Murciélagos

by Jeff Rovin

Una plaga de murciélagos asesinos invade Manhattan. Las escenas de terror se suceden y cunde el pánico en la ciudad. Por lo visto, todo es fruto de una extraña mutación. Una novela terrorífica que plante una pregunta más que inquietante: ¿qué ocurriría en las grandes ciudades si de pronto se ven arrasadas por un peligro que nadie ha sabido prever?

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Thriller, Animals, Science Fiction, Audiobook

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vespers
by Jeff Rovin
This is another good horror novel with bats and mutated bats! These mutations are from radiation and get as big as a small plane! Lots of thrills and chills! I love bats so I was on Team Bat for most of the novel but just because I am a rebel! 😁
I enjoyed the book, the action, the tidbits about bats, and it was nice to see humans not the top of the food chain for a bit. But, as all horror stories go, humans win,..... usually!

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun 'animal attacks'/creature feature by Rovin. Rovin started this as a screenplay for a movie and it does read like that-- simply made for the big screen. Vespers begins more like a mystery than a creature feature. After a little league game in NYC, a boy and his father get swarmed by bats and viciously attacked. WTF? The authorities eventually get in touch with one of our leads, Nancy the 'bat lady', who works at the Met museum, who discovers the bats are normal, not infected, but has no clue why they attacked like they did. Rovin also introduces Gentry, a former undercover cop now staffing the Accident Investigation Squad in NYC. His typical workload consists of odd accidents like dropped planters falling on someone's head. He hears about the bat attack, however, and quickly there are more around the city...

Rovin paces this one nicely, building the suspense and we gradually learn why the bats are going crazy and attacking people, but I will not say more on this to avoid spoilers. Rovin gets the foo going early and it just gets worse at the novel progresses. Who would think bats could turn a city upside down? The plausibility of the tale? Well, it could happen I suppose, and that is enough to carry a b-movie, which was he initial intent of this. I could have done without the romance between our two leads, but hey, it kinda worked. Definitely worth a read if you dig creature features!! 4 bat shit stars!!



met museum

[oddo · Rating 5 out of 5]

a rocket of a novel.

5 stars because I had a stupid grin plastered on my face throughout pretty much the entire damn thing.

pre-9/11 police procedural Cloverfield but with giant killer bats razing NYC to the ground. the overall scale of the mayhem is huge. numerous highly memorable setpieces throughout — World Trade Center attacks, Statue of Liberty square-offs, New York citizens screaming in the street surrounded by devastation and death. it's immediately apparent why the planned Touchstone film adaptation never materialized.

on top of that, bits of Aliens influence here and there, sprinkles of Godzilla (or hell, kaiju) as a garnish. just delightful. characters are fine but not the strong suit of this novel. i was pleasantly surprised when the main characters didn't bang though.

all this to say, if monster movies are a thing that bring you pleasure, you are worse off for not having Vespers on your bookshelf.

[Rayrumtum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bats go bats in theBig Apple. Much violence and horror. Predictable but enjoyable beach read. No sex but tons of guano.

[Badseedgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vespers are a family of bats. I learned this and many other interesting things about bats. In a post 9-11 world it feels very strange to read the World Trade Center Towers being used as a prominent location for a book. This was a great creature feature, a nice summertime read and an author I would read again.

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante concepto, tamén verosímil. As personaxes un pouco forzadas, e demasiado fincapé nalgunhas descricións e situacións.

3'5 sobre 5

[Edward Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a zoological and aberration (hell, even creepypasta) perspective, this book was great. The characters are well developed, the story is linear, and the end satisfying. My only hang-ups involve the way the audiobook was presented but other than that, it was a really fun and informative read (listen in my case)

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well paced and well drawn animal attack book.

Great action, surprisingly 3 dimensional characters, and some AWESOME set pieces.

A love letter to New York and the only thing keeping it down are some dodgy politics (mostly copaganda).

Very glad I finally got to this one.

[AJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

UGHHHHHHHH so bad dude actually really bad. Think Da Vinci Code, but there are bats

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animal-based thrillers always make for exciting books, and this tale of giant bats loose and killing the people of New York City is no exception! Making this a fast-paced thriller and thoroughly enjoyable read! Fans of Steve Alten’s Meg may really have a fun time reading this air/land based creature-feature novel. The characters are likable, and even if it isn’t the most unpredictable book I’ve ever read it, it remains entertaining and not a completely cliched story. The book’s conclusion borders on the ridiculous, though (unless a sequel is planned, but it’s been over a decade since this was first published, so that seems unlikely) and accordingly, some of the technology is rather distinctly dated (no cell phones, the use of pagers, and email being typed as “E-mail”). The edition that I have states that the movie rights were sold, but the interim years between then and now, I have been unable to find any confirmation of a movie filmed, but I must admit, I would rent it if it existed, because it is a fast and fun read and would certainly make a fun summer thriller.

[Tj Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “Vespers” is an extremely intense book (in my opinion of course). In the beginning everything started right for a young baseball player, then things went bad… really bad. Not only did this kid lose the championship for his game but as he was walking back to his car (crying) it happened. The bats came out to attack! Not just any species of bat but a vesper bat! This was the first of many attacks on the people of New York City. Now it’s up to the bat specialist Nancy Joyce and Detective Gentry to find out what has gone wrong in the Bronx.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me begging for more and always wondering what was going to happen next in the story. I gave this story a 5 out of 5 stars, because it was mysterious and interesting, it also gave me quite a scare at times! I hope that people will read this book because it was really good and they're making it into a movie!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. A story of a giant mutant bat spreading terror in New York. A cop and a "bat lady" from the zoo join forces to find a way to destroy her, before she succeeds in killing thousands of people. She is pregnant, and they hope to find and destroy all her babies. Or do they? Reminds me of all those 50ties movies where mutated things like killer tomatoes and giant ants were out to get everyone.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I've rated to have GR recommend this book, but I read it in one sitting. While it appears accurate regarding its bat information, the premise is entirely too far fetched.

[FoxieMoxie203 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not finish this book. It had some good gorey scenes but.....the character dialogue. Boooooooring.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trepidante y llena de acción, Murciélagos, se parece más a la típica película de bajo presupuesto, horriblemente mala, que a un thriller propiamente dicho. Ya desde el comienzo te das cuenta de que no puedes esperar nada de esta novela más que puro entretenimiento. Y ni siquiera del bueno.

Jeff Rovin firma la autoría de esta novela de terror de “serie B”. Considero normal que no le conozca, sobre todo si tenemos en cuenta lo increíblemente mediocre que es como escritor. Y es que su estilo de escritura no puede ser más simplón, aburrido y penoso, aunque con una ejecución aceptable. Para ello usa una prosa dinámica, capaz de mantener el ritmo, plagada de movimiento y con un buen desarrollo, un lenguaje funcional y unas descripciones intrascendentes, que permiten hacerte una idea del contexto, pero que ni consiguen meterte de lleno en la novela ni crear la atmósfera adecuada para disfrutarla. Pero queda por hablar de los personajes. Como toda novela de acción, los protagonistas están construidos de manera superficial. Son meros medios para un fin. O así debería ser, porque en este caso, el autor ha querido dotarlos de demasiadas emociones que entorpecen la ejecución de la historia. Es decir, no me interesan demasiado los traumas que Robert Gentry, exagente encubierto de narcóticos, y Nancy Joyce, experta en murciélagos y partidaria de la caza (algo curioso y poco coherente para alguien que se dedica a la conservación animal), puedan tener ni la extraña y rápida relación que se genera entre ellos. En mi opinión tanta divagación emocional sobra.

No debería sorprender a nadie que una novela titulada, Murciélagos, tenga a estos pequeños mamíferos voladores como principales protagonistas. Pero obviamente hay algo más. Y es aquí cuando entra en escena la increíble imaginación (sarcasmo off) del autor al crear una trama tan convencional que la puedes adivinar casi desde el principio. Pero, como siempre, haré una sinopsis para situarnos en el libro. En Westchester, una pequeña localidad cerca del rio Hudson, un padre y su hijo son brutalmente atacados por los murciélagos. Las autoridades, totalmente desconcertadas, llaman a la Doctora Joyce, experta en estos animales, para tratar de comprender que ha ocurrido. Por otro lado, los mismos ataques comienzan a suceder en Nueva York. Parece que los murciélagos han invadido el metro y atacan de manera coordinada a la gente. Robert Gendry trabaja en la brigada de accidentes de la policía. Intrigado por la situación decide trabajar en el caso y ponerse en contacto con Joyce. El problema se agrava cuando se encuentran una serie de cadáveres mutilados por animales bastante más grandes que los murciélagos comunes. ¿Qué es lo que está atacando Nueva York? Gendry y Joyce unen fuerzas en una carrera contrarreloj para intentar salvar a la ciudad y a sus habitantes. Y hasta aquí puedo contar. Pero creedme, el resto podéis deducirlo vosotros solos, ya que no se sale del esquema general de esta clase de novelas. Y como dije anteriormente, en este libro los protagonistas tienen demasiados conflictos emocionales y hacen reflexiones más o menos lúcidas que aparecen en el peor momento, por lo que interrumpen la lectura, siendo especialmente molestas en las situaciones de movimiento. Al final todo se soluciona, como estamos acostumbrados, un “happy ending” en toda regla ¿o no? Y es que el desenlace es abrupto, adecuado y abierto, aunque esto último sea un recurso manido y un burdo intento de hacernos interesar por una segunda parte que, si existe la justicia divina, jamás debería escribirse o publicarse.

Definitivamente, Murciélagos, solo ofrece un poco de entretenimiento convencional. No es especialmente innovadora ni propone soluciones viables a un incidente a gran escala como el descrito. Es una lectura perfecta para el periodo estival y como tal, debe tratarse y leerse. De todas maneras, tras su lectura seguro que no vuelves a ver a los murciélagos de la misma manera.

[Samantha Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll buy anything with a BAT on the front cover.... !!!

I collect vampire fiction. I mention to anyone who listens that I'll buy anything in a bookshop if it has a bat on the front cover, or looks like it vaguely resembles a vampire book and this is one of them!!

I'll often pick up four or five books at a time and many of them will sit in my bookcase un-read until I actually have the time and the inclination to read them.

Or, I'll start reading every one of them simultaneously, which is bad. I'll read one on the train on the way to work, another during my lunch hour, and another at night before bed.....

Yes you're right, they do all tend to blend into one big book!

Bad habits aside, out came Vespers from my book case. I knew it would either be totally non-vampire related or an attempt to put vampires or vampirism into a modern day context (which is an achievement, so far, only Mick Farren has done sucessfully). It's probably a good thing that this book was neither.

In fact, it's not a vampire book at all, it's a real good fun sci-fi about giant killer bats invading New York!

Set in modern day New York, an investigation is commenced into various 'bat' attacks throughout the city. These are treated as pretty much routine (and amusing - ever sniffed Guano?) until whole bodies begin vanishing. A Bat expert is enrolled from the local Bronx Zoo to examine their behaviours and whether something more sinister is behind the disappearances.
The action hots up. It turns out that a Doctor returning from a Nuclear disaster in Russia accidentally brought back with him a contaminated bat. It disappeared into the wild and was found dead but it seems the bat gave birth before it died from it's poisoning.

Resulting in a giant, bull sized bat being alive and well in NYC and picking off whole deer, sheep and people for lunch. It commands the local bats, 'the vespers' who in effect protect it by attacking anything that comes within reach or threat of the giant.
It has plans, another giant is on the horizon. Tens if not hundreds of thousands of bats swarm over the Hudson River to welcome the "Queen" - even a Helicopter is attacked.....

An all out battle ensues and- nah, 'shan't tell you the ending. Wouldn't that just spoil it!!

A good, easy, entertaining read!!

Back to my vampires....

.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

You want a page-turner, you've got one. It's been a while since I had a chance to sit down and read a book cover to cover, and this was a good one to spend my time with. There aren't really any "surprises" in Vespers, it's pretty clear from the third chapter or so what the protagonists are up against, but the fun in this book isn't in figuring out the mystery. The fun is, like with any good monster movie, running faster and faster alongside the main characters and feeling the prick of "will they survive?" in your chest (though you know they will, because that's also how monster movies work.). Nancy and Gentry are engaging and (surprisingly for the genre) remarkably well-rounded protagonists who make up for each others weaknesses in satisfying ways. New York bureaucracy is the same as it's ever been (albeit a little dated technologically, but that's hardly the author's fault).

Aside from the protagonists, the supporting cast is relatively weak; I'm not sure I could remember most of their names, and I just finished reading the book an hour ago. That's not necessarily a bad thing -- in Vespers, the supporting cast is more set dressing than anything else, and it works fine in context, at least until the epilogue. It seems pretty obvious that Vespers was written with a sequel in mind. I don't know if that sequel ever happened (or if the movie adaptation ever happened), but the epilogue reads like so many "haha gotcha!" epilogues from horror and sci-fi novels written around the same time where the authors were gunning for movie adaptations (hey, the late 90s were a lucrative time for such adaptations. I can't blame them.). Reading the book now, skipping the last chapter loses nothing and in my opinion, actually makes the book a better read overall.

One caveat: the four most detailed (and indeed longest passages in that vein) descriptions of attacks by the big bad all happen to women. It's a bit of a sour note in a book that's an otherwise engaging, page-turning read, particularly when the author makes a concerted effort elsewhere to avoid many other pitfalls related to writing women.

It wasn't enough to put me off entirely (as evidenced by me reading the whole thing in one go) and it was an enjoyable read overall, but it was noteworthy enough to make me roll my eyes.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. A. Book.

The opening pages of the book seem like the typical set up for a story and then....WHAM. The story brings you right in to the cray-cray action. There are more bats than you can shake a stick at.

Vespers was the tried and true formula of 80s-90s action and creature horror. The book read like a movie, and took the standard plot to new heights. While it easily could have ended up being cheesy in its presentation, Rovin's writing is surprisingly top-notch and keeps the story grounded enough to almost be believable. The only time it really dipped into major cheese territory was near the climactic ending, but Rovin can be forgiven for that one cheesy note due to how solid the rest of the book was.
This was one thoroughly fun, exciting, enjoyable and satisfying horror/actioner. I haven't had so much fun with bats since...

[Kathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I enjoyed this book! I have wanted to read it for a while but couldn't find it in a digital copy. Joined Audible and they had it. Took me like 9 hours to listen to it all but it was worth the time.

Tense attack moments portraying bats like you've never seen them before. Huge giant bats - think Stephen King's Night Shift - with a purpose: populate the world. Humans didn't stand a chance.

Enjoyed the scene setup with the tunnels under NYC. Loaded with history of the area as well as bats in general. Likeable characters who made many mistakes (some were like "duh, aren't these people supposed to be smart?" moments but the story was too good to really care.

This is one of those that I would like a hardbound copy signed by the author to show up in my mailbox. LOL.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty enjoyable Crichton-esque giant monster novel. I went into this expecting a Kaiju novel based on some of the comments and the cover and what I ended up with was a pretty good science/horror/mystery novel that felt like a book version of a B-movie (for better or worse). The two main characters were actually pretty well fleshed out for this type of novel but the romance subplot was really cringy and I could've done without it. The giant bat is by far the best part of the novel and luckily most of the novel focuses on it (although I wish we had gotten more POV chapters). Overall, a fun little horror novel that is worth it for fans of the genre if you're able to overlook some 90's cheese and some cliched writing. 3.7 stars rounded up.

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, very interesting, with exciting, unexpected action throughout the tale. I’m impressed with just how compelling this story is. I wasn’t expecting anything so fascinating, especially about bats. The writing is simply brilliant. The characters are very likable and well-developed. The budding romance between Joyce and Robert was anticipated, yet charming and well-scripted. The same story by someone less gifted could have been mundane and uninspiring. The narration by Don Warrick was also excellent. As you can tell by my gushing, I liked everything about the story. Well done Mr. Rovin. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this monster bat story!It was very good,just lacking the newest science on giant bats actually existing in antiquity.People are being attacked by bats for no apparent reason.Bring in the bat expert,a few scientists,a cop and a news crew and you get to the bottom of things. Don Warrick was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read story about radioactive bats brought in from Russia and threaten New York City. Very light, escape book for those who are tired of thinking with a hint of light romance and much more than a hint of violence. Operative word here is light read. Take out some of the violence and it would make a great B 1950's sci fi movie.

[Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5, but I’m not willing to round up. There’s some poor editing (a character puts down an object, and a paragraph later is surprised into dropping the same object, plus typos.) Also the author uses present tense to describe the setting, and past tense to tell the story.

It felt like a faxed copy of Relic.

Also it’s not vampires, it’s just giant not very interesting bats.

[Sharknado Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started so strong, I love the theme. There was a lot of mystery and many possibilities of what could be happening which made it very interesting...but I feel that around the middle of the book the answer to the mystery was already solved...and then it just become kinda boring. It could be a shorter book or just postponed the reveal of the mystery more towards the end.

[Laura]

This one was a lot of fun! Non-stop action creature feature, better-than-competent plotting and writing. Would recommend to anyone who wants good dumb fun. Written before 9/11, there's a chilling sort of preview of Manhattan shut down, under attack.

[Jeff Correll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply put, this was a fun read. Once you sit back and accept the premise, it's smooth sailing to the end.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scared the shit out of me! Highly recommended!!!

P.S. if you were wanting to watch the “movie”, don’t. It’s NOTHING like the book and is pretty damn awful....

[Matt Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. The action starts at the beginning and never seems to let up. At times I had to take a break from reading it because it was wearing me out. Overall, highly recommended.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a Halloween read; scary subject and taut writing. Ending is frightening. Narrator was just right for this book.