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Unit 51 #2
Forsaken
IT HAS SURVIVED
At a research station in Antarctica, scientists discovered a strange and ancient organism.
They thought they could study it, classify it, control it. They couldn't.
IT HAS THRIVED
Six months ago, a secret paramilitary team called Unit 51 was sent to the station.
They thought the creature was dead, the nightmare was over. It wasn't.
IT HAS EVOLVED
In a Mexican temple, archeologists uncover the remains of a half-human hybrid. They believe
it is related to the creature in Antarctica, a dark thing of legend that is still alive--and still evolving. They believe it needs a new host to feed, to mutate, to multiply. They're right. And they're next. And the human race might just be headed for extinction . . .
At a research station in Antarctica, scientists discovered a strange and ancient organism.
They thought they could study it, classify it, control it. They couldn't.
IT HAS THRIVED
Six months ago, a secret paramilitary team called Unit 51 was sent to the station.
They thought the creature was dead, the nightmare was over. It wasn't.
IT HAS EVOLVED
In a Mexican temple, archeologists uncover the remains of a half-human hybrid. They believe
it is related to the creature in Antarctica, a dark thing of legend that is still alive--and still evolving. They believe it needs a new host to feed, to mutate, to multiply. They're right. And they're next. And the human race might just be headed for extinction . . .
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
373 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Michael McBride
123 books479 followersMichael McBride was born in Colorado and still resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He hates the snow, but loves the Avalanche. He works with medical radiation, yet somehow managed to produce five children, none of whom, miraculously, have tails, third eyes, or other random mutations. He writes fiction that runs the gamut from thriller to horror to science fiction...and loves every minute of it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
September 20, 2024
Not only is the creature still alive, it is evolving and seeking hosts for food, to act as incubators for reproduction, and to transform.
Too late archaeologists realize they have discovered an insidious predator unlike any previously known to mankind . . . And it kills with extreme prejudice.
Forsaken kept me in a constant state of dread as the characters realize too late what they have returned to is worse than hell itself. The ending left me eager to find out how this trilogy concludes.
Narrator Neil Hellegers continues to carry the series without missing a beat.. Thank you.
Too late archaeologists realize they have discovered an insidious predator unlike any previously known to mankind . . . And it kills with extreme prejudice.
Forsaken kept me in a constant state of dread as the characters realize too late what they have returned to is worse than hell itself. The ending left me eager to find out how this trilogy concludes.
Narrator Neil Hellegers continues to carry the series without missing a beat.. Thank you.
April 24, 2018
FORSAKEN, by Michael McBride, is the second novel in his Unit 51 series. Six months earlier, a clandestine team of various scientists and archeologists put into motion events that triggered an ancient organism to re-emerge from the depths of Antarctica--with deadly consequences. After the events in SUBHUMAN, those that survived went back to their various fields, vainly trying to put the recent past behind them, thinking the worst was over.
They were wrong.
"We . . . know . . . you . . . We . . . still . . . live."
The different groupings, consisting of Dr. Cade Evens and Dr. Anya Fleming, Martin Roche and Kelly Nolan, and Dr. Jade Liang, believed that Cameron Barnett--the "silent partner" of Richard Hollis, the man who assembled them together in the first place--had eradicated the threat. However, that was only the story he chose to let them comfort themselves with.
". . . an open mind was critical when it came to rationalizing the inexplicable."
After the station in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, is back up and running more securely than ever, our previous characters begin to notice signs in their current work that dredge up memories of what they encountered previously. Here, McBride does a phenomenal job in getting the readers intimately reacquainted with those first "met" in SUBHUMAN, as well as introducing some all new personalities into the mix.
One of the best things about this author's style, is that he can take even the most complex aspect of jobs and theories, and get them across to his readers in a way they can understand and relate to in some manor. He gives enough information for us to assimilate and process without bogging us down with too much intel, that would be unnecessary to the momentum of the novel.
". . . When has mankind ever been content to merely observe? . . . "
What starts out as more of a suspense/thriller novel begins to escalate in terms of apprehension and anxiety as each of the different factions uncovers "clues" leading back to their fateful discovery in Antarctica. Their combined finds quickly morph this narrative from thriller, to outright relentless horror that refuses to abate, never letting up long enough for the reader to disengage from the storyline.
"A cornered animal is infinitely more dangerous."
The pace that McBride moves toward is more than simply frantic, it's all-consuming and inescapable. I found the last two-thirds of this novel nearly impossible to put down for even a moment. Mentally I was still "with" the characters even when not actively reading.
". . . Never in his worst nightmares had he imagined that something like this could happen . . . "
The variation in locations utilized here were written in such a way as to emphasize the stark differences, and yet simultaneously showcase the intrinsic similarities that connected everything together. For example, from the frigid wind and ice ravaged station in Antarctica, to the sweltering humidity and heat in a subterranean tunnel system located 25 miles from Mexico City, McBride manages to paint each area in a way that places the reader right in the center of it all. His descriptions have the power to make you shiver with cold while reading of the events in Queen Maud Land, and feel like mentally swatting insects and wiping off the perspiration dripping from your brow in the underground mazes in Teotihuacan.
". . . he knew all about curses, which tended to be a whole lot more bark than bite, but this one was oddly specific . . . "
In FORSAKEN, McBride incorporates a variety of historical legends and some mythology, giving a certain amount of credence to what would, on the surface, be too fantastic to believe. This tactic of blending some of the past beliefs with our current scientific knowledge encourages the notion that this situation could be plausible.
"Nature abhors perfection. At its most basic level, nature's essentially an agent of chaos . . . "
Of course, the realistic characters and the decisions they make along the way, contribute greatly to bringing this novel "alive" in the readers' minds. When people behave in a manner consistent to what we would expect of them--under any circumstances--a plot becomes that much more grounded.
"You have a talent for stating the obvious."
"As you do for overlooking it . . . "
Overall, an incredible follow-up to the phenomenal SUBHUMAN, from an author whose imagination knows no boundaries. Michael McBride just keeps getting better and better with each new release. I expect to see his name at the top of the "bestsellers" list!
"We are . . . not . . . done with you . . . yet."
Highest recommendation!
Reading order: SUBHUMAN; FORSAKEN . . .
**Released TODAY! 4/24/18 **
They were wrong.
"We . . . know . . . you . . . We . . . still . . . live."
The different groupings, consisting of Dr. Cade Evens and Dr. Anya Fleming, Martin Roche and Kelly Nolan, and Dr. Jade Liang, believed that Cameron Barnett--the "silent partner" of Richard Hollis, the man who assembled them together in the first place--had eradicated the threat. However, that was only the story he chose to let them comfort themselves with.
". . . an open mind was critical when it came to rationalizing the inexplicable."
After the station in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, is back up and running more securely than ever, our previous characters begin to notice signs in their current work that dredge up memories of what they encountered previously. Here, McBride does a phenomenal job in getting the readers intimately reacquainted with those first "met" in SUBHUMAN, as well as introducing some all new personalities into the mix.
One of the best things about this author's style, is that he can take even the most complex aspect of jobs and theories, and get them across to his readers in a way they can understand and relate to in some manor. He gives enough information for us to assimilate and process without bogging us down with too much intel, that would be unnecessary to the momentum of the novel.
". . . When has mankind ever been content to merely observe? . . . "
What starts out as more of a suspense/thriller novel begins to escalate in terms of apprehension and anxiety as each of the different factions uncovers "clues" leading back to their fateful discovery in Antarctica. Their combined finds quickly morph this narrative from thriller, to outright relentless horror that refuses to abate, never letting up long enough for the reader to disengage from the storyline.
"A cornered animal is infinitely more dangerous."
The pace that McBride moves toward is more than simply frantic, it's all-consuming and inescapable. I found the last two-thirds of this novel nearly impossible to put down for even a moment. Mentally I was still "with" the characters even when not actively reading.
". . . Never in his worst nightmares had he imagined that something like this could happen . . . "
The variation in locations utilized here were written in such a way as to emphasize the stark differences, and yet simultaneously showcase the intrinsic similarities that connected everything together. For example, from the frigid wind and ice ravaged station in Antarctica, to the sweltering humidity and heat in a subterranean tunnel system located 25 miles from Mexico City, McBride manages to paint each area in a way that places the reader right in the center of it all. His descriptions have the power to make you shiver with cold while reading of the events in Queen Maud Land, and feel like mentally swatting insects and wiping off the perspiration dripping from your brow in the underground mazes in Teotihuacan.
". . . he knew all about curses, which tended to be a whole lot more bark than bite, but this one was oddly specific . . . "
In FORSAKEN, McBride incorporates a variety of historical legends and some mythology, giving a certain amount of credence to what would, on the surface, be too fantastic to believe. This tactic of blending some of the past beliefs with our current scientific knowledge encourages the notion that this situation could be plausible.
"Nature abhors perfection. At its most basic level, nature's essentially an agent of chaos . . . "
Of course, the realistic characters and the decisions they make along the way, contribute greatly to bringing this novel "alive" in the readers' minds. When people behave in a manner consistent to what we would expect of them--under any circumstances--a plot becomes that much more grounded.
"You have a talent for stating the obvious."
"As you do for overlooking it . . . "
Overall, an incredible follow-up to the phenomenal SUBHUMAN, from an author whose imagination knows no boundaries. Michael McBride just keeps getting better and better with each new release. I expect to see his name at the top of the "bestsellers" list!
"We are . . . not . . . done with you . . . yet."
Highest recommendation!
Reading order: SUBHUMAN; FORSAKEN . . .
**Released TODAY! 4/24/18 **
May 19, 2021
"By these powers combined this book is fucking awesome!"
- me
Reread - still loved it! I think I would add a dash of Critters to the hearty mix of observed influences. Now diving into book three!
Oh yes! This book is my new favorite movie: adventure, action, mystery, mayhem, monsters, bloody violence, and romance.
McBride has combined X-Files, Aliens, and Jurassic Park to create a wild page turning ride.
Book One was an investment. Book Two, and hopefully the entire series, is the payoff.
I could not be happier!
June 13, 2024
McBride produced another engaging installment in the second book of the Unit 51 trilogy, albeit one that serves primarily as a segue to the final volume. Our five intrepid scientists from the first volume-- Kelly, Roche, Jade, Evans and Anya-- start this doing their own things again about 6 months after the first installment. Yet, we know they will be back together soon enough.
While this may be mildly spoilery if you have not read the first volume, the opening of the temple gates in 'Atlantis' induced several other 'disturbances' around the world, including an earthquake of sorts by an ancient Mexican temple, where Anya and Evans are now working. It seems the aliens or their minions (never very clear) can communicate over great distances and possess a hive mind; it is clear, however, that they keep telling people humanity is doomed.
I thought McBride stretched this one out a bit regarding the plot, but did toss in many action sequences to keep the adrenaline flowing; action packed may be an understatement. Barrett, the guy in charge of Unit 51, a clandestine government agency that deals with 'strange' (e.g., alien shit) has reestablished an operation base in Antarctica, bigger than the last, and has been combing over the ruins; nonetheless, his 'spies' keep track of developments in the Mexican temple, where a huge underground maze became known after the earthquake. Something, the 'sleeping god', seems to be in the center of the maze, and likely the key to the entire alien thing...
McBride introduced some other players here (for more excitement?!?), which seem to be some offshoot of the Nazis; blood and blue eyed at least, who are also seeking the aliens. Perhaps McBride tried here to close the loop between the opening prologue of the series, for we know the Nazis were trying to prove their 'race's' Devine origins. Anyway, lots of action even if the plot does not advance much, and our scientists face one impossible challenge after the next. The entire idea of aliens cultivating/mutating early humans globally to build temples and such may not be a new idea, but McBride runs with it well. 3 thrilling stars!!
While this may be mildly spoilery if you have not read the first volume, the opening of the temple gates in 'Atlantis' induced several other 'disturbances' around the world, including an earthquake of sorts by an ancient Mexican temple, where Anya and Evans are now working. It seems the aliens or their minions (never very clear) can communicate over great distances and possess a hive mind; it is clear, however, that they keep telling people humanity is doomed.
I thought McBride stretched this one out a bit regarding the plot, but did toss in many action sequences to keep the adrenaline flowing; action packed may be an understatement. Barrett, the guy in charge of Unit 51, a clandestine government agency that deals with 'strange' (e.g., alien shit) has reestablished an operation base in Antarctica, bigger than the last, and has been combing over the ruins; nonetheless, his 'spies' keep track of developments in the Mexican temple, where a huge underground maze became known after the earthquake. Something, the 'sleeping god', seems to be in the center of the maze, and likely the key to the entire alien thing...
McBride introduced some other players here (for more excitement?!?), which seem to be some offshoot of the Nazis; blood and blue eyed at least, who are also seeking the aliens. Perhaps McBride tried here to close the loop between the opening prologue of the series, for we know the Nazis were trying to prove their 'race's' Devine origins. Anyway, lots of action even if the plot does not advance much, and our scientists face one impossible challenge after the next. The entire idea of aliens cultivating/mutating early humans globally to build temples and such may not be a new idea, but McBride runs with it well. 3 thrilling stars!!
May 15, 2018
I've been fortunate in that I've been able to visit two different Mayan pyramids in my travels - Tikal in Guatemala and Chichen Itza in the Yucatán. So you can imagine my excitement when I learned that McBride was going to be using the pyramid at Teotihuacan as one of the main settings in his second Unit 51 opus.
Six months ago, a discovery was made in Antarctica. Deep under the ice, scientists discovered what they thought was evidence of an ancient civilization. A team of the world's brightest minds, along with the best paramilitary unit and engineers money can buy, carved down below the layers of ice and set up a top secret archeological dig. They prepared themselves for the discovery of a lifetime. What they found was something that nothing could prepare them for...and they woke it up.
That was SUBHUMAN. The first book from Michael McBride's Unit 51 series. Now, with FORSAKEN, the nightmare hasn't ended. In fact, it's just beginning. Six months after waking up a prehistoric alien under the ice, Barnett calls upon his cast of scientists to help him once more in Antarctica. They thought the alien was destroyed. They were wrong. Not only is it alive, it's multiplying. Meanwhile, in the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, a tunnel system has been discovered under the pyramids with symbols on the walls that depict a mysterious relationship with the Antarctic city under the ice and the crop circles in England. How are they all tied together? What does it all mean?
McBride has done it again. He has expanded the Area 51 universe he created in SUBHUMAN and added more branches to the ever-twisting tale. I love how he ties it all together in a way that makes you think more than once - "yeah, that could actually see that happening." I'm amazed at the realism he brings into these stories. The science. The historical facts. The geographical locations. The attention to detail in all of these categories is mind boggling. I've wikipedia'd more stuff from this book than I have in the last ten that I've read. It's like being in the middle of an Indiana Jones/Alien/The Thing/Predator combo movie. If I have one critique that prevents FORSAKEN from being a complete 5-star read, it would be that you can pretty much tell which characters are going to be offed and which ones will survive. Kind of like the old Star Trek series. Whoever the no-name was that was being transported down with Kirk and Spock you knew was surely going to be a goner. The same is true for FORSAKEN. In the thick of the action, characters are suddenly introduced on the spot and they might as well have a big bullseye on their back. Was it a dealbreaker? Hell no. McBride puts way too much good stuff in here to let a slight hiccup like that knock you off course. One more point. I would recommend that you start with SUBHUMAN before moving on to FORSAKEN. I think you have to have the backstory and characters firmly cemented in your head from the SUBHUMAN first to get the most out of FORSAKEN. Otherwise, you'll end up asking yourself over and over "Who was that? " and "Now whats going on ?" With that being said, this is my favorite series that I've read in years. I simply can't wait for the 3rd installment. Bring it on, McBride!
4 1/2 Booby Traps out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://intothemacabre.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Six months ago, a discovery was made in Antarctica. Deep under the ice, scientists discovered what they thought was evidence of an ancient civilization. A team of the world's brightest minds, along with the best paramilitary unit and engineers money can buy, carved down below the layers of ice and set up a top secret archeological dig. They prepared themselves for the discovery of a lifetime. What they found was something that nothing could prepare them for...and they woke it up.
That was SUBHUMAN. The first book from Michael McBride's Unit 51 series. Now, with FORSAKEN, the nightmare hasn't ended. In fact, it's just beginning. Six months after waking up a prehistoric alien under the ice, Barnett calls upon his cast of scientists to help him once more in Antarctica. They thought the alien was destroyed. They were wrong. Not only is it alive, it's multiplying. Meanwhile, in the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City, a tunnel system has been discovered under the pyramids with symbols on the walls that depict a mysterious relationship with the Antarctic city under the ice and the crop circles in England. How are they all tied together? What does it all mean?
McBride has done it again. He has expanded the Area 51 universe he created in SUBHUMAN and added more branches to the ever-twisting tale. I love how he ties it all together in a way that makes you think more than once - "yeah, that could actually see that happening." I'm amazed at the realism he brings into these stories. The science. The historical facts. The geographical locations. The attention to detail in all of these categories is mind boggling. I've wikipedia'd more stuff from this book than I have in the last ten that I've read. It's like being in the middle of an Indiana Jones/Alien/The Thing/Predator combo movie. If I have one critique that prevents FORSAKEN from being a complete 5-star read, it would be that you can pretty much tell which characters are going to be offed and which ones will survive. Kind of like the old Star Trek series. Whoever the no-name was that was being transported down with Kirk and Spock you knew was surely going to be a goner. The same is true for FORSAKEN. In the thick of the action, characters are suddenly introduced on the spot and they might as well have a big bullseye on their back. Was it a dealbreaker? Hell no. McBride puts way too much good stuff in here to let a slight hiccup like that knock you off course. One more point. I would recommend that you start with SUBHUMAN before moving on to FORSAKEN. I think you have to have the backstory and characters firmly cemented in your head from the SUBHUMAN first to get the most out of FORSAKEN. Otherwise, you'll end up asking yourself over and over "Who was that? " and "Now whats going on ?" With that being said, this is my favorite series that I've read in years. I simply can't wait for the 3rd installment. Bring it on, McBride!
4 1/2 Booby Traps out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://intothemacabre.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
March 26, 2021
This was a pretty decent sequel. The original six scientists all find themselves roped back into the Unit 51 mission. It relied a little too heavy on coincidence to get everyone re-involved, but it was still somewhat plausible. The only real issue I had with this one was that no one apparently learned anything from the events of the original novel except for the six scientists that were never officially part of Unit 51 to begin with. I'll probably eventually read the third book, but don't really feel an immediate rush to read it.
Little spoilery, so making a separate paragraph.
It also starts to stretch the suspension of disbelief that dozens of highly trained military types have died throughout the two books, but the six main characters still keep making it out relatively unscathed. By now, someone should have been seriously maimed or killed. Cade and Anya are basically redundant, so one of them could have easily died without seriously affecting future books.
Little spoilery, so making a separate paragraph.
It also starts to stretch the suspension of disbelief that dozens of highly trained military types have died throughout the two books, but the six main characters still keep making it out relatively unscathed. By now, someone should have been seriously maimed or killed. Cade and Anya are basically redundant, so one of them could have easily died without seriously affecting future books.
April 14, 2018
It is so very hard to classify this book. It seems to be a blend of Preston & Child/Foster/Crichton but it is definitely in a league of its own.
The story takes place six months after a top secret paramilitary team (Unit 51) was sent in to destroy an ancient and deadly organism that scientists had found in Antarctica. It was assumed that the mission was accomplished but it was not and now the threat to humanity is even more dire. A group of diverse researchers who were drawn together in the events of book one of this series (Subhuman) are gathered together once again as an unsettling discovery is made in an ancient temple in Mexico that is connected to the one in Antarctica.
There was not too much depth with the characters but it did not detract from the book itself as there was so much action, suspense, and adventure that the book didn't really need characters with that much depth. I loved the fast pace of the writing and the vivid description of scenery. The theories seem very well thought out. My only regret is that I wish I had read book one of the series first. "Forsaken" is okay to read on its own but there were references that didn't make a lot of sense so I really would recommend reading Subhuman before you read Forsaken. I really did enjoy reading the book and am now reading Subhuman so that I will be ready for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
The story takes place six months after a top secret paramilitary team (Unit 51) was sent in to destroy an ancient and deadly organism that scientists had found in Antarctica. It was assumed that the mission was accomplished but it was not and now the threat to humanity is even more dire. A group of diverse researchers who were drawn together in the events of book one of this series (Subhuman) are gathered together once again as an unsettling discovery is made in an ancient temple in Mexico that is connected to the one in Antarctica.
There was not too much depth with the characters but it did not detract from the book itself as there was so much action, suspense, and adventure that the book didn't really need characters with that much depth. I loved the fast pace of the writing and the vivid description of scenery. The theories seem very well thought out. My only regret is that I wish I had read book one of the series first. "Forsaken" is okay to read on its own but there were references that didn't make a lot of sense so I really would recommend reading Subhuman before you read Forsaken. I really did enjoy reading the book and am now reading Subhuman so that I will be ready for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
Worse than the first book. But I have 3 of these I’ll try the next one but it may be a dnf.
April 10, 2018
Genre absolutists will have a field day trying to classifying Forsaken, the second in Michael McBride's Unit 51 series. Like its Subhumanpredecessor, McBride seamlessly blends scientific thrills with plenty of action, globe-hopping adventure, and some moments of delicious horror, all of which add up to a gripping read that's difficult to adequately categorize.
Having spent the bulk of Subhuman slowly unravelling this series's premise with methodical deliberation and stage-setting for the books to follow, McBride drops readers straight into the deep-end in Forsaken. Six months after the startling discoveries beneath the Antarctic research base Atlantis, readers are reunited with the Unit 51 team as the book's core of researchers have returned to their research and explorations. Soon enough, each are drawn back into the thick of things as alien encounters in the Antarctic and the discovery of a buried Mexican temple point toward a common threat, as well as the emergence of a new enemy that may be pining for the end of the world.
It has been a while since I read Subhuman, so it took me a fair bit of time to reconnect with the women and men of Unit 51 and to try and remember who's who. McBride tosses in a lot of characters, a fair number of whom are disposable and make little more than a one-off appearance in order to be killed in various and interesting ways to help shuffle the plot along from point A to point B. This isn't a bad thing, in and of itself, but it does gives the primary members of Unit 51 a sense of imperviousness. While these characters constantly find themselves in peril and get all kinds of banged up along the way, I never really got the impression that they were in mortal danger simply because McBride reserves the bulk of Forsaken's grisly deaths for more minor, tertiary Redshirt characters. Character development is pretty thin and minuscule all around, a complaint I had regarding Subhuman as well, but one that is ultimately pretty low priority for me given how well everything else is done in these books. McBride keeps the pace amped up with kinetic fervor that I ultimately didn't much mind the disposable cardboard cutouts caught up in the mayhem. I was too busy flipping pages to find out what comes next and having myself a grand old time reading.
Despite my inability to connect with any of the characters, I found myself loving Forsaken simply because it's an incredible amount of fun. Fun goes a long way for me, and I can always count on McBride to deliver an entertaining read. Once he hits the halfway mark, Forsaken becomes an incredible actioneer, chockfull of adventure that carries the story along to the finish at a breathless, breakneck pace. The narrative hops between the various Unit 51 crew, ping-ponging between their ordeals in the Antarctic and the simultaneous, violent encounters in Mexico as the researchers explore the booby-trapped temple, and it's at this point that Forsaken becomes impossible to put down. This sucker is a roller-coaster, fueled on adrenaline and gunpowder, and with just as many turns and narrative wrinkles to jostle the car in a number of exciting ways.
Books like the Unit 51 series typically come in two flavors - dumb fun, like Matthew Reilly's Scarecrow books, or propulsive adventures wrapped around scientific plausibilities, like James Rollins's Sigma series. McBride falls in the latter category, exhibiting a rich scientific acumen, medical know-how, and plenty of attention to detail that gives both Unit 51 titles smarts to spare, as well as enough of a real-world pedigree to make the most speculative aspects of the plot wholly convincing.
I also like the fact that the Unit 51 series is shaping up to be a cohesive series. These aren't stand-alone adventures with all new stories for each installment. Unlike the Sigma series, Unit 51 is a legit, and massive, single story being told over multiple books in what I presume will be a trilogy. It's a safe bet a third Unit 51 title will be on the way, and I can guarantee I'll be reading it as soon as I can sink my claws into a copy.
[Note: I received an advanced copy of this title from the author.]
Having spent the bulk of Subhuman slowly unravelling this series's premise with methodical deliberation and stage-setting for the books to follow, McBride drops readers straight into the deep-end in Forsaken. Six months after the startling discoveries beneath the Antarctic research base Atlantis, readers are reunited with the Unit 51 team as the book's core of researchers have returned to their research and explorations. Soon enough, each are drawn back into the thick of things as alien encounters in the Antarctic and the discovery of a buried Mexican temple point toward a common threat, as well as the emergence of a new enemy that may be pining for the end of the world.
It has been a while since I read Subhuman, so it took me a fair bit of time to reconnect with the women and men of Unit 51 and to try and remember who's who. McBride tosses in a lot of characters, a fair number of whom are disposable and make little more than a one-off appearance in order to be killed in various and interesting ways to help shuffle the plot along from point A to point B. This isn't a bad thing, in and of itself, but it does gives the primary members of Unit 51 a sense of imperviousness. While these characters constantly find themselves in peril and get all kinds of banged up along the way, I never really got the impression that they were in mortal danger simply because McBride reserves the bulk of Forsaken's grisly deaths for more minor, tertiary Redshirt characters. Character development is pretty thin and minuscule all around, a complaint I had regarding Subhuman as well, but one that is ultimately pretty low priority for me given how well everything else is done in these books. McBride keeps the pace amped up with kinetic fervor that I ultimately didn't much mind the disposable cardboard cutouts caught up in the mayhem. I was too busy flipping pages to find out what comes next and having myself a grand old time reading.
Despite my inability to connect with any of the characters, I found myself loving Forsaken simply because it's an incredible amount of fun. Fun goes a long way for me, and I can always count on McBride to deliver an entertaining read. Once he hits the halfway mark, Forsaken becomes an incredible actioneer, chockfull of adventure that carries the story along to the finish at a breathless, breakneck pace. The narrative hops between the various Unit 51 crew, ping-ponging between their ordeals in the Antarctic and the simultaneous, violent encounters in Mexico as the researchers explore the booby-trapped temple, and it's at this point that Forsaken becomes impossible to put down. This sucker is a roller-coaster, fueled on adrenaline and gunpowder, and with just as many turns and narrative wrinkles to jostle the car in a number of exciting ways.
Books like the Unit 51 series typically come in two flavors - dumb fun, like Matthew Reilly's Scarecrow books, or propulsive adventures wrapped around scientific plausibilities, like James Rollins's Sigma series. McBride falls in the latter category, exhibiting a rich scientific acumen, medical know-how, and plenty of attention to detail that gives both Unit 51 titles smarts to spare, as well as enough of a real-world pedigree to make the most speculative aspects of the plot wholly convincing.
I also like the fact that the Unit 51 series is shaping up to be a cohesive series. These aren't stand-alone adventures with all new stories for each installment. Unlike the Sigma series, Unit 51 is a legit, and massive, single story being told over multiple books in what I presume will be a trilogy. It's a safe bet a third Unit 51 title will be on the way, and I can guarantee I'll be reading it as soon as I can sink my claws into a copy.
[Note: I received an advanced copy of this title from the author.]
March 28, 2018
So this is the 2nd novel in the series. You must, must, must read the first novel in order to completely understand where (and why) we are. Note: reading the 1st book isn't a hardship - it's a pleasure of an adventure.
So, jumping right into danger, drama, and serious adventure, the author continues a tale that reaches far into our past - and far beyond our world.
I liked most of the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the James Rollins-esque adventure!
I especially liked the archaeological aspects of things. McBride made me want to pack a bag and go exploring (carrying a supply of weapons, of course).
A Rollicking Read!
So, jumping right into danger, drama, and serious adventure, the author continues a tale that reaches far into our past - and far beyond our world.
I liked most of the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the James Rollins-esque adventure!
I especially liked the archaeological aspects of things. McBride made me want to pack a bag and go exploring (carrying a supply of weapons, of course).
A Rollicking Read!
March 28, 2018
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Even though I am not a fan of the genre ,when I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this book .Unfortunately I haven’t read the first one in the series so there were some parts of the book that I didn’t completely understand .Nevertheless the book was amazing!!I liked how much the writer has looked into the scientific details, I liked how adventurous the book was and couldn’t put it down .I loved the writing style.
The only thing that keeps me from giving this book 5 stars is my confusion with the names .I don’t know why but I had a really hard time keeping track with the names (and their domain of expertise)that I had to take notes and keep consulting them.
In conclusion, I believe that this is a very well written book and I would recommend it to everyone.
Even though I am not a fan of the genre ,when I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this book .Unfortunately I haven’t read the first one in the series so there were some parts of the book that I didn’t completely understand .Nevertheless the book was amazing!!I liked how much the writer has looked into the scientific details, I liked how adventurous the book was and couldn’t put it down .I loved the writing style.
The only thing that keeps me from giving this book 5 stars is my confusion with the names .I don’t know why but I had a really hard time keeping track with the names (and their domain of expertise)that I had to take notes and keep consulting them.
In conclusion, I believe that this is a very well written book and I would recommend it to everyone.
August 9, 2019
A very good action packed story that is almost a direct continuation of the first novel in this series Subhuman. This is not it’s own action story but is dependent on this first. I loved it. But read them in order.
January 16, 2025
This book was so rad. It was b-movie basics, but I loved it. There were all kinds of monster goodies. It was better than the first book. A lot of the characterization problems I saw in the first one, where they all seemed like the same person, is cleaned up here. It is a massive improvement, in my opinion. There are several new supernatural players that get involved, and the intensity is turned up. It's such a fun book to read. A real pleasure. If you enjoy AVP, the Ruins, As Above so Below, or the Relic, you will enjoy this as well. Happy reading.
There it is and there you have it.
There it is and there you have it.
February 1, 2020
Damn, man. I just could not get into this one. I'm bummed too because I dig me some McBride. It just felt too formulaic and was tired and predictable in spots. It was still ok but I was hoping for much more.
May 1, 2018
This is the second book in the Unit 51 series, and is every bit as strong and compelling as the first. Interesting and diverse characters, impeccable research, ancient ruins and societies, interesting and incredibly scary creatures, it's all here! I won't go into details, as other can do it much better than I can. The only other series I find this compelling and fascinating the John Connolly's Charlie Parker books, and the only downer is now that I read this starting on its release date, I actually have to wait for the next one, dangit! :-)
May 21, 2018
Wow!
What a scary and action packed ride these books are which I’m really enjoying,love the characters which you really care about.
What a scary and action packed ride these books are which I’m really enjoying,love the characters which you really care about.
April 13, 2018
Apparently, Forsaken is the second book in the Unit 51 series. Not having read Subhuman, I wasn't really sure what I was in for. What a wild ride!
The book primarily flips back and forth between Forward Base Atlantis in Antarctica and ancient ruins in Mexico, with some diversions to England the African jungle. A few months earlier, creatures that had been frozen in time beneath the ice in Antarctica were unearthed by several scientists. Unfortunately, said creatures were not dead, merely in a state of hibernation that the scientists unwittingly terminated. And they aren't friendly. Now one creature (formerly one of the original scientists) is being observed in Antarctica. But it knows something they don't, and isn't anxious to share.
Simultaneously, the ancient ruins in Mexico are providing some interesting information. Drawings in the ruins are similar to some found in the pyramid in Antarctica. Then some flooding allows the scientists to stumble across an ancient maze that doesn't quite have a prize in the middle. And the maze is the same design as the crop circles in England, which mirrors one of the few clues provided to the Antarctican scientists by the living creature...
I don't know if I'd call this horror or science fiction or thriller (there is a LOT of shooting and special ops guys in there), but it was really entertaining. It was interesting how there were events occurring all over the world that were seemingly linked. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that there are a lot of characters to track and it can get confusing jumping back and forth. Overall, the tale was quite good.
The book primarily flips back and forth between Forward Base Atlantis in Antarctica and ancient ruins in Mexico, with some diversions to England the African jungle. A few months earlier, creatures that had been frozen in time beneath the ice in Antarctica were unearthed by several scientists. Unfortunately, said creatures were not dead, merely in a state of hibernation that the scientists unwittingly terminated. And they aren't friendly. Now one creature (formerly one of the original scientists) is being observed in Antarctica. But it knows something they don't, and isn't anxious to share.
Simultaneously, the ancient ruins in Mexico are providing some interesting information. Drawings in the ruins are similar to some found in the pyramid in Antarctica. Then some flooding allows the scientists to stumble across an ancient maze that doesn't quite have a prize in the middle. And the maze is the same design as the crop circles in England, which mirrors one of the few clues provided to the Antarctican scientists by the living creature...
I don't know if I'd call this horror or science fiction or thriller (there is a LOT of shooting and special ops guys in there), but it was really entertaining. It was interesting how there were events occurring all over the world that were seemingly linked. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that there are a lot of characters to track and it can get confusing jumping back and forth. Overall, the tale was quite good.
August 16, 2018
Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to light. - John Milton
If you haven't read SUBHUMAN, the first book in the Unit 51 series, you definitely should. I re-read it to refresh my memory before starting this book and enjoyed it just as much the second time through.
Characters from book one are in this offering too, along with new characters. Events bounce back and forth between the pyramid at Teotihuacan, Mexico and the pyramid uncovered in SUBHUMAN at what is now called FOB Atlantis, an underground base in Antarctica.
There's all kinds of excitement and info thrown at the reader in both these books - archaeology, astronomy, monsters, gods, arctic survival, booby traps, and more. Oh, and more monsters.
Unit 51 is a quasi military organization formed to look into the unexplainable, especially as it pertains to extraterrestrial life.
This book was very fast-paced, gory, and left itself open for a book three at the end.
I received this book from Kensington Books through the Amazon VINE program in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
If you haven't read SUBHUMAN, the first book in the Unit 51 series, you definitely should. I re-read it to refresh my memory before starting this book and enjoyed it just as much the second time through.
Characters from book one are in this offering too, along with new characters. Events bounce back and forth between the pyramid at Teotihuacan, Mexico and the pyramid uncovered in SUBHUMAN at what is now called FOB Atlantis, an underground base in Antarctica.
There's all kinds of excitement and info thrown at the reader in both these books - archaeology, astronomy, monsters, gods, arctic survival, booby traps, and more. Oh, and more monsters.
Unit 51 is a quasi military organization formed to look into the unexplainable, especially as it pertains to extraterrestrial life.
This book was very fast-paced, gory, and left itself open for a book three at the end.
I received this book from Kensington Books through the Amazon VINE program in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
June 15, 2022
Forsaken continues the exploits of Unit 51, a deep government team, dealing with unexplained alien phenomena. This book at least goes into other parts of the globe, but still in two main locations. Antarctic and Mexico.
This book was a little easier to read than Subhuman, with somewhat less scientific jargon. The pace at times was good, at times slow. Story in Antarctica was again similar to a Crichton/Carpenter partnership. The Mexico scene was more sluggish, with some Indiana Jones thrown in, as they explore the ruins in Teotihuacán, in a maze of of water and booby traps, trailed by gunmen bent on killing them.
Entertaining, easier to read, but not as suspenseful as Subhuman. We have humans transformed into grayish creatures, then another subject that may be alien, as well as the voracious feathered crocodile creatures that have been awakened. See https://mythopedia.com/topics/quetzal...
This book was a little easier to read than Subhuman, with somewhat less scientific jargon. The pace at times was good, at times slow. Story in Antarctica was again similar to a Crichton/Carpenter partnership. The Mexico scene was more sluggish, with some Indiana Jones thrown in, as they explore the ruins in Teotihuacán, in a maze of of water and booby traps, trailed by gunmen bent on killing them.
Entertaining, easier to read, but not as suspenseful as Subhuman. We have humans transformed into grayish creatures, then another subject that may be alien, as well as the voracious feathered crocodile creatures that have been awakened. See https://mythopedia.com/topics/quetzal...
September 15, 2020
Yikes, bit of deja vu happening here!
Kelly, Roche and the rest of the team are just trying to live their lives when they get dragged back into their nightmares of 6 months earlier. This time, in Antarctica and in Mexico. Both storylines are thrilling and scary and I like the way they were intertwined here.
I was hoping that everyone would get through ok, knowing, of course, that there would be dead and mutilated bodies everywhere but no idea how horrific it would get.
My heart was in my mouth, more than once.
Highly recommended.
4.5 stars from me. Off to read the next book in the series :)
Kelly, Roche and the rest of the team are just trying to live their lives when they get dragged back into their nightmares of 6 months earlier. This time, in Antarctica and in Mexico. Both storylines are thrilling and scary and I like the way they were intertwined here.
I was hoping that everyone would get through ok, knowing, of course, that there would be dead and mutilated bodies everywhere but no idea how horrific it would get.
My heart was in my mouth, more than once.
Highly recommended.
4.5 stars from me. Off to read the next book in the series :)
May 18, 2021
This was an amazing edge of the seat ride.
I really hope there is book 3 waiting for me or I'll be very sad lol
I really hope there is book 3 waiting for me or I'll be very sad lol
August 21, 2020
There was a lot of hurry up and wait to this book but the amount of cheesy action movie cliches are fantastic. I'm still in love with the series and can't wait to start Mutation next.
September 21, 2018
An extension of the first book. This compares favorabaly to Event Group Novels, by Golemon.
March 21, 2018
After reading Subhuman last fall, I was ready to read another Michael McBride thriller. I'm happy to report the same conclusion I arrived at in the first book. McBride has a talent for this sort of thing. It is easy to see why he garners comparisons to Michael Crichton, and I would add Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child to the mix. This is the kind of book that will keep you up late and is packed with action in all the right spots.
July 13, 2018
(I would actually give this the rating of 4.5!)
" IT HAS SURVIVED
At a research station in Antarctica, scientists discovered a strange and ancient organism.
They thought they could study it, classify it, control it. They couldn’t.
IT HAS THRIVED
Six months ago, a secret paramilitary team called Unit 51 was sent to the station.
They thought the creature was dead, the nightmare was over. It wasn’t.
IT HAS EVOLVED
In a Mexican temple, archeologists uncover the remains of a half-human hybrid. They believe
it is related to the creature in Antarctica, a dark thing of legend that is still alive—and still evolving. They believe it needs a new host to feed, to mutate, to multiply. They’re right. And they’re next. And the human race might just be headed for extinction . . ."
Forsaken opens up 6 months after the main cast of Subhuman gets rescued by Unit 51 at the end of the first book, Subhuman. Evans, Jade, Anya, Roche, and Kelly are all trying to pick up their life and pretend like the deadly events in Antarctica never happened. Only, they can’t. Each one of them saw too much that they can’t explain and are desperate for answers. Anyone whose curiosity gets the better of them can relate to that. Book number 2 actually has two different, yet connected stories going on at the same time. Jade, Evans and Anya are in Mexico searching a hidden underground maze when they are attacked by a secret organization that will do whatever they need to in order to get the item at the center of the maze. Roche and Kelly end up going back to unit 51’s base in Antarctica to try and find out what a maze crop circle in the UK has to do with a message the creature left them at that base. Both groups run in to a lot of problems, to put it lightly.
The first 13 or so chapters were a little bit slow because there was a lot of character build up, just like in the first book. Each character is off by themselves, doing their own thing before joining up in to the 2 separate stories. After that, things begin to speed up and it feels like there is never any down time. Tension and fear is high as the characters race to figure out what is going on and how to survive. The last 30% of the book kicks it in to uber overdrive and you are running at full pace all the way to the very last chapters.
I think I liked book 2 a little bit better then book 1. I really enjoyed having two different (but connected!) stories rolling at the same time. More things are revealed about the creatures, as well as more questions. I love how Mr. McBride ties in all these ancient cultures and pantheons in to this out of this world series. Don’t worry, there will be a book 3. There was plenty of set up for where Unit 51 is going next. I won’t spoil that for you! But I will say, it looks like it is going to be epic! 😀
As always, if there is animal deaths or cruelty in a book, I will mention it. I like knowing before hand if a book I’m thinking of reading has any animal death in it, and I appreciate when other reviewers will give that warning in advance so I can be more prepared, or if I want to decide to skip that book. I always try to put that warning out there in my review for others who might feel the same way. This book had a little bit of animal death. Two separate spots that were only a few paragraphs long. Easy to skip over, so it isn’t too bad. Like I said, just a little warning.
I really liked this book and I can’t wait to see what goes on in the next one. We need answers, Michael! 😮 Highly entertaining, and well researched. I would recommend this book to fans of ancient aliens, conspiracies, and ancient cultures. And of course, horror fans! It is a great creature feature story!
" IT HAS SURVIVED
At a research station in Antarctica, scientists discovered a strange and ancient organism.
They thought they could study it, classify it, control it. They couldn’t.
IT HAS THRIVED
Six months ago, a secret paramilitary team called Unit 51 was sent to the station.
They thought the creature was dead, the nightmare was over. It wasn’t.
IT HAS EVOLVED
In a Mexican temple, archeologists uncover the remains of a half-human hybrid. They believe
it is related to the creature in Antarctica, a dark thing of legend that is still alive—and still evolving. They believe it needs a new host to feed, to mutate, to multiply. They’re right. And they’re next. And the human race might just be headed for extinction . . ."
Forsaken opens up 6 months after the main cast of Subhuman gets rescued by Unit 51 at the end of the first book, Subhuman. Evans, Jade, Anya, Roche, and Kelly are all trying to pick up their life and pretend like the deadly events in Antarctica never happened. Only, they can’t. Each one of them saw too much that they can’t explain and are desperate for answers. Anyone whose curiosity gets the better of them can relate to that. Book number 2 actually has two different, yet connected stories going on at the same time. Jade, Evans and Anya are in Mexico searching a hidden underground maze when they are attacked by a secret organization that will do whatever they need to in order to get the item at the center of the maze. Roche and Kelly end up going back to unit 51’s base in Antarctica to try and find out what a maze crop circle in the UK has to do with a message the creature left them at that base. Both groups run in to a lot of problems, to put it lightly.
The first 13 or so chapters were a little bit slow because there was a lot of character build up, just like in the first book. Each character is off by themselves, doing their own thing before joining up in to the 2 separate stories. After that, things begin to speed up and it feels like there is never any down time. Tension and fear is high as the characters race to figure out what is going on and how to survive. The last 30% of the book kicks it in to uber overdrive and you are running at full pace all the way to the very last chapters.
I think I liked book 2 a little bit better then book 1. I really enjoyed having two different (but connected!) stories rolling at the same time. More things are revealed about the creatures, as well as more questions. I love how Mr. McBride ties in all these ancient cultures and pantheons in to this out of this world series. Don’t worry, there will be a book 3. There was plenty of set up for where Unit 51 is going next. I won’t spoil that for you! But I will say, it looks like it is going to be epic! 😀
As always, if there is animal deaths or cruelty in a book, I will mention it. I like knowing before hand if a book I’m thinking of reading has any animal death in it, and I appreciate when other reviewers will give that warning in advance so I can be more prepared, or if I want to decide to skip that book. I always try to put that warning out there in my review for others who might feel the same way. This book had a little bit of animal death. Two separate spots that were only a few paragraphs long. Easy to skip over, so it isn’t too bad. Like I said, just a little warning.
I really liked this book and I can’t wait to see what goes on in the next one. We need answers, Michael! 😮 Highly entertaining, and well researched. I would recommend this book to fans of ancient aliens, conspiracies, and ancient cultures. And of course, horror fans! It is a great creature feature story!
June 13, 2018
"McBride writes with the perfect mixture of suspense and horror
that keeps the reader on edge." --Examiner
IT HAS SURVIVED
At a research station in Antarctica, scientists discovered a strange and ancient organism.
They thought they could study it, classify it, control it. They couldn't.
IT HAS THRIVED
Six months ago, a secret paramilitary team called Unit 51 was sent to the station.
They thought the creature was dead, the nightmare was over. It wasn't.
IT HAS EVOLVED
In a Mexican temple, archeologists uncover the remains of a half-human hybrid. They believe it is related to the creature in Antarctica, a dark thing of legend that is still alive--and still evolving. They believe it needs a new host to feed, to mutate, to multiply. They're right. And they're next. And the human race might just be headed for extinction . . .
"Highly recommended for fans of creature horror
and the thrillers of Michael Crichton."
--The Horror Review
Book Two
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Holy crap on a cracker! Can this series get even more enticing?! I've read both books, I'm hooked and now, WHERE'S BOOK #3???
LOL, Just Kidding... (not really)
I am such a huge, huge, fan of Michael McBride's work! He did such an awesome job picking the story up, where it basically left off and expanded the mystery from there. Talk about not wanting to put the book down... I read this book in one day (and night). I just had to know what was going to happen next. Most of the characters (who survived) in the first book are brought back in the second along with many new ones that are of equal value to the story.
I absolutely loved the main characters and their important place/part they played in developing what is clearly a spine-tingling sci-fy thriller. The many uses of facts and current mysteries of today, tagged along with what is best described as a genius and innovative use of fantasy is extraordinary and McBride nails it effortlessly. He truly gets you wondering... wanting more.
The setting is perfectly drawn out to allow the reader a visual aid highlighting the complexity of the environment and structures used to further along the developing plot. The challenges that each character faces is realistic and enticing. You feel like you're there right beside them feeling baffled, frightened and overwhelmed. The "villain" at this point could be anyone and not who you think and then to complicate things even more, there is that... thing, hanging out there... loved it!
This series makes me want to say, "Be careful what you ask for... you might not like the outcome..."
Can't wait for the next book, (hint, hint to publisher)!
Get the first and start reading! Be prepared to be gob-smacked! :)
that keeps the reader on edge." --Examiner
IT HAS SURVIVED
At a research station in Antarctica, scientists discovered a strange and ancient organism.
They thought they could study it, classify it, control it. They couldn't.
IT HAS THRIVED
Six months ago, a secret paramilitary team called Unit 51 was sent to the station.
They thought the creature was dead, the nightmare was over. It wasn't.
IT HAS EVOLVED
In a Mexican temple, archeologists uncover the remains of a half-human hybrid. They believe it is related to the creature in Antarctica, a dark thing of legend that is still alive--and still evolving. They believe it needs a new host to feed, to mutate, to multiply. They're right. And they're next. And the human race might just be headed for extinction . . .
"Highly recommended for fans of creature horror
and the thrillers of Michael Crichton."
--The Horror Review
Book Two
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Holy crap on a cracker! Can this series get even more enticing?! I've read both books, I'm hooked and now, WHERE'S BOOK #3???
LOL, Just Kidding... (not really)
I am such a huge, huge, fan of Michael McBride's work! He did such an awesome job picking the story up, where it basically left off and expanded the mystery from there. Talk about not wanting to put the book down... I read this book in one day (and night). I just had to know what was going to happen next. Most of the characters (who survived) in the first book are brought back in the second along with many new ones that are of equal value to the story.
I absolutely loved the main characters and their important place/part they played in developing what is clearly a spine-tingling sci-fy thriller. The many uses of facts and current mysteries of today, tagged along with what is best described as a genius and innovative use of fantasy is extraordinary and McBride nails it effortlessly. He truly gets you wondering... wanting more.
The setting is perfectly drawn out to allow the reader a visual aid highlighting the complexity of the environment and structures used to further along the developing plot. The challenges that each character faces is realistic and enticing. You feel like you're there right beside them feeling baffled, frightened and overwhelmed. The "villain" at this point could be anyone and not who you think and then to complicate things even more, there is that... thing, hanging out there... loved it!
This series makes me want to say, "Be careful what you ask for... you might not like the outcome..."
Can't wait for the next book, (hint, hint to publisher)!
Get the first and start reading! Be prepared to be gob-smacked! :)
March 24, 2018
I read the Kindle edition.
4 and 1 / 2 stars
In Antarctica some months earlier a team of six heavily armed ex-soldiers are sent to eradicate a mysterious creature (creatures?). Unfortunately, they are all killed. A follow-up team is sent to discover what happened to them. At the same time, in Mexico, archeologists discover the remains of a strange human/creature.
Sometime later in the book, more people start to die. It looks like the “creatures” that the team has woken doesn’t like modern humans. After more people die, the mystery deepens. Peoples’ bodies a co-opted as it were for the creatures seem to need a host to survive.
This is a great adventure story, and more than a little bit of a “what if” scenario. As the reader literally runs through the jungles of Mexico and the Antarctica he or she is thrilled by Mr. McBride’s colorful descriptions and the taut action scenes. Most of this book is pure action. It is a fun read.
This is a remarkable novel. It is very well written and plotted. It starts out slowly while introducing all the main characters and their various backgrounds. The scientists are all varied in their specialties and are very intelligent. All the equipment described is top-notch. The science is incredible. The novel is packed with scientific facts and interesting theories. The research that must have gone into this book was surely extensive and exhaustive.
I’ve read many of Michael McBride’s books and have been very impressed at the improvement in the quality of his work.
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books/Pinnacle for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely wonderful book to read and enjoy.
4 and 1 / 2 stars
In Antarctica some months earlier a team of six heavily armed ex-soldiers are sent to eradicate a mysterious creature (creatures?). Unfortunately, they are all killed. A follow-up team is sent to discover what happened to them. At the same time, in Mexico, archeologists discover the remains of a strange human/creature.
Sometime later in the book, more people start to die. It looks like the “creatures” that the team has woken doesn’t like modern humans. After more people die, the mystery deepens. Peoples’ bodies a co-opted as it were for the creatures seem to need a host to survive.
This is a great adventure story, and more than a little bit of a “what if” scenario. As the reader literally runs through the jungles of Mexico and the Antarctica he or she is thrilled by Mr. McBride’s colorful descriptions and the taut action scenes. Most of this book is pure action. It is a fun read.
This is a remarkable novel. It is very well written and plotted. It starts out slowly while introducing all the main characters and their various backgrounds. The scientists are all varied in their specialties and are very intelligent. All the equipment described is top-notch. The science is incredible. The novel is packed with scientific facts and interesting theories. The research that must have gone into this book was surely extensive and exhaustive.
I’ve read many of Michael McBride’s books and have been very impressed at the improvement in the quality of his work.
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books/Pinnacle for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely wonderful book to read and enjoy.
August 25, 2020
Forsaken is book 2 of an action/adventure/paramilitary series call Unit 51 and the story picks up 6 months after the conclusion of the first. I hate giving away spoilers so I will refrain, but think James Rollins, this story is very similar in plot and action. But there might be a little more blood in McBride's novel.
I did enjoy this story, much than I did the first. It read quickly and smoothly, but the characters were kind of hard to connect with because each chapter was from the perspective of one of the main characters, so it was hard for me to really get under their skin, thus get to know them.
(It was probably a good thing I didn't look back at my review of the first book because I might not have looked twice at this one, (or the third which the ARC is waiting for me). But I still wonder if the reason why I enjoyed this book more was because I read it instead of having the kindle read it too me.)
Anyways, if you like James Rollins, action, adventure, military with some blood and guts and monsters, then this would be a series for you to try. But because of the blood and violence I would only recommend it to mature readers over 16 years of age.
I give this book 4 stars.
I did enjoy this story, much than I did the first. It read quickly and smoothly, but the characters were kind of hard to connect with because each chapter was from the perspective of one of the main characters, so it was hard for me to really get under their skin, thus get to know them.
(It was probably a good thing I didn't look back at my review of the first book because I might not have looked twice at this one, (or the third which the ARC is waiting for me). But I still wonder if the reason why I enjoyed this book more was because I read it instead of having the kindle read it too me.)
Anyways, if you like James Rollins, action, adventure, military with some blood and guts and monsters, then this would be a series for you to try. But because of the blood and violence I would only recommend it to mature readers over 16 years of age.
I give this book 4 stars.
February 27, 2023
I believe Forsaken to be an incredibly thrilling story due to the connecting plotlines, elements of horror, and continued storyline. Each chapter is from the point of view of a different character from the last, and the setting changes from an ancient site in Mexico to Antarctica. With these changes in setting and viewpoint, there is a suspenseful element created as most chapters leave on a sort of cliffhanger. Similar to the first novel, the age-old beings in this story are bloodthirsty and pose an incredible threat to all characters. While reading, there were numerous times when I became anxious to see how the story would unfold and who would make it out alive. Being the second book in the Unit 51 trilogy, Forsaken follows the storyline and adds even more unforeseen plot twists. Even with so many new elements, original details remain and lead to more advanced discoveries. The overall complexity and description of Earth’s enemies and archaeological history are what make this story a truly entertaining read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in ancient gods, archaeology, and horror in general as this book excellently includes all three.
April 27, 2018
This book was a fast-paced, exciting, thrill of a read. I was initially intrigued by the blurb, since this sounded like a Crichton-type science fiction book and I am a huge fan of his work. I was not disappointed by this offering from McBride. I enjoyed the blend of science, mythology, and horror and kept turning pages right up until the end.
However, as with some other fast-paced science fiction, the characters suffered here. I unfortunately did not realize this was a sequel before I started reading, and had a lot of trouble differentiating between characters. There are a lot of point of view changes throughout the story and it was disorienting at times.
I would recommend to other readers who, like me, need something to fill the Crichton sized hole in their heart, but also enjoy a healthy dose of blood and guts. I plan to read more of McBride's offerings in the future (hopefully with a few less POV characters).
However, as with some other fast-paced science fiction, the characters suffered here. I unfortunately did not realize this was a sequel before I started reading, and had a lot of trouble differentiating between characters. There are a lot of point of view changes throughout the story and it was disorienting at times.
I would recommend to other readers who, like me, need something to fill the Crichton sized hole in their heart, but also enjoy a healthy dose of blood and guts. I plan to read more of McBride's offerings in the future (hopefully with a few less POV characters).
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