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Inhuman
A forgotten evil waits in Vietnam's dark jungle…
It is 1969. Somewhere over South Vietnam, Captain Brandon Doran sits aboard an unmarked aircraft on final approach to a Top Secret military base. A shadowy government operative is offering him a deal. Brandon is listening. Intently. In exchange for wiping away Brandon's tarnished military record, all Brandon will have to do is ensure the recon team, to which he is about to be assigned, follows orders. Easy enough. Or so Brandon thought.
Sergeant First Class John Nicholas has no time to be salty about the inexperienced officer sent to babysit him and his team; Recon Team Florida has gone missing near a remote village in the north. Now John, with Brandon and the mysterious "Smith" in tow, leads the elite Recon Team New York deep into North Vietnam on a rescue operation. At first, John expects heavy resistance. But intercepted radio traffic suggests something near that village has spooked even hardened NVA. And soon after New York's midnight insertion behind enemy lines, John finds out what.
Confronted in the night by a merciless demon, John reacts the way any soldier would: he shoots it. But John discovers, far too late, pulling the trigger is the worst mistake he can make.
Flung headlong into atrocity and supernatural chaos, New York's surviving members discover an unexpected ally in Jaran, a young novice in the old magic of her ancestors. She is the only defense New York has against this powerful evil. But to use her magic, she must pay a cruel price.
Now, with a ruthless NVA hunter-killer team on New York's trail, and an ancient evil lurking in the dark periphery, it dawns on this handful of survivors that escape has a brutal price. And to pay it, New York must become as inhuman as their demonic pursuer.
It is 1969. Somewhere over South Vietnam, Captain Brandon Doran sits aboard an unmarked aircraft on final approach to a Top Secret military base. A shadowy government operative is offering him a deal. Brandon is listening. Intently. In exchange for wiping away Brandon's tarnished military record, all Brandon will have to do is ensure the recon team, to which he is about to be assigned, follows orders. Easy enough. Or so Brandon thought.
Sergeant First Class John Nicholas has no time to be salty about the inexperienced officer sent to babysit him and his team; Recon Team Florida has gone missing near a remote village in the north. Now John, with Brandon and the mysterious "Smith" in tow, leads the elite Recon Team New York deep into North Vietnam on a rescue operation. At first, John expects heavy resistance. But intercepted radio traffic suggests something near that village has spooked even hardened NVA. And soon after New York's midnight insertion behind enemy lines, John finds out what.
Confronted in the night by a merciless demon, John reacts the way any soldier would: he shoots it. But John discovers, far too late, pulling the trigger is the worst mistake he can make.
Flung headlong into atrocity and supernatural chaos, New York's surviving members discover an unexpected ally in Jaran, a young novice in the old magic of her ancestors. She is the only defense New York has against this powerful evil. But to use her magic, she must pay a cruel price.
Now, with a ruthless NVA hunter-killer team on New York's trail, and an ancient evil lurking in the dark periphery, it dawns on this handful of survivors that escape has a brutal price. And to pay it, New York must become as inhuman as their demonic pursuer.
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
40 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 6, 2021
Mr. Eric Leland, you have written a damn fine novel.
This is one of the most realistically written books I have ever read and it is an excruciatingly intense character study about a group of men on a mission in the jungle. It's about friendship and brotherhood and leadership, transformation and redemption, the strength of family and tradition and it made me feel darn near every emotion known to man. It is also a very scary supernatural possession story. All of those things come together and work because of the strength of the characters. I can't tell you the last time I cared more for a bunch of letters written on a page (or on my kindle) but I sooooo connected with every character, loved them or HATED them, and was absolutely riveted from beginning to end. Hard to believe this is a debut novel as it is so well written and is very mature and focused.
I also have to tip my hat to the way the demon stuff was handled. I don't want to give away too much but let me say that I'm pretty picky when it comes to dialogue with demons and monsters and the like. I have a low tolerance threshold for what I consider corny and a lot of good and otherwise solid horror has been ruined by corniness or something that takes me out of whatever it is. For example the Evil Dead remake is a pretty good horror flick IMO but in the beginning when the father is about to light his possessed daughter on fire she says something about taking his soul and oh my god it was terrible and super corny and I laughed and the rest of the people in the theater got mad at me. BUT there is none of that here. There's more of a less is more approach to dialogue and all of it fits and flows and like everything else in the book, it works.
I got this from Netgalley and I want to thank them and Eric Leland for the opportunity to read this book but I gotta say I would pay ten bucks for this book. It is better than a lot of the stuff out there and is as satisfying a reading experience as I can remember having in a very long time. Well done Mr. Leland and I'm looking forward to what comes next.
This is one of the most realistically written books I have ever read and it is an excruciatingly intense character study about a group of men on a mission in the jungle. It's about friendship and brotherhood and leadership, transformation and redemption, the strength of family and tradition and it made me feel darn near every emotion known to man. It is also a very scary supernatural possession story. All of those things come together and work because of the strength of the characters. I can't tell you the last time I cared more for a bunch of letters written on a page (or on my kindle) but I sooooo connected with every character, loved them or HATED them, and was absolutely riveted from beginning to end. Hard to believe this is a debut novel as it is so well written and is very mature and focused.
I also have to tip my hat to the way the demon stuff was handled. I don't want to give away too much but let me say that I'm pretty picky when it comes to dialogue with demons and monsters and the like. I have a low tolerance threshold for what I consider corny and a lot of good and otherwise solid horror has been ruined by corniness or something that takes me out of whatever it is. For example the Evil Dead remake is a pretty good horror flick IMO but in the beginning when the father is about to light his possessed daughter on fire she says something about taking his soul and oh my god it was terrible and super corny and I laughed and the rest of the people in the theater got mad at me. BUT there is none of that here. There's more of a less is more approach to dialogue and all of it fits and flows and like everything else in the book, it works.
I got this from Netgalley and I want to thank them and Eric Leland for the opportunity to read this book but I gotta say I would pay ten bucks for this book. It is better than a lot of the stuff out there and is as satisfying a reading experience as I can remember having in a very long time. Well done Mr. Leland and I'm looking forward to what comes next.
October 2, 2025
This isn’t good at all. Author believes Green Berets carrying a litter and described as machete hacking their way through the jungle, can reasonably expect to move ~20 miles a day. MC suffers grievous stomach wound requiring stitches, MC has aforementioned sutures split open by squad mate, MC can hump a M60 and ammo no problem. MC needs to have his LUNG FUCKING STINTED WITH THE TUBE SUTURED TO HIS SIDE AND CAN STILL PERFORM COMBAT DUTIES! Author is under the impression that Green Berets are superhuman, which is exactly what GB’s want you to believe but usually one finds that only POGs succumb to their propaganda. C’est la guerre. I digress.
I get this is supposed to be fantastical horror fiction but there needs to be some realistic consequences of actions along with realistic expectation of capabilities, from your human characters. This is called creating tension. Friction is necessary in fiction, shocking concept I know. Nothing really has consequences in this narrative and as such removes any and all weight of suspense which then in turn causes me to not give a shite. This could have been really fucking good, setting gets it one bonus sad trombone star.
I get this is supposed to be fantastical horror fiction but there needs to be some realistic consequences of actions along with realistic expectation of capabilities, from your human characters. This is called creating tension. Friction is necessary in fiction, shocking concept I know. Nothing really has consequences in this narrative and as such removes any and all weight of suspense which then in turn causes me to not give a shite. This could have been really fucking good, setting gets it one bonus sad trombone star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2021
Inhuman by Eric Leland is a brutally evocative tale, a supernatural horror thriller about a merciless evil, the horrors of war, and the hearts of men. Leland’s gut-wrenching writing, characters, and plot twists took me completely by surprise. This is not your average military horror thriller.
Yes, it does have a military setting and some military characters, and it takes place during the Vietnam War. But the story also has nonmilitary characters, and the war is very much the setting: the time, place, and catalyst of the events and character development. The story itself, however, is about an ancient evil, the people who encounter it, and the fight for both sanity and survival in the midst of numerous relentless horrors.
Leland’s excellent wordsmithing pulls you into the action, the characters, the tension, and the terror. I felt this story with every ounce of my being. The realism and believability are so stark and gripping it begs the question … what if?
Inhuman lingers in your mind and nightmares. Eric Leland is an author to watch, and I will be watching for more from this amazing new author. This a full-length novel with a healthy 573 pages (print length) and zero overwriting. The interesting and ominous cover is surprisingly and delightfully apropos. A highly recommended horror read, but not for the squeamish.
Yes, it does have a military setting and some military characters, and it takes place during the Vietnam War. But the story also has nonmilitary characters, and the war is very much the setting: the time, place, and catalyst of the events and character development. The story itself, however, is about an ancient evil, the people who encounter it, and the fight for both sanity and survival in the midst of numerous relentless horrors.
Leland’s excellent wordsmithing pulls you into the action, the characters, the tension, and the terror. I felt this story with every ounce of my being. The realism and believability are so stark and gripping it begs the question … what if?
Inhuman lingers in your mind and nightmares. Eric Leland is an author to watch, and I will be watching for more from this amazing new author. This a full-length novel with a healthy 573 pages (print length) and zero overwriting. The interesting and ominous cover is surprisingly and delightfully apropos. A highly recommended horror read, but not for the squeamish.
June 12, 2021
Get out of my fucking head! Please!
Only laughter answered.
Only laughter answered.
June 5, 2021
This book was a super enjoyable read and one of the most realistic, no cotton wool styled writing I have read in a very long time. The author writes in a free-flowing and very engaging manner and was very fun and gripping to read. Would recommend it to all.
Superb!!
Superb!!
February 25, 2021
This is a solid story
This book is a great blend of the supernatural and military fiction. It was a very enjoyable read. His first book knocked it out of the park.
This book is a great blend of the supernatural and military fiction. It was a very enjoyable read. His first book knocked it out of the park.
April 7, 2021
Great read!!!!
You never saw any of it coming, the minute you thought you had it figured ,another twist, the characters were well planned and I found myself highly invested and emotionally involved with each and every one of them.
You never saw any of it coming, the minute you thought you had it figured ,another twist, the characters were well planned and I found myself highly invested and emotionally involved with each and every one of them.
July 13, 2021
I'm a sucker for a Vietnam war-based story so I knew this was for me. This book wrecked me in all the best possible ways. It grabbed me by the throat and never let go. The story — elite Recon Team New York is sent on a rescue mission with an inexperienced officer in charge. Shit ensues. It's all extremely thrilling and stressful and suffocating. There is a supernatural element to this story which adds the terror we all love so much. The core of this phenomenal novel is the small family of soldiers that makes up team New York. Their relationships. The loyalty, courage, respect, and love that they have for each other. It's all so beautifully written, you'll feel the characters sitting beside you as you read. They were living, breathing people to me and I felt deeply for each one; from outright loathing, to love. This book does not read like a first effort. It reads like a well-seasoned writer was at the helm. I am blown away. I very highly recommend this exceptional novel. I loved it so damn much.
May 30, 2021
This book has to be one of the most exciting, suspenseful, and emotional books I have ever read.
The story takes place during the Vietnam War and follows a recon team that are sent on a mission; to capture one of the most dangerous threats to humans. This man, if he can even be called that, is stealthy, heartless, and is the strongest enemy that the recon team will ever have to face.
The author wrote the book amazingly. Each page, they desperately made you want to read more. The suspense of the story and the horror of the situation the team finds themself in makes this book exciting to read. There was no part in this book that made me feel like it was unnecessary or could have been left out.
One of my favorite aspects of this book that I have trouble finding in others was being able to connect with the characters and feel as though I was THERE with them. I loved being able to see the characters grow and their personalities slowly being revealed and developed. I screamed, cried, cringed, and laughed with the characters and once the book ended, I was hoping for hundreds of pages to magically appear to continue this amazing story. It was so different to what I normally read and had such a unique story line that I could not even attempt to assume the ending of the story, even as the last few pages were nearing.
This book took me too long to read due to school but I can certainly see myself binging this book whenever I want something exciting to read.
Certainly an underrated 5 star book, and I will enjoy to read what this author comes out with next.
The story takes place during the Vietnam War and follows a recon team that are sent on a mission; to capture one of the most dangerous threats to humans. This man, if he can even be called that, is stealthy, heartless, and is the strongest enemy that the recon team will ever have to face.
The author wrote the book amazingly. Each page, they desperately made you want to read more. The suspense of the story and the horror of the situation the team finds themself in makes this book exciting to read. There was no part in this book that made me feel like it was unnecessary or could have been left out.
One of my favorite aspects of this book that I have trouble finding in others was being able to connect with the characters and feel as though I was THERE with them. I loved being able to see the characters grow and their personalities slowly being revealed and developed. I screamed, cried, cringed, and laughed with the characters and once the book ended, I was hoping for hundreds of pages to magically appear to continue this amazing story. It was so different to what I normally read and had such a unique story line that I could not even attempt to assume the ending of the story, even as the last few pages were nearing.
This book took me too long to read due to school but I can certainly see myself binging this book whenever I want something exciting to read.
Certainly an underrated 5 star book, and I will enjoy to read what this author comes out with next.
May 11, 2021
Terrific military horror
As a fan of the SNAFU series of military horror books with myriad different historical settings, from ancient Rome to an imagined science fiction future, I REALLY enjoyed this one. With a very realistic grounding in the Vietnam War and a terrifying antagonist, this supernatural, military horror is a great read!
As a fan of the SNAFU series of military horror books with myriad different historical settings, from ancient Rome to an imagined science fiction future, I REALLY enjoyed this one. With a very realistic grounding in the Vietnam War and a terrifying antagonist, this supernatural, military horror is a great read!
April 16, 2021
An excellent read
Written by a veteran the military details are spot-on. It's very well written with zero fluff. If Eric writes some more ill be first in line.
Written by a veteran the military details are spot-on. It's very well written with zero fluff. If Eric writes some more ill be first in line.
April 11, 2021
A great, fun scary quick read. Zombies, Commander, guns and the like. Terrific fun.
Would recommend to anyone with any interest in cold war fiction or the zombie genere
Would recommend to anyone with any interest in cold war fiction or the zombie genere
December 12, 2021
This book was honestly batshit crazy from start to finish, and I stayed pissed off at a particular character for like 75% of the book, but the final 25% got me so kudos to the author. I was immediately intrigued by the mix of characters and the ancient history driving the story and yelled several times when something horrific happened. However, in the middle of the gruesome details and my scrambled emotions, there was sudden gems of humor, mostly from Chris who was probably my favorite character.
Seriously, if you like horror and don't mind highly detailed violence, I suggest this one! Even if military fiction isn't your usual type, it's a great read.
Seriously, if you like horror and don't mind highly detailed violence, I suggest this one! Even if military fiction isn't your usual type, it's a great read.
September 30, 2023
There were some really interesting concepts and plot devices in this book. I thought the supernatural element during war time was a interesting concept. Some of the characters had satisfying character arcs throughout the story.
Now for the parts I didn't like. The dialogue was kind of clunky and the interactions between characters were mostly just unbelievable. I don't want to spoil anything but some of the reactions to situations just did not make any sense. There were times when characters went from hating and distrusting each other to embracing them for really no reason whatsoever.
There were a lot of times that plot elements were added so awkwardly to the narrative that you just new that was just said because it's going to be needed later on. Lastly the rules of the supernatural element were not really fleshed out and seemed a little inconsistent when the plot needed them to be.
I think the author has talent and can probably write a really engaging immersive story but this one isn't it for me.
Now for the parts I didn't like. The dialogue was kind of clunky and the interactions between characters were mostly just unbelievable. I don't want to spoil anything but some of the reactions to situations just did not make any sense. There were times when characters went from hating and distrusting each other to embracing them for really no reason whatsoever.
There were a lot of times that plot elements were added so awkwardly to the narrative that you just new that was just said because it's going to be needed later on. Lastly the rules of the supernatural element were not really fleshed out and seemed a little inconsistent when the plot needed them to be.
I think the author has talent and can probably write a really engaging immersive story but this one isn't it for me.
September 6, 2021
He should have cut the rope.
There are lots of should haves and should not haves in this novel by Eric Leland, but I have no regrets about picking this book. I haven't bought a horror novel in years. I probably wouldn't have looked for this one if not for a sales pitch on an "Angry Cops" satiric news show on the peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.
The story is set in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, and it is undeniably violent and sometimes crude. Still, the story is well-told and thrilling. I have a squawk with the printer, who left out pages 475-486 by the look of things, but I don't think I missed any major plot developments.
There are lots of should haves and should not haves in this novel by Eric Leland, but I have no regrets about picking this book. I haven't bought a horror novel in years. I probably wouldn't have looked for this one if not for a sales pitch on an "Angry Cops" satiric news show on the peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.
The story is set in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, and it is undeniably violent and sometimes crude. Still, the story is well-told and thrilling. I have a squawk with the printer, who left out pages 475-486 by the look of things, but I don't think I missed any major plot developments.
September 2, 2021
Full of surprises
I did not know what I was getting into with this book but WOW! It was such a roller coaster of emotions and chaos. It was overly gruesome at times, but its kind of part of war. A few parts were confusing, though it felt intentional so you never knew more than the characters or where things were headed. Overall, it was an intriguing story and I'll definitely be looking more into Eric Leland's books!
I did not know what I was getting into with this book but WOW! It was such a roller coaster of emotions and chaos. It was overly gruesome at times, but its kind of part of war. A few parts were confusing, though it felt intentional so you never knew more than the characters or where things were headed. Overall, it was an intriguing story and I'll definitely be looking more into Eric Leland's books!
January 10, 2023
Gripping
I love history and the military.
Set during the Vietnam war in the middle of the jungle, a paranormal story that grabs you by the ears and won't let you go.
Very good detail an accuracy on injuries. Horrific details not for the faint of heart.
Loved this book, I couldn't put it down. It will definitely be read again in the future.
I love history and the military.
Set during the Vietnam war in the middle of the jungle, a paranormal story that grabs you by the ears and won't let you go.
Very good detail an accuracy on injuries. Horrific details not for the faint of heart.
Loved this book, I couldn't put it down. It will definitely be read again in the future.
October 7, 2021
What an unexpectedly super read this turned out to be. It had me on the edge of my seat biting my fingernails. It was atmospheric, descriptive and articulate.
The characters are American soldiers in the Vietnam War who realise just how ill-prepared they are when they cross paths with a terrifying supernatural entity in the North Vietnam jungle. The soldiers must set aside animosity and internal squabbling to have any chance of survival. New bonds are formed and a sense of camaraderie develops.... but not everyone is getting out alive.
Inhuman is extremely unsettling and this, coupled with the horrors of war, makes for an exciting page-turner. If I had to mention anything negative it would be the length of the book (571 pages) — it takes a while for the main action to begin and not everyone will be invested enough to get there. That being said, the story was fantastic and the writing impressive. I really enjoyed it.
The characters are American soldiers in the Vietnam War who realise just how ill-prepared they are when they cross paths with a terrifying supernatural entity in the North Vietnam jungle. The soldiers must set aside animosity and internal squabbling to have any chance of survival. New bonds are formed and a sense of camaraderie develops.... but not everyone is getting out alive.
Inhuman is extremely unsettling and this, coupled with the horrors of war, makes for an exciting page-turner. If I had to mention anything negative it would be the length of the book (571 pages) — it takes a while for the main action to begin and not everyone will be invested enough to get there. That being said, the story was fantastic and the writing impressive. I really enjoyed it.
January 10, 2023
In Human takes place in Vietnam during the Vietnam war. Recon Team New York sets out to find out what happened to Recon Team Florida and to recover an asset. What they didn't know is that the asset is a man possessed by a demon. Great story and narration!
March 31, 2023
Excellent read. No leaves blowing in the wind or bright blue sky...just raw "inhuman" writing. The plot is interesting and you feel every emotion. The other-worldly character is a force to be reckoned with and the shaman does her best. There is lots of violence.
May 4, 2021
Inhuman
Enjoyed reading. I couldn't put the book down. Just one more chapter before bed until my eyes was too tired . Would make a good movie .
Enjoyed reading. I couldn't put the book down. Just one more chapter before bed until my eyes was too tired . Would make a good movie .
June 25, 2021
Page turner
A good read for anyone who has served in the military or anyone that likes a good thriller. Couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading more from Eric Leland.
A good read for anyone who has served in the military or anyone that likes a good thriller. Couldn't put it down. Looking forward to reading more from Eric Leland.
September 8, 2021
A wicked good read
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
June 17, 2021
About:
Sergeant First Class John Nicholas and his Recon Team New York, lead by the inexperienced Captain Brandon Doran, are sent on a rescue mission in North Vietnam to find Recon Team Florida have gone missing.
‘At first, John expects heavy resistance. But intercepted radio traffic suggests something near that village has spooked even hardened NVA. And soon after New York's midnight insertion behind enemy lines, John finds out what.’
My Thoughts:
INHUMAN is an intense Supernatural, Military Thriller that I didn’t want to end—with unexpected, cringeworthy moments and scenes that broke my heart. Author Eric Leland does an excellent job submerging the reader into the vast jungle of Vietnam alongside characters you genuinely care about as they come face to face with formidable foes.
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Eric Leland and Publicist Shelby Kisgen, for providing me with an eBook and Paperback copy of INHUMAN in the request for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse, suicide, child abuse, discrimination
Sergeant First Class John Nicholas and his Recon Team New York, lead by the inexperienced Captain Brandon Doran, are sent on a rescue mission in North Vietnam to find Recon Team Florida have gone missing.
‘At first, John expects heavy resistance. But intercepted radio traffic suggests something near that village has spooked even hardened NVA. And soon after New York's midnight insertion behind enemy lines, John finds out what.’
My Thoughts:
INHUMAN is an intense Supernatural, Military Thriller that I didn’t want to end—with unexpected, cringeworthy moments and scenes that broke my heart. Author Eric Leland does an excellent job submerging the reader into the vast jungle of Vietnam alongside characters you genuinely care about as they come face to face with formidable foes.
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Eric Leland and Publicist Shelby Kisgen, for providing me with an eBook and Paperback copy of INHUMAN in the request for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse, suicide, child abuse, discrimination
April 26, 2022
Honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read. When I started reading this I hadn’t been reading consistently for years. This book changed that and got me back into reading. I was kept engaged throughout the whole book with a fresh and imaginative story. The characters had great depth and I’ve not served military but I can imagine that the stereotypes portrayed by some of them in this book are true. I look forward to more from you Eric!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews