these people - no matter how their numbers were initially reduced or 're-arranged' - have absolutely no ability to get along with each other in any kind of group situation. Plus, it seems many possess borderline psychotic personalities which, sure, helps a story progress but it requires too much suspension of belief for my tastes. I was surprised to learn that Adams has a military background because this group could only be described as a nightmare scenario in terms of putting together a working team.
It's frustrating because I purchased the trilogy omnibus (yes at a special price but still) but this first chapter leaves me with almost no motivation to continue. Even if it all winds up being a simulation or any of the other scenarios proposed, this is not the way to get an audience engaged in a story-line. In terms of dystopian fiction, it's truly a weak entry into the genre. Maybe some day I'll continue and it'll get better but for now, well...
May 21, 2021
Waking up after the war
Reggie finds himself in charge of an experimental habitat group that supposedly went into hibernation for a month—wait, 50 YEARS. But political dirty tricks are still happening, even though they’re in the middle of a desert being attacked by cannibalistic cro-magnon men. As a matter of fact, the cave men are no less immune to political shenanigans. A bit too violent for my taste but pretty good— the characters grow and develop as the story progresses.
Reggie finds himself in charge of an experimental habitat group that supposedly went into hibernation for a month—wait, 50 YEARS. But political dirty tricks are still happening, even though they’re in the middle of a desert being attacked by cannibalistic cro-magnon men. As a matter of fact, the cave men are no less immune to political shenanigans. A bit too violent for my taste but pretty good— the characters grow and develop as the story progresses.
April 20, 2017
Different...
Didn't know much about this book, (no zombies) but hey, we do have some weird people!
When I started reading this book it caught my attention right away. It's different from what I normally read.
Reggie & his cohorts are in hibernation sleep from an experiment sanctioned by their company. Deep underground, they were to be awakened within a short time. They slept for 50 years before the computer awakens him due to loss of power from their reactor.
They think they are doing a simulation exercise until they learn the world as we know it is gone.
They are attacked from outside, but who or what is attacking them?
Really a nice enjoyable book. Enjoyed the characters ( some more than others) and the storyline is fantastic. Can't wait for the next ! 😉
Didn't know much about this book, (no zombies) but hey, we do have some weird people!
When I started reading this book it caught my attention right away. It's different from what I normally read.
Reggie & his cohorts are in hibernation sleep from an experiment sanctioned by their company. Deep underground, they were to be awakened within a short time. They slept for 50 years before the computer awakens him due to loss of power from their reactor.
They think they are doing a simulation exercise until they learn the world as we know it is gone.
They are attacked from outside, but who or what is attacking them?
Really a nice enjoyable book. Enjoyed the characters ( some more than others) and the storyline is fantastic. Can't wait for the next ! 😉
June 13, 2017
Great chang.
I enjoyed reading this book because it didn't follow the standard prepper book. The time twist was good. I can't wait for the next book. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book. I want to find out what the sharp teeth are and what new alliance's they make on the way to Vegas. I want to learn more about H+ .
I enjoyed reading this book because it didn't follow the standard prepper book. The time twist was good. I can't wait for the next book. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book. I want to find out what the sharp teeth are and what new alliance's they make on the way to Vegas. I want to learn more about H+ .
March 20, 2023
interesting book…
Unusual storyline for me to read but I found myself getting caught up in it. Another of the stories where so-called civilized humans fear what they don’t understand and turn to violence. The book left me wanting to know more so I will be reading the next in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Unusual storyline for me to read but I found myself getting caught up in it. Another of the stories where so-called civilized humans fear what they don’t understand and turn to violence. The book left me wanting to know more so I will be reading the next in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 6, 2017
Two things
Any book this good has to have two things: namely a prequel and a sequel. It would be nice to find out how the world came to be as described in this book. Plus, this is a story that should be continued. Highly recommended.
Any book this good has to have two things: namely a prequel and a sequel. It would be nice to find out how the world came to be as described in this book. Plus, this is a story that should be continued. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2017
Well-written, believably realistic, addicting!
This is one of the most creative story lines I've ever read; couldn't put it down. Look forward to the rest of the series. P R Adams gives Michael Crichton a good run for his money!
This is one of the most creative story lines I've ever read; couldn't put it down. Look forward to the rest of the series. P R Adams gives Michael Crichton a good run for his money!
February 3, 2025
I liked it but I didn’t.
Overall I liked the plotting, the setting, the characterization if not the actual characters (which appeals to me actually because it feels more realistic). I liked the way information was gathered and revealed bit by bit about what was going on since I hate info dumps and like to be there with the character as they discover. The character growth of the main guy was also appreciated, though it almost seems the author went out of his way to make this guy a douche just for sake of giving him room to grow.
But I really didn’t like how it was an obvious set up to the sequel. Not enough answers or conclusion to make it stand alone as a satisfying story.
I also didn’t like how this group of people just followed the leader even when making bad decisions or decisions with obvious maliciousness intended. They’re supposed to be experts which makes me think they’d be smart or at least independent thinkers, supposed to have been picked to be a good team, yet there was little teamwork, three people jockeying for power (with one not even having value to the group other than info she refuses to share), and, as I said, bad choices with so little pushback. Maybe it’s just my personality, but if you’re doing stupid things and playing power games and not listening to anyone, then to me you’re not a leader and I’m not following.
So many of the characters having military backgrounds but making stupid tactical choices also bothered me. Stop just going out at dusk or near about with your guard down, stop letting your guard down at all when you know hostiles are nearby, stop assuming said hostiles will always be predictable, stop running around without being in at least groups of two….Goodness, I’ve never even been in the military but I know better. It was irritating.
All that aside, it’s got enough positives I’ll read the next book and see where the story goes. Doesn’t hurt that I got the first three books in a package deal so I already own them.
Overall I liked the plotting, the setting, the characterization if not the actual characters (which appeals to me actually because it feels more realistic). I liked the way information was gathered and revealed bit by bit about what was going on since I hate info dumps and like to be there with the character as they discover. The character growth of the main guy was also appreciated, though it almost seems the author went out of his way to make this guy a douche just for sake of giving him room to grow.
But I really didn’t like how it was an obvious set up to the sequel. Not enough answers or conclusion to make it stand alone as a satisfying story.
I also didn’t like how this group of people just followed the leader even when making bad decisions or decisions with obvious maliciousness intended. They’re supposed to be experts which makes me think they’d be smart or at least independent thinkers, supposed to have been picked to be a good team, yet there was little teamwork, three people jockeying for power (with one not even having value to the group other than info she refuses to share), and, as I said, bad choices with so little pushback. Maybe it’s just my personality, but if you’re doing stupid things and playing power games and not listening to anyone, then to me you’re not a leader and I’m not following.
So many of the characters having military backgrounds but making stupid tactical choices also bothered me. Stop just going out at dusk or near about with your guard down, stop letting your guard down at all when you know hostiles are nearby, stop assuming said hostiles will always be predictable, stop running around without being in at least groups of two….Goodness, I’ve never even been in the military but I know better. It was irritating.
All that aside, it’s got enough positives I’ll read the next book and see where the story goes. Doesn’t hurt that I got the first three books in a package deal so I already own them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
I really try not to choose books that are in a series. I want my story to end at the end of the book. This did not. It was a strange story of humans who lived below ground in some kind of living quarters but had been asleep for 50 years. Once they awoke, they were attacked by a race of some sort of cro magnum human. They end up in a war but neither group was very big. Many were killed. The story was told by both the leader of the humans and the leader of the cro magnets. I don’t think the descriptions were very descriptive so I never got a true picture if either camp. Just didn’t like it much.
May 24, 2021
Interesting — but not at all my type of story. Because it’s not my genre, I found it a little funny, not at all professional, and almost boring. I finished it so I could click off that I finished it.
For people who enjoy stories like this, you’ll love it. And book 2. And maybe even 3. But I think I’ll skip the rest of the trilogy this time.
For people who enjoy stories like this, you’ll love it. And book 2. And maybe even 3. But I think I’ll skip the rest of the trilogy this time.
July 4, 2025
I have not read a PR Adam’s book before, but do enjoy a well written, post apocalyptic book with a few twists. This book does show you how different personalities could possibly react to such situations. Great read.
May 15, 2017
Notsure
As I read the story became more and more interesting but it was rather confusing for the first half. I will have to read book two to see if I like.
As I read the story became more and more interesting but it was rather confusing for the first half. I will have to read book two to see if I like.
July 19, 2017
Entertaining, but forgettable. A number of typo and grammar mistakes. Not sure i will continue reading the series.
February 17, 2018
This makes no sense to me. There’s not enough context to understand what is going on...
September 27, 2018
Kind of slow. Takes a while to get to where you know it's going.
August 3, 2023
The writing isn’t bad. The plot is a bit far-fetched. The scale of deaths and the goriness is ridiculous.
August 7, 2023
Had potential but boring characters and story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews