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The Monster
When Alex’s obsession takes him to a strange town in South America, it is up to Liz and Bob to find him and bring him home. What they find when they get there is more than any of them could have imagined. Bob, still trying to wrap his head around all he learned about his friend and the world around him last year, looks forward to a new adventure to take him deeper into this newly discovered reality. Alex quickly realizes that nothing is as it seems, nor is it anything like he thought it would be. He also soon learns that even he was not what he thought he was and that there was more to Liz’s secret than she had let on.
Will Liz be able to protect the ones she loves the most?
Will they be able to find the answers and defeat the monster before it’s too late?
Will Liz be able to protect the ones she loves the most?
Will they be able to find the answers and defeat the monster before it’s too late?
241 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2014
3 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Baker
16 books10 followersI am an American writer living in the UK. I recently completed the Creative Writing Master's program at the University of Nottingham. I have self-published three YA adventure novels, and have written for various online platforms in the US. I have recently finished my first thriller novel.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 13, 2014
Only a year after Alex and Liz's last big expedition, Alex becomes increasingly curious about strange events occurring in a secluded village in the Amazon. Despite Liz's protests, Alex sets off on his own to solve the mystery of The Monster. Soon, he realizes he's in over his head, as strange occurrences surface from the moment he reaches the small South American village. And now, with a car trying to run him off the road, things are getting stranger by the minute.
Surrounded by peculiar events, and without a viable plan, Alex calls on his friend Bob, who agrees to send help. But once help arrives, things get even stranger. With mournful sounds in the night, and odd behavior exhibited by the villagers, Alex discovers more questions than answers. There are secrets deep in the jungle, and all of Alex's courage is about to be tested. But will he uncover the truth and defeat The Monster? And who will make it out alive?
I kept turning the pages, and was eager to see what was around the next bend! I would have liked to get to know the characters better, but imagine their backstory was covered in book one. For the most part, the author does a nice job filling in the gaps on important details. Some additional descriptives would have helped me to decide for myself how magnificent things were, as Alex made his way through the jungle. Still, the tale was intriguing, with a well paced plot plot, and plenty of twists and turns!
If you enjoy mystery and adventure set in an exotic location -- over waterfalls, and through hidden caves -- this is the book for you! Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend starting with book one to get the full story.
Note: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Surrounded by peculiar events, and without a viable plan, Alex calls on his friend Bob, who agrees to send help. But once help arrives, things get even stranger. With mournful sounds in the night, and odd behavior exhibited by the villagers, Alex discovers more questions than answers. There are secrets deep in the jungle, and all of Alex's courage is about to be tested. But will he uncover the truth and defeat The Monster? And who will make it out alive?
I kept turning the pages, and was eager to see what was around the next bend! I would have liked to get to know the characters better, but imagine their backstory was covered in book one. For the most part, the author does a nice job filling in the gaps on important details. Some additional descriptives would have helped me to decide for myself how magnificent things were, as Alex made his way through the jungle. Still, the tale was intriguing, with a well paced plot plot, and plenty of twists and turns!
If you enjoy mystery and adventure set in an exotic location -- over waterfalls, and through hidden caves -- this is the book for you! Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend starting with book one to get the full story.
Note: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2014
I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is totally different to the Romance genre that clogs up my kindle. But it's so worth if.
Alex just gets this sensation to go to the Amazon Rainforest in search of "the monster" that had been terrorising a small village 100yrs ago.
Alex thought he could handle this by himself until Liz and Bob turn up to help.
The story flows really well, you are captivated from the start. I haven't read book 2 but I was able to follow and understand what was happening in this one and pick up on the references from the first one.
Congrats on an amazing story xxx
JOMR
HSANBA
This is totally different to the Romance genre that clogs up my kindle. But it's so worth if.
Alex just gets this sensation to go to the Amazon Rainforest in search of "the monster" that had been terrorising a small village 100yrs ago.
Alex thought he could handle this by himself until Liz and Bob turn up to help.
The story flows really well, you are captivated from the start. I haven't read book 2 but I was able to follow and understand what was happening in this one and pick up on the references from the first one.
Congrats on an amazing story xxx
JOMR
HSANBA
August 10, 2014
The Monster is a fast-paced mystery novel, full of surprises and magic and oh well magical moments.
Alex is led to a place in South America where mysterious and inexplicable events take place. He doesn’t think too much before arriving there, because he is overwhelmed by his need and desire to be there and solve the mystery surrounding that place.
“I need to be there”.....
Liz sees her man going after nobody-knows-what in South America, after everything they’ve been through just few months ago. She can’t bear the thought of him alone, so she follows him.
Alex and Liz are tested in this journey. Their abilities, their knowledge, their thinking process, their agility, their hearts, their friendship and their love are all put in danger, as they face immense power and magic, as well as magical creatures…
Magic, Mystery and Romance are all getting together and give you The Monster..
The characters are very well developed, the story is solid and the writing flows beautifully, leaving no inconsistencies in its path.
Alex and Liz are both evolving and stay the same. They don’t change, but they grow. And not only on their own, but together. They grow together as individuals and as a couple and as a team. It’s a beautiful sight to see.
The story is solid and does not have any loopholes or inconsistencies. The writing that accompanies it is equally beautiful and fast-paced. It doesn’t leave you hanging, but you will be asking for more.
The Monster is a mystery novel that you must read, if you’re a mystery fan. And, if you’re a Romance fan, I strongly recommend this read, because let’s face it; Everyone needs variety in their lives!
Alex is led to a place in South America where mysterious and inexplicable events take place. He doesn’t think too much before arriving there, because he is overwhelmed by his need and desire to be there and solve the mystery surrounding that place.
“I need to be there”.....
Liz sees her man going after nobody-knows-what in South America, after everything they’ve been through just few months ago. She can’t bear the thought of him alone, so she follows him.
Alex and Liz are tested in this journey. Their abilities, their knowledge, their thinking process, their agility, their hearts, their friendship and their love are all put in danger, as they face immense power and magic, as well as magical creatures…
Magic, Mystery and Romance are all getting together and give you The Monster..
The characters are very well developed, the story is solid and the writing flows beautifully, leaving no inconsistencies in its path.
Alex and Liz are both evolving and stay the same. They don’t change, but they grow. And not only on their own, but together. They grow together as individuals and as a couple and as a team. It’s a beautiful sight to see.
The story is solid and does not have any loopholes or inconsistencies. The writing that accompanies it is equally beautiful and fast-paced. It doesn’t leave you hanging, but you will be asking for more.
The Monster is a mystery novel that you must read, if you’re a mystery fan. And, if you’re a Romance fan, I strongly recommend this read, because let’s face it; Everyone needs variety in their lives!
October 11, 2014
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
I had not read the first in the Alex and Liz books, (when I read The Monster I did not know they were a series.)
If I had I may well have awarded five stars. The story is brilliantly conceived, but I found the first few Chapters annoyed me in that (i) many sentences began with the same word, and (ii) when the hero/heroine got into trouble a new power was found to get them out of it: a little like the old Bulldog Drummond type of comic story where you would read and accept, ‘and with a bound he was free.’
As there only about 175 words per page in the copy I had, as opposed to the more normal, for PDF of 400 – 450 I found this a quick read, but an enjoyable one nevertheless, once I had got to know the characters. It would be better for me if there had been a preface summarising the first book when Liz discovered/acquired the powers so essential to the story.
Other than that, this is a first class mystery novel and I recommend it, especially to anyone with an interest in magic. You are, which I personally like and write like it myself, always in possession of all the knowledge and clues that the main characters have. Even with that you will still be page-turning to find how it is all resolved.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I had not read the first in the Alex and Liz books, (when I read The Monster I did not know they were a series.)
If I had I may well have awarded five stars. The story is brilliantly conceived, but I found the first few Chapters annoyed me in that (i) many sentences began with the same word, and (ii) when the hero/heroine got into trouble a new power was found to get them out of it: a little like the old Bulldog Drummond type of comic story where you would read and accept, ‘and with a bound he was free.’
As there only about 175 words per page in the copy I had, as opposed to the more normal, for PDF of 400 – 450 I found this a quick read, but an enjoyable one nevertheless, once I had got to know the characters. It would be better for me if there had been a preface summarising the first book when Liz discovered/acquired the powers so essential to the story.
Other than that, this is a first class mystery novel and I recommend it, especially to anyone with an interest in magic. You are, which I personally like and write like it myself, always in possession of all the knowledge and clues that the main characters have. Even with that you will still be page-turning to find how it is all resolved.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
September 1, 2014
I love the characters in this series and the fast pace of the book. It leaves you wanting more and I hope there will be another book for Alex and Liz.
July 16, 2019
Absolutely amazing. I loved it from start to finish. I loved the twist and turns throughout it. It kept me on my toes and kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I cant wait to see what happens in the third and final chapter of the Alex and Liz story. I know again I am a little biased because I am her husband...but it is what it is.
August 8, 2015
Once again the premise of this book was really good! I absolutely love the story line and how the author outlines and did the layout of every event that took place. If I could give it 3.5 stars I would have.
I still see some of the same issues that I read in the first book.
- I have yet to really attach myself to any of the characters. When I read a book I want to feel that the protagonist is my hero and that I care about the outcome.
- Not enough details to wrap my mind around. During the trek through the jungle there was absolutely no description of what the characters were seeing. Were there animals or bugs? What type of plant life was there? What did the river look like that they were following? Was it running fast or slow? These are the types of things that draw the reader into the setting and make it come to life.
- When Armando was holding the gun to Bob's head I did not feel the suspense that should have accompanied the event. One minute they are walking and the next there's Armando with a gun to a head. At one point there was a "noise" that kept them awake. What was the noise? Was it loud, was it odd, was it on the ground or in the sky?
- Why are the chapters so short? There were a couple of chapters that could have been written into one.
- The pages were athsetically unappealing. The text layout should be flush on both the right and the left side of the paragraphs.
I still see some of the same issues that I read in the first book.
- I have yet to really attach myself to any of the characters. When I read a book I want to feel that the protagonist is my hero and that I care about the outcome.
- Not enough details to wrap my mind around. During the trek through the jungle there was absolutely no description of what the characters were seeing. Were there animals or bugs? What type of plant life was there? What did the river look like that they were following? Was it running fast or slow? These are the types of things that draw the reader into the setting and make it come to life.
- When Armando was holding the gun to Bob's head I did not feel the suspense that should have accompanied the event. One minute they are walking and the next there's Armando with a gun to a head. At one point there was a "noise" that kept them awake. What was the noise? Was it loud, was it odd, was it on the ground or in the sky?
- Why are the chapters so short? There were a couple of chapters that could have been written into one.
- The pages were athsetically unappealing. The text layout should be flush on both the right and the left side of the paragraphs.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews