Titan

Mammoth #2

by Brian McBride

The stunning sequel to Mammoth, Titan calls back to classic adventure tales like Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider as it launches its heroes on a desperate quest for a lost legend and a costly truth.

In the wake of Apocalypse Island, the Jailbirds find themselves reeling from their loss as winter storms buffet the coast of Mammoth. A failed attempt to expose Orion Clark as the villain he is goes awry, and the Jailbirds are left defeated and desperate once more.

When news breaks of their father’s untimely death, Lydia inherits a mysterious family heirloom while Orion lets Reid in on the family business. A hidden letter from Tommy’s dead father turns up in the Highland home, and the Jailbirds embark on their most dangerous adventure yet. Sailing across the stormy Pacific with Reid and Orion in hot pursuit, they set a course for Peru where deadly revelations and rumors of an ancient curse await them. As a web of secrets that span centuries begins to unravel, everything the Jailbirds thought they knew about themselves is called into question.

A city plagued by a decades long war between the rich and the poor… A rainforest that harbors family secrets and deadly curses… A quest for a legend that just may be more fact than fiction… Adventure comes at a cost, and everyone will pay the price.

With a compelling, diverse cast of characters and a vividly immersive story world, Titan explores what it means to find our place in the world, and the secret, hidden places in our lives that drive and shape us.

Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Young Adult, Christian Fiction

572 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2022

About the author

Born and raised in the misty mountains of Oregon before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Brian has been writing since he was old enough to hold a pen and has been reading for even longer. A profesionnal multi- tasker, Brian has built a Tiny House on Wheels, started a small business, launched his own publishing house, and serves as pastor at his church. His growing list of interests include but are not limited to: his goofy German Shepherd, Arlo, iced tea, tropical getaways, and angsty teen dramas.

Reviews

[Victoria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC for release

[Brian McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this one for the twenty-somethings. In between high school (or college) and “the real world.” The ones who still don’t know just where they fit. The ones who feel like they’ve been robbed of adventure and wonder - by time, by circumstances, by a commercialized and industrialized culture. I wrote this for the ones who feel displaced and out of place. Abandoned and forgotten. For the ones who carry something special - a legacy, a birthright, a dream - passed down by a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, guardian, friend, or role model. For the ones who feel responsible for the world while also feeling so, so helpless in it. For the ones who have spent their lives trying to break free of the identity others have placed on you. You are not who they say you are. You are so much more.

TITAN is a gift. To myself. To you.

[Caitlin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a ride—the buckle-your-seat-belts-cause-this-Indiana-Jones-style-adventure-is-wild kind of ride. The stakes were high, the odds never in their favor, and the plot twists both unexpected and surprising.



One of my favorite things about Brian’s writing style is how he makes it so relatable, especially through the characters. Struggles with guilt and difficult relationships and bitterness and pain due to the actions of others is something everyone can relate to. Also, there’s just a poetic and fast-paced style about Brian’s writing that leaves me turning each page, wanting to read more.



I’ll have to say, one of my favorite things about this book was Reid’s character. He was definitely not a favorite in the first book, but his development over the second book was just so good. Without giving away any spoilers, there’s hope for him yet—and I’m here for it. 

I just have to share these two quotes because they’re my favorites, and they’re so good, and so quote-worthy. 



“You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, but you don’t have to.”



“Love was a dangerous game. A risk, a dare. A lifetime spent worrying about more than just yourself. Jumping from a plane and trusting the parachute to hold. Walking a tightrope and trusting your own sense of balance. Throwing yourself between a bullet and the people you held closest. Love was so, so scary it was a wonder love could last at all. But it was also kind—so kind. Fingers intertwined and inside jokes. Laughter that carried into the deepest hours of the dark. Smiles that stretched until they hurt and memories made with each passing day. Lifetimes forged as sharp and as sure as the blades designed to break them. All the things that made love . . . true.”



As for the content, this book was clean. Nothing borderline, no language, just a fast-paced, action-packed, high-staked, touching read.

(P.S. I'm still shipping Jude and Maya and *fingers crossed* they get together in the next book)

[Abigail Hayven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book.

I LOVED the first book in this series (Mammoth). It had a bit more steamy content than I prefer, but it was easily skipped, so overall, I loved it. The characters were incredibly fleshed out and the plot felt very unique, but at the same time was so nostalgic to the classic adventures we all know and love.

I couldn’t return to the world of Mammoth soon enough, and waisted no time getting my hands on Titan.

It didn’t disappoint! I’m still processing my thoughts! Brian has an incredible gift of creating worlds that feel as real as you and me, characters for readers to care deeply about, and storylines that keep us turning pages ravenously.

Titan was way more fast-paced than Mammoth which had me reading through it much faster. I was already super invested in the characters and loved getting to go deeper with them.

I have to say, I was skeptical of Reid at the end of Mammoth. I could see what Brian was going to do with his character and I wasn’t sure I wanted him to. But I ended up loving what Brian is doing with his story!

I was also hesitant to accept Immy. I was already so attached to the established group. But man. Brian made me love her too! I look forward to diving deeper into her character later on!

The Mammoth series will forever be like coming home now, and Titan may be one of my top 5 favorite books of all time.

Well done, Brian *cue standing ovation*

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of beta-reading this last summer, and it was beyond spectacular! Getting to return to the story in its polished state made me fall in love all over again!

This series is a comfort read for me. They’re books I call “home.” They’re an action-packed, nonstop adventure, while also being full of so much hope & heart & truth. Even though I knew what would happen, several times I still found myself in tears. 🥹

The Jailbirds have a huge piece of my heart & I’m more than okay with that. 💛

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review || Titan

Recommended for 16+🦕|| Content Meter: 4.5/5 🦕|| Quality Meter: 10/10 🦕|| Personal Enjoyment: 10 🦕|| Overall: 10/10 🦕

The Story || I don’t even know what to say about this amazing book. It. Is. So. Good y’all! The vibe is totally different from Mammoth but exactly the same at the same time! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! I don’t even know how to comprehend the magnitude of everything that happened! 🦕

The character growth was so well done, natural, consistent and beautiful. I feel so bad for Mars and Maya and I want to hug Lydia and Jude and Tommy just needs closure and ack! I’m gonna cry!🦕

The villains are high stakes and while not enough has been revealed I can’t wait for book 3 to tell me more. And Reid y’all. Reid…🦕

The Aesthetic || This book is an adventure. Humidity, wet banana leaves and booby-traps. Sweat, blood and tears. Dinosaurs, leather packs and pirates. Maps, compasses and MREs. Broken wood, dusty treasure and hidden doors.🦕

The Writing || It’s a movie on paper. That’s what it is, plan and simple. It’s a cinematic experience and I can’t wait to hold my copy!🦕

The Vibe || This book is about betrayal and overcoming betrayal. Finding your true family, sticking to your guns and conquering the odds. Fighting for your friends against all odds. And fighting for the ones who don’t know they need you.🦕

The Content || blood, violence, murder; drugs, addiction; deception; child abuse; lying about one’s death;🦕

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Official review coming closer to release date but I CANNOT EXPRESS THE AMAZINGNESS THAT IS THIS BOOK!

[Addison S · Rating 5 out of 5]

What!?!? It’s over already! Noooooo!

[Jillian Sevilla-Sales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one question.
Are you sure that Mammoth and Titan are not TV Shows?
No? Really? Final answer?
Oh okay.
Because this series should be one! 😍
An easy and my first 5 star rating for the year!
The pace is perfect, descriptions will not bore you, story is clean (no explicit scenes, but some trigger warnings like drug use and violence), and I love all the characters (JUDE all the way but really, I love them all).
Titan is much more action packed compared to Mammoth. Every time I finish a chapter, I feel like the author is playing with my feelings. 🤣
Like, "woah, wait, I need to know what happens next!" Then another chapter hits and again, I am invested then another I need to know what happens next moment. 😅
There is so much more in the story and you need to read it!
Will definitely buy the third book, Leviathan. Adding it now to my list of 31 books for my 31st birthday. 🤪

[Zoha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! I loved the friendship between Jude and Lydia! Also I really REALLY want Jude and Maya to just get together already!! Immy was also a great new character and I’m excited to see more of her in the next book! I can’t wait for the third book to come out!

[Amelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I know, Jude," said Tommy. "And I didn't forget. I just...forgot to remember."

Tense and gripping, with plot swerves that will glue you to the page, Titan is a rip-roaring sequel to Mammoth, with all the trappings that attracted readers to the first book. With flavorings of the Hardy Boys, Disney’s Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Indiana Jones, N.D. Wilson’s Leepike Ridge and Ashtown Burials, and a smidge of Frank E. Peretti’s Cooper Kids adventure series, Titan has all the familiarity and escapist elements that have made the mystery-adventure-treasure-hunting tradition of storytelling a success.

Like with the first book, I sometimes had a hard time staying immersed in the plot because I had to suspend my disbelief a lot of the time. I couldn’t always grasp the characters’ personality traits (especially with Emilio), and I did predict most of the plot. Sometimes the descriptions could lean more towards the redundant side which pulled me out of the narrative. I also would have appreciated seeing more fully how Mars’s trauma affected him. He referenced it a few times, but I didn’t sense the ramifications of it as much as I would have liked. (I think this is an area where having so many POVs just made it more difficult to address things like this deeply enough for multiple characters.)

With Reid, though…oh, goodness, my heart absolutely ached for him. So much. Agonizing to read as his wounds tore wide, Reid’s conflict and self-hatred were written so impressively and painfully. Also, Jude’s response to his father’s abuse was believably complex and poignant as he remembered his past with anger and pain yet still felt an inexplicable love for Jack. Tangled and thorny, dark and real.

Also, can I say how absolutely wonderful it is that Tommy and Lydia remain committed to each other from Mammoth to Titan, staying happily together instead of going through some annoying, angsty, miscommunication-induced, hugely unnecessary breakup?

And too, the Jailbirds are such teenagers. Living off potato chips, sandwiches, and chili on the ship…snarking at each other with gleeful abandon…making split-second decisions…feeling everything so deeply…etc..

Love was a dangerous game. A risk, a dare. A lifetime spent worrying about more than just yourself. Jumping from a plane and trusting the parachute to hold. Walking a tightrope and trusting your own sense of balance. Throwing yourself between a bullet and the people you held closest. Love was so, so scary it was a wonder love could last at all. But it was also kind - so kind. Fingers intertwined and inside jokes. Laughter that carried into the deepest hours of the dark. Smiles that stretched until they hurt and memories made with each passing day. Lifetimes forged as sharp and as sure as the blades designed to break them. All the things that made love...true.

The Mammoth series is another adventure series, yes. It’s incredibly suspenseful, with each book boasting snappy chapters and the addictive qualities of another season to a thrilling TV show. But it’s not just another adventure series, because it has a raw depth to it that I never found in the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew. The author doesn’t romanticize violence as a means to a good end. He never take the easy way out with characters’ trauma. He never glorifies darkness. And I respect that immensely.

💀 content: kissing. Substance abuse. References to an alleged suicide. Parental abuse, torture, and violence. The villain slaps a young woman around. References to Maya’s mother’s desire to abort her. Mildly detailed references to revealing outfits on women. 💀

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really like Mammoth. The characters were likeable, the mystery intriguing, and something McBride excels at is giving you all the good, stormy vibes. I even pre-ordered Titan; I was so excited, so it's a big disappointment to not like this book. It seemed all of the small issues I had with Mammoth that I could ignore were amplified in Titan.

I've been hesitant to write this review because I'm an indie author myself and McBride and I know some of the same people even though we don't know each other. I'm going to try to keep this review constructive because I hope the author takes my criticism into consideration while he is writing book three. I can't write this review without getting into some issues I have with it on a personal level though.

My main issue with this series is the lack of moral complexity. It bothered me in Mammoth but I hoped that Titan would fix this issue as the characters grow, but this book did not. Before elaborating, I have to set the record straight that I am a Christian and my criticisms have to do with that. McBride is very vocal on his Instagram about how Mammoth is a clean series, and even though he is a Christian but not a Christian author, his books do not contain cursing or sex. In Mammoth, it's made very clear that the Jailbirds (our role models) don't curse, drink, and party like the Bluecoats (the bad guys) do, and the author has stated that the Jailbirds are christians even if their faith is not a huge part of the narrative. I have such issue with this because it's an incredible double standard that drinking, cursing, and having premarital sex is so condemned when these characters steal, break and enter, and even kill "goons" in these books. Jude even punches an innocent bystander so he can steal his car. Other than a throwaway line about Maya feeling guilty about stealing the trawler, these actions are never measured up against the characters' moral compasses--that are rooted in the fact that they are christians. Also, the Jailbirds are just as judgmental against the Bluecoats when Jesus calls us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. But they don't drink, curse, or have premarital sex so they're good christians, right?

And this double standard is not an isolated thing. As someone who grew up in bible culture, I know firsthand how the sins of drinking, cursing, and sex are demonized so much more than sins of greed, self-righteousness, and judging others. That it's okay to watch a movie with fist fights but not one with a soft sex scene.

Now what does this have to do with moral complexity? Am I saying that a novel has to have drinking, cursing, and sex to be adult and complex? No. What I'm saying is that the moral standard everyone is being measured by is immature and very black and white. Reid, who is supposed to be our gray character, is bad because he lacks a good father figure and he is addicted to drugs. This seems like the easy way to make someone bad especially since every other bad character is also a drug addict and/or abuser. People can be jerks and the villains of stories without resorting to making them one of those two things.

In contrast, the Jailbirds seem like Mary Sues. I don't remember feeling that way while reading Mammoth but it really bothered me here. I also think McBride is so set on writing a healthy found family trope made of great role models that he's not allowing the characters to be breathe and be human. It feels like no one is allowed to be mad or disagree with each other because that would mess with the big happy family.

I find it so strange that after nearly dying Mars isn't at all upset at Tommy. He doesn't even have to be upset at Tommy, but I feel like it would be only natural if Mars hesitated to get involved again with the Jailbird's schemes. Tommy is aware that he is "obsessive" and that this is his flaw as a character but he never faces consequences for his actions. Everyone is constantly telling him he doesn't have anything to feel guilty for because following him has been their choice. All Jailbirds' scenes with one another are like that because there's no interpersonal drama. This causes character reactions to seem unrealistic and the characters begin to blend together.

McBride has also dedicated this book series to people in their twenties (I'm 25), but this book series reads much more like it's for early teens (13-15) because of the lack of moral complexity. Also many of the characters' actions seem like those of dumb teenagers to me. Mars and Maya especially are postponing college in order to hang out with their high school friends in a decrepit lighthouse, getting into situations where they might die. Maya argues with her parents when they're wanting her to go to college and have a good life, and she's angry at them for it because what she wants is to sail with her high school buds. She doesn't even leave them a letter when she leaves for Peru, knowing she might die. That's cold and speaks to her immaturity. Mars also overreacts to his parents. It seems that he like this book has very little capacity for moral complexity because the second he finds out his parents lied, he runs away from them. And his parents have been the best out of all of the others'.

Since Mars, Maya, and Jude don't seem to have a dog in this fight, I don't understand why they're following Tommy on these dangerous missions other than for friendship. I find myself thinking that these people need better boundaries. It's one thing to help a friend in danger and another to follow your friend into danger when both of you could stay out of it or go about it in a smarter way. The trawler was not a ship meant to make that trip to Peru; they all knew it and it almost killed them. I can't believe no one batted an eyelash and thought maybe this isn't a good idea. As I said, I think this all has to do with the author's insistent that the Jailbirds be one happy family and not fight.

Finally, I know that the author has gotten some fire for his books having too much sex, drugs, and violence for some christians. He's responded on instagram by saying "if we can't tolerate books that show fictional characters at their darkest, that give us a glimpse into what it's like to be in those places, then how equipped are we to accept people whose lives are marked by addiction, bondage, sin, shame, and guilt in real-life into our churches and communities? This is an honest question that any of us, if we are self-aware, ought to ask to check our own hearts. If we turn our noses up or wince at a fictional character doing drugs because trauma drove him to addiction, what would we do when a real person shows up on the stoop of our church with needle marks in their arms and profanity on their tongues?"

I admire that he's trying to glorify God by writing about dark topics. I totally agree with how we box ourselves in with the media we consume will have an effect on how we box ourselves in in the real world and make ourselves incompetent to deal with dark things and moral complexities.

But it seems like he's still moving those thin goalposts to fit his work rather than breaking down the toxic expectations placed on Christian authors/consumers and media that prevent us from fully engaging with the complexity of our sinful world. Where do I fit as an author and a christian who writes explicit books, who does not comply with this ever shifting standard of clean media?

I'm going to end it here because I feel like I've already gone too long and hard. I do hope Leviathan is better than Titan and that McBride continues to do what he believes is right as he walks with the Lord and writes more books. He is my brother in Christ, but I had to get this off my chest. People can continue writing clean books, but I wish they would see how that standard might be toxic and problematic. I hope this review is helpful to whoever reads this.

[Michaela Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first of all, TITAN had some enormous shoes to fill after the immense ending that was Mammoth. I was nervous to go into it with big expectations, because I've read a lot of sequels that don't match up to the first book (I'm talking major films, even). But this one DEFINITELY did not disappoint. There are fantastic action scenes, heartbreaking personal choices that the characters face, amazing humor, and deeply impactful themes. I don't know how McBride balances the heartbreaking and lighthearted sometimes in the same page, but he blends it flawlessly, and that lends to such a realistic feel. If I loved the characters in Mammoth, I fell in love with them even more in this book -- and for the last half of the book or so, was left on the edge of my seat almost every chapter, rooting for them, holding my breath for them... and maybe yelling a couple of times... The character arcs are fantastic, and I can't wait to see more of the new character introduced in this book. Not to mention, the cliffhangers. The cliffhangers, man.

If you love found family, Indiana Jones, baddies slowly waking up to the depravity they're in, characters you can relate to, and an overall thrill of an adventure, pick up a copy of this book. You won't regret it.

*** I read an advanced copy of this book in order to honestly review; the opinions expressed above are my own.

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umm, oh my wow! That ending!!! This book!!! I did automatically read the first two chapters of the next because of the ending. And oh my goodness, this book. I one point I thought it was over…but no, there was so much more. The continual family drama, bonding, new characters, new treasures- it’s all so special.
I really loved the main groups of jailbirds. Reid is getting there. And Immy is really cool and I’m hoping we get more of her. I legitimately cannot wait to continue this series.

Content: most of it is same as last time but add more family drama/trauma and take away the SA attempt

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of it: the adventure, the friendships (great found family trope!), the romance, the battle between good and evil, and yes, even the cliffhanger because oh my gosh, I need more of the Jailbirds RIGHT NOW. I’m so glad Brian McBride is writing the Indiana Jones-esque story I never knew I needed because it’s so good, y’all.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. “Titan” releases on Dec 6, 2022!

[Megan McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think this book could top Mammoth but it did. Transport yourself back to your favorite treasure hunt adventure movie with this masterpiece of a book. The characters, setting, mystery, and action make each page heart-pounding.

(Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review)

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

“”We’re all two things Lydia,” said Jude. “We’re all both good and evil. And sometimes we think we’re doing good when we’re doing evil, and sometimes we use evil things to get a good outcome. It’s messed up, but it’s just the way it is.””

Brian McBride does it again! After devouring the first book, Mammoth, I broke my book buying ban to purchase Titan. Much like the first book, this story was a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants ride! With nods towards Indiana Jones and National Treasure, this book is an action-packed adventure from beginning to end.

For this next quest, the Jailbirds head to Peru in search of the lost Titan. I don’t want to give too much away, but the themes from book one carry over into book two: high stakes, dangerous quests, villains at every turn, and strong friendships that grow deeper with every page.

Though this book isn’t explicitly faith-centered, I liked the general faith themes like redemption, battling internal demons, and impossible hope in the face of hopelessness that were woven throughout. I can’t wait for book three!

[Eva-Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beta read.

[Laurisa Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book DELIVERED.

First off, I love each and every one of these characters. Their friendships and conflicts are so well illustrated. Their dialogue and banter is superb.
Reid's POV was amazing. He's a compelling character and I loved the message about the difference between an evil man and a broken one.

Immy was a great new character for this story, but she seems to keep so many secrets. A strong character, but not one who lets the reader get to know her very deeply as we didn't have her POV. Maybe in Book 3 we will get to know her more closely.

This book had me laughing out loud, sometimes every couple of pages.

I love how Jude stepped in to care for Lydia and the true friendship he has with Tommy. Those chapters with Jude and Lydia were some of my favorites and Jude will always be my top favorite Jailbrird.

Overall Titan held my interest throughout and the only reason I had to break up my reading periods was due to family arriving for the holidays. The climax was great and I'm upset I have to wait for Brian to write book 3. Such a good cliffhanger!

The leech scene was hilarious.
The spiritual moments were beautiful.
I appreciate how Brian handles darker moments so tactfully, writes his characters in a way that is respectful of his characters.
Apart from just a few moments, his high action scenes were realistic and well-paced.

Titan is another stellar New Adult novel that I deem a safe read for young minds.
I would highly recommend this series to most friends and family.

[Amber Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go again, off to South America as Brian McBride takes us on a WILD ride while we continue to follow the Jailbirds on epic adventures. Heartbreaking and funny in turns, it's a non-stop adrenaline rush til the end. This is absolutely one of my favorite series currently, and I can't wait to see where he takes us next!

[allison riera :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

such an enjoyable christmas break book. i flew thru it, and now am eagerly awaiting the 3rd.

liked how it became more of an original story (still w/ some callbacks to obx, but i didn't mind it). a little confused by all the mythology & lore, but hoping more will be explained in the 3rd.

(also jude x maya needs to happen SOON. they are my favorite)

[Marissa Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters have my <3

If you grew up reading Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys and can't find mystery/adventure books to enjoy as a young adult, you need to read these books! Like I'm dead serious. This story (this is the 2nd book in the series) is so beautiful. It is full of found family, redemption, friends-to-lovers, life risking adventures, and is still super clean! I adore the whole jailbird cast<3

Now I just have to read till this summer for book 3! I'm so excitedddddddd!!!!!!!!!!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good, so jaw droppingly perfect, that rather than being able to coherently express the maelstrom of thoughts whizzing through my pea brain I’ve been shocked into frustrated awe because I want to scream about how much I loved this in a way that resonates as deeply as this resonated with me but I can’t.

That’s it that’s the review five stars.

Actually no I can’t leave it there. This is epic adventure meets a really freaking intricate mystery meets a stunning plot (that left me shook) meets the best character arcs you will ever read. I can’t. I can’t!! I love the Jailbirds. All of them. Their guilt, their grief, their rage. All things that could, should, tear them apart only makes them stronger. Because they grow together, heal together, and fight for the love they have for each other. It’s not without hardship or risk and let me tell you this book is full of risk. But boy is it worth it.

Also I have to mention Reid. The way the characters play off him. Shape him. And how he shapes others too, whether he knows it or not. That one interaction with Jude? What Jude does afterwards. I don’t want to spoil. But THE SYMBOLISM! I could cry. I did cry. Multiple times.

What I absolutely loved about this story (in addition to all of the above) was how seamlessly it flowed together. The action was incredibly well written and every sequence added to the plot, pacing, and character development beautifully. The plot itself was like unwrapping a present layer by layer. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out something else comes to light. But it’s never in a ‘surprise I needed to write myself out of a hole’ type way. It was just… perfect. Seriously the planning that went into writing this must have been insane.

Anyways Brian is a master at his craft and you should read his books bye.

Content warnings: drug abuse, physical abuse, gun violence (all within the limits of an upper-YA age range)

[Charisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart-pounding, adventure-filled sequel to one of my favorite books of 2022!

It was so nice to finally reunite with the Jailbirds and see where they were going next. The gang truly goes through some incredible hardships in this book. We also learned some interesting truths and uncovered more secrets. I'm very pumped about this secret society.

Brian has done a great job with creating a villain. I hope it's okay for me to say that I hate Orion's guts!

I think the character that gained the most development in this story was Reid. His inner turmoil, his little moments of defiance, the abuse...I just feel so sad for him. I really hope he gets redemption.

The rest of the birds are thrown in to danger after danger while meeting some new (and not so new) faces. The scenarios they find themselves in remind me a lot of games like Uncharted and Tomb Raider.

The ending is an A+plus cliffhanger!!

I did find a few parts dragged a little for me, and I wish there had been a bit more personal character growth for the birds like there was in the first book.

I can't wait for Leviathan!

[Hannah Hambrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopisis: The Jailbirds have recovered from the disaster that occurred on Apocalypses Island, by the bad guys are still at large. Determined to follow the clues laid out by Tommy’s father, the sail down to South America. But this trip will test each of them, taking them to the limits of who they are.

My take: After Mammoth (book 1), I found that I literally couldn’t put this down. The Indiana Jones style adventure with near death experiences and the ever-evolving mystery has kept me on the edge of my seat! The scenes are clean, appropriate for even high school readers, but perilous situations abound! Serious action movie vibes (🤞this turns into a movie/tv series someday).

[Nancy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting adventure

The second book to the Mammoth series did not disappoint. I enjoyed the new setting and the action scenes. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Gabriella Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me sooo much longer to finish than I anticipated. I FLEW through Mammoth and finished it in three days so I naturally expected the same thing to happen with Titan. I originally got it as a beta read and failed to finish it in time to turn it in for feedback because of first-trimester things. However, once I sat down and was able to give it my attention, I really did enjoy it. I kind of blame any critiques I have on all of the gaps between my reading so I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt and giving it 4 stars. Eventually, I will re-read it when I have the brainpower.

[Jaime Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing ride! This book has the perfect blend of adventure, story, love, and family. Locked in from start to finish. The family vibes are so sweet, and I just can't stop reading this book.

[Mr. A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Titan Review
To start my review, I would like to thank Mr. McBride for giving us another fantastic book and continuing to create unique stories that many of us want more of. Mr. McBride is a wonderful and fantastic writer. I wish nothing but the best for him, and I pray that he continues to grow further, giving more stories and glimpses of his imagination.
Warning: spoilers ahead!
Writing: 4.9/5
From the previous story of the series, Mr. McBride has kept it in 3rd POV, which It should be mentioned once again that he has done an excellent job doing. The way he describes the amount of action within the story, like being chanced down in a car or land. Even the fighting scenes were amazingly well written and were quite fantastic. Mr. McBride has allowed us to see the action without us being there, which was terrific overall. However, some minor errors were spotted while reading within a couple of chapters. When Tommy, Lydia, Jude, and Maya went to the museum to find incriminating evidence against Orion. When they collected the box, it appeared that Mars was with them (Page 32), which wasn’t a big issue, but it did throw me off while reading. Overall, there weren’t many other errors, unlike the one on page 32. (Though, a re-read must be done to give a complete answer.)
Plot 5/5
It must be said the plot was terrific and jaw-dropping, to say the least. To see how much has changed with the jailbirds, even how close they’ve gotten after the first book. It was enjoyable to read the mystery of Orion and see how much bigger this was than we initially thought from the first book. Originally, It was believed it was going to be a simple, “It’s time to expose Orion!” but it was really, “A large society that has been hidden from the world and is trying to take over and control everything.” Which was a massive twist that, which is to believe, many of the readers did not expect. It was also enjoyable to see that this wasn’t as simple but truly more life-threatening towards the Jailbirds. Also, the plot twist of Lydia's mother being alive was something eventful within the story, which would lead to many more questions that were well made for the readers as well.
It is also worth mentioning that there were tiny bits of humor added within the story, which, while reading the reviews, not many took quite well. But, It was seen that Mr. McBride didn’t intend to make it “Interesting.” Scene, but a way to calm the story back a bit and show the comedy of the characters. If I were to put my own personal opinion, I did, in fact, find myself chuckling at the “Leach incident.” Many would agree that it was pretty humorous.
Also, it was very amusing to see Reid's character development within this story. The character that many began to sympathize with after the ending of the last book genuinely started to show how lost he indeed was. His uncle indeed manipulated him so much that he thought of Orion as his savior. It was only when Emilio helped Reid drastically to show him kindness that no one had ever done for him. This moment was Reid's wake-up call and truly began his character development, which many would agree was a fantastic thing to be witnessed.
Also, the ending was something many did not expect, and personally, it had me gripping the book edges and pully close to my face. It was well done and made readers and I thirst for the next book!
Problem: Close to none.
While I could say that there was not much of a problem with this story, I would be telling the truth, but I would lie if I said that there wasn’t a minor issue. I do want to point out that while it’s a fantastic book and a great story, I do want to state that I should look more closely when reviewing it. While I did find a straightforward error within the book, It should looked at more closely to ensure the mistake doesn’t happen again. But overall, it’s a fantastic story!
Conclusion. 5/5!
The book is full of mystery and questions that need to be answered, which is why this book is a good read for anyone looking for it! Also, the action and jaw-dropping moments are to die for and truly worth every cent to read. I recommend that many take a chance to read Titan and join in Mr. McBride’s adventure, which is full of adventures! I give Titan a 5 out of 5! Everything in the story is correct and impressive, and I can’t stop wondering what else is in store for our characters! God bless Brian McBride!

[Haley · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/5 Stars

Okay... The writing and plot did improve ever so slightly ... The first chapters were great, the writing was so intentional... Unfortunately, it did decline toward the end of the book, becoming too rushed as the plot picked up pace.

I can't get through this book without mentioning the religious - I was bout to say undertones but if I'm being honest they were quite clear and abundant while never committing it to the plot. I'm all for having a character be religiously motivated or to go through religious conflict - Exhibit A: Inej Ghafa from Six of Crows - but I did not enjoy that it was used vaguely... If you're going to bring it up... commit to it. I don't know, it could just be me but if you're going to have religious characters... maybe make them feel a little guilty for murdering a truck full of men... How can the Jailbirds sit there and criticize the Bluecoats for drinking, cursing, and having premarital sex when they are quite literally out here breaking and entering, stealing, and MURDERING PEOPLE?!

Also - taking into account my own religious trauma - I found it extremely distracting whenever it was mentioned. Here we have a group of six characters... and you're saying there's seven of them... Here we have a character dangling from a helicopter amidst a deadly mission... and his best friend tells him to "Go with God"... I am all for writing for your faith, but what happened between the first book and this book? Seriously... this has crossed a line into religious propaganda and this book should be marketed as Christian fiction.