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Dirus
Dirus
Thought extinct during the last ice age, a predator has continued to thrive in the shadow of man and has remained undiscovered in the isolated forests of central Canada. In a quest for a new and distant territory, a young pack of carnivores settles in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. With a busy summer tourist season underway, Sam, a resident bear biologist, is thrown into a tangle of puzzling deaths and disappearances. These intelligent creatures stay one step ahead of Sam and her team as they hunt the native wildlife and unsuspecting visitors that stumble upon the territorial and ravenous pack.
L.J. Vitanza originally published Dirus in a serialized format on Amazon’s Kindle Vella.
Readers chose Dirus as a Top Faved story on the Kindle Vella platform from 01/22 until 04/22.
Reader Reviews from
"If you love books/stories like “Beast” or “Jaws” by Peter Benchley or “Zoo” by James Patterson and I’ll even throw in “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton because it’s got similar themes; I’m telling you, you’re really going to enjoy Dirus!"
"Truthfully, it’s been decades since I’ve read a natural disaster creature horror that has kept me engaged and didn’t make my eyes roll to the ceiling with its absurdity."
"It’s spooky and keeps you on the edge of your seat."
"It’s a really refreshing take on the creature thriller. There is no “evil corporation” or “man’s the ultimate monster”."
"LJ tackles it all and achieves in this top-notch creature horror in the sprawling and beautiful landscape of Yellowstone National Park."
"The level of intensity is great, the pacing is fast, and there are no boring bits –"
Thought extinct during the last ice age, a predator has continued to thrive in the shadow of man and has remained undiscovered in the isolated forests of central Canada. In a quest for a new and distant territory, a young pack of carnivores settles in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. With a busy summer tourist season underway, Sam, a resident bear biologist, is thrown into a tangle of puzzling deaths and disappearances. These intelligent creatures stay one step ahead of Sam and her team as they hunt the native wildlife and unsuspecting visitors that stumble upon the territorial and ravenous pack.
L.J. Vitanza originally published Dirus in a serialized format on Amazon’s Kindle Vella.
Readers chose Dirus as a Top Faved story on the Kindle Vella platform from 01/22 until 04/22.
Reader Reviews from
"If you love books/stories like “Beast” or “Jaws” by Peter Benchley or “Zoo” by James Patterson and I’ll even throw in “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton because it’s got similar themes; I’m telling you, you’re really going to enjoy Dirus!"
"Truthfully, it’s been decades since I’ve read a natural disaster creature horror that has kept me engaged and didn’t make my eyes roll to the ceiling with its absurdity."
"It’s spooky and keeps you on the edge of your seat."
"It’s a really refreshing take on the creature thriller. There is no “evil corporation” or “man’s the ultimate monster”."
"LJ tackles it all and achieves in this top-notch creature horror in the sprawling and beautiful landscape of Yellowstone National Park."
"The level of intensity is great, the pacing is fast, and there are no boring bits –"
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
523 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Vitanza
8 books53 followersL.J. Vitanza spent her childhood immersed in horror movies like Jaws, Creature From the Black Lagoon, and Alien (yes, she was an odd kid). When L.J. was old enough to read (compelling stories, anyway), authors like Stephen King and Clive Barker filled her head with haunting images, sparking her need to write and create books.
During high school, and unlike her classmates, L.J. turned in pieces about werewolves, the plague, and other terrifying themes. Much to her delight, the creative writing teacher willingly accepted them with a broad smile (she later admitted to loving them).
Adulthood halted any dreams of writing. Work, marriage, family, and friends became a priority. Now older (and wiser, maybe?) with more free time, L.J. has revisited the dream of writing, completing her first novel, Dirus, in only three months. She now publishes her work on Amazon's Kindle Vella platform and Ream, with plans to release many more books worldwide.
L.J. has traveled the world and lived in multiple states, settling in the foothills of a small Wyoming mountain town. This isolated location, surrounded by the eerie and nightly yip of coyotes, inspires and drives her love of writing horror stories. When not writing, reading, or watching horror movies, L.J. enjoys wildlife photography and exploring the isolated trails of the Rockies. She never knows what creatures lurk on the footpaths ahead.
During high school, and unlike her classmates, L.J. turned in pieces about werewolves, the plague, and other terrifying themes. Much to her delight, the creative writing teacher willingly accepted them with a broad smile (she later admitted to loving them).
Adulthood halted any dreams of writing. Work, marriage, family, and friends became a priority. Now older (and wiser, maybe?) with more free time, L.J. has revisited the dream of writing, completing her first novel, Dirus, in only three months. She now publishes her work on Amazon's Kindle Vella platform and Ream, with plans to release many more books worldwide.
L.J. has traveled the world and lived in multiple states, settling in the foothills of a small Wyoming mountain town. This isolated location, surrounded by the eerie and nightly yip of coyotes, inspires and drives her love of writing horror stories. When not writing, reading, or watching horror movies, L.J. enjoys wildlife photography and exploring the isolated trails of the Rockies. She never knows what creatures lurk on the footpaths ahead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 21, 2024
Holy complete lack of professionalism, Sam, our main character, will not behave or dress professionally or appropriately under any circumstances. I honestly struggled with the idea that someone who insists on behaving and speaking the way she does would keep a job for more than a month, it's also impossible to ignore because it comes across as so forced that it's often cringe worthy. She's not alone in her completely inappropriate for work behavior but the other characters seem to limit it to their banter. If you ignore how insufferable the character interactions are the actual story is pretty decent.
February 25, 2024
Ok… loved the plot. Hated the characters!! Why are they all talking about the main character’s breasts (even she is talking about her breasts) over and over and over again when there is literally a new species killing people, hunting the characters, and destroying the ecosystem that they are supposed to protect?
So so bizarre. Why were all the female characters sexualized and/or stupid?
Very cringe, and it completely ruined the story for me.
So so bizarre. Why were all the female characters sexualized and/or stupid?
Very cringe, and it completely ruined the story for me.
August 12, 2024
Great plot, great idea. Characters were idiotic. Who cares about Sam’s boobs? Or that a guy with a girlfriend keeps thinking about them. Sam is a moronic caricature of a strong woman. If you can skim over her body crap, its a good book.
April 23, 2023
Nail-biting Suspense!
If you like the detail and suspense that Stephen King brings to his novels, you will LOVE Dirus.
I’ll be honest. I cannot read Stephen King. There are just too many details. I want to get to the nitty gritty with minimal distractions. LOL. Dirus started off slow for me, but only for that reason. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t needless details given to increase the word count. They were definitely needed. But let me tell you, this book had my heart pounding, yelling at the characters NOT to do what they were getting ready to do…squirming in my seat, and at one point, I had to walk away because it was that intense. NOTHING was predictable.
I love the character development and progression. Sam is strong, full of grit and a witty lead. The chemistry between her and Dale is just too precious. I also loved how the POV could change at any moment. We could see things from Sam’s perspective, then Dale, as well as other characters and even the wolves, without confusion.
The combination of hesitation, fear, humor, and suspense was absolutely refreshing!
If you like the detail and suspense that Stephen King brings to his novels, you will LOVE Dirus.
I’ll be honest. I cannot read Stephen King. There are just too many details. I want to get to the nitty gritty with minimal distractions. LOL. Dirus started off slow for me, but only for that reason. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t needless details given to increase the word count. They were definitely needed. But let me tell you, this book had my heart pounding, yelling at the characters NOT to do what they were getting ready to do…squirming in my seat, and at one point, I had to walk away because it was that intense. NOTHING was predictable.
I love the character development and progression. Sam is strong, full of grit and a witty lead. The chemistry between her and Dale is just too precious. I also loved how the POV could change at any moment. We could see things from Sam’s perspective, then Dale, as well as other characters and even the wolves, without confusion.
The combination of hesitation, fear, humor, and suspense was absolutely refreshing!
February 2, 2025
DNF at 25%
I never really got hooked on the plot. I felt like the narrative was more about how “hot” the main character was and her cleavage than about the protagonist dire wolves.
I never really got hooked on the plot. I felt like the narrative was more about how “hot” the main character was and her cleavage than about the protagonist dire wolves.
March 15, 2025
I really enjoyed the characters in the book. My only complaint was the incorrect information about how wolf packs operate. Reading the term "alpha", "beta" and "omega" really bothered me, but I did my best to ignore it. I enjoyed that the book took place in Yellowstone and the dialogue between the characters was really fun. It was a fun book to read, I'm undecided about reading the next book in the series. I did really enjoy this book despite my one complaint, but I do worry about more inaccurate terminology in the remaining books.
May 27, 2024
Far better than expected!
Virus is a book about Dire Wolves in Yellowstone, in the spirit of Luke Phillips' excellent big cat books or Katie Berrys' Claw books. Man vs animals thought extinct. The plot, characters, dialog and everything else about the book are superb, even a few laugh lines are included. 5/5 stars. Highly recommended, especially if you enjoy this type of creature narrative!
Virus is a book about Dire Wolves in Yellowstone, in the spirit of Luke Phillips' excellent big cat books or Katie Berrys' Claw books. Man vs animals thought extinct. The plot, characters, dialog and everything else about the book are superb, even a few laugh lines are included. 5/5 stars. Highly recommended, especially if you enjoy this type of creature narrative!
June 23, 2024
This book is well-edited, but the writing drags a bit. There is a surprising lack of details about several important scenes in the story. Please wax poetic about the vistas in Yellowstone Park and the animals in it. Especially the ones the main character is supposed to be monitoring. I would also suggest that the author spend some time with firearms if she will continue to write about them. A for instance, you don't just buy a night vision scope and put it on a rifle. You must zero it in before you can hit anything. Also, if you are using a night vision scope and bright lights come on (like car headlights), the scope will be unusable and could be damaged. If planning on shooting multiple animals quickly, a semi-automatic weapon with a box or drum magazine is the right choice. The type of ammunition is important for the game you are hunting. A round designed for grizzly bears would be extreme overkill for a wolf and may only wound them. Also, animals (including humans) don't die immediately when shot. Putting ammo in your pocket does not make it useful in a time-sensitive moment. The use of a tourniquet does not automatically mean that the limb will be amputated. These suggestions are to improve this book and the writer.
I liked the way that the chapters corresponded to a day. I like short punchy chapters. Some of the chapters/days seemed mostly empty of action and preparation. More snarky conversations would liven up this book.
I liked the way that the chapters corresponded to a day. I like short punchy chapters. Some of the chapters/days seemed mostly empty of action and preparation. More snarky conversations would liven up this book.
October 2, 2024
not were but dire wolves
I just liked this story. The dangerous animals in it were not created in a lab by some crazed scientist, but were a natural wild animal. There is the oh I know everything character, who does know everything and pay the price for his hubris. The other characters have no problem with killing the dire wolves. The wolves are animals that are just doing what is their nature to do. So it is hard to fault them, but they are preying on humans and that is a no-no. The story moves along at a good pace, there are good characters, there are bad characters and some you hope get eaten. So think about reading a story that has some chills, a little more and what I call a guilty pleasure read.
I just liked this story. The dangerous animals in it were not created in a lab by some crazed scientist, but were a natural wild animal. There is the oh I know everything character, who does know everything and pay the price for his hubris. The other characters have no problem with killing the dire wolves. The wolves are animals that are just doing what is their nature to do. So it is hard to fault them, but they are preying on humans and that is a no-no. The story moves along at a good pace, there are good characters, there are bad characters and some you hope get eaten. So think about reading a story that has some chills, a little more and what I call a guilty pleasure read.
February 6, 2025
Pu!I-up your big girl nickers and hunker down its a long night!
Oh my goodness!!!!!! This is a terrifying ride from page one till the last credit. I love the ones that grab me and suck me down Slices rabbit hole. You'll want to take a high powerful gun, rifle with you!!!!
Oh my goodness!!!!!! This is a terrifying ride from page one till the last credit. I love the ones that grab me and suck me down Slices rabbit hole. You'll want to take a high powerful gun, rifle with you!!!!
May 18, 2023
Edge of my seat the whole way. I love wolves and know a thing or two about dire wolves from museums. But Vitanza makes these animals CREATURES. Viscous and horrible in nature to unsettle readers with every noise in the brush.
I also thoroughly enjoyed her characters and hope she wrote them. She gave them good voice and the prose matched well. I have no complaints and can't wait for the next Vitanza novel!
I also thoroughly enjoyed her characters and hope she wrote them. She gave them good voice and the prose matched well. I have no complaints and can't wait for the next Vitanza novel!
July 12, 2024
A great book to read and gets you going.
You are taken on a journey the involves being in Yellowstone National park , along with Rangers that keep everyone save. But things were about to get very strange for the Rangers and the people that are there , because people were starting to go missing . The author did a great job with the book keeping you wanting more and they will keep you there. Great job I look forward to more books.
You are taken on a journey the involves being in Yellowstone National park , along with Rangers that keep everyone save. But things were about to get very strange for the Rangers and the people that are there , because people were starting to go missing . The author did a great job with the book keeping you wanting more and they will keep you there. Great job I look forward to more books.
March 25, 2023
I'm not much for horror books, but this one was great.
It was short, but still action packed.
A prehistoric wolf pack finding an easy meal in Yellowstone National park was not what I was expecting to catch and hold my attention. I read this book in less than 12hours and loved every minute of it.
I would 100% recommend this book!
It was short, but still action packed.
A prehistoric wolf pack finding an easy meal in Yellowstone National park was not what I was expecting to catch and hold my attention. I read this book in less than 12hours and loved every minute of it.
I would 100% recommend this book!
June 4, 2024
Attacks on humans in public parks is rare, and usually related to the public not exercising caution. But when people disappear and human remains are found hidden in the forest, it’s obvious an apex predator has a new preferred food source.
A bit slow to start but great action-filled final chapters.
A bit slow to start but great action-filled final chapters.
July 3, 2024
Good Book
I really like this book. I thought it was very well written. The book had great characters. I was looking to try to read more of her books. The other books are something called a Vella. They want you to pay for each episode. You have to be kidding me. There is absolutely no way. She can keep her books or her vellas.
I really like this book. I thought it was very well written. The book had great characters. I was looking to try to read more of her books. The other books are something called a Vella. They want you to pay for each episode. You have to be kidding me. There is absolutely no way. She can keep her books or her vellas.
July 6, 2024
cliff hanger!
I love the monster(s) and really hope there is either a sequel already written or one in the works. Very good story with a good balance of personal reflection and interaction, that builds the character, with action and humor. I would really love to see the trio come together for a “part 2”.
I love the monster(s) and really hope there is either a sequel already written or one in the works. Very good story with a good balance of personal reflection and interaction, that builds the character, with action and humor. I would really love to see the trio come together for a “part 2”.
September 7, 2024
Best read in a long time
This book was Soooooo GOOD!!! I loved it. It kept you in suspense, and was definitely full of action. The characters were great and kept you wanting to read more and more and more. It even had me crying at some parts.
It was really a GREAT story. Hope there’s more to follow.
Constance Loach
This book was Soooooo GOOD!!! I loved it. It kept you in suspense, and was definitely full of action. The characters were great and kept you wanting to read more and more and more. It even had me crying at some parts.
It was really a GREAT story. Hope there’s more to follow.
Constance Loach
October 8, 2024
Good read
Normally, I don't read this type of book very often but I was interested. I took a vacation in Yellowstone and the book's location made me check it out.
I enjoyed the the story of non traditional predators in Yellowstone. Also , the author did a good job of making feel like I was in Yellowstone again trying not to become their victim.
Normally, I don't read this type of book very often but I was interested. I took a vacation in Yellowstone and the book's location made me check it out.
I enjoyed the the story of non traditional predators in Yellowstone. Also , the author did a good job of making feel like I was in Yellowstone again trying not to become their victim.
October 20, 2024
Good
I liked the concept of this book. My only problem was the killing. Could we have not studied them instead? The animals were hungry, but I get it. They were killers. The storyline was okay, but I did not care for the main character. She was hard-headed and self-absorbed. Never found about her missing bear or its cub?? I like the author and will try her next book.
I liked the concept of this book. My only problem was the killing. Could we have not studied them instead? The animals were hungry, but I get it. They were killers. The storyline was okay, but I did not care for the main character. She was hard-headed and self-absorbed. Never found about her missing bear or its cub?? I like the author and will try her next book.
November 1, 2024
Love, love
I had my doubts when I started this book. So few do this kind of story well. It was so good from beginning to end. A almost perfect back and forth between predator and prey. It is a little wordy at times, but I know he was filling out the characters. Don't start if you don't have the time, yep, too good to put down.
I had my doubts when I started this book. So few do this kind of story well. It was so good from beginning to end. A almost perfect back and forth between predator and prey. It is a little wordy at times, but I know he was filling out the characters. Don't start if you don't have the time, yep, too good to put down.
February 1, 2025
Good story
The story line was good. I liked the characters and the setting. I have been to Yellowstone many times and hiked in the park. I could relate to environment and it appeared realistic. Perspective from the wolves was well done. Loved the tension and adventure of the story. Well done.
The story line was good. I liked the characters and the setting. I have been to Yellowstone many times and hiked in the park. I could relate to environment and it appeared realistic. Perspective from the wolves was well done. Loved the tension and adventure of the story. Well done.
January 16, 2023
Absolute page-turner. This book was impossible to put down. The thrill of not knowing what's going to happen on the next page is intense. Great character development. I may never camp in Yellowstone but that's OK. You never know what lurks in dark.
January 27, 2023
You’ll never look at hiking and parks the same way
again. The author does a masterful job at crafting this tale of man versus nature. If you like thrillers, creature features or horror, you will enjoy this book. It was in my top five last year.
again. The author does a masterful job at crafting this tale of man versus nature. If you like thrillers, creature features or horror, you will enjoy this book. It was in my top five last year.
February 4, 2023
A haunting intense read!
Love how this book kept me turning the pages all night long! Haunting, creepy, well-written, and perfectly paced! This one will keep you reading until you turn out the lights...then stay with you. Get a night light before reading!
Love how this book kept me turning the pages all night long! Haunting, creepy, well-written, and perfectly paced! This one will keep you reading until you turn out the lights...then stay with you. Get a night light before reading!
May 30, 2024
Very much enjoyed.
No complaints. Well written, good action, realistic plot. Good characters and gave me a desire to check out yellowstone. Wish it went a little more into dire wolves but that's what google is for.
No complaints. Well written, good action, realistic plot. Good characters and gave me a desire to check out yellowstone. Wish it went a little more into dire wolves but that's what google is for.
June 3, 2024
Excellent read
I loved the story. What an interesting take on the standard wolf adventure. The various characters were amazingly developed. Can't wait to read this authors next adventure.
I loved the story. What an interesting take on the standard wolf adventure. The various characters were amazingly developed. Can't wait to read this authors next adventure.
June 5, 2024
I couldn’t put this down,
Omg I couldn’t put this book down, I liked the way this author writes and created the story. I was on the edge of my seat and enjoyed the characters and can’t wait to see what other books she has
Omg I couldn’t put this book down, I liked the way this author writes and created the story. I was on the edge of my seat and enjoyed the characters and can’t wait to see what other books she has
June 25, 2024
Dire wolves thought extinct, have survived for thousands of years in the Canadian wilderness. Two break away from the pack and head south to start their own pack. They settle in Yellowstone National Park and find humans the prey of choice. Good Book.
July 26, 2024
Fast and Furrious!
Not the camping trip I was expecting. I don't know if the correct word is pretenatural? But it will leave you with a healthy respect for our four legged forest friends!
Not the camping trip I was expecting. I don't know if the correct word is pretenatural? But it will leave you with a healthy respect for our four legged forest friends!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews