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Alex Hunter #7
The Void
Something has traveled for a billion years to find us - and now it has.
In space, Commander Mitch Granger and his crew are nearing the end of their scientific mission - along with their covert satellite photography for the military. As they prepare for reentry, an unknown object emerges from the void; the name given to deep, dark space.
The object proves impossible to evade. The crew have one option left - to bring the fragment aboard.
Immediately, all contact with the shuttle is lost.
NASA watches helplessly as their craft breaks orbit and heads back to Earth where it crashes high up in the Revelation Mountains of Alaska.
The space agency puts together an emergency recovery team, but the Russians also want the US military photographic data onboard. The race is on to be the first to the crash site, nearly 10,000 feet up in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. But there is another problem. Satellite images show that something else came down in the shuttle, something moving about when no one should be alive. And that seems to be growing at an alarming rate.
NASA needs help, and protection. Send in the HAWCs. But even HAWC captain Alex Hunter, the last super-soldier of the Arcadian program, has never come up against a threat so old, and from so far...
In space, Commander Mitch Granger and his crew are nearing the end of their scientific mission - along with their covert satellite photography for the military. As they prepare for reentry, an unknown object emerges from the void; the name given to deep, dark space.
The object proves impossible to evade. The crew have one option left - to bring the fragment aboard.
Immediately, all contact with the shuttle is lost.
NASA watches helplessly as their craft breaks orbit and heads back to Earth where it crashes high up in the Revelation Mountains of Alaska.
The space agency puts together an emergency recovery team, but the Russians also want the US military photographic data onboard. The race is on to be the first to the crash site, nearly 10,000 feet up in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. But there is another problem. Satellite images show that something else came down in the shuttle, something moving about when no one should be alive. And that seems to be growing at an alarming rate.
NASA needs help, and protection. Send in the HAWCs. But even HAWC captain Alex Hunter, the last super-soldier of the Arcadian program, has never come up against a threat so old, and from so far...
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2018
168 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
46 books1,147 followersHi GoodReaders, I’m an Australian author residing in Sydney with my wife, son and a mad Golden Retriever named Jessie. My novels are now available globally, also in Large Print and now in full AUDIO format.
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 23, 2023
Honey! I'm home.
Well how was your day, dear?
Usual...saved the world again from some slimeball from outer space.
Oh that's nice. Here's your beans on toast.
Right from Chapter 1, you are drawn in, just like the smell from your neighbour's barbecue when he slaps on those inch-thick lamb chops. Mmmm! (I digress - my neighbour actually just did start cooking lamb chops and the smell is wafting in my computer-room window. Bastard!)
As usual, the story features our perennial superhero Alex Hunter, that indestructible, polar opposite of a lentil-eating, tree-hugging, soap-avoiding hippy. In fact, if you are such a hippy, you probably should avoid reading this altogether...you know...stick to stories about vegan farming and such. A slimy blob from The Void has hitched a ride to Earth aboard the space shuttle. It crash lands and Mr Slime starts changing Earth into something more comfortable (for it - not for us). If you liked the movie Prometheus, you'll like this. In fact Mr Beck has slipped some influences of Star Trek in there as well.
After a whole lot of shoot-em-up action, the usual happy ending happens but only after our team of heroes (Hunter and his usual crew) save the day and we all live happily ever after...at least until Alex is needed again.
Now, I'll be off to gets me some of those lamb chops.
Well how was your day, dear?
Usual...saved the world again from some slimeball from outer space.
Oh that's nice. Here's your beans on toast.
Right from Chapter 1, you are drawn in, just like the smell from your neighbour's barbecue when he slaps on those inch-thick lamb chops. Mmmm! (I digress - my neighbour actually just did start cooking lamb chops and the smell is wafting in my computer-room window. Bastard!)
As usual, the story features our perennial superhero Alex Hunter, that indestructible, polar opposite of a lentil-eating, tree-hugging, soap-avoiding hippy. In fact, if you are such a hippy, you probably should avoid reading this altogether...you know...stick to stories about vegan farming and such. A slimy blob from The Void has hitched a ride to Earth aboard the space shuttle. It crash lands and Mr Slime starts changing Earth into something more comfortable (for it - not for us). If you liked the movie Prometheus, you'll like this. In fact Mr Beck has slipped some influences of Star Trek in there as well.
After a whole lot of shoot-em-up action, the usual happy ending happens but only after our team of heroes (Hunter and his usual crew) save the day and we all live happily ever after...at least until Alex is needed again.
Now, I'll be off to gets me some of those lamb chops.
February 22, 2018
4.25 Stars
February 1, 2022
I have to say when I started this book I was frustrated by what felt like a repeat of the problems I found with the Gorgon story. Unrealistic and taking the subject well past the point of belief. Further to this check this out: the story starts in space, an asteroid is coming straight at the space shuttle, unavoidable impact incoming even with the shuttle changing course… so they are going to bring the asteroid (yep, the one that is course correcting to follow them but of course that’s an electromagnetic field not anything more sinister) into the shuttle to ensure it doesn’t smash into them. Great plan. Oh and I haven’t mentioned the name of the onboard computer. RIPLE referred to as Ripley. Any bells ringing? So ye, my initial thoughts on this book were not great as an understatement. In fact my early thoughts shared with my husband were that I might not even finish the book if it continued this way which honestly made me super sad to think of a series I had loved so much up to this point…. But wait!!! I need to stop at this point and apologise to Beck for ever doubting his writing that way. My initial impressions that this was going to be another version of the overdone alien storylines was so wrong. Beck managed to take a subject like that and relate it so clearly to some of the most iconic storylines of the genre and then bring it all right back and make it an epic in his own way and bring his own unique spins into play. Phenomenal writing skill and once I got into the meaty part of the book I was away and flying through it loving every moment to the point where the suspect beginning only lost 1 star from my final review. If like me you are frustrated reading the beginning of the book and wondering whether to keep going, I assure you - keep going!! It is so worth it.
As usual Greig Beck wields his character development skills and creates personas that are so lifelike that you end up really caring if they live or die. Then also, in his typical style, you never know who will end up dying and how - because it is never quite how or who you predict - and always leaves you with all the feels.
As usual I have ended this book excited for the next in the Alex Hunter saga and wondering what comes next for our main character and The Other. As I head into the penultimate book before the last one of the series that has been written so far (I hope) I can’t help but wonder who will be left alive at the end of these books knowing how Beck doesn’t pull his punches when it comes to the readers feelings.
As usual Greig Beck wields his character development skills and creates personas that are so lifelike that you end up really caring if they live or die. Then also, in his typical style, you never know who will end up dying and how - because it is never quite how or who you predict - and always leaves you with all the feels.
As usual I have ended this book excited for the next in the Alex Hunter saga and wondering what comes next for our main character and The Other. As I head into the penultimate book before the last one of the series that has been written so far (I hope) I can’t help but wonder who will be left alive at the end of these books knowing how Beck doesn’t pull his punches when it comes to the readers feelings.
August 1, 2018
Outstanding
April 16, 2018
Alex Hunter and his team are back, doing what they do best. I have read each of this author's books, to date, and so Alex and the rest of his team seem like old friends to me. It isn't necessary to read these books in order, per se, but it certainly helps to build up a fuller picture of this super-soldier.
One of the things I like about Greig Becks books is that they merge science fact plus science fiction so seamlessly, you start to get a bit worried about what is out there in space (or in the ocean, or in jungles etc). He is superb storyteller, for sure.
This is an intense story and it's not for the faint-hearted or the squeamish. I love it because it is non-stop action and I really want to know how it will all end! The ending makes you wonder what is going to happen in the next Alex Hunter book because one thing is certain, his story is not over yet :)
4.5 stars from me.
One of the things I like about Greig Becks books is that they merge science fact plus science fiction so seamlessly, you start to get a bit worried about what is out there in space (or in the ocean, or in jungles etc). He is superb storyteller, for sure.
This is an intense story and it's not for the faint-hearted or the squeamish. I love it because it is non-stop action and I really want to know how it will all end! The ending makes you wonder what is going to happen in the next Alex Hunter book because one thing is certain, his story is not over yet :)
4.5 stars from me.
February 20, 2018
Beck hits another home run bringing Alex Hunter back to rescue the crew of a space capsule. The story is real scary as contamination from outer space would become a nightmare. Whereas Alex Hunter is somewhat fiction, the possibility of a space contagion could be a reality. Beck does some interesting writing, researching and will keep you reading late into the night. Thank you for a great read. Looking forward to your next.
February 22, 2018
I have been waiting for a new Hunter and it was worth the wait. Great story and I do not know how Mr. Beck does it but each story just gets better than the last. If you are looking for adventure, sci-fi, great characters, awesome conspirators, and a man who is a unique hero then this is a superb buy.
Love the teaser or two, just a great written story!!!
Love the teaser or two, just a great written story!!!
March 1, 2018
The void is outstanding
This book is like a shot of adreniline. Holy crap I don't know where to begin. Alex Hunter just gets better and better. If you want a fast paced horror filled vacation to just this side of Hell get onboard with the Void. Sofias entrance is off the charts. Can't wait for the next one.
This book is like a shot of adreniline. Holy crap I don't know where to begin. Alex Hunter just gets better and better. If you want a fast paced horror filled vacation to just this side of Hell get onboard with the Void. Sofias entrance is off the charts. Can't wait for the next one.
October 21, 2018
The dangers in this book are out of this world. Alex Hunter is up against more than just agents of a hostile nation as he faces something sent from the Void. Beck flexes his creative muscles with the creepy crawlies spawned by his imagination and birthed in this book. Readers are in for as many chills as they are thrills. And as always, we're left wanting more. On to book #8!
February 16, 2018
This was a great book! The storyline may have been done previously (along varying lines), but the detail and thought that went into this was really well done and made this book another nail biting adventure. I eagerly await the next Alex Hunter book.
February 26, 2018
THE DEADLIEST HUNT YET IT IS.
Hello, this story was really, really good. Even the Russians didn't deserve what they got. Bad mojo in this one, gonna be hard to top. Great job. Thanks.
Hello, this story was really, really good. Even the Russians didn't deserve what they got. Bad mojo in this one, gonna be hard to top. Great job. Thanks.
July 20, 2020
Another very solid installment of the Alex Hunter series. This one seemed to be setting up for the most recent addition to the series, “From Hell”, as much as telling its own story, but still had all the fun, sci-fi, action hero exploits that we’ve come to know and love from Beck.
February 23, 2018
Alex Hunter is back!
I'm so glad Greig gave us another amazing book about the Arcadian. I couldn't put it down, but now I'm sad I finished it so fast.
I'm so glad Greig gave us another amazing book about the Arcadian. I couldn't put it down, but now I'm sad I finished it so fast.
May 6, 2018
A really good book, don't want to say too much, knowing you want to read the book next Maggie, only that you will enjoy it a lot, love dad 💙 💙 💙
July 30, 2018
I LOVE this series and can't wait to read the next installment! I wonder if Sophia will be in the next book?!
September 23, 2018
Another great entry in this series. Can’t wait for the next one which might get a bit sinister ....
October 25, 2025
Audiobook. Much better than the last few.
July 30, 2018
THE VOID:ALEX HUNTER 7 is the (duh) 7th in the series of novels starring Alex Hunter, who has gradually over the course of the series gone from a medically enhanced highly trained special ops guy to a veritable superman with incredible powers that include super strength, super speed, super fast healing, super senses including a spider sense sort of danger alert. To tell the truth, I liked him better in the earlier novels when he was only very strong and fast.
I have read most or all of Greig Beck's novels and enjoyed most of them. They vary from military sci-fi like the Alex Hunter novels, to straight-up sci-fi thrillers (e.g., THE FIRST BIRD series) to sci-fi fantasy (THE VALKERYN CHRONICLES). Beck is a great plotter and writes interesting thrillers that are fast paced and very hard to put down once you get started. THE VOID:ALEX HUNTER 7 is no exception. However, the earliest of his novels were also characterized by rigorous research resulting in situations, dangers and antagonists that had great verisimilitude. But the more recent ones, like THE VOID:ALEX HUNTER 7, are marred by technical errors, Aussie-speak emantating from the mouths of Americans, and gobbledegook technospeak that make me want to scream. Here are just a couple of examples.
Referring to an American Space shuttle "There were 37 windowpanes in eleven different sizes and shapes on the shuttle...." really?? and
soon after, referring to the eponymous VOID, "...nothing there for countless billions of miles". Space is really, really big and billions of miles is nothing - our puny solar system is over 7 billion miles in diameter. Which brings me to Beck's annoying habit of having measurements expressed inches, feet and miles when no scientific or astronomical calculations are made that way any more. One final example, referring to an advanced com system that the HAWCs used: "In her ear was a small communication plug that also touched her tympanum nerve allowing it ti both send and receive communications". Neat huh? Except there is no tympanum nerve. The tympanum is the ear drum and its only innervation consists of pain nerves. There is an auditory nerve, but that is basically buried in the mastoid bone and enters the brain and there is no way an ear plug could have access to it and so on and so forth.
OMG!! All of this appeared only 5% of the way through and there were already so many glaring technical errors and unbelievably stupid actions on the part of the throw-away characters that if this were not Greig Beck, I would have already quit reading. What the hell happened to one of my former favorite authors! By the 20% mark the howlers disappeared and the story, as usual, became original, interesting and fast paced. A new character is introduced that is more or less identical to James Bond's Q who supplies the HAWCs with over-the-top super high tech offensive and defensive weapons, that Hunter and team will need to have a chance again Russian super soldiers who are also trying to recover the crashed space shuttle with too many windows that was on a spy mission photographing all missile sites, from all countries all over the world. And oh yeah, the shuttle brought back a little something extra that threatens all life on earth.
Thrilling, fast-paced, interesting and (especially in the beginning) sloppy. I hope the latter does not become a habit.
Recommended, so long as the errors don't bother you too much.
I have read most or all of Greig Beck's novels and enjoyed most of them. They vary from military sci-fi like the Alex Hunter novels, to straight-up sci-fi thrillers (e.g., THE FIRST BIRD series) to sci-fi fantasy (THE VALKERYN CHRONICLES). Beck is a great plotter and writes interesting thrillers that are fast paced and very hard to put down once you get started. THE VOID:ALEX HUNTER 7 is no exception. However, the earliest of his novels were also characterized by rigorous research resulting in situations, dangers and antagonists that had great verisimilitude. But the more recent ones, like THE VOID:ALEX HUNTER 7, are marred by technical errors, Aussie-speak emantating from the mouths of Americans, and gobbledegook technospeak that make me want to scream. Here are just a couple of examples.
Referring to an American Space shuttle "There were 37 windowpanes in eleven different sizes and shapes on the shuttle...." really?? and
soon after, referring to the eponymous VOID, "...nothing there for countless billions of miles". Space is really, really big and billions of miles is nothing - our puny solar system is over 7 billion miles in diameter. Which brings me to Beck's annoying habit of having measurements expressed inches, feet and miles when no scientific or astronomical calculations are made that way any more. One final example, referring to an advanced com system that the HAWCs used: "In her ear was a small communication plug that also touched her tympanum nerve allowing it ti both send and receive communications". Neat huh? Except there is no tympanum nerve. The tympanum is the ear drum and its only innervation consists of pain nerves. There is an auditory nerve, but that is basically buried in the mastoid bone and enters the brain and there is no way an ear plug could have access to it and so on and so forth.
OMG!! All of this appeared only 5% of the way through and there were already so many glaring technical errors and unbelievably stupid actions on the part of the throw-away characters that if this were not Greig Beck, I would have already quit reading. What the hell happened to one of my former favorite authors! By the 20% mark the howlers disappeared and the story, as usual, became original, interesting and fast paced. A new character is introduced that is more or less identical to James Bond's Q who supplies the HAWCs with over-the-top super high tech offensive and defensive weapons, that Hunter and team will need to have a chance again Russian super soldiers who are also trying to recover the crashed space shuttle with too many windows that was on a spy mission photographing all missile sites, from all countries all over the world. And oh yeah, the shuttle brought back a little something extra that threatens all life on earth.
Thrilling, fast-paced, interesting and (especially in the beginning) sloppy. I hope the latter does not become a habit.
Recommended, so long as the errors don't bother you too much.
August 13, 2018
BEST Alex Hunter Installment yet!
FINALLY, I am all caught up with the Alex Hunter series by Greig Beck! Seems like just a short while ago that I found the series. I'd actually purchased one of Beck's ebooks years back but hadn't read it. It wasn't until I'd decided to read Arcadian Genesis that I realized I'd been sitting on an adventurous goldmine! So what is The Void about?
Are there monsters? Will there be gruesome deaths? Will there be the handsome Alex Hunter, code name Arcadian? Bank on it!
Sometimes lessons are never learned. Oh- I guess I'm ahead of myself. When the US sends out a shuttle for a mission, all is well, but the return raises issues no man ever expected. Something begins to follow the shuttle before reentry to the earth's atmosphere. They can't seem to escape it, since changing trajectory of the shuttle also causes the object to change direction as well. Instead of ignoring it, they reach out and bring it into the shuttle...
Mistake.
Mission Control can't reach their team, they only know the shuttle's crashed into a crater that seems to be emitting a sort of gaseous fog. Since the trouble began after bringing the asteroid onboard, they know there could be contamination. They have to get information pertaining to the mission as well as any survivors of the crash. Carefully.
Which is near impossible because something's going on below the fog. A lot of something. Some things actually. When the HAWC's are deployed, they take with them a news reporter who refuses to take no and a specialized crew fo know about the mission and possibly what the shuttle crew came in contact with. They're wrong. They're all wrong and there are thigns no man could ever imagine down there and they're hungry.
So The Void is not just a science fiction thriller, this book is scary and creepier than any of the other Beck novels! I cringed and frowned and could not stop my imagination from seeing all of there horrible things! Alex Hunter is the man, for real! And then there's a situation going on, at home with Joshua, his son. How can anyone escape all of these horrors?
This book was freaking phenomenal! I love his stories so much! I loved The Void so much, I sent a message to Mr. Beck, thanking him for such a fab read! If you've touched any of his books, you know the accolades I raise for this series. I probably said too much about the story but I couldn't help it. And that only sets things oup! Read The Void! Read the series! You will not be sorry!
Off to the next read. Cheers!
The Void
Book 7 of the Alex Hunter series
Written by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Kindle Edition, 329 pages
Audible Running Time: 14 Hrs 25 mins
Published February 13th 2018 by Momentum
Released July 2018
FINALLY, I am all caught up with the Alex Hunter series by Greig Beck! Seems like just a short while ago that I found the series. I'd actually purchased one of Beck's ebooks years back but hadn't read it. It wasn't until I'd decided to read Arcadian Genesis that I realized I'd been sitting on an adventurous goldmine! So what is The Void about?
Are there monsters? Will there be gruesome deaths? Will there be the handsome Alex Hunter, code name Arcadian? Bank on it!
Sometimes lessons are never learned. Oh- I guess I'm ahead of myself. When the US sends out a shuttle for a mission, all is well, but the return raises issues no man ever expected. Something begins to follow the shuttle before reentry to the earth's atmosphere. They can't seem to escape it, since changing trajectory of the shuttle also causes the object to change direction as well. Instead of ignoring it, they reach out and bring it into the shuttle...
Mistake.
Mission Control can't reach their team, they only know the shuttle's crashed into a crater that seems to be emitting a sort of gaseous fog. Since the trouble began after bringing the asteroid onboard, they know there could be contamination. They have to get information pertaining to the mission as well as any survivors of the crash. Carefully.
Which is near impossible because something's going on below the fog. A lot of something. Some things actually. When the HAWC's are deployed, they take with them a news reporter who refuses to take no and a specialized crew fo know about the mission and possibly what the shuttle crew came in contact with. They're wrong. They're all wrong and there are thigns no man could ever imagine down there and they're hungry.
So The Void is not just a science fiction thriller, this book is scary and creepier than any of the other Beck novels! I cringed and frowned and could not stop my imagination from seeing all of there horrible things! Alex Hunter is the man, for real! And then there's a situation going on, at home with Joshua, his son. How can anyone escape all of these horrors?
This book was freaking phenomenal! I love his stories so much! I loved The Void so much, I sent a message to Mr. Beck, thanking him for such a fab read! If you've touched any of his books, you know the accolades I raise for this series. I probably said too much about the story but I couldn't help it. And that only sets things oup! Read The Void! Read the series! You will not be sorry!
Off to the next read. Cheers!
The Void
Book 7 of the Alex Hunter series
Written by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Kindle Edition, 329 pages
Audible Running Time: 14 Hrs 25 mins
Published February 13th 2018 by Momentum
Released July 2018
March 10, 2022
A strange comet, coming from deep space (the Void), is heading for earth and the astronauts on the latest shuttle are attempting to get out of it's way. Until it starts to follow them, magnetized is the hypothesis. Having no other options if they want to make it back to the ground in one piece, they attempt to snag it and bring it on board. Success - at last a viable comet to bring to Mission Control, but then Mission control loses contact with the shuttle which then crashes high in a caldera atop a mountain in Alaska.
The Russians and the USA both are sending teams to retrieve it. (Why the Russians are essentially invading US territory, I'm not quite sure. I mean, I understand their concerns, but I'm not sure that politically it is a good idea for anyone involved. Oh well, on with the recap...)
But, there is something there, that wasn't there previously and the Americans and the Russians are racing to find the data on weaponry that the ship has been gathering.
Good ol' Jack Hammer is tasked with getting a team sent in on a retrieval mission, but ostensibly to protect the NASA recovery team, so in goes Alex Hunter and his team of red-shirts. I mean HAWCS.
I'm enjoying the series, however as I just noted, I'm starting to get a Star Trek vibe. Not to the stories, none of them have been set in space (so far), it's more of:
Captain Kirk - "Okay, Spock, McCoy - get a security detail together and meet me in the transporter room in 10 minutes."
End of the show, Kirk, Spock and McCoy arrive back on the ship, laughing and joking, off for the next adventure - completely overlooking the fact that all of the red-shirts died.
Alex, Casey and Sam will always survive, while everyone around them dies horrible deaths.
(Now that I've said that - either Sam or Casey is on the way out!! But wait, haven't each of them died at one time or another you ask. No, they were thrown off of a cliff (Casey), had their back broken (Sam), and were encapsulated in a black goo from space which consumed everything it came in contact with (Alex), but our heroes prevailed!!! All in previous books.)
The Russians and the USA both are sending teams to retrieve it. (Why the Russians are essentially invading US territory, I'm not quite sure. I mean, I understand their concerns, but I'm not sure that politically it is a good idea for anyone involved. Oh well, on with the recap...)
But, there is something there, that wasn't there previously and the Americans and the Russians are racing to find the data on weaponry that the ship has been gathering.
Good ol' Jack Hammer is tasked with getting a team sent in on a retrieval mission, but ostensibly to protect the NASA recovery team, so in goes Alex Hunter and his team of red-shirts. I mean HAWCS.
I'm enjoying the series, however as I just noted, I'm starting to get a Star Trek vibe. Not to the stories, none of them have been set in space (so far), it's more of:
Captain Kirk - "Okay, Spock, McCoy - get a security detail together and meet me in the transporter room in 10 minutes."
End of the show, Kirk, Spock and McCoy arrive back on the ship, laughing and joking, off for the next adventure - completely overlooking the fact that all of the red-shirts died.
Alex, Casey and Sam will always survive, while everyone around them dies horrible deaths.
(Now that I've said that - either Sam or Casey is on the way out!! But wait, haven't each of them died at one time or another you ask. No, they were thrown off of a cliff (Casey), had their back broken (Sam), and were encapsulated in a black goo from space which consumed everything it came in contact with (Alex), but our heroes prevailed!!! All in previous books.)
December 26, 2023
In The Void, a routine shuttle mission goes terribly wrong when a strange meteoroid from deep space intercepts the shuttle, forcing it down in the remote mountains of Alaska (weirdly, Beck acts as if Alaska isn't part of the United States). It isn't long after that strange growths spread out from the site and a dense fog develops, making further observations difficult. All that anyone can really tell is that something is alive in there, though it seems unlikely that it could be any of the astronauts. Nonetheless, given that there was sensitive information aboard and NASA doesn't just want to write off its crew without looking, a team is sent to assess the crash site with a strong guard led by series protagonist Alex Hunter as it seems the Russians are also making a play for the intel. Neither party is ready for what they find in the crater, a slice of an alien world coming to life on our own.
The Void is easily the grossest book in the series. Kind of like This Green Hell, we've got a lot of body horror, with people mutating into horrifying monstrosities or dissolving into goop. Honestly, I almost docked it a star just because it's a bit over-the-top on the "ewwww" factor. There's also some feeling of repetition as the basic concept is very similar to This Green Hell and Arcadian Genesis as we have an Alien Organism basically trying to terraform Earth and its population to fit its... interests. The book also seems a bit rushed in some parts and the action scenes were a bit sub-par for the series. All in all, I'd give it an "okay" 7/10 and be nice and round it up to 4 of 5 stars. The ideas are interesting and it definitely nails the tension and horror vibes, and I did find the tie-in with Beck Valkeryn books to be amusing, but it just feels a bit too same-y to some of his previous works.
The Void is easily the grossest book in the series. Kind of like This Green Hell, we've got a lot of body horror, with people mutating into horrifying monstrosities or dissolving into goop. Honestly, I almost docked it a star just because it's a bit over-the-top on the "ewwww" factor. There's also some feeling of repetition as the basic concept is very similar to This Green Hell and Arcadian Genesis as we have an Alien Organism basically trying to terraform Earth and its population to fit its... interests. The book also seems a bit rushed in some parts and the action scenes were a bit sub-par for the series. All in all, I'd give it an "okay" 7/10 and be nice and round it up to 4 of 5 stars. The ideas are interesting and it definitely nails the tension and horror vibes, and I did find the tie-in with Beck Valkeryn books to be amusing, but it just feels a bit too same-y to some of his previous works.
April 29, 2021
The Void
(Alex Hunter #7)
by
Greig Beck
A few years ago we visited Alaska, where a large part of The Void is set, and I am so pleased I read Grieg Beck’s, The Void after our visit.
Being a believer of ‘life out there’ I was hooked the moment I heard of an object coming from outer space, and on a collision course with an American spaceship. The intrigue only increased as said object changed its course to follow the astronauts in their ship. A crash landing in a crater in Alaska makes the ideal spot for our extra-terrestrial bodies to begin their earthly life. However, our extra-terrestrials were not counting on Alex Hunter and his team to intervene.
While circling earth photos had been taken of every missile silo in the world. Hunter’s mission was to retrieving the memory card (from the spaceship) which contained all these images. The Russians and their new breed of soldiers were also interested in finding the downed spacecraft for the same reason.
The Void has the same never a dull moment pace and intrigue as any of Greg Beck’s previous books and I, again, thoroughly enjoyed Sean Mangan’s narration of The Void.
I think The Void is a four star read.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers have awarded The Void an average of 4.24 stars, from 697 ratings and 67 reviews.
(Alex Hunter #7)
by
Greig Beck
A few years ago we visited Alaska, where a large part of The Void is set, and I am so pleased I read Grieg Beck’s, The Void after our visit.
Being a believer of ‘life out there’ I was hooked the moment I heard of an object coming from outer space, and on a collision course with an American spaceship. The intrigue only increased as said object changed its course to follow the astronauts in their ship. A crash landing in a crater in Alaska makes the ideal spot for our extra-terrestrial bodies to begin their earthly life. However, our extra-terrestrials were not counting on Alex Hunter and his team to intervene.
While circling earth photos had been taken of every missile silo in the world. Hunter’s mission was to retrieving the memory card (from the spaceship) which contained all these images. The Russians and their new breed of soldiers were also interested in finding the downed spacecraft for the same reason.
The Void has the same never a dull moment pace and intrigue as any of Greg Beck’s previous books and I, again, thoroughly enjoyed Sean Mangan’s narration of The Void.
I think The Void is a four star read.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers have awarded The Void an average of 4.24 stars, from 697 ratings and 67 reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2018
Rollercoaster nightmare
As an ardent fan of Mr. Greig Beck, my eyes grew wide with anticipation on seeing his latest Alex Hunter book in the Amazon site and I quickly downloaded and started reading. I felt this has more action, adventure and wow factor than all his previous Hunter series books put together.
This book is unputdownable. The alien world described by Mr. Beck is so horrific and his writing so realistic that one is able to visualise exactly what the author wants to. Another character introduced in this book, "Sophia", is fantastic but its role in the book so short leading is wanting for more which I hope e week get to see it in the next installment of the series.
Overall a great read which hooks you from the first page and unrelentingly keeps you going till the last page and then some more. This book has left me looking forward to his next book. I completed reading of this book in record time. 😀
As an ardent fan of Mr. Greig Beck, my eyes grew wide with anticipation on seeing his latest Alex Hunter book in the Amazon site and I quickly downloaded and started reading. I felt this has more action, adventure and wow factor than all his previous Hunter series books put together.
This book is unputdownable. The alien world described by Mr. Beck is so horrific and his writing so realistic that one is able to visualise exactly what the author wants to. Another character introduced in this book, "Sophia", is fantastic but its role in the book so short leading is wanting for more which I hope e week get to see it in the next installment of the series.
Overall a great read which hooks you from the first page and unrelentingly keeps you going till the last page and then some more. This book has left me looking forward to his next book. I completed reading of this book in record time. 😀
April 3, 2018
One of our manned shuttles brings an unknown object onboard, then after losing contact, crashes in remote Alaska. Then the race is on between the Americans and Russia to recover it due to thousands of top secret photos onboard.
I loved how the scary alien-like environment was created here on Earth. It made a very intense, surreal battlefield between the mutations, the Kurgans and the HAWKs.
The Epilogue didn't need to be in there though. Just corny and duplicative. It messed up the nice ending.
Footnote: 1) In reality, the Press guys would never have been allowed to get close, let alone go on the mission.
2) It reminds me a bit of the old black & white movie ‘It came from outer Space’. That also had an unknown object from outer space crash in the arctic releasing a creature only this story has more creatures.
Fave scenes: the shark, meeting Sophia, using the drop ropes, the spider web and Zlatan’s final act.
I loved how the scary alien-like environment was created here on Earth. It made a very intense, surreal battlefield between the mutations, the Kurgans and the HAWKs.
The Epilogue didn't need to be in there though. Just corny and duplicative. It messed up the nice ending.
Footnote: 1) In reality, the Press guys would never have been allowed to get close, let alone go on the mission.
2) It reminds me a bit of the old black & white movie ‘It came from outer Space’. That also had an unknown object from outer space crash in the arctic releasing a creature only this story has more creatures.
Fave scenes: the shark, meeting Sophia, using the drop ropes, the spider web and Zlatan’s final act.
May 9, 2018
The Void is an outstanding read and an outstanding edition to the Alex Hunter series. Concerning something that has travelled billions of light years to find Earth and is accidentally brought down, the story quickly unfolds following Alex Hunter and his team as they race to neutralise the danger. Also on their way are a Russian team desperate to steal their enemy’s secrets.
I’d call this a mix of horror/sci fi and action, and Greig Beck mixes all three with great skill. The books run in a series, and this the seventh has am amazing character progression not only of Alex Hunter but also of secondary characters.
Would highly recommend that you start with Beneath The Dark Ice, the first in the series. It’s not necessarily a must but it does lead to a much richer reading experience in my opinion.
I’d call this a mix of horror/sci fi and action, and Greig Beck mixes all three with great skill. The books run in a series, and this the seventh has am amazing character progression not only of Alex Hunter but also of secondary characters.
Would highly recommend that you start with Beneath The Dark Ice, the first in the series. It’s not necessarily a must but it does lead to a much richer reading experience in my opinion.
December 6, 2019
The Alex Hunter series are about him, The Arcadian, and his team of HAWKS who are spec-ops that are sent into the most dangerous environments on earth. This is book 7 in the series, and like most of the previous ones, the genre here is sci-fi horror. When an orbiting capsule is hit with an asteroid, it crash lands in remote Alaska, leading Alex and his team on a race to retrieve a data chip and has spy information on Russia. Of course, Russia sends its own team of crack soldiers to the site so it's a race. Little to they know, the capsule also brought with it something not of this world.
Like the other books in the series, plenty of action, horror, and gore for the normal fan. Alex is also a super-soldier, so has more strength, speed, and intelligence than a usual soldier. This is a fun series, and The Void is a worthy addition.
Like the other books in the series, plenty of action, horror, and gore for the normal fan. Alex is also a super-soldier, so has more strength, speed, and intelligence than a usual soldier. This is a fun series, and The Void is a worthy addition.
August 12, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Greig Beck always manages to combine science and thrilling adventure in a fast paced novel. That being said, I found Alex getting the mission, choosing a team and gearing up, a bit slow going. Once they started off, the adventure began and it became a real page turner again. The opening chapters on the Orlando, were interesting. A few characters were stereotyped cannon fodder and to find their ultimate fate was no surprise. Not disappointing, just meh. However at the end of the book, Beck has given the people an action packed adventure and he knows what his readers want and gives it to them. I love the in real life science facts in the authors notes.
February 26, 2021
A fan
I have become a rapid fan of Mr. Beck’s work. Normally, I shun away from series characters but I have grown to enjoy the Arcadian series. They are generally self sustaining in their own right but reading the first few will give you more insight into the characters. What keeps me coming back is the varied themes, that aren’t quite what you think (throw in a little supernatural, alien, or underground ghoulie), and the action. Improbable, yes, but as a long time reader, it’s always exciting to find an author that can enthrall me, this one included. Keep up the good work.
I have become a rapid fan of Mr. Beck’s work. Normally, I shun away from series characters but I have grown to enjoy the Arcadian series. They are generally self sustaining in their own right but reading the first few will give you more insight into the characters. What keeps me coming back is the varied themes, that aren’t quite what you think (throw in a little supernatural, alien, or underground ghoulie), and the action. Improbable, yes, but as a long time reader, it’s always exciting to find an author that can enthrall me, this one included. Keep up the good work.
April 16, 2018
This adventure will test the Arcadian as never before. Russian super soldiers and unknown dangers from the crashed US space shuttle. Danger unlike anything encountered before will test the HAWCs as never before. An empty that is stronger, faster and most dangerous of all, is intelligent! Even with the HAWCs advanced armour & weaponry this mission will test everyone both physically and mentally to their limit and far beyond. They are in for the fight of their lives. Who will live and who will fall. The only thing for certain is, if they fail we all die, every living thing on the planet!!!
April 21, 2025
Another unique and fun entry in this action/sci-fi series. I love that somehow the author manages to give each entry in this series such a unique setting or plot. This one felt very sci-fi, compared to some of the others which have felt more adventure. This series is so underrated. I'd highly recommend.
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