Christopher Coleman lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in English Literature. A fan of classic and modern horror and thriller movies, his favorite movies are Rosemary's Baby and The Ring. When he's not writing fiction, you can find him reading, taking his kids to and from various sporting activities or watching horror movies with his wife who shares his affinity for the horror genre. His books will creep you out and leave you scared to turn off the lights and go to sleep.
This was my Prime Day get. As much as I am ideologically opposed to any blatant celebration of rampant consumerism, all of Christopher Coleman’s ebooks were free for that time and I’ve read enough of him to be excited to take advantage of the deal. And actually, of all his books I’ve read so far the predecessor to this one was probably my favorite, although this one came pretty close. Just can’t beat the irresistible appeal of sea monsters and small beach towns. I’m wildly entertained by the former and dream of a life in the latter, so that’s pretty much a story right up my alley. Book one was a novella, but this one is a proper size novel. Coleman expanded the creature feature, alternating the origin story with the continuation of the present day narrative. Same main character, now in a different beach town, Danny’s story doesn’t quite follow the gruesome ending of book one, but, though he may no longer be under the spell of the creature, he’s still fascinated by it and his life pretty much revolves around that fascination. The other timeline takes the readers all the way back to the time of the original settlers, desperately trying to survive and coexist with the Native tribes somewhere along the East Coast of the modern day America. Legend has it a hungry sea deity lives in ocean. Two young boys, a British colonist and a Native local set off to find out if the legend is real, setting off a chain of devastating events. You might be able to guess where this is going, it is, after all, one of the most famous unsolved mysteries of that time. I kinda really like that its where Coleman took his story, it’s definitely a proper origin story for a sea monster, who is pretty much the flip side of the coin to a kind movie loving romantic from The Shape of Water. So yeah, this was lots of fun. A very entertaining creature feature. Great summer read too, another reason to watch the water. With exceptions of a very occasional typo or a very occasional odd phrasing, this actually comes across like a completely professional job. Definitely way, way above the quality one might expect from a standard kindle unknown (lesser known) author freebie. I dislike series in general, but while I much prefer standalones, I must admit yeah, I’d be inclined to pick up book 3 whenever it appears. They seem to pop up pretty regularly, much like the creature they feature. Oodles of fun. Recommended.
In my opinion, this was even better than book one in the series ( The Sighting). This one includes a historical mystery, which is always fun. The author deftly weaves back and forth between times and even managed to throw in some plot twists. If you enjoyed The Sighting, be sure to check this one out.
kindle unlimited, read this because trying to keep up with Coleman's books but so not in the mood for horror general, would have given it a 4 but figure it's the mood and all, but won't be reading any horror for quite a while, burnt out on it, never cared for it much because doesn't phase me in any real way so what's the point, others like horror but I'm just like yeah whatever meh big deal.
Two years have passed since Danny Lynch saw the beast that would alter his life forever...and now, a string of mysterious drownings has brought him to a new town by the ocean. But there is more to the creature than Danny could ever have imagined. And the secret to destroying it may rest in discovering the secrets of a colony that disappeared without a trace four-hundred years earlier.
The Sighting series The Sighting #1 The Origin #2
Also by Christopher Coleman: Gretel (Gretel Book One) Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two) Hansel (Gretel Book Three) The Gretel Series: Books 1-3 Anika Rising (Gretel Book Four)
Enjoyable follow-on to The Sighting which seemed better in that it was longer and more detailed, with sharper plotting and character development. There was a little more explanation given about the sea monster (although not actually its origin!) yet disappointingly still nothing to explain its weird control over certain humans.
Two timelines were addressed, which worked very well. A continuation of Danny's quest to find the creature in the present day alternated with chapters on the first English colony to settle in America, at Roanoke (the famous 'Lost Colony' of 1590). There were a couple of possible anachronisms - how would an Algonquin boy know about Vikings, and there was mention of a desk and chair in a wigwam. Would they have had such furniture in wigwams in 1590? Never mind, it doesn't distract from what was an entertaining and well-written story. I see there is to be a 3rd installment so perhaps that will reveal how the monster can make some normal people override all their natural instincts and become devious murdering psychopaths.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
This book held my interest from start to finish. It follows the first book well bringing to life a historic mystery with flawless integration. The monster from the first book continues to play its role as a dangerous menace that mesmerizes witnesses, causing them to commit heinous acts of their own.
In the interim from first book to second the author brings two different time lines together bringing the past to the forefront preparing us for more sightings and mayhem. The story of the disappearance of the lost colony of Roanoke with the carved clue of Croatoan into the present.
So often a sequel does not measure up but this is one you can count on. If you read the first book you will find the second fulfilling and more. Don’t miss this one.
This book is amazing, and I couldn't put it down! I loved the way the past and the future intertwined, showing the past basically repeating itself. This story is very original, and it is an interesting fictional theory on events of the past. I found myself totally immersed in the story wondering what was going to happen next, horrified and intrigued. This was definitely one of the best books I have read this year!
I had to read this because it was the conclusion to the first book but I didn't really find it very interesting. It was short so it was easy to get through and the story was a unique twist on the Croatoan message on Roanoke island which has always fascinated me. But the writing was not terribly compelling nor were the characters fully fleshed out. Even the creature was kind of flat.
Remember reading about the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island? Well, Christopher Coleman has created a viable alternative to all the historians' ideas! The Croatoan, never heard of it? Then start reading The Origin, a spinetingling thriller that follows the adventures of characters from two different eras. Awesome novel!
In my opinion I think this ending was what the book needed, I felt like the author just slacked off in the first book and didn’t care but now I see it was for a bigger and better ending. Though I thought it was confusing that there was two story lines which was a little weird. I am exited for the next book and I hope it was as good as this book.
I was so on the edge of my seat with the first book that I bought the second book. So worth it. It led to my question being answered. There was 2 then 1 creature, then nowadays there was 2 again. It must multiply. Gruesome. Another reason to not go into the water. Scary.
Read The Sighting first. This book, The Origin: The Sighting, is the sequel. Both books are very good. The Origin... wraps everything up. I don't want to say much but I think it's the answer to an old question. I hope you enjoy reading these books. Happy Reading. One last word--ROANOKE.
The beginning of the monster is brought to light but is there only 1?
Good follow up to the first story. Explains the beginning of the is interactions with humans and what happened to the first colony. Hopefully the last book will put the story to rest. I finished this one with more questions than the book answered. Fast paced and action packed.
An ancient being is terrorising the beach only one man can stop it ,really enjoyed this ,the second in the series when ending has left me waiting for the next instalment
Though you could have ended after the first book Christopher and I would have been ok with that. This is a fine follow-up and now I can't wait for the third one
The second book started out kind of slow. After a while it picked up speed and then all the twists and turns began. Amazing characters in this story and well written.
I’ve read several Coleman books recently, and as a result, I have a new favorite author. It took me less than 2 days to read The Sighting, and I’m (impatiently) anxious to read book 3. Keep em comin, Chris!!
I guess you could call this a historical horror story because the author takes a true mystery and turns it into a very coherent, intelligent story about what could have happened( on a horror mystery level).He does this by switching between the past and present day while actually tying both of them together at the same time. He also leaves the concept open for the event to keep happening.
Way to write, Mr. Coleman! I thought that the first book would be unbeatable, but the twist into the Roanoke story and Croatoan - unforgettable and fabulous! Bravo! Can't wait for the next instalment! ❤