What do you think?
Rate this book
NecroVerse #1
Unleashed
Welcome to Hyde Station, a mining platform floating in the backwaters of SOL’s trade route, where the industry of extracting precious metals from asteroids is big business. Down on his luck and desperate to make quota, Jacoby happens upon a “cherry rock”. The kind that wouldn’t just meet his quota but put him into a sizeable financial bonus.
But there’s a problem. A scan shows a sizeable hollow cavity inside, and company procedures are clear: voids must be drilled and tested for potentially explosive gases. That would mean handing it over to a specialty drilling team, and thus, kissing his payday goodbye. Refusing to hand his financial future away, Jacoby ignores his terminal’s warning and stakes his claim. Except, his saw cuts into more than just rock.
Something was inside… something alive. Jacoby quickly learns that some rocks are hiding more than just precious minerals and trace metals. And when some things are set loose, there is no putting them back.
Mankind will never be the same.
But there’s a problem. A scan shows a sizeable hollow cavity inside, and company procedures are clear: voids must be drilled and tested for potentially explosive gases. That would mean handing it over to a specialty drilling team, and thus, kissing his payday goodbye. Refusing to hand his financial future away, Jacoby ignores his terminal’s warning and stakes his claim. Except, his saw cuts into more than just rock.
Something was inside… something alive. Jacoby quickly learns that some rocks are hiding more than just precious minerals and trace metals. And when some things are set loose, there is no putting them back.
Mankind will never be the same.
- GenresHarem
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2019
112 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Bunce
12 books21 followersAuthor Aaron Bunce started his academic career in criminal justice, but eventually connected his life-long love of literature with his passion for writing. After finishing his debut novel, Within, he attended Southern New Hampshire University’s English and creative writing program. He released his first novel as The Winter of Swords, and is excited to release the next two volumes in the overthrown series, Before the Crow, and A March of Woe, in 2019. Aaron is also releasing The Delving, an all-new supplementary novel, helping to build the lore and world showcased in his six part fantasy series.
Besides writing, Aaron is constantly searching for a portal to other worlds, working to keep his two daughters from taking over the world, and supports his wife’s desire to vacation in Skyrim. Check out his website www.aaronbunce.com for information on current books, series, as well as news on upcoming releases.
Besides writing, Aaron is constantly searching for a portal to other worlds, working to keep his two daughters from taking over the world, and supports his wife’s desire to vacation in Skyrim. Check out his website www.aaronbunce.com for information on current books, series, as well as news on upcoming releases.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 25, 2019
I wasn't quite certain what to expect approaching this book. The blurb says sci-fi zombie horrors, the cover screams harem. In the end, it's a mix of both, but much more the former than the latter.
Overall, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It has its shortcomings at times but they were easy enough to look beyond. Mainly the same character being surprised and stumbling for the Xth time by the mutant zombie monsters again, lady please learn to walk properly.
The author manages to put in a surprising amount of world-building without it distracting from the story, set a nice atmosphere, build up the places and people we're about to see destroyed in various horrific fashions.
For the most part, this is space horror running along the lines of Necromorphs, the Flood, with a smattering of the thing and pretty decent at that. It has the usual you'd expect, from the dystopian future to the greedy corporate executives and amoral scientists, without going overboard with them to the point where they all remain believable.
The MC gets a heavy helping of character development himself, he's clearly a flawed character with a bunch of problems. Which already makes him quite a bit deeper than many other protagonists in a similar setting. Whether the author manages to build upon this remains to be seen in the next installment.
The author also takes the time and puts in the effort to develop the ladies the MC gets involved with, they're more than paper-thin, have their own motivations and backstories and are active participants in the story and struggle for survival rather than just window dressing.
So far I like the story and would recommend it to anyone who likes zombie/mutant horror in space with some slight fantastic elements. The harem aspect doesn't really distract from the story and is at the moment rather minor, mostly helping to develop the characters relationships with one another instead of being the main focus. To the point where one who dislikes it, could likely pretty much ignore it.
Overall, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It has its shortcomings at times but they were easy enough to look beyond. Mainly the same character being surprised and stumbling for the Xth time by the mutant zombie monsters again, lady please learn to walk properly.
The author manages to put in a surprising amount of world-building without it distracting from the story, set a nice atmosphere, build up the places and people we're about to see destroyed in various horrific fashions.
For the most part, this is space horror running along the lines of Necromorphs, the Flood, with a smattering of the thing and pretty decent at that. It has the usual you'd expect, from the dystopian future to the greedy corporate executives and amoral scientists, without going overboard with them to the point where they all remain believable.
The MC gets a heavy helping of character development himself, he's clearly a flawed character with a bunch of problems. Which already makes him quite a bit deeper than many other protagonists in a similar setting. Whether the author manages to build upon this remains to be seen in the next installment.
The author also takes the time and puts in the effort to develop the ladies the MC gets involved with, they're more than paper-thin, have their own motivations and backstories and are active participants in the story and struggle for survival rather than just window dressing.
So far I like the story and would recommend it to anyone who likes zombie/mutant horror in space with some slight fantastic elements. The harem aspect doesn't really distract from the story and is at the moment rather minor, mostly helping to develop the characters relationships with one another instead of being the main focus. To the point where one who dislikes it, could likely pretty much ignore it.
August 23, 2019
Keep this in mind, folks. This is for readers eighteen and up. There's enough blood, boobs, and bones to last you until you get over the rushed final season of Game of Thrones! Let's get down to business!
The story follows Jacoby, an asteroid driller person who takes a chance on a big pay day by drilling into a risky rock. What happens next tears his world apart. What starts as a simple voice in his head turns into something that changes the way Jacoby reacts to the people and settings around him, and it also changes how others react to him...
Without spoiling much, these changes Jacoby goes through enhance his testosterone to astronomical levels. Enough that the women he encounters lose certain... inhibitions.
Now things get sexy. Meet Anna, a super smart technician on the space station and Jacoby's best friend since they were kids. She thinks quick and acts fast, and I don't just mean when it comes to her work or fighting to save her friends.
Next up is Soraya, a former athlete with the rockin bod to show for it. I love the inner struggle she goes through during the series of events in this book. While I don't like some of her decisions, that's what makes for a good character! I have to say she was my favorite character, for a few reasons...
Then we have Lex! The no-nonsense soldier with a troubled past. She calls it how it is, and bases her decisions on her surroundings. She's a tried and true leader. Plus, she has a kick ass haircut.
Of course, the sexual encounters were fun to read. This is an easy comment for me to make, but writing a sex scene isn't easy work! A lot of times when I've read sex scenes in books, they're either so cringe worthy it's distracting, too cheesy to be serious, or they're easy fade to black fill-in-your-own-sex here. Unleashed has the best sex I've read. Aaron tells it like it is, but doesn't go overboard with the sticky details.
This harem adventure was written in a way that I think readers of all sexes will enjoy. So we follow these four characters, and the rest of the space station crew, as they battle a threat that can't be readily identified. I loved this! Who's the villain? Is this person good? Bad? Something worse? Wait, are they a person anymore? Let's just go with something worse. Prepare to witness some gruesome concoctions I haven't seen or read of before. It's a really unique take on a horror monster that makes you look at yourself a bit differently.
Unleashed is a mix of Venom meets the Evil Dead, but more gruesome and whole lot sexier! It kept me entertained from beginning to end. I kept wondering and trying to figure out why these things were happening. When a book keeps me thinking and asking questions I really enjoy it. I still have questions now that the book has ended, but that's why this is the first book in the series. I'll have to wait for book two to have my questions answered, but I'm looking forward to the continuation of this series. I finished Unleashed in maybe a week or two, which is fast for me! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'll probably go ahead and give it a reread once the sequel is ready to come out.
Now things get sexy. Meet Anna, a super smart technician on the space station and Jacoby's best friend since they were kids. She thinks quick and acts fast, and I don't just mean when it comes to her work or fighting to save her friends.
Next up is Soraya, a former athlete with the rockin bod to show for it. I love the inner struggle she goes through during the series of events in this book. While I don't like some of her decisions, that's what makes for a good character! I have to say she was my favorite character, for a few reasons...
Then we have Lex! The no-nonsense soldier with a troubled past. She calls it how it is, and bases her decisions on her surroundings. She's a tried and true leader. Plus, she has a kick ass haircut.
Of course, the sexual encounters were fun to read. This is an easy comment for me to make, but writing a sex scene isn't easy work! A lot of times when I've read sex scenes in books, they're either so cringe worthy it's distracting, too cheesy to be serious, or they're easy fade to black fill-in-your-own-sex here. Unleashed has the best sex I've read. Aaron tells it like it is, but doesn't go overboard with the sticky details.
This harem adventure was written in a way that I think readers of all sexes will enjoy. So we follow these four characters, and the rest of the space station crew, as they battle a threat that can't be readily identified. I loved this! Who's the villain? Is this person good? Bad? Something worse? Wait, are they a person anymore? Let's just go with something worse. Prepare to witness some gruesome concoctions I haven't seen or read of before. It's a really unique take on a horror monster that makes you look at yourself a bit differently.
Unleashed is a mix of Venom meets the Evil Dead, but more gruesome and whole lot sexier! It kept me entertained from beginning to end. I kept wondering and trying to figure out why these things were happening. When a book keeps me thinking and asking questions I really enjoy it. I still have questions now that the book has ended, but that's why this is the first book in the series. I'll have to wait for book two to have my questions answered, but I'm looking forward to the continuation of this series. I finished Unleashed in maybe a week or two, which is fast for me! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'll probably go ahead and give it a reread once the sequel is ready to come out.
October 17, 2019
Lives up to the hype!
Not normally a fan of horror books, that said I was intrigued by the headspace references. So glad I actually took the time to read this, the plot moves forwards continually with enough twists that you don't see them coming till they slap you in face. A well crafted sci-fi story that will keep you on your toes till the end. Reminiscent of Aliens, resident evil and deadspace. If you're a fan of any of these, do yourself a favour and read this now!
Not normally a fan of horror books, that said I was intrigued by the headspace references. So glad I actually took the time to read this, the plot moves forwards continually with enough twists that you don't see them coming till they slap you in face. A well crafted sci-fi story that will keep you on your toes till the end. Reminiscent of Aliens, resident evil and deadspace. If you're a fan of any of these, do yourself a favour and read this now!
August 27, 2019
Loved it
To me,someone finally wrote a book that captures a scene straight from the movie (The thing) and put it into space in the future with lots of action and bad ass women.I loved this story I had to finish it ASAP.
To me,someone finally wrote a book that captures a scene straight from the movie (The thing) and put it into space in the future with lots of action and bad ass women.I loved this story I had to finish it ASAP.
September 26, 2019
"A Science Fiction Horror Adventure" sums this up, so there's truth in advertising for sure. Fast-paced with lots of violence and some suspenseful horror-movie-type scenes, it's well written and reads well. I'm interested to see where this goes, so I look forward to the next one.
September 13, 2019
Fun science fiction horror. It's like a mash up between zombies and The Thing on a space station. Fun read but not for those who are bothered by sex and gore in novels.
March 24, 2021
This review relates to the audiobook version.
This was my first Sci-Fi/Horror and, unexpectedly, erotica and it was good.
The storyline from the blurb sounded almost formulaic - an incident at a mining facility in space releases some pathogen and things get ugly. That is what happens, sort of. There is also a lot more....
The characters of importance are well described. The main character seems like a bit of a loser. He had a bad situation so he drinks, doesn’t talk about things and is insecure and cowed by his bitch of a boss. His girlfriend has a unpleasant family which she is running away from. The MC is a miner who unleashes something from a pocket within an asteroid / ore body because he ignores procedures and he ignores procedures because he is behind on his ore quota.
I expected him to start mutating or transforming which he did, but not in the way I expected. It’s almost as if the infection is a split personality wanting him to do things that he wouldn’t usually do. To spice it up the infection changes his body in subtle ways (at first) causing him to release more pheromones which drives women he encounters crazy with lust (hence the erotica bits) and makes men more aggressive towards him.
There was one bit I found almost tedious. The first fight at the clinic seemed to be much too drawn out especially since we see it twice, once from the MC’s viewpoint and once from his girlfriend’s. It was an important scene though, because it was the first time the second personality gained control.
Overall a good book and not the usual horror story. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review
This was my first Sci-Fi/Horror and, unexpectedly, erotica and it was good.
The storyline from the blurb sounded almost formulaic - an incident at a mining facility in space releases some pathogen and things get ugly. That is what happens, sort of. There is also a lot more....
The characters of importance are well described. The main character seems like a bit of a loser. He had a bad situation so he drinks, doesn’t talk about things and is insecure and cowed by his bitch of a boss. His girlfriend has a unpleasant family which she is running away from. The MC is a miner who unleashes something from a pocket within an asteroid / ore body because he ignores procedures and he ignores procedures because he is behind on his ore quota.
I expected him to start mutating or transforming which he did, but not in the way I expected. It’s almost as if the infection is a split personality wanting him to do things that he wouldn’t usually do. To spice it up the infection changes his body in subtle ways (at first) causing him to release more pheromones which drives women he encounters crazy with lust (hence the erotica bits) and makes men more aggressive towards him.
There was one bit I found almost tedious. The first fight at the clinic seemed to be much too drawn out especially since we see it twice, once from the MC’s viewpoint and once from his girlfriend’s. It was an important scene though, because it was the first time the second personality gained control.
Overall a good book and not the usual horror story. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review
January 19, 2020
5 ⭐️
Unleashed is the first sci-fi novel that I’ve read probably since I graduated high school 8 years ago. I fell in love with sci-fi again while reading this book! The intricacies of the world, the action and excitement, and the characters. Everything about this book drew me in! The comic book style cover, the blurb, I even like the way the chapters are by hours and days. The countdown by hours and days that mark the new chapters had me on the edge of my seat! Aaron Bunce does an amazing job of building and stirring anticipation in his readers and his characters aren’t too bad either. Aaron Bunce is an author that be underestimated! He creates an elaborate world but he also writes some very steamy scenes that hinted at romance. As an avid romance reader I was very very impressed!
I loved Jacoby and Anna from the start! Their friendship, the way they take care of each other, and their interactions with the people around them were so real. They are so easy to identify with! I mean, who’s never had a job that hits a low point? Who’s never wanted to be the best for their friend? Then we are introduced to Soraya and Lex. I liked them both immediately! I think Redheads are awesome and as an African American woman I was so excited to see one have an important part of this book!
Jacoby, Anna, Soraya, and Lex are thrown together in an impossible situation and go through some crazy, out of this world; see what I did there, stuff! Somehow they survive until the end only for everyone to be thrown for a loop! I usually hate cliffhangers but this one felt more like an answer and completed the storyline of the book so well I wasn’t even mad! I cannot wait to read Exodus; book 2! If you’re a fan of sci-fi or just wanting to read something new, this book is for you!
Unleashed is the first sci-fi novel that I’ve read probably since I graduated high school 8 years ago. I fell in love with sci-fi again while reading this book! The intricacies of the world, the action and excitement, and the characters. Everything about this book drew me in! The comic book style cover, the blurb, I even like the way the chapters are by hours and days. The countdown by hours and days that mark the new chapters had me on the edge of my seat! Aaron Bunce does an amazing job of building and stirring anticipation in his readers and his characters aren’t too bad either. Aaron Bunce is an author that be underestimated! He creates an elaborate world but he also writes some very steamy scenes that hinted at romance. As an avid romance reader I was very very impressed!
I loved Jacoby and Anna from the start! Their friendship, the way they take care of each other, and their interactions with the people around them were so real. They are so easy to identify with! I mean, who’s never had a job that hits a low point? Who’s never wanted to be the best for their friend? Then we are introduced to Soraya and Lex. I liked them both immediately! I think Redheads are awesome and as an African American woman I was so excited to see one have an important part of this book!
Jacoby, Anna, Soraya, and Lex are thrown together in an impossible situation and go through some crazy, out of this world; see what I did there, stuff! Somehow they survive until the end only for everyone to be thrown for a loop! I usually hate cliffhangers but this one felt more like an answer and completed the storyline of the book so well I wasn’t even mad! I cannot wait to read Exodus; book 2! If you’re a fan of sci-fi or just wanting to read something new, this book is for you!
October 23, 2019
It's ok.
Could use some more polish in spelling and grammar. Also, there are times where the texture makes no sense. Examples would be the flashback: if he was attacked with the knife, how did he both keep the knife away and strangle his father who is described as large and powerful? Or when they're trapped by the flight tech. They were in the room when he was securing doors, which means they were on the safe side, yet the tech locks them in and is killed, but somehow Jacoby comes from behind their attacker? He should have been heading for the elevators if I read correctly. The commissary is confusing as well. How is it empty and quiet if also being attacked?
Going forward I hope we get to see the story take a transhumanist direction, and not just for the MCs since this virus should be affecting everyone not displaying influenza. Especially since said virus is clearly not what humanity thinks of as science.
It kind of reminds me of the proto molecule from The Expanse, though not as widespread in application.
Definitely should expand the POVs to include Lex and Soraya. It'll be cool to see them all gain their own abilities like Jacoby seems to have.
Could use some more polish in spelling and grammar. Also, there are times where the texture makes no sense. Examples would be the flashback: if he was attacked with the knife, how did he both keep the knife away and strangle his father who is described as large and powerful? Or when they're trapped by the flight tech. They were in the room when he was securing doors, which means they were on the safe side, yet the tech locks them in and is killed, but somehow Jacoby comes from behind their attacker? He should have been heading for the elevators if I read correctly. The commissary is confusing as well. How is it empty and quiet if also being attacked?
Going forward I hope we get to see the story take a transhumanist direction, and not just for the MCs since this virus should be affecting everyone not displaying influenza. Especially since said virus is clearly not what humanity thinks of as science.
It kind of reminds me of the proto molecule from The Expanse, though not as widespread in application.
Definitely should expand the POVs to include Lex and Soraya. It'll be cool to see them all gain their own abilities like Jacoby seems to have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2020
For readers 18+ due to adult situations and violence.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I dived head long into this book especially since it's not a genre I usually read. But. Yes, there is a but. Ha. Have no fear because this was an absolutely awesome story that grabs you and keeps you until the end.
When I'm reading, I like to be able to see the story in my mind while I'm reading the words. Oh, Bunce gives you that. His storytelling is on point. His description of the characters and the horror is executed so well that at some point you'll be looking behind you to make sure you're not being followed or something creepy is waiting to attack you. You'll get chills.
The adult interactions are great, hot and sexy. 💋 you may even wish you were the one in the story, it's just hot. You'll be fanning yourself throughout the book. Meow.
I feel as if this is a must read for people even if it's not your normal genre, you should give it a try. I did and it was the bomb. I loved it, although, it had me creeped out during the story. Maybe I scare easily or get freaked easily. Who knows.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I dived head long into this book especially since it's not a genre I usually read. But. Yes, there is a but. Ha. Have no fear because this was an absolutely awesome story that grabs you and keeps you until the end.
When I'm reading, I like to be able to see the story in my mind while I'm reading the words. Oh, Bunce gives you that. His storytelling is on point. His description of the characters and the horror is executed so well that at some point you'll be looking behind you to make sure you're not being followed or something creepy is waiting to attack you. You'll get chills.
The adult interactions are great, hot and sexy. 💋 you may even wish you were the one in the story, it's just hot. You'll be fanning yourself throughout the book. Meow.
I feel as if this is a must read for people even if it's not your normal genre, you should give it a try. I did and it was the bomb. I loved it, although, it had me creeped out during the story. Maybe I scare easily or get freaked easily. Who knows.
November 2, 2019
While lengthy dialog is still not one of Aaron's stronger points (I'm sorry!), it is more than made up for in this book with fascinating, thrilling narration and plot. It's easy to get into this book, and the story line is fascinating, and while descriptions can get a bit repetitive, it doesn't distract from the overall flow. The characters are delightfully flawed and real, and the situation is wonderfully horrific. Not for kiddos. Looking forward to book 2. :)
October 19, 2019
A great read.
Too many times space novels overlook the mundane and nitty gritty of what space colonization and extended stay missions would be like. This novel not only combines the difficulty of that life with claustrophobic body horror, but also gives a fine redemption in the main character. Wish I could rate 6 stars.
Too many times space novels overlook the mundane and nitty gritty of what space colonization and extended stay missions would be like. This novel not only combines the difficulty of that life with claustrophobic body horror, but also gives a fine redemption in the main character. Wish I could rate 6 stars.
August 25, 2019
Not bad at all.
Was a little slow going.. and the jumping between characters thing has always irritated the hell out of me, but not bad.
Was a little slow going.. and the jumping between characters thing has always irritated the hell out of me, but not bad.
September 3, 2020
Slow building thriller
Not a classic horror or adventure story, but definitely a thrill to read. Great character development but moves slowly in some places.
Not a classic horror or adventure story, but definitely a thrill to read. Great character development but moves slowly in some places.
September 17, 2019
Solid book across the board
Draws on elements of a certain survival horror game. Adds its own flare and does it well. Good read for sure!
Draws on elements of a certain survival horror game. Adds its own flare and does it well. Good read for sure!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews