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The Immortal Gene
"Saul knows how to ratchet up the tension and keep the pages turning." ~ Publishers Weekly
PLAYING GOD HAS CONSEQUENCES
Jake Wood has it made. He is a tough homicide detective with a partner who's like a brother, and he's about to marry the girl of his dreams.
Then Jake learns a close friend is missing and travels to South America in search of him. After a freak accident in the Amazon Rainforest, Jake wakes up in the hospital—eighteen months later. Long presumed dead, he discovers his fiancée is married and pregnant, his house was sold, his job is gone, and his partner transferred to another city to become lead detective on a serial killer case.
Jake buys a cabin in the woods and tries to leave the world behind, until his home is broken into and he discovers he was targeted—but why? When Jake's former partner requests his aid in catching the Blood Eagle Killer, he offers to help find whoever is behind Jake's recent trouble.
This leads to Fortech Industries, a pharmaceutical company secretly researching a way to create an immortal gene. Now they intend to destroy their only error—Jake Wood—who has become something more than human.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2018
85 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Jonas Saul
107 books393 followersJonas Saul is the bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series—more than two million sold!—and has written and published over sixty thrillers. After acquiring an agent, he signed several deals in Los Angeles, with MadRiver Pictures optioning his Sarah Roberts Series—over forty books!—(currently in development).
Jonas has often outranked Stephen King and Dean Koontz on Amazon over the past decade. He’s regularly invited to be a guest speaker, teacher, or workshop presenter at international writing conferences and film festivals worldwide.
He hosts multiple annual retreats in Greece, where he currently lives—writer’s, screenplay, and reader’s retreats. He focuses his teaching on how to get tension and emotion in every scene and on every page, how he made it as a creator/writer, the path to success in this business, and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit the Imagine Greece Retreats website at www.imaginegreeceretreats.com, or email him directly.
Jonas Saul is an acclaimed author, teacher, and professional freelance editor. He lends his editing prowess to several publishers and offers private editing services to clients. His website, www.imaginepress.org, is a testament to his editing skills, featuring numerous testimonials from satisfied authors. Jonas is an email away for those needing professional editing.
To book Jonas for a speaking engagement at a writer’s conference/festival, to have him on your jury at a film festival, or even to say hello, email Jonas directly at jonassaul@icloud.com.
Jonas has often outranked Stephen King and Dean Koontz on Amazon over the past decade. He’s regularly invited to be a guest speaker, teacher, or workshop presenter at international writing conferences and film festivals worldwide.
He hosts multiple annual retreats in Greece, where he currently lives—writer’s, screenplay, and reader’s retreats. He focuses his teaching on how to get tension and emotion in every scene and on every page, how he made it as a creator/writer, the path to success in this business, and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit the Imagine Greece Retreats website at www.imaginegreeceretreats.com, or email him directly.
Jonas Saul is an acclaimed author, teacher, and professional freelance editor. He lends his editing prowess to several publishers and offers private editing services to clients. His website, www.imaginepress.org, is a testament to his editing skills, featuring numerous testimonials from satisfied authors. Jonas is an email away for those needing professional editing.
To book Jonas for a speaking engagement at a writer’s conference/festival, to have him on your jury at a film festival, or even to say hello, email Jonas directly at jonassaul@icloud.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 30, 2018
I had never heard of Jonas Saul before reading “The Immortal Gene,” but after slogging my way through until the end, I investigated the author’s previous works. It was not surprising to find other reviews reflecting the same faults that I found with Mr. Saul’s most recent book.
The opening chapter introduced the serial killer, Jeffrey Harris. His modus operandi was explained, setting up the book. While what we learned was mostly in outline form and very basic with few details, I was drawn into the tale. Unfortunately, chapter two introduced Detectives Jake Wood and Kirk Aiken, two men who engaged in such weak and unrealistic banter that I was tempted to stop reading. I hoped that the writing would get better and continued, though the further I read the more disappointed I became.
In the parts of the book that should be exciting, the dialogue was melodramatic. Descriptions didn’t always match the action (for instance, a person walking away had “pep in his step,” while Jake conjectured if the person was walking away fearful; another character “slammed” her car door which evokes emotion, but the author talked of sunshine and how pretty she looked).
The serial killer (Jeffrey) and his initial MO were some of the better story aspects, until near the end when Jeffrey decided to change his MO drastically to confuse the police. This might seem like a good twist, but it contradicts what happens in real life. Changing a psychopathic killer into a reasoning, thinking criminal damages the character by creating what the author wants a serial killer to be simply because it suits the plot.
The story was predictable, and the author telegraphed much of the plot ahead of the time, leaving the reader nothing to do but wait for the inevitable to happen. If this was a pulp fiction novel from years ago, perhaps all the negatives could be excused. In its current form and direction, this present-day horror story falls flat, although knowing there will be a sequel could be the scariest part of this novel.
I seldom bash a book this strongly, and usually can find something about a book and the author to provide balance to a review. I think the author had a solid idea that could be built into a book. However, the writing (especially the dialogue) is not what I expect from someone who has published multiple books, the characters are mostly one-dimensional and hard to identify with, and there are plot and character aspects that are unbelievable. Mr. Saul has garnered steadfast fans over the years, and if his previous works are similar to “The Immortal Gene,” they will probably love this book. I am unable to give it more than two-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Vesuvian Books for a complimentary copy of this book.
The opening chapter introduced the serial killer, Jeffrey Harris. His modus operandi was explained, setting up the book. While what we learned was mostly in outline form and very basic with few details, I was drawn into the tale. Unfortunately, chapter two introduced Detectives Jake Wood and Kirk Aiken, two men who engaged in such weak and unrealistic banter that I was tempted to stop reading. I hoped that the writing would get better and continued, though the further I read the more disappointed I became.
In the parts of the book that should be exciting, the dialogue was melodramatic. Descriptions didn’t always match the action (for instance, a person walking away had “pep in his step,” while Jake conjectured if the person was walking away fearful; another character “slammed” her car door which evokes emotion, but the author talked of sunshine and how pretty she looked).
The serial killer (Jeffrey) and his initial MO were some of the better story aspects, until near the end when Jeffrey decided to change his MO drastically to confuse the police. This might seem like a good twist, but it contradicts what happens in real life. Changing a psychopathic killer into a reasoning, thinking criminal damages the character by creating what the author wants a serial killer to be simply because it suits the plot.
The story was predictable, and the author telegraphed much of the plot ahead of the time, leaving the reader nothing to do but wait for the inevitable to happen. If this was a pulp fiction novel from years ago, perhaps all the negatives could be excused. In its current form and direction, this present-day horror story falls flat, although knowing there will be a sequel could be the scariest part of this novel.
I seldom bash a book this strongly, and usually can find something about a book and the author to provide balance to a review. I think the author had a solid idea that could be built into a book. However, the writing (especially the dialogue) is not what I expect from someone who has published multiple books, the characters are mostly one-dimensional and hard to identify with, and there are plot and character aspects that are unbelievable. Mr. Saul has garnered steadfast fans over the years, and if his previous works are similar to “The Immortal Gene,” they will probably love this book. I am unable to give it more than two-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Vesuvian Books for a complimentary copy of this book.
June 24, 2018
As I read this, the first of a new series, I couldn't help but feel I was channeling medical thriller-writer Dr. Robin Cook. While the sci-fi aspect here may be a little harder to swallow than in those books (pun intended, and if you've read it, you'll know what I'm talking about), that doesn't make it any less exciting.
The book begins with two separate stories, the first of which is a look into the life of Jeffrey Harris, a serial killer dubbed the "Blood Eagle Killer" because of what he does to the husband/father of the families he murders. The second focuses on Ontario Police Department Detective Jake Wood, a.k.a. new series hero), who's called in when the killer takes down a family in his jurisdiction. Just as he and partner and friend Kirk are getting into the nitty gritty, though, Jake has an unexpected allergy attack and lands in the hospital. While he's there, old friend and scientist Luke Mercer begs Jake to follow him to remote Brazil. Jake declines - at least until he gets a message from Luke saying it's a life-or-death situation.
From that point on, chapters shift between progress in the two plots. We see the serial killer making plans for his next big thrill. And after some serious action in Brazil, we learn that Jake has been sidelined in a hospital for 18 months; he wakes up to learn he's been gone so long that he's lost both his fiance and his dog (yee-haw, cue in the country song). His doctor, though, lets him in on a more astounding tidbit: After a freak ingestion of snake venom out in the wilds, Jake has somehow acquired reptilian characteristics. Say what?
If that's a bit of a stretch for readers, imagine how tough it is for Jake. He comes home to find that some nasty folks want a piece of his hide, but that just gives him a reason to put his newfound powers to the test. As he deals with the bad guys, he tries to balance what he's feeling inside and out with what he felt before - hoping to maintain some semblence of a human relationship with Kirk (just as Kirk struggles to understand the ramifications of the "new" Jake, such as his rather unusual taste in food). Then lo and behold, they agree to once again tackle the serial killer case - bringing the whole thing full circle. There's a cliffhanger ending, but I suppose that's intended to whet readers' appetites for what's to come. The only way that works for me, though, is if the author will be releasing that next one within a month or two; a year and another 100 books later, I'll have totally forgotten the details of everything I wrote about here.
If I have an issue, it's that the concurrent plots are wildly different; and with the exception of one barely noticeable clue fairly early on, it was impossible for me to envision them connected in any way (even though common sense and reading enough novels that use this approach told me they must somehow converge). And converge they do - but not till after the halfway point. For me, that was frustrating; the connection - or at least a few other breadcrumbs - should have come sooner (boo, hisssssss). Other than that, though, this series is off to a fine start with an intriguing character. Count me in!
The book begins with two separate stories, the first of which is a look into the life of Jeffrey Harris, a serial killer dubbed the "Blood Eagle Killer" because of what he does to the husband/father of the families he murders. The second focuses on Ontario Police Department Detective Jake Wood, a.k.a. new series hero), who's called in when the killer takes down a family in his jurisdiction. Just as he and partner and friend Kirk are getting into the nitty gritty, though, Jake has an unexpected allergy attack and lands in the hospital. While he's there, old friend and scientist Luke Mercer begs Jake to follow him to remote Brazil. Jake declines - at least until he gets a message from Luke saying it's a life-or-death situation.
From that point on, chapters shift between progress in the two plots. We see the serial killer making plans for his next big thrill. And after some serious action in Brazil, we learn that Jake has been sidelined in a hospital for 18 months; he wakes up to learn he's been gone so long that he's lost both his fiance and his dog (yee-haw, cue in the country song). His doctor, though, lets him in on a more astounding tidbit: After a freak ingestion of snake venom out in the wilds, Jake has somehow acquired reptilian characteristics. Say what?
If that's a bit of a stretch for readers, imagine how tough it is for Jake. He comes home to find that some nasty folks want a piece of his hide, but that just gives him a reason to put his newfound powers to the test. As he deals with the bad guys, he tries to balance what he's feeling inside and out with what he felt before - hoping to maintain some semblence of a human relationship with Kirk (just as Kirk struggles to understand the ramifications of the "new" Jake, such as his rather unusual taste in food). Then lo and behold, they agree to once again tackle the serial killer case - bringing the whole thing full circle. There's a cliffhanger ending, but I suppose that's intended to whet readers' appetites for what's to come. The only way that works for me, though, is if the author will be releasing that next one within a month or two; a year and another 100 books later, I'll have totally forgotten the details of everything I wrote about here.
If I have an issue, it's that the concurrent plots are wildly different; and with the exception of one barely noticeable clue fairly early on, it was impossible for me to envision them connected in any way (even though common sense and reading enough novels that use this approach told me they must somehow converge). And converge they do - but not till after the halfway point. For me, that was frustrating; the connection - or at least a few other breadcrumbs - should have come sooner (boo, hisssssss). Other than that, though, this series is off to a fine start with an intriguing character. Count me in!
July 12, 2018
With a dynamic killer who pulls you in from page one, the story takes you on a satisfying and terrifying journey into the mind of a madman. Thoroughly entertaining and a stay-up-all-night kind of read.
July 12, 2018
I was hooked from beginning to end. What a ride. If you like mystery, bone-chilling, edge of your seat kind of read, then this one is for you. Great job Jonas!
July 24, 2018
An ace homicide detective with a great partner, and about to get married, Jake Wood has it all. But, when a friend is in trouble in the Amazon, Jake goes to his rescue, only to be injured and wake up from a coma 18 months later, changing—not just into someone else, but something else. He learns that his fiancée has married and his partner transferred, so he sells his house and moves on. But, the past catches up with him. Someone is after him, and his old partner is asking for his help to catch a vicious serial killer. In the process, he finds out that he has been experimented on, and now those who did want to erase him.
The Immortal Gene by Jonas Saul is an interesting read. Though billed as a mystery, it’s actually more science fiction thriller. Fairly well written, but the inconclusive ending—possibly a teaser for the sequel—feels like a cheat.
I enjoyed it, though not as much as the author’s previous book. I received a complimentary review copy of this book. I give it three and a half stars.
The Immortal Gene by Jonas Saul is an interesting read. Though billed as a mystery, it’s actually more science fiction thriller. Fairly well written, but the inconclusive ending—possibly a teaser for the sequel—feels like a cheat.
I enjoyed it, though not as much as the author’s previous book. I received a complimentary review copy of this book. I give it three and a half stars.
July 17, 2018
4 Stars
I received this book for my honest review.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it took me to a place that I'll admit I wasn't ready for though in the end the story became a great one.
The intersections confused me but at the same time kept me enthralled to the very last page.
I'll also admit at one point in the book I did get lost a bit but the author made it easy for me to find my way back.
It's dark, it's riveting as well as explosive.
Major Kudos
I received this book for my honest review.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it took me to a place that I'll admit I wasn't ready for though in the end the story became a great one.
The intersections confused me but at the same time kept me enthralled to the very last page.
I'll also admit at one point in the book I did get lost a bit but the author made it easy for me to find my way back.
It's dark, it's riveting as well as explosive.
Major Kudos
July 26, 2018
A thrill ride with characters you want to stick with. Lots of twists and turns, truly bad bad guys, a protagonist you'd like to be, well, maybe not. An enjoyable read from page 1 to "The End". Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 7, 2018
If you enjoy science fiction and crime thrillers but don’t have the time for really getting to grips with a hefty novel, then this book may be what you’re looking for!!
The story line is easy to follow and although a little predictable in places, still holds your attention and makes you eager for the next piece of the story as Jonas takes you on a journey through the eyes of a detective and the perp they are investigating. It holds all the intensity of most crime thrillers but with the added curiosity of curious scientific discoveries.
I cannot wait to read the next book!
The story line is easy to follow and although a little predictable in places, still holds your attention and makes you eager for the next piece of the story as Jonas takes you on a journey through the eyes of a detective and the perp they are investigating. It holds all the intensity of most crime thrillers but with the added curiosity of curious scientific discoveries.
I cannot wait to read the next book!
May 10, 2018
Mix a firmly packed portion of Patterson for pace and flow, a heaping spoonful of Stephen King’s twisted mind, and round that with a fair amount of Franz Kafka SyFy, and you’ll have The Immortal Gene, Book 1 of a Jake Wood novel, and I can hardly wait for the sequel. Jonas Saul packs his pages with dreaded anticipation by readers as he lures them into the sordid world of Jeffrey Harris and a bizarre transformation that sets the pace for future Jake Wood novels, The Target his next adventure.
From the first word in Chapter 1, Jonas Saul hooks his reader. But it doesn’t stop there. Page-by-page readers are seduced into the depths of his story where we tread vigilantly sensing the next page will assault our sensibilities and yet…we cannot help but push onward as each word, each paragraph of the riveting story of Jake Wood, an Ontario Provincial Police detective and his life-long friend and partner, Detective Kirk Alken take us on an adventure into the criminal mind of a psychopathic serial killer.
By the end of chapter 3, Saul has completely captivated his reader. We anticipate… no, we are dreading turning the page as our imagination works its worse scenario. Saul is excellent at telling readers just enough and leaving the rest up to us. And as my mother once said, “Don’t tell your reader everything. Their imagination works better if you just stir in the right amount of stimulation.” Saul expertly uses this method and my imagination reeked horror throughout The Immortal Gene.
Flayed fathers “…squirmed like a worm on a hook… bucking like a hooked fish…” assaulted mothers, murdered children, as Jeffrey Gathers his new family every two years, a trait learned from childhood. As horrible a character as Saul has made him, it is difficult not to have some — not much — but some compassion for the child-man-made killer. He wasn’t born this way.
As if one theme doesn’t hold our attention, Saul breaks off into another major theme that begins with Jake having a sneezing fit throwing him into a mysterious, albeit, reluctant journey into the jungles of the Amazon to meet up with his friend, Luke. Enter Franz Kafka weird when Jake’s weekend trip to Brazil morphs into an 18-month coma that forever changes the course of his life and guarantees sequel novels.
Watch for the released on July 17, 2018, of The Immortal Gene available on Amazon and don’t hesitate to buy this novel and be in on the first of Saul’s new series.
From the first word in Chapter 1, Jonas Saul hooks his reader. But it doesn’t stop there. Page-by-page readers are seduced into the depths of his story where we tread vigilantly sensing the next page will assault our sensibilities and yet…we cannot help but push onward as each word, each paragraph of the riveting story of Jake Wood, an Ontario Provincial Police detective and his life-long friend and partner, Detective Kirk Alken take us on an adventure into the criminal mind of a psychopathic serial killer.
By the end of chapter 3, Saul has completely captivated his reader. We anticipate… no, we are dreading turning the page as our imagination works its worse scenario. Saul is excellent at telling readers just enough and leaving the rest up to us. And as my mother once said, “Don’t tell your reader everything. Their imagination works better if you just stir in the right amount of stimulation.” Saul expertly uses this method and my imagination reeked horror throughout The Immortal Gene.
Flayed fathers “…squirmed like a worm on a hook… bucking like a hooked fish…” assaulted mothers, murdered children, as Jeffrey Gathers his new family every two years, a trait learned from childhood. As horrible a character as Saul has made him, it is difficult not to have some — not much — but some compassion for the child-man-made killer. He wasn’t born this way.
As if one theme doesn’t hold our attention, Saul breaks off into another major theme that begins with Jake having a sneezing fit throwing him into a mysterious, albeit, reluctant journey into the jungles of the Amazon to meet up with his friend, Luke. Enter Franz Kafka weird when Jake’s weekend trip to Brazil morphs into an 18-month coma that forever changes the course of his life and guarantees sequel novels.
Watch for the released on July 17, 2018, of The Immortal Gene available on Amazon and don’t hesitate to buy this novel and be in on the first of Saul’s new series.
July 13, 2018
The Immortal Gene by Jonas Saul is a sci-fi crime thriller that follows two parallel stories, that of Jeffrey Harris, the Blood Eagle Killer, and Canadian detective Jake Wood. The Blood Eagle Killer is a psychotic criminal who enjoys staking out families with all the positive traits his own lacked, attempting to take over the role of the husband and father himself through the grisly elimination of the man of the house, resurrecting a torturous method of execution once employed by the ancient Vikings. In a plot that runs concurrently, Jake Wood is investigating Harris' most recent murder, leading to an explosive plot twist that originates in the Amazon and launches the story to a whole new level.
The Immortal Gene is a unique story with two main plots and a host of subplots that keep the suspense heightened through the end (which is not the real end, as the book leaves a mostly unfinished finale in a cliffhanger). Jonas Saul has done a fantastic job with character development and both Jeffrey Harris and Jake Wood come to life. There is a good balance of dialogue and narrative with shifting point of views that transition seamlessly, weaving back and forth between both leads until they finally converge. Despite the supernatural trait that Jake Wood ultimately finds himself possessed with, his humanity remains and the impact this major change has on his personal life keep him feeling like an authentic protagonist. I'd recommend this book to lovers of the thriller and suspense genres, particularly when tinted with a bit of sci-fi, and anyone else just looking to get lost in a one-of-a-kind piece of roller coaster fiction.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
The Immortal Gene is a unique story with two main plots and a host of subplots that keep the suspense heightened through the end (which is not the real end, as the book leaves a mostly unfinished finale in a cliffhanger). Jonas Saul has done a fantastic job with character development and both Jeffrey Harris and Jake Wood come to life. There is a good balance of dialogue and narrative with shifting point of views that transition seamlessly, weaving back and forth between both leads until they finally converge. Despite the supernatural trait that Jake Wood ultimately finds himself possessed with, his humanity remains and the impact this major change has on his personal life keep him feeling like an authentic protagonist. I'd recommend this book to lovers of the thriller and suspense genres, particularly when tinted with a bit of sci-fi, and anyone else just looking to get lost in a one-of-a-kind piece of roller coaster fiction.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
October 29, 2018
I was hired to proofread this book. The only aspects of the story that I influenced were the spelling and grammar. If you feel that my connection to the story makes my review untrustworthy, so be it, but this is my honest review.
This book hooked me from the beginning, although I saw it going in a completely different direction than it went at that point. I was curious about the Blood Eagle Killer and what actually went along with him "taking a new family." While I got most of the gruesome details of the taking itself, I'm still a little unclear on the exact end result. But the Blood Eagle Killer storyline is really kind of tangental to the main storyline of the book. It has some clear connections, but it didn't feel like the main focus.
Read the rest of my review on my blog. --> https://justanothergirlandherbooks.bl...
This book hooked me from the beginning, although I saw it going in a completely different direction than it went at that point. I was curious about the Blood Eagle Killer and what actually went along with him "taking a new family." While I got most of the gruesome details of the taking itself, I'm still a little unclear on the exact end result. But the Blood Eagle Killer storyline is really kind of tangental to the main storyline of the book. It has some clear connections, but it didn't feel like the main focus.
Read the rest of my review on my blog. --> https://justanothergirlandherbooks.bl...
May 25, 2018
The first part of this book seems to be two different stories, but eventually things all come together. The book shows a great deal of imagination in the characters, and suggests the possibility of a human morphing into a reptile. The personal relationships are depicted very well as the interactions continue between Jake and his doggerel-producing partner. The violence is handled very well, with much left to the reader's imagination. The style of writing makes for easy reading, as much of the environment is left up to the reader. The end suggests there may be more coming, and I will happily read the next books in this series.
July 24, 2018
I've long been a fan of Mr. Saul, and read all his books. This one was a great addition to his library of hits, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Immortality has always been a theme of interest to me, and I wasn't disappointed. Plenty of thought-provoking subplots and character development was great. It'll definitely keep you guessing, and it culminates with a satisfying end. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2023
It was about an immortal gene with a couple of twists along the way. I enjoyed the story and would read the sequel.
July 27, 2018
What guy wouldn’t want to be in Jake Wood’s shoes and have everything in your heart’s desire. He’s a cracker jack homicide detective who’s being assisted by a fantastic partner; who besides this is engaged to be married to a marvelously beautiful woman who can only be described as his fantasy’s dream girl.
However, as we all know, things like this are too good to be real, because at this moment fate comes in to turn a curve ball into his life. So, when he receives word about a best friend being in a jam and needing his assistance; Jake doesn’t hesitate and is immediately off to the midst of the oft-times darkest reaches of the Amazon Rainforest.
But was his traveling there merely some sort of subterfuge, for so sooner does he arrive that he gets gravely injured, causing him to awake from a 18-month long coma. And as expected, while being out of action for such a lengthy period of time and being presumed to be dead, things are bound to happen, which causes other things needing to be done. To begin with, tired of waiting for her truelove’s return, he learns not only has his fiancée gone and married someone else, she’s also an expecting mother. In addition to which his house has been sold, no longer has a job he can come back to, his buddy detective decides to move to a different city in order to get a “promotion” and to lead an investigation into a serial murder situation.
But this is where this apparent mystery, crime story takes a quick and unexpected turn to become a sci-fi drama when he discovers that his so-called coma was merely part and parcel of the scientific experiment he’s now the prime guinea pig for, and now that this experiment has apparently been concluded, his services and his body are no longer needed and he’s now targeted for elimination. The experiment being performed by Fortech Industries on his body had been to produce a gene which would result in immortality.
For having given his readers an intense, attention-holding, fast-space story which covers a multitude of genres, I’m happy to give the author, Jonas Saul, 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
However, as we all know, things like this are too good to be real, because at this moment fate comes in to turn a curve ball into his life. So, when he receives word about a best friend being in a jam and needing his assistance; Jake doesn’t hesitate and is immediately off to the midst of the oft-times darkest reaches of the Amazon Rainforest.
But was his traveling there merely some sort of subterfuge, for so sooner does he arrive that he gets gravely injured, causing him to awake from a 18-month long coma. And as expected, while being out of action for such a lengthy period of time and being presumed to be dead, things are bound to happen, which causes other things needing to be done. To begin with, tired of waiting for her truelove’s return, he learns not only has his fiancée gone and married someone else, she’s also an expecting mother. In addition to which his house has been sold, no longer has a job he can come back to, his buddy detective decides to move to a different city in order to get a “promotion” and to lead an investigation into a serial murder situation.
But this is where this apparent mystery, crime story takes a quick and unexpected turn to become a sci-fi drama when he discovers that his so-called coma was merely part and parcel of the scientific experiment he’s now the prime guinea pig for, and now that this experiment has apparently been concluded, his services and his body are no longer needed and he’s now targeted for elimination. The experiment being performed by Fortech Industries on his body had been to produce a gene which would result in immortality.
For having given his readers an intense, attention-holding, fast-space story which covers a multitude of genres, I’m happy to give the author, Jonas Saul, 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
July 30, 2018
This was some intense suspense (with a little bit of Sci-fi thrown in there)! I am not a huge Sci-fi fan but this was just the right amount for me. The author made this story very personal. He put you into the heads of the characters and made you feel for them.
There were a couple of different things going on. Both of them very intense! At first I was wondering if one of them was just a little side story to make things interesting or if the two were going to connect somehow.
The character development was great! I really did like Jake. He wasn't one of those lovable characters with a huge heart or anything but he did get to me. His partner was on the strange side but I like him as well.
The serial killer case was creepy, graphic and original! Yikes, this guy was nutso! And then the other plot - "Jake’s recent trouble" Ha! to say the least. Well that was a fun trip to the Amazon.
The end - come on! I want to know more! Is there going to be a second book? I didn't think so. but... a little bit of a cliff hanger.
Definitely a worth while read! Loved it - super creepy, super fun! My first book by this author but it left me searching his books to find more. Author's not a bad looking guy either ;-)
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours - Thank You!!
There were a couple of different things going on. Both of them very intense! At first I was wondering if one of them was just a little side story to make things interesting or if the two were going to connect somehow.
The character development was great! I really did like Jake. He wasn't one of those lovable characters with a huge heart or anything but he did get to me. His partner was on the strange side but I like him as well.
The serial killer case was creepy, graphic and original! Yikes, this guy was nutso! And then the other plot - "Jake’s recent trouble" Ha! to say the least. Well that was a fun trip to the Amazon.
The end - come on! I want to know more! Is there going to be a second book? I didn't think so. but... a little bit of a cliff hanger.
Definitely a worth while read! Loved it - super creepy, super fun! My first book by this author but it left me searching his books to find more. Author's not a bad looking guy either ;-)
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours - Thank You!!
July 4, 2018
From my blog and instagram account - @livereadandprosper
Thank you netgalley and Vesuvian Books for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review.
This story takes off describing a dark family mass murder from a serial killer who keeps getting away with it. We quickly learn about Jake Wood, who is a cop in the same town as these murders. He hears about the latest family and wants in on the case. Instead, his best friend contacts him and begs him to travel to Brazil to help save his life. He's about to get married and wants a break on the case, but he has to go save his friend. While he travels, he gets caught up in his best friend's science experiment. As he's reading about their studies, he gets bit by a snake and almost dies. Months later, he wakes up in a hospital a different person. What happened to him? Are they going to catch the serial killer? Are these two things linked?
WOW! This blew my mind! This is incredibly dark and twisted, but fast-paced and oh so captivating. I read the entire book in one sitting. I will say it was a little too dark for my liking, but I could NOT put it down. The chapters are short and to-the-point. Saul never pulls your attention away for one minute. I got a pretty nice Stephen King vibe from it, but loved this even better. I am a biology teacher by trade, so I appreciated the science technology behind the book. Dang, this was a good one. Science-fiction meets horror meets mystery/thriller/suspense. Nicely done! It's not for the faint of heart, but I'm ready to read the next book ASAP!
I will be putting this review on my blog (livereadandprosper.wordpress.com) on August 1st as I am hosting this book as a TLC book tour.
4.5/5 Stars
Thank you netgalley and Vesuvian Books for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review.
This story takes off describing a dark family mass murder from a serial killer who keeps getting away with it. We quickly learn about Jake Wood, who is a cop in the same town as these murders. He hears about the latest family and wants in on the case. Instead, his best friend contacts him and begs him to travel to Brazil to help save his life. He's about to get married and wants a break on the case, but he has to go save his friend. While he travels, he gets caught up in his best friend's science experiment. As he's reading about their studies, he gets bit by a snake and almost dies. Months later, he wakes up in a hospital a different person. What happened to him? Are they going to catch the serial killer? Are these two things linked?
WOW! This blew my mind! This is incredibly dark and twisted, but fast-paced and oh so captivating. I read the entire book in one sitting. I will say it was a little too dark for my liking, but I could NOT put it down. The chapters are short and to-the-point. Saul never pulls your attention away for one minute. I got a pretty nice Stephen King vibe from it, but loved this even better. I am a biology teacher by trade, so I appreciated the science technology behind the book. Dang, this was a good one. Science-fiction meets horror meets mystery/thriller/suspense. Nicely done! It's not for the faint of heart, but I'm ready to read the next book ASAP!
I will be putting this review on my blog (livereadandprosper.wordpress.com) on August 1st as I am hosting this book as a TLC book tour.
4.5/5 Stars
July 17, 2018
"Witness the results of insanity enough and a sane mind could slip to the other side.”
I liked the premise of this book but it definitely lacked in execution. The storyline was scattered and it seemed the author changed direction midstream without shoring up the new ideas.
The dialogue throughout was terrible - stilted and wooden. I found it hard to believe that the author has written a number of books previously. There were many aspects that seemed like freshman efforts.
The characters are one-dimensional and stereotypical. The main character is Ontario Provincial Police Detective Jake Wood. Well, I did a simple bit of internet research and that's not even a rank in the OPP. They have constables and even sergeant constables (and other quasi-military ranks) but I found nothing about detectives. How hard is it to do some simple research or even make a phone call to the OPP to discuss rank structure?
So I was not impressed. At all. Oh, and there was one laughable sex scene that should have just not been included.
I received this book from Vesuvian Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
I liked the premise of this book but it definitely lacked in execution. The storyline was scattered and it seemed the author changed direction midstream without shoring up the new ideas.
The dialogue throughout was terrible - stilted and wooden. I found it hard to believe that the author has written a number of books previously. There were many aspects that seemed like freshman efforts.
The characters are one-dimensional and stereotypical. The main character is Ontario Provincial Police Detective Jake Wood. Well, I did a simple bit of internet research and that's not even a rank in the OPP. They have constables and even sergeant constables (and other quasi-military ranks) but I found nothing about detectives. How hard is it to do some simple research or even make a phone call to the OPP to discuss rank structure?
So I was not impressed. At all. Oh, and there was one laughable sex scene that should have just not been included.
I received this book from Vesuvian Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
July 17, 2018
This is a little darker than I'm used to, but I wasn't about to throw in the towel, and I'm glad I didn't.
This is an amazing book, you will be a fan of
Jonas Saul, if you aren't already!
Jake Wood, and His best friend Kirk also a Police Detective was not prepared for what awaited them this morning. The murders of the Marcello family, mom, dad and son
There are many twists and turns, and surprises. I about jumped out of my seat, it keeps your adrenaline going for sure.
Jonas you are an amazing author!!
This is an amazing book, you will be a fan of
Jonas Saul, if you aren't already!
Jake Wood, and His best friend Kirk also a Police Detective was not prepared for what awaited them this morning. The murders of the Marcello family, mom, dad and son
There are many twists and turns, and surprises. I about jumped out of my seat, it keeps your adrenaline going for sure.
Jonas you are an amazing author!!
July 11, 2018
Wow, this book is bone chilling! Will detectives ever catch the B.E.K killer? After detective Jake comes out of a coma, he is a new man with lots of changes from the predator that put him in the coma. Good changes it seems, cause it took a snake to catch the killer!!! Such and awesome book. Gruesome crime scenes, a couple hospital visits and a forever changed detective.
July 17, 2018
If your looking for a dueling dragons type roller coaster ride then hop on and strap in because your in for a good one. The twist and turns in this book are sharp ones. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
July 12, 2018
Jonas Saul takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride with The Immortal Gene. Starting with a gruesome serial killer and his macabre way of creating a "family." Next enter Jake Wood, the detective of the piece, and we're on the way to a good detective thriller ... but wait, Jake ends up traveling to the Amazon to help a friend in crisis and we suddenly have a plot twist with a vengeance. No spoilers here, but if you're looking for a read to keep you on the edge of your seat ... look no further.
July 16, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed pretty much everything about this book. I liked how Jake had a strong moral code and stayed true to that core despite all of the changes in his life. The science behind Jake's mutation was a bit glossed over, but I was honestly glad that we didn't have to have some complicated scenario that would just result in a cumbersome suspension of disbelief.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 14, 2018
Awesome and edge of your seat suspense! Also original Science fiction, not more of the same tired story lines with new characters! I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it was outside my normal comfort zone. Will continue to follow this series!
July 17, 2018
This was a very intriguing book as I was not really sure what to expect at first! It had many interconnecting plots that at first I had no idea where they were going but fit nicely by the end. I would really like to see what happens next!
July 24, 2018
Jake
I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Jonas, you never disappoint me. I love reading your books. I start and just don't want to stop reading until the end.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Jonas, you never disappoint me. I love reading your books. I start and just don't want to stop reading until the end.
July 6, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Vesuvius Books for the ARC.
This book is one of the best I have read in a while. Canadian detective begins investigating a serial killer. His friend asks him to go to the Amazon with him, where he is attacked by a pit viper after spilling an unknown serum. He wakes up 18 months later to find his life completely changed. His fiance, who assumed he was dead as the hospital had no idea of his identity, has married someone else. His partner has been reassigned to lead the task force looking for the serial killer.
This book had enough twists and turns to keep anyone happy!!
This book is one of the best I have read in a while. Canadian detective begins investigating a serial killer. His friend asks him to go to the Amazon with him, where he is attacked by a pit viper after spilling an unknown serum. He wakes up 18 months later to find his life completely changed. His fiance, who assumed he was dead as the hospital had no idea of his identity, has married someone else. His partner has been reassigned to lead the task force looking for the serial killer.
This book had enough twists and turns to keep anyone happy!!
July 8, 2018
This is an interesting read. Jake Wood is an interesting character throughout. There are so many parallel stories that I wasn't sure where the pieces were going to intersect and I really didn't see that "connection" coming. This is a cross between murder mystery and sci-fi since we don't really happens for that 18 month gap. It will be intriguing to see where the story goes next.
July 13, 2018
Part detective procedural, part sci-fi/adventure, part horror story channeling Koontz and King; fully delightful opening narrative arc of a new series.
The initial depravity is disturbing, but it acts as a crucial backdrop to set up the backstory for a thoroughly enjoyable character development and potential superhero / villain storyline.
Looking forward to the next installment
I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Vesuvian Books in exchange for an honest review.
The initial depravity is disturbing, but it acts as a crucial backdrop to set up the backstory for a thoroughly enjoyable character development and potential superhero / villain storyline.
Looking forward to the next installment
I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Vesuvian Books in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2018
I was hooked from page one. Great book. I couldn't put it down. Couldn't wait to see what happened next! I can't wait for book 2!!!! Great job Mr. Saul! Now get writing another book
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