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BUKU: A Dystopian Thriller
What the buku don't destroy, the men who rule will.
Iris lives in a desperate world. Her village clings to life high in the Rockies, and every day they must hunt for food while running from the massive beasts known as buku. Designed in a lab, buku were to be the planet’s salvation. Instead, they destroyed it.
As a medic, Iris does what she can for the people of Camp Five, but the mountains are merciless, the buku are evolving, and the men in charge value power above all else.
Then one day, crosses paths with strangers - including golden-eyed Oso. Her impulsive decision to help them marks her as a traitor to the tyrant who runs her village and stirs the jealousy of his son.
But the strangers must be protected at all costs. Because they may know how to defeat the buku.
Buku is a fast-paced, action-packed dystopian adventure with elements of faith and romance.
Download your copy of Buku today. And then start running.
Iris lives in a desperate world. Her village clings to life high in the Rockies, and every day they must hunt for food while running from the massive beasts known as buku. Designed in a lab, buku were to be the planet’s salvation. Instead, they destroyed it.
As a medic, Iris does what she can for the people of Camp Five, but the mountains are merciless, the buku are evolving, and the men in charge value power above all else.
Then one day, crosses paths with strangers - including golden-eyed Oso. Her impulsive decision to help them marks her as a traitor to the tyrant who runs her village and stirs the jealousy of his son.
But the strangers must be protected at all costs. Because they may know how to defeat the buku.
Buku is a fast-paced, action-packed dystopian adventure with elements of faith and romance.
Download your copy of Buku today. And then start running.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2018
96 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Anderson
3 books7 followersI cut my teeth on Stephen King. Not because I like horror. In fact, I don’t like to be scared, and I had to sleep with the lights on after reading “It” and “The Shining”. But I was enticed by his stories, his power to make me turn page after page into the wee hours of the morning, his ability to paint outlandish worlds that seemed so real. And his words. I loved his words.
It was my 6th grade language arts teacher (and by a stroke of luck, 7th grade as well) who first told me I could tell stories. I owe Mr. Rhine so much. He made me feel like a writer. And so, it was in junior high school that I decided I wanted to write a novel. Like Stephen King.
I did become a writer. Though not of fiction. With a degree from the University of Illinois’ advertising program, I got a job at an advertising agency, a couple of television stations, and finally at famed WSM Radio in Nashville, TN. I liked writing copy, and I was decent at it. Eventually, I moved into writing a nationally syndicated country music radio show. I produced The Crook and Chase Countdown for more than 15 years. In the meantime, I met a man at a party on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and married him on that famous stage a few years later. Over the years, I worked hard, helped raise my stepsons, and built a life.
But what I really wanted to do was write. Like Stephen King. In 2008, I quit my full-time job to go free-lance. Or as a friend of mine calls it, I became self-unemployed. Actually, I did well enough for the first few years, continuing to work with Crook & Chase, as well as on projects for American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks and The Blair Garner show. A few years ago, I finally pushed past my doubts and fears and started my debut novel. It took me three years of fits and starts to finally finish it.
I have now unleashed it into the world. It’s called Buku. It’s not a horror novel, but there’s action. And there’s suspense. And there are monsters. I’m quite sure it’s not as good as anything written by Stephen King. That’s alright. I’m just pleased to finally be able to say to that timid girl in 6th grade – “Look what we did.”
It was my 6th grade language arts teacher (and by a stroke of luck, 7th grade as well) who first told me I could tell stories. I owe Mr. Rhine so much. He made me feel like a writer. And so, it was in junior high school that I decided I wanted to write a novel. Like Stephen King.
I did become a writer. Though not of fiction. With a degree from the University of Illinois’ advertising program, I got a job at an advertising agency, a couple of television stations, and finally at famed WSM Radio in Nashville, TN. I liked writing copy, and I was decent at it. Eventually, I moved into writing a nationally syndicated country music radio show. I produced The Crook and Chase Countdown for more than 15 years. In the meantime, I met a man at a party on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and married him on that famous stage a few years later. Over the years, I worked hard, helped raise my stepsons, and built a life.
But what I really wanted to do was write. Like Stephen King. In 2008, I quit my full-time job to go free-lance. Or as a friend of mine calls it, I became self-unemployed. Actually, I did well enough for the first few years, continuing to work with Crook & Chase, as well as on projects for American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks and The Blair Garner show. A few years ago, I finally pushed past my doubts and fears and started my debut novel. It took me three years of fits and starts to finally finish it.
I have now unleashed it into the world. It’s called Buku. It’s not a horror novel, but there’s action. And there’s suspense. And there are monsters. I’m quite sure it’s not as good as anything written by Stephen King. That’s alright. I’m just pleased to finally be able to say to that timid girl in 6th grade – “Look what we did.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 1, 2021
Great world building. This was a creative and inventive twist in science fiction. Buku are genetically engineered creatures that evolved beyond the control of humans and are now a massive threat. This dystopian world is where the MC Iris lives. She lives in one of the surviving Camps. The world building is what makes this story so amazing. The concept of the Buku and the worlds ape that is created is original and refreshing. I didn’t connect with Iris as much as I had hoped and sometimes her character fell a little flat. I found myself feeling worse for the Buku than I did the humans which may be some of the point the author is trying to make. I also kept finding myself rooting for a romance between Iris and Oso that never reached the levels I was hoping it would, although being a book appropriate for younger readers it wouldn’t necessarily have that depth of romantic writing. I also wasn’t a big fan of the religious undertones in the book. These are all just my own personal preferences though that don’t detract from the skill and depth of writing and plot. It was definitely still a good read. I liked seeing the exploration of choices and genetic manipulation in this tale and how sometimes there can be unintended consequences when humans meddle where they shouldn’t. This would make a great movie plot and would be a book that I feel like would be excellent for high school/college age boys who are reluctant to read. The man vs. monsters theme would definitely draw them in.
January 6, 2019
I was so impressed with this book, a first for the author. As I got deeper into the book, I found myself not wanting to put it down. The clever weaving of plot and insightful character development reeled me in. The ever present danger kept me wondering what would happen next. The introduction of numerous characters into the story did not confuse me but instead helped to bring Iris' world to life for me as a reader. As I read, I was thinking what a great movie this would be! Hollywood needs to grab this one!
November 18, 2021
OMG!!!!! This tale immersed me in a brutal, sparsely populated world ruled by genetically altered, man-eating behemoths. I felt like I was running along with Iris and the hunters as they tried desperately to gather food for their village and avoid the lethal Buku. Constantly living their lives on a razor's edge, these villagers accepted death in their environment as a normal part of their reality. This engrossing story was difficult to put down and occupied my thoughts until I found out just what was going to happen next. Don't Miss This Outstanding Read! Truly Entertaining and Addictive!!!!!
August 26, 2018
Wonderful and entertaining read
I very rarely give a book more than a 4 1/2 star rating but I thought Buku desrved the full 5 stars.
The author did a spectacular job of transporting me to the mountains and what it was like facing a Buku.
The characters developed perfectly and I fell in love with Iris and Os along with all of the secondary ones.
I very rarely give a book more than a 4 1/2 star rating but I thought Buku desrved the full 5 stars.
The author did a spectacular job of transporting me to the mountains and what it was like facing a Buku.
The characters developed perfectly and I fell in love with Iris and Os along with all of the secondary ones.
September 9, 2020
This book is an incredible creative imaginary work. The writer keeps you in suspense almost from page 1. Unexpected twists and turns, action, and intrigue. Her writing puts you right there with group of survivors. Detailed descriptions of the characters, and the way she keeps pace with the story line in addition to how she carries us through the emotional highs and lows makes this a must read.
August 19, 2021
Indy Review
Buku
Written by Jennifer Anderson
Review by Rik Ty
Yes, there are mild spoilers in this review. No more than you’d get in a movie trailer, but yes, there are some spoilers.
Buku is an independently published book that is indistinguishable from any traditionally published offering. The writing in the novel is excellent. It has good story structure, plenty of enjoyable characters, and dialogue that is effortless to read. The book itself is even beautiful. It has a wonderful cover, and its formatting is noticeably gorgeous. All together, Buku is a fast, entertaining read, and it deserves great success.
I’ve been enthusiastic about this project for a while now. I used to catch small samples of it in the 100 word – “best bits” contests in the Sci-Fi Roundtable facebook group (a great group, go ahead and join). I was intrigued because the small samples seemed to suggest that Buku was a monster story – and on its periphery it is.
I eventually bought the book, and it went on the back of a long queue – until one day, while in the middle of reading another book, I snuck a peek at Buku’s introductory chapter. The peek was enough to learn that the “monster” element of the book is brilliantly conceived. All on its own, it’s brilliant. Let me walk you through the idea in baby talk -- a scientist gets the idea of gene splicing hippopotamus dna with whale dna. Why? Because whale blubber is a fuel source, and giant, fast-maturing hippos loaded with whale blubber would be a RENEWABLE fuel source. Soon everybody and their cousin have these BUKU creatures on their property – looking to use the creatures to earn extra income. The invention of the buku (Yikes – the “invention” of living creatures) changes the whole world economy – until the creatures break the leash and over-run the planet. They eat and trample everything they encounter (including people), with nothing given the time to re-grow. This is an utterly brilliant and fresh excuse for a breed of monster. Though, I have to admit, while hippos are very dangerous animals in the real world, they don’t have the pre-established, sexy-monster-mental-slots that say, sharks or rhinos might have. It takes seeing them rampage in a book to discover how formidable an opponent they would make. Luckily, Anderson is up to the task. And while almost all of the carnage and destruction I’ve just described happens off screen at the beginning of the book, it does lead to the book’s SECOND brilliant idea. The rampaging of these creatures drives humanity to the mountains. The creatures don’t climb unless they have to (and there are several vertical surfaces they can’t climb at all). This buys humanity some time – however, the creatures keep finding their way to higher ground, and the book introduces the idea of a territorial time bomb. The people keep getting pushed higher and higher, and there is a point, coming soon, where there will truthfully be nowhere left to run – a brilliant way to add constant tension to the story.
I’ll get to my choice for the 3rd brilliant ingredient in a minute (the brilliant components I’m mentioning are just my opinion – you may leave the book with a hundred different elements to describe as brilliant) but before I mention the 3rd element – just for fun, I’ll give an interesting reaction I had while reading the first third of the book. The book starts with a group of tribal foragers on the run from a cluster of Buku. A very effective scene. The troop gets back home, and in no time, we have learned a few things: the main character’s name is Iris, her place in her home tribe is uneasy, because both the warlord in charge, and his son, desire her. Both are also abusive to her (though each claims to be holding back). During the foraging run that opens the book, Iris meets a group of strangers. The strangers are all strong, adept, and decent – almost too good to be true. It’s clear Iris could go off and travel with them. The only thing keeping her connected to her home tribe is the amount of people dependent on her – for her wisdom as a healer, and her fellowship as a comrade. She loves her people, and they love her. This is where I started to see the book as maybe a fairy-tale parable – the same way the film “Gravity” works as a fairy tale parable. I thought we’d found a woman -- who is in an abusive relationship -- who is worried about the people who rely on her -- and who is suddenly faced with a small chance at a better life if she can muster the courage to take it – but a small chance that would require she face the rages of an unfair, unpredictable, and hostile world (the ever-present Buku). This sums up a LOT of life problems – do I leave the devil I know for the chance of something better? With a hostile world ready to tear the vulnerable to pieces? Well, anyway, the book quickly develops further, becomes more complex, and more specifically itself, and I found all the ideas I had of fairy tale parables melting away.
So, if not a parable, what does the writer do with the heart of the book? Iris, the main character, is walking a LOT of tightropes. She’s keeping the warlord at bay. She’s keeping the son of the warlord at bay. She is dealing with a dreamy Conan type guy who keeps helping her teams survive Buku encounters, and who clearly likes her, but who she can’t pursue, because it would mean leaving her tribe, and that would leave many people stranded to suffer the wrath of the angry warlord. In dealing with the strangers, she has seen glimpses of a way all people could survive the Buku. Rather than just escape the warlord and win herself a better life, she wants to learn more about the idea she glimpsed, and win a better life for everyone by starting to turn the tide on the monsters.
Speaking of the monsters, Cat Rambo has a story in the Clarkesworld archives that reveals an interesting fact about genetics (the title mentions “tortoise shell cats”). The story points out that you could make a direct clone of your tortoise shell cat, and still NOT get an exact replica of your pet. Things like the stripe shapes could be very different animal to animal, because the genes can follow the same instructions, but “express” them differently. This idea led me to have a field day indulging in thinking of different ways giant slabs of whale blubber could “express” on mammoth sized hippos – what shapes would you get? What clusters of shapes? What skin diseases and conditions would each shape be prone to? What birds would live on the backs of these animals? How much variety could a film company come up with? I mention film because this is a very cinematic book. There are at least two THRILLING chase scenes where the writer wrings great tension out of fleet prose. AND NOW I’ll get to my 3rd choice for brilliant element. Talk about cinematic. SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! The warlord’s camp is located near a gargantuan slab of stone that overlooks a drop in the mountain’s face. The slab has a grade to it – it slants toward the drop. The warlord keeps it greased with Buku oil, and conducts his tribal meetings right next to it. Those not in his favor get placed on the slab, where travel starts out slowly, only moves in one direction, and only gets faster. I haven’t done the idea any kind of justice – but talk about cinematic. If this idea were ever included in just a movie TRAILER, it would become an instant cultural icon. Seriously. Hat’s off! Brilliant!
I have focused on the “guy” stuff in the book – the monsters and the violence – BUT this is not a “guy’s” book (go ahead, throw tomatoes at me for being archaic). Its real focus is on Iris and the decisions she is called on to make, and her resourcefulness in bringing about an outcome that at least SOMEONE has a chance of surviving – though, most-likely, not her. Here is another place where I’d like to give the writer credit. We are so invested with Iris over the course of the book, that it is easy to suspect that she will survive and realize a positive outcome. But the writer is shrewd. There are enough variables in play by the end of the book, that as the story builds to a final confrontation, the reader can only guess at which way things will shake out. We’ve met a wide range of people – some quirky, some horrendous, some jaded, some innocent, all suggested beautifully, but we don’t know who will make it to the end of the book. I’m not paying enough attention to all the work that went into presenting these characters. I call on any writer steeped in character development to give this book a read and write a review that gives the writer, and the people she created in this story, their due. Any takers?
So, if you just want to enjoy one more good book before the summer is over – or if you want to extend the feeling of summer after the calendar changes. Pick up Buku. It will carry you right along.
Buku
Written by Jennifer Anderson
Review by Rik Ty
Yes, there are mild spoilers in this review. No more than you’d get in a movie trailer, but yes, there are some spoilers.
Buku is an independently published book that is indistinguishable from any traditionally published offering. The writing in the novel is excellent. It has good story structure, plenty of enjoyable characters, and dialogue that is effortless to read. The book itself is even beautiful. It has a wonderful cover, and its formatting is noticeably gorgeous. All together, Buku is a fast, entertaining read, and it deserves great success.
I’ve been enthusiastic about this project for a while now. I used to catch small samples of it in the 100 word – “best bits” contests in the Sci-Fi Roundtable facebook group (a great group, go ahead and join). I was intrigued because the small samples seemed to suggest that Buku was a monster story – and on its periphery it is.
I eventually bought the book, and it went on the back of a long queue – until one day, while in the middle of reading another book, I snuck a peek at Buku’s introductory chapter. The peek was enough to learn that the “monster” element of the book is brilliantly conceived. All on its own, it’s brilliant. Let me walk you through the idea in baby talk -- a scientist gets the idea of gene splicing hippopotamus dna with whale dna. Why? Because whale blubber is a fuel source, and giant, fast-maturing hippos loaded with whale blubber would be a RENEWABLE fuel source. Soon everybody and their cousin have these BUKU creatures on their property – looking to use the creatures to earn extra income. The invention of the buku (Yikes – the “invention” of living creatures) changes the whole world economy – until the creatures break the leash and over-run the planet. They eat and trample everything they encounter (including people), with nothing given the time to re-grow. This is an utterly brilliant and fresh excuse for a breed of monster. Though, I have to admit, while hippos are very dangerous animals in the real world, they don’t have the pre-established, sexy-monster-mental-slots that say, sharks or rhinos might have. It takes seeing them rampage in a book to discover how formidable an opponent they would make. Luckily, Anderson is up to the task. And while almost all of the carnage and destruction I’ve just described happens off screen at the beginning of the book, it does lead to the book’s SECOND brilliant idea. The rampaging of these creatures drives humanity to the mountains. The creatures don’t climb unless they have to (and there are several vertical surfaces they can’t climb at all). This buys humanity some time – however, the creatures keep finding their way to higher ground, and the book introduces the idea of a territorial time bomb. The people keep getting pushed higher and higher, and there is a point, coming soon, where there will truthfully be nowhere left to run – a brilliant way to add constant tension to the story.
I’ll get to my choice for the 3rd brilliant ingredient in a minute (the brilliant components I’m mentioning are just my opinion – you may leave the book with a hundred different elements to describe as brilliant) but before I mention the 3rd element – just for fun, I’ll give an interesting reaction I had while reading the first third of the book. The book starts with a group of tribal foragers on the run from a cluster of Buku. A very effective scene. The troop gets back home, and in no time, we have learned a few things: the main character’s name is Iris, her place in her home tribe is uneasy, because both the warlord in charge, and his son, desire her. Both are also abusive to her (though each claims to be holding back). During the foraging run that opens the book, Iris meets a group of strangers. The strangers are all strong, adept, and decent – almost too good to be true. It’s clear Iris could go off and travel with them. The only thing keeping her connected to her home tribe is the amount of people dependent on her – for her wisdom as a healer, and her fellowship as a comrade. She loves her people, and they love her. This is where I started to see the book as maybe a fairy-tale parable – the same way the film “Gravity” works as a fairy tale parable. I thought we’d found a woman -- who is in an abusive relationship -- who is worried about the people who rely on her -- and who is suddenly faced with a small chance at a better life if she can muster the courage to take it – but a small chance that would require she face the rages of an unfair, unpredictable, and hostile world (the ever-present Buku). This sums up a LOT of life problems – do I leave the devil I know for the chance of something better? With a hostile world ready to tear the vulnerable to pieces? Well, anyway, the book quickly develops further, becomes more complex, and more specifically itself, and I found all the ideas I had of fairy tale parables melting away.
So, if not a parable, what does the writer do with the heart of the book? Iris, the main character, is walking a LOT of tightropes. She’s keeping the warlord at bay. She’s keeping the son of the warlord at bay. She is dealing with a dreamy Conan type guy who keeps helping her teams survive Buku encounters, and who clearly likes her, but who she can’t pursue, because it would mean leaving her tribe, and that would leave many people stranded to suffer the wrath of the angry warlord. In dealing with the strangers, she has seen glimpses of a way all people could survive the Buku. Rather than just escape the warlord and win herself a better life, she wants to learn more about the idea she glimpsed, and win a better life for everyone by starting to turn the tide on the monsters.
Speaking of the monsters, Cat Rambo has a story in the Clarkesworld archives that reveals an interesting fact about genetics (the title mentions “tortoise shell cats”). The story points out that you could make a direct clone of your tortoise shell cat, and still NOT get an exact replica of your pet. Things like the stripe shapes could be very different animal to animal, because the genes can follow the same instructions, but “express” them differently. This idea led me to have a field day indulging in thinking of different ways giant slabs of whale blubber could “express” on mammoth sized hippos – what shapes would you get? What clusters of shapes? What skin diseases and conditions would each shape be prone to? What birds would live on the backs of these animals? How much variety could a film company come up with? I mention film because this is a very cinematic book. There are at least two THRILLING chase scenes where the writer wrings great tension out of fleet prose. AND NOW I’ll get to my 3rd choice for brilliant element. Talk about cinematic. SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! The warlord’s camp is located near a gargantuan slab of stone that overlooks a drop in the mountain’s face. The slab has a grade to it – it slants toward the drop. The warlord keeps it greased with Buku oil, and conducts his tribal meetings right next to it. Those not in his favor get placed on the slab, where travel starts out slowly, only moves in one direction, and only gets faster. I haven’t done the idea any kind of justice – but talk about cinematic. If this idea were ever included in just a movie TRAILER, it would become an instant cultural icon. Seriously. Hat’s off! Brilliant!
I have focused on the “guy” stuff in the book – the monsters and the violence – BUT this is not a “guy’s” book (go ahead, throw tomatoes at me for being archaic). Its real focus is on Iris and the decisions she is called on to make, and her resourcefulness in bringing about an outcome that at least SOMEONE has a chance of surviving – though, most-likely, not her. Here is another place where I’d like to give the writer credit. We are so invested with Iris over the course of the book, that it is easy to suspect that she will survive and realize a positive outcome. But the writer is shrewd. There are enough variables in play by the end of the book, that as the story builds to a final confrontation, the reader can only guess at which way things will shake out. We’ve met a wide range of people – some quirky, some horrendous, some jaded, some innocent, all suggested beautifully, but we don’t know who will make it to the end of the book. I’m not paying enough attention to all the work that went into presenting these characters. I call on any writer steeped in character development to give this book a read and write a review that gives the writer, and the people she created in this story, their due. Any takers?
So, if you just want to enjoy one more good book before the summer is over – or if you want to extend the feeling of summer after the calendar changes. Pick up Buku. It will carry you right along.
August 20, 2022
Unexpectedly enthralling. I'm legit gobsmacked.
This is one of those books that had no business winning me over, not after I was already aiming to throw in the towel after the first few chapters. I grew bored. Fell asleep several times. I skimmed. went to other books. I just wasn't being pulled into it, ready to give it up. I mean, don't get me wrong. The premise itself lured me in and it still started out intriguing enough with the beastly buku threatening humanity's very existence. It was definitely a good start to the story.
But after the intro, for some weird reason, I was BARELY into this thing; I kid you NOT. I was just way put off by several things from the start. Long-winded, narrative paragraphs of both past and present events periodically being presented simultaneously. I'm fine with information, as establishing a world and foundation is SUPER important. But while I was given the world, I wasn't given the people of the world, not as early or as thoroughly I would have preferred. There was minimal dialogue as well, so...who do I know? And why should I care?
Apparently, all it took was one single pivotal point in the story to invigorate my interest, an event that even this book's premise made known: Iris helps strangers, a big no-no in her village. I guess all I had to do was wait for it. Once that moment happened, I couldn't NOT wonder more. The strangers were immediately intriguing, something that no other character managed to be when I started the dang book. What drew Iris to help them? Heck, even SHE questioned her actions. And why did it spark such grueling consequences back in her village? Just who ARE these people?
And so, when the story became a little smaller, showed itself to be that tiny, embedded gem in the boulder, I was hooked. I started appreciating the world being built, started finally getting attached to characters, their relationships, and caring enough to fear for their safety or argue against their questionable decisions. I loved the underlying Biblical message, a fact I'm sure may turn off some readers. This thing gets bloody and brutal in every way, and not just from the terrifying buku, but even from the humans themselves. I admit, it was a little off-putting how disturbingly violent a couple of the characters were written to be. I honestly wish the author kinda toned it down a bit because it minimized the believability.
Now as much as I ended up enjoying myself, I still had one major complaint: Too many significant events/conversations occurred off-page. Or, similarly, scenes didn't always play out completely. Iris is left to carry the story load, frequently narrating how much time or what specifically occurred since an event, which effectively deprives me of being a part of it. This in turn lead to OTHER problems with the passage of time in general. For example, Iris gets injured, narrates the summer passing, then is back to recovering from her injury. Um? Didn't summer just pass?
I had other problems too, many of them petty, but present, nevertheless. Over-the-top characteristics of certain characters, namely the villains. The lack of descriptions for characters, physically speaking. Woulda been nice to know what to picture. Some of the details of the world were vague or unexplored. I'd love to know how the village is doing the medical procedures described here. The lack of explanation points for obvious exclamative moments was SUPER distracting and I seriously cannot fathom why neither authors nor editors ever realize this. Why do this:
At any rate, I've yammered long enough. I did still enjoy this book more than I expected, so much so that once I finished it, I opted to re-reread those first few chapters again that initially bored me (which I'm glad I did). I almost gave it 4 stars just for surprising me when it initially failed me. But, I couldn't quite overlook the problems. Nevertheless, I am glad I stuck it out and I look forward to the next one.
Click here for notes/highlights
This is one of those books that had no business winning me over, not after I was already aiming to throw in the towel after the first few chapters. I grew bored. Fell asleep several times. I skimmed. went to other books. I just wasn't being pulled into it, ready to give it up. I mean, don't get me wrong. The premise itself lured me in and it still started out intriguing enough with the beastly buku threatening humanity's very existence. It was definitely a good start to the story.
But after the intro, for some weird reason, I was BARELY into this thing; I kid you NOT. I was just way put off by several things from the start. Long-winded, narrative paragraphs of both past and present events periodically being presented simultaneously. I'm fine with information, as establishing a world and foundation is SUPER important. But while I was given the world, I wasn't given the people of the world, not as early or as thoroughly I would have preferred. There was minimal dialogue as well, so...who do I know? And why should I care?
Apparently, all it took was one single pivotal point in the story to invigorate my interest, an event that even this book's premise made known: Iris helps strangers, a big no-no in her village. I guess all I had to do was wait for it. Once that moment happened, I couldn't NOT wonder more. The strangers were immediately intriguing, something that no other character managed to be when I started the dang book. What drew Iris to help them? Heck, even SHE questioned her actions. And why did it spark such grueling consequences back in her village? Just who ARE these people?
And so, when the story became a little smaller, showed itself to be that tiny, embedded gem in the boulder, I was hooked. I started appreciating the world being built, started finally getting attached to characters, their relationships, and caring enough to fear for their safety or argue against their questionable decisions. I loved the underlying Biblical message, a fact I'm sure may turn off some readers. This thing gets bloody and brutal in every way, and not just from the terrifying buku, but even from the humans themselves. I admit, it was a little off-putting how disturbingly violent a couple of the characters were written to be. I honestly wish the author kinda toned it down a bit because it minimized the believability.
Now as much as I ended up enjoying myself, I still had one major complaint: Too many significant events/conversations occurred off-page. Or, similarly, scenes didn't always play out completely. Iris is left to carry the story load, frequently narrating how much time or what specifically occurred since an event, which effectively deprives me of being a part of it. This in turn lead to OTHER problems with the passage of time in general. For example, Iris gets injured, narrates the summer passing, then is back to recovering from her injury. Um? Didn't summer just pass?
I had other problems too, many of them petty, but present, nevertheless. Over-the-top characteristics of certain characters, namely the villains. The lack of descriptions for characters, physically speaking. Woulda been nice to know what to picture. Some of the details of the world were vague or unexplored. I'd love to know how the village is doing the medical procedures described here. The lack of explanation points for obvious exclamative moments was SUPER distracting and I seriously cannot fathom why neither authors nor editors ever realize this. Why do this:
"The scarf,” Blue yelled. “Now.”...when you could do this?:
"The scarf!" Blue yelled. "Now!"That's an actual quote from the book, too.
At any rate, I've yammered long enough. I did still enjoy this book more than I expected, so much so that once I finished it, I opted to re-reread those first few chapters again that initially bored me (which I'm glad I did). I almost gave it 4 stars just for surprising me when it initially failed me. But, I couldn't quite overlook the problems. Nevertheless, I am glad I stuck it out and I look forward to the next one.
Click here for notes/highlights
April 8, 2021
A dystopian thriller which shows the kind of future we might have. The book blends a wide range of elements, drawing the reader in, from the first page. I applaud the writer’s creative imagination, and her unique writing style, which makes you feel like you are actually in the story.
The author has created a story depicting a frightening side of humanity. Desperate to satisfy our endless greed, lab scientists have created these creatures, which were supposed to save the planet. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned and now everyone is on the run from them.
Iris is the main character in the book, and the one who makes it her mission to fight again the buku. She, along others, is on a permanent fight for survival, feeling danger creeping closer and closer. Unfortunately, she is also a human being, and prone to impulsiveness. Her decisions will have consequences, but you will have to read the book to find out what these were.
I loved the fast-pace at which the story unfolded. It might be a dystopian thriller, or better said a post-apocalyptic adventure, but I could not help to notice the additional elements. In fact, this story offers a bit of everything, from action to horror, and back to mystery, faith, and romance. It was hard to put down, which says it all.
The characters are well-developed, and Iris bears all the trademarks of a genuine heroine. We are shown how disastrous genetic meddling can be, but also that human beings will always fight to overcome challenges.
If you like dystopian thrillers, this is a must read. A gripping tale of greed and self-destruction, with a powerful female character at the center. It shows us what we already know – our greed is endless, as is human arrogance. The story is more than believable, and I liked that it is doubled by a survival adventure, with the clear of influence of personal strength. An excellent read!
The author has created a story depicting a frightening side of humanity. Desperate to satisfy our endless greed, lab scientists have created these creatures, which were supposed to save the planet. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned and now everyone is on the run from them.
Iris is the main character in the book, and the one who makes it her mission to fight again the buku. She, along others, is on a permanent fight for survival, feeling danger creeping closer and closer. Unfortunately, she is also a human being, and prone to impulsiveness. Her decisions will have consequences, but you will have to read the book to find out what these were.
I loved the fast-pace at which the story unfolded. It might be a dystopian thriller, or better said a post-apocalyptic adventure, but I could not help to notice the additional elements. In fact, this story offers a bit of everything, from action to horror, and back to mystery, faith, and romance. It was hard to put down, which says it all.
The characters are well-developed, and Iris bears all the trademarks of a genuine heroine. We are shown how disastrous genetic meddling can be, but also that human beings will always fight to overcome challenges.
If you like dystopian thrillers, this is a must read. A gripping tale of greed and self-destruction, with a powerful female character at the center. It shows us what we already know – our greed is endless, as is human arrogance. The story is more than believable, and I liked that it is doubled by a survival adventure, with the clear of influence of personal strength. An excellent read!
December 12, 2021
If dystopian thrillers are becoming ‘mundane’….
The genre of dystopian futures has really been beaten up - so much so that it is pretty hard to find something that ‘tweaks’ the interest - story wise.
Then there is this tale about the world after extreme meddling by ‘mankind’ which has resulted in a beast that not only competes with humans but actually is better at survival and living in a world where technology is gone.
But that’s not the “nub” of the story ! Into the mix the author has thrown humans with all their foibles - independent of their collective position on the food chain the humans here will still scramble for power, treat each other terribly and fight rather than cooperate.
This is a story really worth reading - the storyline is engaging, the characters are believable and the baddies are just bad.
Have a read - it’s a good one.
The genre of dystopian futures has really been beaten up - so much so that it is pretty hard to find something that ‘tweaks’ the interest - story wise.
Then there is this tale about the world after extreme meddling by ‘mankind’ which has resulted in a beast that not only competes with humans but actually is better at survival and living in a world where technology is gone.
But that’s not the “nub” of the story ! Into the mix the author has thrown humans with all their foibles - independent of their collective position on the food chain the humans here will still scramble for power, treat each other terribly and fight rather than cooperate.
This is a story really worth reading - the storyline is engaging, the characters are believable and the baddies are just bad.
Have a read - it’s a good one.
August 24, 2018
Exciting twist on environmental disaster that causes the world to implode into apocalypse. The few survivors have to battle on so many fronts just to make it one more day.
Iris, a young woman born a few years after the apocalypse, is beset on almost all sides. She finds small freedoms in being a member of a hunting group. On a hunt, she starts a series of events that leads to disaster and recovery for all of the survivors.
While the pacing had a few hiccups, I was kept enthralled throughout the book. There were a few times that I wanted to yell at Iris but then would remember why she did some things the way she did. She definitely grew as a person by the end of the book.
Iris, a young woman born a few years after the apocalypse, is beset on almost all sides. She finds small freedoms in being a member of a hunting group. On a hunt, she starts a series of events that leads to disaster and recovery for all of the survivors.
While the pacing had a few hiccups, I was kept enthralled throughout the book. There were a few times that I wanted to yell at Iris but then would remember why she did some things the way she did. She definitely grew as a person by the end of the book.
July 3, 2022
I liked it
I really liked this book. I read a lot of dystopian novels and this is one of my favorites. It's a little different from the normal run of the mill apocalypse tale and the origin of the buku is explained in enough detail to intrigue readers and perhaps scare them just a bit.
I really liked this book. I read a lot of dystopian novels and this is one of my favorites. It's a little different from the normal run of the mill apocalypse tale and the origin of the buku is explained in enough detail to intrigue readers and perhaps scare them just a bit.
August 22, 2018
Interesting story line
For a first book it was extremely well done. The story line was unique in a long line of end of the world zombie or virus outbreaks. I absolu recommend to read and look forward to more reads.
For a first book it was extremely well done. The story line was unique in a long line of end of the world zombie or virus outbreaks. I absolu recommend to read and look forward to more reads.
August 24, 2018
Wow! What a great read!
Intriguing twists, a fabulous courageous heroine and the gallant chivalrous hero we have all dreamed, with a dash of spirituality to tie it all together! Enjoyed reading this book, but the hangover is going to be hard to get over!!!
Intriguing twists, a fabulous courageous heroine and the gallant chivalrous hero we have all dreamed, with a dash of spirituality to tie it all together! Enjoyed reading this book, but the hangover is going to be hard to get over!!!
September 24, 2018
Incredible Worldbuilding
I could not put this book down. The world building is intense and amazing. The mystery and anticipation is incredible. You will not regret grabbing this one.
I could not put this book down. The world building is intense and amazing. The mystery and anticipation is incredible. You will not regret grabbing this one.
November 1, 2020
Keeps you hooked!
This book started a little slow for me, but even so I still wanted to know what happened next..
It didn’t take long for it to pick up, and wow when it did it was action packed until the end. This was a great read!
This book started a little slow for me, but even so I still wanted to know what happened next..
It didn’t take long for it to pick up, and wow when it did it was action packed until the end. This was a great read!
March 11, 2021
One of the best stories I’ve read this year
Incredible world building. Wonderful pacing. A total page turner. A slow burn romance with an action-packed plot. The characters are distinct and memorable. This is Sci-Fi at its best
Incredible world building. Wonderful pacing. A total page turner. A slow burn romance with an action-packed plot. The characters are distinct and memorable. This is Sci-Fi at its best
November 19, 2021
Great book!
I really enjoyed this story. It was well written and held my interest from beginning to end. It's not often these days that you get a complete story in one book. That's another reason I loved this book. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this story. It was well written and held my interest from beginning to end. It's not often these days that you get a complete story in one book. That's another reason I loved this book. I highly recommend this book.
November 19, 2021
Couldn’t put it down.
Not like a virus or plague, an animal we created. Massive and viscous it overtakes the planet. Great story, ready to read book two. Characters are perfect. First book? Well done!
Not like a virus or plague, an animal we created. Massive and viscous it overtakes the planet. Great story, ready to read book two. Characters are perfect. First book? Well done!
November 30, 2021
Buku
Really liked this book. Definitely recommend it. Not about Dinos but these man made monsters are off the chain. Plan on reading all books in this series. And not all that foul language. Kudos.
Really liked this book. Definitely recommend it. Not about Dinos but these man made monsters are off the chain. Plan on reading all books in this series. And not all that foul language. Kudos.
March 22, 2022
Amazing!!!!
This is an amazing twist on an apocalyptic world, where creatures who were engineered to remove our reliance on oil wound up mutating again, over and over. I loved the characters, Iris and Oso especially! Highly recommend this book!
This is an amazing twist on an apocalyptic world, where creatures who were engineered to remove our reliance on oil wound up mutating again, over and over. I loved the characters, Iris and Oso especially! Highly recommend this book!
May 9, 2022
Very good story
Kept my attention, no dull moments. I would read it over again in a heartbeat. It will be honored in my library as a top favorite.
I was hoping for a book #4. But you never know....there is that trip out west mentioned in book #3
Kept my attention, no dull moments. I would read it over again in a heartbeat. It will be honored in my library as a top favorite.
I was hoping for a book #4. But you never know....there is that trip out west mentioned in book #3
May 9, 2022
A Different Take On A Dystopian Future
No WWIII, Pandemics, or Zombies here. The end of the world begins with a genetic experiment which starts off just swell then takes on a quick slide into chaos and the decimation of the human race. Appreciably different from the usual!
No WWIII, Pandemics, or Zombies here. The end of the world begins with a genetic experiment which starts off just swell then takes on a quick slide into chaos and the decimation of the human race. Appreciably different from the usual!
September 20, 2018
I was really impressed with this book. The world-building, the characters, the intense roller-coaster ride. Fabulous debut book, I have high hopes for this author.
October 8, 2018
This was a bit of a change of pace for me. It wasn’t really romance at all but more of a fight to save the world kind of book. It was nice to read something different, especially a book this exciting
April 8, 2020
Very different
I've never read about critters like this before. Most of the book was pretty good although there were parts that dragged on some. A good read.
I've never read about critters like this before. Most of the book was pretty good although there were parts that dragged on some. A good read.
January 29, 2022
A Well written story with excellent characters. Free from Amazon.
Read
January 31, 2022Good Read
I thought this well written. It is an easy read as in it flows well. Good story that keeps one interested till the end.
I thought this well written. It is an easy read as in it flows well. Good story that keeps one interested till the end.
February 22, 2022
This was a much needed change of pace from my usual reads. Pretty good fast book. Here's to hoping we see more of iris and oso.
December 29, 2022
A somewhat frustrating page turner!
If you are excited by action scenes, you will love this story. The fights with the horrific Buku are plentiful and described in gory detail. For me, I’m always fascinated by the explanations of how the world becomes dystopian in this genre and, while there was a back story, I wanted more. The fights with the Buku seemed frustratingly hopeless and I think the writer had to work really hard to offer hope for humanity. Saying this, the deadliest monsters in this were other humans and I think that’s where I felt most frustrated. Are humans really only good or bad? I really didn’t enjoy reading about the way the Camp Five Mayor treated the villagers. I wondered why the burden of saving humanity fell on one young girl and how she survived years of abuse without becoming ‘evil’ too. Humans have become the archetypal baddie in dystopia and, as a fan of this genre, I am left wanting something different. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read and this writer certainly deserves readers. If you like the battle for survival and heroic fights, you will love this.
If you are excited by action scenes, you will love this story. The fights with the horrific Buku are plentiful and described in gory detail. For me, I’m always fascinated by the explanations of how the world becomes dystopian in this genre and, while there was a back story, I wanted more. The fights with the Buku seemed frustratingly hopeless and I think the writer had to work really hard to offer hope for humanity. Saying this, the deadliest monsters in this were other humans and I think that’s where I felt most frustrated. Are humans really only good or bad? I really didn’t enjoy reading about the way the Camp Five Mayor treated the villagers. I wondered why the burden of saving humanity fell on one young girl and how she survived years of abuse without becoming ‘evil’ too. Humans have become the archetypal baddie in dystopia and, as a fan of this genre, I am left wanting something different. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read and this writer certainly deserves readers. If you like the battle for survival and heroic fights, you will love this.
November 18, 2021
Good start.....
This tale started off ok even though I found the genetic combination to make no sense and never did manage to think of this thing as believable, still maybe, the main character seemed to be a smart caring person, however as time went by she seemed to have some sort of syndrome that caused her to return to her abusers over and over, despite her noble efforts to prevent others from harm her very actions caused them more harm, there was some disconnected mention of God, occasionally taking titles, and eventually turning herself into a martyr while still more get hurt, I pretty much skipped the afterglow, he leaves, he returns, mankind is going to grow enough of the cure to feed a world of buku, a combination of science fiction (sort of) and romance novel. A good start but not my kind of science fiction
This tale started off ok even though I found the genetic combination to make no sense and never did manage to think of this thing as believable, still maybe, the main character seemed to be a smart caring person, however as time went by she seemed to have some sort of syndrome that caused her to return to her abusers over and over, despite her noble efforts to prevent others from harm her very actions caused them more harm, there was some disconnected mention of God, occasionally taking titles, and eventually turning herself into a martyr while still more get hurt, I pretty much skipped the afterglow, he leaves, he returns, mankind is going to grow enough of the cure to feed a world of buku, a combination of science fiction (sort of) and romance novel. A good start but not my kind of science fiction
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