From the author of THE MANY comes the chilling new novel in Field's cult trilogy. “Unnerving and intense” – Kirkus Reviews
It’s been three months since Dawn Flint was abducted from her home in the dead of night. Three months of harrowing flashbacks, disturbing visions and acute morning sickness.
Hoping to expose the anonymous group responsible, Dawn is joined by Karl Morgan, whose sister suffered a similar sexual trauma. Together they've tracked down Dawn's abductor to his family home.
During an intense interrogation, Dawn soon has reason to believe their every move is being watched. And when the anonymous group intervenes in stunning, unexpected fashion, Dawn comes to the horrifying conclusion that the seed she's carrying is the only thing keeping her alive.
Relentlessly creepy and utterly addictive, ANCESTRAL will linger in your mind long after the final twist is revealed.
This is the second book in the series, but it worked as a stand-alone book for me. There was enough information given for me to figure out what happened in the first book.
Dawn Flint had been abducted from her home in the middle of the night. Now three months later, she is pregnant and experiencing flashbacks to what happened to her. She wants answers and she is seeking revenge. She is being helped by Karl Morgan whose sister was also drugged and raped. Together they are looking for answers while trying to stay alive and avoid detection. Is that even possible?
So, who are these masked faceless men who are part of the breeding program but also have their hands in so many other things. They are a secretive group who use murder, manipulation, torture and rape to control? What is the purpose of the breeding program? How does the "Many" know their every move? Plus, who are the many? What are they going to do next?
So, this is a creepy book that won’t be for everyone. It starts out strong with both characters, but mainly Dawn, torturing the man who raped her to obtain some information from him. For some it will cause triggers - so be warned. For this one will need to suspend some disbelief and if you are willing to read something with some difficult subject matter, you may enjoy it. I found this to be a fast read and didn't feel that I missed too much with not having read the first book in the series. I did wish that the two main characters were fleshed out a little more - but again, perhaps we received more info on them in first book.
Again, if you have the stomach for the subject matter, you may enjoy this one. It’s a dark, creepy book with faceless bad guys, and two main characters seeking survival, answers and revenge. Plus, there is a twist at the end that had me going "what?" and "How did that happen?" and "Why?" I didn't see that coming which was nice. This was a fast read which had me guessing (and turning the pages) as to if they would be caught, would they get all the answers and how the book would end.
I received a copy of this book from the Author, Silvermac publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ancestral is the second part of a trilogy called The Many, about two young people trying to take down a sinister organisation of “Faceless Men” responsible for the deaths of their family members. You definitely need to read Book 1 to understand what’s going on here - yes you get some recap but without the background, the main characters’ actions will seem extremely unreasonable.
I received a post publication review copy of the whole trilogy but am doing the individual books as I go. I didn’t enjoy this one any more than the first, unfortunately - it has the same issues with implausibility and unlikeability, and a rather plodding pace, but it does explain more about the conspiracy and provide a reasonably satisfying ending.
Karl and Dawn, on a mission to find and punish the faceless for the rape and murders of his sister and her mother, follow their only lead and finally have one of the guilty parties to question. Dawn, pregnant and emotionally volatile as a result of her own rape and brainwashing, is losing control with bursts of extreme violence, and Karl has to both keep them self from the spies who seem to be everywhere, and work out what their end game is - do they want revenge, to protect other young women, or to bring down The Many completely?
I commented in my review of The Many that it was more horror than thriller. This one drops the horror elements, and reads more like a not very thrilling thriller. It’s dark, brutal and often gory, and while I get that our protagonists can’t go to the police who they believe have been infiltrated by The Many at all levels, their decisions put themselves and innocents at risk with every stupid mistake they make. I got bored of Dawn’s tantrums and mood swings, and thought the concept behind the “breeding program” was ridiculous. Karl dithers and frets and wasn’t much of a hero. I had to remind myself that they are both very young, but still… The final part did at least deliver a gratifying resolution, however unrealistic.
I wasn’t sure whether I could face another instalment of this when I’ve got so much else to read, but from the index see that there are chapters set in both the past and the future, which sounds more interesting, and I do want to complete my review for NetGalley, so will get on to it when I can. 2.5 rounded up for competent writing.
Ancestral by Nathan Field is the 2nd in The Many thriller trilogy.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the Indie publisher and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Note that although I was sent the entire trilogy, I am reviewing them separately on my blog, and at different times.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books) Karl's sister committed suicide after a date. Dawn's mother was also suicidal after a date. The two joined forces to find out why their loved one's personalities changed so drastically. What they found was a group who were using mind controlling drugs to breed. Dawn herself was part of the experiment, but has only found out recently. She is pregnant.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions) It's been 3 months since she was abducted, raped, and subjected to mind control tactics. Dawn is pregnant from that experience, and not happy. Between the morning sickness, and her ever-changing moods, she is having problems coping. Karl is not happy with her either, but is desperately trying to keep her from harm, or from harming anyone else when the darkness within her rises.
The pair are trying to expose "The Many", and finally tracked down the man responsible for Dawn's condition. He doesn't fair well from Dawn's interrogation.
The only thing they are sure of is the fact that Dawn's pregnancy may be the only thing keeping them safe. They know they are being followed, but they are intent on finding answers, and prevent the rape of many more girls.
As Dawn's moods get worse, Karl has visions of his sister's suicide. He will do all he can to keep Dawn safe, but that is becoming more difficult, as he can no longer trust her.
My Opinions: Okay, the first book was good - I gave it 3.5 stars, but now I'm hooked.
I wasn't overly impressed with Dawn in the first book, and things didn't really improve in this one, mind control or not. However, she is definitely an interesting character. Karl continued to be her protector, which made him much more appealing. I liked the addition of Professor Sweeney as a relevant character.
The book's topic of sexual abuse and mind control are a little dark, and the violence a little extreme, but the writing was really good.
The story definitely kept me interested, and the ending fore-shadowed where the third book was headed, although I had often suspected that is where it would end up.
Overall, it's another rather dark and creepy tale, with quite a bit of violence thrown in. I'm looking forward to the third and final book in this trilogy.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
This is the second book in a planned trilogy and you definitely need to read THE MANY before beginning this one as you will miss the backstory that explains the events that happen in this one.
Dawn Flint and Karl Morgan are on the run and on the hunt for the faceless men. They've figured out that Dawn's pregnancy is the main thing keeping them alive as The Many have eyes and ears everywhere. Dawn and Karl are seeking out anyone with knowledge and information about this secretive group in hopes of finding out their ultimate plans. What is the goal of these monsters and can they be stopped? Anytime the stories of what this cabal has done come out, abject fear and silence are the reactions. Armed with some of the secrets, Dawn and Karl may have a plan. NO SPOILERS.
This was typical of most middle books in any trilogy. There's a lot of time spent with absolutely nothing happening and the author really shovels out completely banal details about Dawn and Karl and their activities. The two don't really have meaningful conversations about what they are doing and thinking as they aren't always honest with each other. Dawn's motives for their quest are not the same as Karl's. I can't really say that I cared at all for the character of Dawn despite all the awful stuff that's happened to her and her behavior and attitude got old and she seemed very immature. Karl didn't score much higher for me, but he was trying to be her protector even though kept in the dark floundering around wondering what the heck was going on with Dawn all the time. Tedious. The best part of the book is the church scene and glad that my slog through paid off as I was hoping for something redemptive after all those pages. So much of the premise is ludicrous and it's hard to continue the suspension of disbelief at times. Truth told, it reminded me a lot of Dean Koontz's Jane Hawk series though this one is not quite on the same level. It's a good enough thriller and provided the requisite entertainment but I mostly just wanted to finish it. A lot of the narrative just meandered with lots of excessive details and interactions that weren't advancing the plot. At this moment I'm not sure that I will read the final book, but who knows. I have a thing about finishing what I start.
Thank you to NetGalley and Silvermac Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I read #1 and #2 back to back.
4.5 rounded up. The saga continues and it is better than the first. I couldn't stop reading this today, every time I put the book down to take care of real life things, I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Thank goodness for take out!
There are layers here…the subjugation of women...the arrogance of the 1%....the demise of decency. Trump's America? At one point Dawn says, "It’s like everyone’s in on the joke except us." Maybe it's not a cult anymore....it's the modern world. I am finding this series profound and disturbing and completely immersive.
Ancestral wasn't at all what I was expecting. Let me preface this by saying I haven't read the first book however i was able to form a pretty quick idea of what it was about. So while I wouldn't say Ancestral is a stand alone and would probably be even better if I read the first book it can be, in my opinion, be read without knowing the whole story.
I was instantly pulled into the story by the secrecy and mystery of this faceless, secretive organization and by Karl and Dawn's characters. Both very well written with their individual voices and point of views.
Karl is your almost typical guy saying the wrong things at the wrong time but with a nobility and sympathy to him. He was likeable and didn't remind me of a cookie cutter hero. Because he wasn't.
Dawn, while stoic and unreliable, was also likeable and relatable at times. She had a strong voice with an even stronger personality.
There was no putting this book down. And the author did an amazing job keeping you on the edge of your seat on each page. I was left guessing what would happen next and the ending was a slam dunk with a surprise I never saw coming.
I would highly recommend this book and the first even though I haven't read it yet.
I was provided a free copy of this book, thanks netgalley, for an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. The Many was creepy good and Ancestral is even better. I love the two main characters - especially Dawn who is so damn strong even when she’s losing it. If you think you know where the plot’s heading - you’re wrong. The final twist left me on the floor. More please!
Ancestral by Nathan Field is a thriller that starts from page one. Dawn has been wronged by faceless men and she teams up with Karl whose sister had died by the same hands. Together they track down the faceless men of 'The Many' while on the run from the same organisation.
Although I enjoyed this book, it read more like the middle of a trilogy or series than a stand alone book. It started in the middle of a story where I would have preferred a lead up, this would have allowed me to become more invested in the characters.
Overall this was an easy book to read I was just expecting a bit more emotional intensity to come from it.
Fans of conspiracy theory books and the like would enjoy this book.
This book is full of suspense, granted I haven't read the first book of this installment but It quickly reeled you in and kept you hooked. Dawn was abducted in the middle of the night,now, three months later she's been plagued with flashbacks and visions, determined to expose whoever is behind her torment, she seeks out the anonymous group with the help of Karl Morgan whose sister went through a similar sexual trauma, in the midst of it all, they found out it runs deeper than they could have ever thought I urge readers to read this book even if it might be outside one's comfort zone, it's worth it.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Reading this book is a visceral experience – terrifying in the best possible way. I was a big fan of The Many since I’m a sucker for stories about secret societies and sinister cults. But it definitely left you hanging at the end and I was itching to read the sequel.
Ancestral follows directly on from the first book with Karl knocking on the door of Damian Kerr, one of the faceless men he’s managed to track down. Because the group is so intensely secretive, even its own members don’t know each other, and Karl is able to convince Damian he’s one of The Many. But there’s an uneasiness about the conversation, and Damian begins to suspect that Karl is an imposter.
This is just the opening chapter of the novel and it hooked me from the start. It’s hard to describe the plot without giving away spoilers, but I couldn’t stop flipping the pages – it read like a movie script or a Netflix series. It was tense throughout but when the really scary scenes arrive, man oh man, they are nerve-shredding! The surprise ending was brilliantly done and I would’ve been happy if that was the end of the story. But there are still a few lingering questions and I will definitely be hunting down the third book when it comes.
You can probably read this book as a stand-alone like some reviewers have suggested, but I’d definitely recommend reading The Many first. My only caveat as that the series might be too intense and sexual for some tastes, but if you have the nerve, you're in for a treat.
Second book in the The Many series, some readers may find it difficult to start with book two instead of book one; however, while backstory may be missing, the story itself does not lose its intrigue or chilling intensity. Dawn Flint and Karl Morgan are on the hunt for “The Many.” What is the many? And can they be stopped?
Book 2 in the trilogy. I am rating the trilogy as a whole although reviewing them separately.
Dawn and Karl set out to learn the deeper secrets behind The Many. We learn…some secrets, but much is still kept hidden. This book serves as a violent bridge between the intro which seems to be about mind control and brainwashing and the last book…getting to that….but here we really dig more into the secret society aspect of the overall story.
Dawn is just NOT a likable character. It makes perfect sense why she isn’t likable and her personality changes are totally relevant to the plot. But…it doesn’t make you want to root for her. Karl is more sympathetic.
This book is quite violent. It’s also stretching plausibility to its limit, but if you like a conspiracy/secret society story, you can probably overlook that. I liked the ending and it made me finally root for Dawn a bit more. Not a stand alone book, needs to be read within the trilogy.
So this book was weird, even to me. Ancestral is book 2 in The Many series but can be read as a stand-alone. I almost don't recommend that. I felt reading only this book without reading the previous book that I missed out on some story building. My opinions on this book may change after I read the first book.
Ok, so Ancestral starts with Karl entering the home of Damien, a known kidnapper and rapist. He is there to avenge his sister and friend. Some crazy things happen and then he and Dawn (his friend) are on the run. Dawn is pregnant and a lot of her story happened in the first book (which again I missed). She is in search for revenge on The Many who did this to her. What follows is a story of action, gore, suspense and a lot of other feelings, emotions, and actions mixed together in a well written, but still weird, read. I recommend but only after reading book 1.
If your heart calmed eventually after reading The Many, the first book in this amazing Conspiracy series, it'll beat at a breathtaking pace once again. Karl and Dawn have each found their purpose in life: revenge and vengeance. Karl determines to discover the foundation of The Many in order to destroy the organization. Discovering that either there are far more men involved than expected, or that they are few but operating on viral reputation only confuses the plan, and the input of Professor Sweeney, once victimized by The Many because he dared to speak of it, serves to both clarify and muddy what Karl knows.
This was just barely a passable read. There were numerous times that I almost gave up on it. Way too unbelievable. I can't see myself reading anything else by this author.
The second book in 'The Many' trilogy did not disappoint. At. All. The book is as fast paced, engaging, but with lesser jump scares than the first one maybe due to the fact that the first one revolved around their face-off with the Many. The second book moves mostly around paranoia, because I could really feel myself sweating as Dawn and Karl moved forward with their adventures to try and unmask 'The Many', and boy, the truth is horrific to learn. Dawn is pregnant, and Karl impersonates himself as a 'brother' to Damian Kerr, her unborn child's father to get the truth out about The Many. However, things take an ugly turn with them leaving with a lot of information to hold, and at the same time, with an unnerving fear of keeping their horses alive and counting the days after getting smashed with things they weren't supposed to know.
'Yeah. I'd be worried too.' he said. 'Brother, you are about to meet Karma'
They continue around places, shifting with their different personifications, and yet they always seem to get tracked. Meanwhile, they come across a story of a professor who became a victim of The Many and now forced to live in their fear. When they decide to confront Sweeney, the professor, he gives them a lot, and they discover a chilling conclusion the reason why they were alive- Dawn and her unborn child. I was impressed with the way the things proceeded here with an overwhelming twist at the end. Nathan has left no stone unturned to shudder us, and boy, I was bowled. The last chapter just showed how much bringing the truth out mattered to Karl. I loved Karl's positive optimism, and the small moment Dawn and him share. I don't know. I just feel like they are made for each other, you know, having each other's backs, and being supportive even though they have their differences in field. Again, character development and the setting was just wow. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me have a copy of this splendid thriller, and I'm grateful I got to read it. Thriller lovers, just go for it! do not wait, for Nathan never disappoints for once.
It's not the baby they want. It's me. Always has been
'So you are saying the organisation's power is based on technology?' 'No. Their power is based on fear. But the speed and reach of that fear is being augumented by technology.'
Not all mysteries are meant to be wrapped up and tied off with a neat little bow
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ebook copy of The Many By: Nathan Field in exchange for an honest review.
I was mesmerized by the first book of The Many and I can't help to keep reading the second book. In this second book the journey of Dawn and Karl was really intense and I'm a big sucker for crime, runaway and intese storyline in general. And for the bonus it gives more inside look about The Many. There is so many blatant violence in this book but it balanced with the story and feeling that Dawn and Karl for eachother. Really good book and I can't stop binging this series!
Wow! What an ending! Or is it? I think we are looking for a number 3 to come out! I will be in line to get it! This is an action packed, mind blowing read! You will be on the edge of your seat, turning page after page well past your bedtime! It does come with some warnings so please be aware before you start this awesome cult thriller!
A great sequel to "The Many". Karl and Dawn are fleeing from the faceless, Dawn being three months pregnant. I'm reluctant to divulge any more for fear of spoiling the story but it kept me gripped and entertained throughout.
Karl Morgan and Dawn Flint have arrived at one of “the many” homes. His name is Damien Kerr. Kerr is interrogated by Karl and Dawn. Karl lost his sister because of “the many.” Dawn is three months pregnant by them. Having a difficult time getting any information about them Dawn decides to torture him. They discover that this covert group is called “the many” and not much more. Why? As they continue to search, they are aware that “the many” are probably aware of what they are doing. Yet, they aren’t harmed. Dawn makes a decision that Karl doesn’t understand.
The author has written an intense novel. At times I felt as afraid as the characters in the story. Even though this book is written as a sequel (?) it can be read as a stand-alone. It is a novel that does ak me wonder what would happen if there was such an organization. Would they win?
Ancestral was a good book that moved nicely. I love a good cult story and its concept was unique. The characters were well developed and I found myself rooting for them all along the way. It was twisted, violent and a tad bit sexual for my taste, but not over the top and very much in line with the theme, unlike some stories that throw it in for the sake of titillation and nothing else. I will say, I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the ending and look forward to reading the next installment.
Ancestral was a good book that moved nicely; at first I was not sure about it as I had not read the first one. I love a good cult story and its concept was unique. The characters were well developed and I found myself rooting for them all along the way. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending and look forward to reading the next installment. I am also going to go back and read the first one as well. You can read this one without doing that but you may find yourself lost sometimes in the story due to that but it does not deter from this one.
Thankyou to NetGalley, Silvermac Publishing and the author, Nathan Field, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Ancestral in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. I jumped at the chance to read a copy of this book as I thought the premise sounded so good. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it at all. I found the storyline to be very slow and just did not hold my interest. Ancestral is certainly not a book for me.
Ancestral is a suspenseful psychological thriller.
The story is about Dawn who is still struggling with flashbacks and visions of the past month. She was abducted from her home in the dead of night. She is now determined to expose the group responsible for her abduction.
A bit dark, but very well written with excellent characters.
It's one of those novels that will keep you up at night. Highly recommend!