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The First Harm: A Medical Thriller
WINNER - BEST MEDICAL THRILLER - Independent Press Award 2023
★★★★★ - A Reedsy Discovery "Must Read"
★★★★★ - Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal A first-year medical student determined to do everything right . . . discovers something very wrong. Now somebody wants her dead. Tanna Christensen spent countless hours planning for her first gross anatomy dissection, but nothing could have prepared her for what she’s found. Beneath her scalpel lies a cadaver riddled with disturbing genetic abnormalities—evidence pointing to an unthinkable crime. Tanna believes her discovery is the tip of a terrifying secret that goes far deeper than a single corpse. But when her investigation leads to a brutal murder, a lethal cover-up threatens to destroy the future she once dreamed of. And now she’s the next target. Afraid and on the run, Tanna must expose the truth before more lives are lost—including her own. Or is it already too late? The First Harm is a fast-paced thrill ride with surprising twists that will captivate fans of A.G. Riddle, Robin Cook, CJ Lyons, Dan Alatorre, and Michael Crichton. Scroll up and grab your copy now!
★★★★★ - A Reedsy Discovery "Must Read"
★★★★★ - Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal A first-year medical student determined to do everything right . . . discovers something very wrong. Now somebody wants her dead. Tanna Christensen spent countless hours planning for her first gross anatomy dissection, but nothing could have prepared her for what she’s found. Beneath her scalpel lies a cadaver riddled with disturbing genetic abnormalities—evidence pointing to an unthinkable crime. Tanna believes her discovery is the tip of a terrifying secret that goes far deeper than a single corpse. But when her investigation leads to a brutal murder, a lethal cover-up threatens to destroy the future she once dreamed of. And now she’s the next target. Afraid and on the run, Tanna must expose the truth before more lives are lost—including her own. Or is it already too late? The First Harm is a fast-paced thrill ride with surprising twists that will captivate fans of A.G. Riddle, Robin Cook, CJ Lyons, Dan Alatorre, and Michael Crichton. Scroll up and grab your copy now!
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2022
785 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Steven Piskula
1 book8 followersSteven Piskula is an award-winning screenwriter, former journalist, and passionate thriller author. His interest in storytelling was sparked in his early teens when he discovered the page-turning paperbacks of Stephen King, and he’s been hooked ever since. His love of words led him to study English and journalism before earning a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting. But he has never forgotten the gripping stories and exhilarating action in the books that started it all.
A native of Wisconsin, Steven now enjoys living in Southern California with his wife and child. They frequently travel to Spain, where he has found his second home while visiting his wife’s family. When he’s not writing, Steven is busy attempting to learn Spanish, perfecting his paella recipe, and trying to keep up with his young son.
A native of Wisconsin, Steven now enjoys living in Southern California with his wife and child. They frequently travel to Spain, where he has found his second home while visiting his wife’s family. When he’s not writing, Steven is busy attempting to learn Spanish, perfecting his paella recipe, and trying to keep up with his young son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 31, 2022
Tanna Christiansen is a first-year medical student determined to do everything perfectly. She has prepared thoroughly for her first gross anatomy dissection lab, and is in front of the class with the scalpel in her hand. Expecting to find the normal textbook anatomy, she is horrified to find the cadaver full of genetic abnormalities, which can only mean a crime has taken place. Thinking that what she saw is only the beginning of something evil, she sneaks back into the lab after hours to investigate further on her own. Knowing she shouldn’t, she snaps a cell phone photo of what she sees in the body. This sets off a horrific chain of events beginning with the savage murder of her best friend and roommate, Krystal. Tanna is the next target. On the run and afraid, knowing the medical career she has worked so hard is about to be destroyed, she sets off to find whoever is responsible and prevent any further destruction of life.
This is an exhilarating read, rife with character and scenery descriptions that bring the novel to life, that drew me in and kept me turning pages to see what was next. It is twisted, riveting ride that left me wondering how something similar to the fictional plot could actually happen. The hallmark of a great medical thriller, in my honest opinion, is in its ability to make you wonder if there is a possibility that something comparable could actually happen. That possibility shakes you to your core, and “The First Harm” absolutely achieved that successfully for me. I believe (and hope) there is a small window open for a sequel; it would be great to catch up with Tanna in the future.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, Steven Piskula, and Word First, LLC for the ability to read and review this ARC.
This is an exhilarating read, rife with character and scenery descriptions that bring the novel to life, that drew me in and kept me turning pages to see what was next. It is twisted, riveting ride that left me wondering how something similar to the fictional plot could actually happen. The hallmark of a great medical thriller, in my honest opinion, is in its ability to make you wonder if there is a possibility that something comparable could actually happen. That possibility shakes you to your core, and “The First Harm” absolutely achieved that successfully for me. I believe (and hope) there is a small window open for a sequel; it would be great to catch up with Tanna in the future.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, Steven Piskula, and Word First, LLC for the ability to read and review this ARC.
November 15, 2022
Fast
This is first class throughout, from about the third chapter on it keeps the reader on the edge -- often flies at a high speed rate.
It’s very hard to put down once you get started and sticks all the way to the end.
I really enjoyed this story – – really!
This is first class throughout, from about the third chapter on it keeps the reader on the edge -- often flies at a high speed rate.
It’s very hard to put down once you get started and sticks all the way to the end.
I really enjoyed this story – – really!
August 13, 2023
Tanna is a medical student who comes across something interesting while working with a cadaver and shortly after her roommate ends up dead. I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I felt like the characters were missing substance and the story line moves very quickly and things happen one after another. I felt like what was happening wasn’t explained very well either. A solid three stars for me.
January 27, 2023
This is a pretty fast paced book. It definitely has a lot of action and suspense. The author is obviously a good writer with pretty fascinating ideas that are written well.
It’s a good book if you like medical thrillers and fast paced action. This book however for me with meh. I didn’t like it and it definitely had some sci-fi and tech stuff in it and that just wasn’t enjoyable to me but I think it’s perfect for someone that enjoys the medical side with tech and sci-fi. I have it three stars because it’s not horrible but just not my style of a storyline. It does jump around a bit and can be not very realistic at times but the characters are okay.
It’s a good book if you like medical thrillers and fast paced action. This book however for me with meh. I didn’t like it and it definitely had some sci-fi and tech stuff in it and that just wasn’t enjoyable to me but I think it’s perfect for someone that enjoys the medical side with tech and sci-fi. I have it three stars because it’s not horrible but just not my style of a storyline. It does jump around a bit and can be not very realistic at times but the characters are okay.
May 27, 2025
DNF after 50%. it seems like I'm always the odd one out on reviews. Oh well.
October 26, 2022
I've been a fan of Robin Cook medical thrillers for decades, so I enjoyed this new-to-me author's book. Tanna is a first-year medical student going through her Human Anatomy class and feeling the pressure. After an embarrassing mistake in class, she is eager to practice and when she sees the lab door ajar, even though it's against the rules, she goes inside and dissects part of the cadaver she'd worked on earlier. That's when her troubles begin. As in any medical mystery I've read, there are medical personnel doing things that should not be done -- things they will kill to protect. Tanna finds herself caught up in something that is big and dangerous. As the body count rises, she finds some unexpected allies. The story moves along well.
September 13, 2022
Fast-paced action and raising stakes result in a fun-to-read conspiracy thriller.
I really liked that the main character kept trying to act like a character in a thriller, but gets caught by either cameras or the authorities immediately.
Jason was also an interesting introduction to the plot both in terms of personality contrast between him and Tayna and the motor cross competence that helped propel the mechanics of the plot along. At first, I thought Jason got swept into the plot a little too quickly, and then I realized he was using Tanya's crazy drama as a distraction to try not to fall off the wagon, which made perfect sense as character motivation.
One place where the book missteps is in revealing Krystal's involvement in the conspiracy so early. It was hard to mourn her death when the reader still reeled from Krystal's betrayal.
Though not my favorite literary technique, I know multiple POVs are pretty common in conspiracy thrillers. Some of the POVs are odd though, particularly the viruses' POV. I still haven't decided if it was good weird or bad weird. At least the author returned to the virus POV multiple times. ( It's a pet peeve of mine when a book only uses a particular POV once.)
Also, this book operates on the logic of SCIENCE! I laughed aloud at the line that the villain took modafinil, so he never had to sleep. If technical inaccuracies in science fiction drive you bonkers, then this book is probably not for you.
However, fans of Michael Crichton will probably enjoy this thriller where the people in power are up to no good, and new technologies bring both benefit and harm.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I really liked that the main character kept trying to act like a character in a thriller, but gets caught by either cameras or the authorities immediately.
Jason was also an interesting introduction to the plot both in terms of personality contrast between him and Tayna and the motor cross competence that helped propel the mechanics of the plot along. At first, I thought Jason got swept into the plot a little too quickly, and then I realized he was using Tanya's crazy drama as a distraction to try not to fall off the wagon, which made perfect sense as character motivation.
One place where the book missteps is in revealing Krystal's involvement in the conspiracy so early. It was hard to mourn her death when the reader still reeled from Krystal's betrayal.
Though not my favorite literary technique, I know multiple POVs are pretty common in conspiracy thrillers. Some of the POVs are odd though, particularly the viruses' POV. I still haven't decided if it was good weird or bad weird. At least the author returned to the virus POV multiple times. ( It's a pet peeve of mine when a book only uses a particular POV once.)
Also, this book operates on the logic of SCIENCE! I laughed aloud at the line that the villain took modafinil, so he never had to sleep. If technical inaccuracies in science fiction drive you bonkers, then this book is probably not for you.
However, fans of Michael Crichton will probably enjoy this thriller where the people in power are up to no good, and new technologies bring both benefit and harm.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
September 12, 2022
Thriller is not usually a genre that I read but I was intrigued to read this book and really enjoyed it! I was a bit confused at first with the introduction of the characters and the storyline, but as with all books, I was able to understand as it developed and really got into it. A good medical thriller read!
August 13, 2024
𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨, 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The First Harm
Steven Piskula
357 pages
FC: Krystal, Perry, Jason, Tanna, Dr. Solomon
I am so happy that I went to the Tucson festival of books and met the incredible author of The First Harm. Not ONLY is this his debut novel but, it’s absolutely astounding.
Thank you for creating such a wonderful story. From page 1 to page 357, this was an incredibly satisfying and twisty ride. Krystal is my favorite character and I would like a book with only her in it. My queen🍷
“𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓾𝓶 𝓷𝓸𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝓬𝓮𝓻𝓮. 𝕆𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕦𝕤 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕨𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕞𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕤𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕝. 𝔽𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥, 𝕕𝕠 𝕟𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕞. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕞 𝕀’𝕧𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕝𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕪. {𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕} 𝕚𝕤 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕕.”
It was filled with suspense, fantastic characters and information that I would never have known save for this book.
Tanna and Jason were a Bonnie and Clyde esque duo with Meredith grey and Wyatt and Billy from Easy Rider vibes. I’ve never experienced a thriller with such heart that every character was solid in their own desires, hailed from different places and gave such structure and life to this story. I also did not expect there to be an air of romance and there WAS! I liked the pacing the relationship went; entirely satisfying.
𝚃𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚙𝚎𝚕, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚜.
Dr. Craig was a phenomenal villain and Dr. Solomon was…”the man behind the curtain”, wizard of oz style, for all intents and purposes which I LOVED. They were a strange duo with some rough history and I really liked their drama! LOL
The plot was WHOLE. Filled to the brim with information. I feel, this is the first book I’ve read in A LONG TIME, where I learned some useful facts like how to prepare yourself if your motorcycle ever goes airborne or how important more wine is :)
“𝖣𝗈𝖼𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗌 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗎𝗑𝗎𝗋𝗒 𝗈𝖿 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾. 𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌.”
The writing alone makes this book worthwhile. The extensive research and education that Piskula has to create such a vibrant piece of fiction, cannot be topped! And it’s his debut novel!! How insane !!!
Give it a read and enjoy the ride just like I did ;)
MAS VINO!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The First Harm
Steven Piskula
357 pages
FC: Krystal, Perry, Jason, Tanna, Dr. Solomon
I am so happy that I went to the Tucson festival of books and met the incredible author of The First Harm. Not ONLY is this his debut novel but, it’s absolutely astounding.
Thank you for creating such a wonderful story. From page 1 to page 357, this was an incredibly satisfying and twisty ride. Krystal is my favorite character and I would like a book with only her in it. My queen🍷
“𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓶𝓾𝓶 𝓷𝓸𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝓬𝓮𝓻𝓮. 𝕆𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕦𝕤 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕨𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕞𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕤𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕝. 𝔽𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥, 𝕕𝕠 𝕟𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕞. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕞 𝕀’𝕧𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕝𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕪. {𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕} 𝕚𝕤 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕕.”
It was filled with suspense, fantastic characters and information that I would never have known save for this book.
Tanna and Jason were a Bonnie and Clyde esque duo with Meredith grey and Wyatt and Billy from Easy Rider vibes. I’ve never experienced a thriller with such heart that every character was solid in their own desires, hailed from different places and gave such structure and life to this story. I also did not expect there to be an air of romance and there WAS! I liked the pacing the relationship went; entirely satisfying.
𝚃𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚙𝚎𝚕, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚜.
Dr. Craig was a phenomenal villain and Dr. Solomon was…”the man behind the curtain”, wizard of oz style, for all intents and purposes which I LOVED. They were a strange duo with some rough history and I really liked their drama! LOL
The plot was WHOLE. Filled to the brim with information. I feel, this is the first book I’ve read in A LONG TIME, where I learned some useful facts like how to prepare yourself if your motorcycle ever goes airborne or how important more wine is :)
“𝖣𝗈𝖼𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗌 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗎𝗑𝗎𝗋𝗒 𝗈𝖿 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾. 𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌.”
The writing alone makes this book worthwhile. The extensive research and education that Piskula has to create such a vibrant piece of fiction, cannot be topped! And it’s his debut novel!! How insane !!!
Give it a read and enjoy the ride just like I did ;)
MAS VINO!
April 27, 2023
Steven Piskula’s The First Harm is a gripping, action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tanna’s discovery of a cadaver in the lab sets off a chain of events that leads her down a dangerous path. When her roommate, Krystal, dies in what appears to be a murder disguised as an accident, Tanna begins to suspect that something sinister is afoot. Her investigation soon uncovers a shady body parts trading scheme between the university and a mortuary and the nefarious activities of Modern Genetics, a research laboratory creating deadly viruses.
Tanna becomes a target of the malevolent plotters, and with nowhere else to turn, she teams up with Jason, a former drug addict, to hunt down the bad guys. Despite being outmatched and outgunned, their unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of others is truly admirable. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including Solomon, who stands up for the truth at a significant personal cost.
The First Harm boasts a well-crafted plot filled with unending twists and turns, and the characterization is top-notch. The chemistry between Tanna and Jason is palpable, and their courage in the face of danger is inspiring. Piskula’s writing style keeps the story moving rapidly, sprinkling in just the right amount of humor and romance to make it a delightful read. The plot moves quickly, but that is because the scenes are intense and violent.
The First Harm is a well-written and engrossing medical thriller that will satisfy fans of mystery mixed with science fiction and conspiracy. The storyline is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the suspense is mind-blowing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read that will keep them on the edge of their seat.
Tanna becomes a target of the malevolent plotters, and with nowhere else to turn, she teams up with Jason, a former drug addict, to hunt down the bad guys. Despite being outmatched and outgunned, their unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of others is truly admirable. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including Solomon, who stands up for the truth at a significant personal cost.
The First Harm boasts a well-crafted plot filled with unending twists and turns, and the characterization is top-notch. The chemistry between Tanna and Jason is palpable, and their courage in the face of danger is inspiring. Piskula’s writing style keeps the story moving rapidly, sprinkling in just the right amount of humor and romance to make it a delightful read. The plot moves quickly, but that is because the scenes are intense and violent.
The First Harm is a well-written and engrossing medical thriller that will satisfy fans of mystery mixed with science fiction and conspiracy. The storyline is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the suspense is mind-blowing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read that will keep them on the edge of their seat.
September 17, 2023
A Bit Cliched
I'm an RN, so I love almost any fiction story with a medical or nursing element. I particularly enjoy medical thrillers, especially when it’s about emerging science. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite feel like a real “medical thriller” to me. Rather, it's a thriller with a medical backdrop. I also thought much of it felt cliched, like how the female medical students were treated and how medical school was portrayed. (Not accurate from what I heard of my nephew’s experience.) Thrillers often stretch the boundaries of believability, but this one pushed them to the breaking point, at least in my eyes. The way things devolved for the heroine and her small band of cohorts just didn't seem anything close to what would or could actually happen in real life. The best fiction at least has some anchoring in reality. This book didn’t have such moorings. As you might be able to tell, I didn't enjoy this audiobook.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
I'm an RN, so I love almost any fiction story with a medical or nursing element. I particularly enjoy medical thrillers, especially when it’s about emerging science. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite feel like a real “medical thriller” to me. Rather, it's a thriller with a medical backdrop. I also thought much of it felt cliched, like how the female medical students were treated and how medical school was portrayed. (Not accurate from what I heard of my nephew’s experience.) Thrillers often stretch the boundaries of believability, but this one pushed them to the breaking point, at least in my eyes. The way things devolved for the heroine and her small band of cohorts just didn't seem anything close to what would or could actually happen in real life. The best fiction at least has some anchoring in reality. This book didn’t have such moorings. As you might be able to tell, I didn't enjoy this audiobook.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
February 18, 2023
I received this book as an ARC and I am providing my honest review. I had to grow into this book. The writing was good. However, after starting off with the setup of the mystery it slowed down. It was not until halfway through the book that the writing became more intense and made you want to continue to read it to see how things would turn out. Character development was at a medium and the story kind of jumped around in places, causing you to have to focus to make the connections. There also appeared to be a subplot going on with the main character that made me think that I must have missed something earlier in my reading to indicate how this subplot was established. All in all, though, the story was ok.
September 14, 2022
The First Harm is Steven Piskula's first book & it's a winner, a great debut. The "hero" of the story is Tanna, a first year medical student, who stumbles upon a deranged/unauthorized experimentation going on. She sneaks into the anatomy lab for some extra practice on dissecting & discovers abnormal nerves in her cadaver. This proves to be the tip of the iceburg. Fast faced, hard to put down. Murders. Oh, wait till you meet Jason, the biker/motocross champ/recovering addict who steps in to help Tanna & winds up riding along for the whole journey. A genetics company with "mad" scientists is the underlying story here. Good read; give it a try; I think you'll like it.
January 2, 2024
This wasn't what I expected and I thought that the drug addict motorcycle guy was the best part of the story. I'm not normally one to say something like that, so.. take it as you will. The FMC wasn't clever/confident enough to be a believable medical student and her roommate (rip) was DEFINITELY too "college girl." It was hard to keep track of motion in the heavy action scenes, just because everything was so jumbled up and fast paced. I get that, but isn't the point of fiction writing to give a mental image? IDK. Side note- all my reviews this year are just going to be word vom, no eloquence from me at all. Sorry not Sorry.
April 26, 2024
You’d better make sure your heart can take this book
The first bite was soft. I wasn’t sure if I could get behind Tanna, but in no time, the pace shot up like a rocket. I questioned her thought processing when she joined forces with Jason. But they surprised me. Roman was the scariest psychopath bad guy I’ve read in a long time. I finished the book in a day and a half. The ending threw me into a tailspin. Never in all my wildest thoughts did I expect THAT ending! Good job, Steven. Better let me know when the sequel comes out!
The first bite was soft. I wasn’t sure if I could get behind Tanna, but in no time, the pace shot up like a rocket. I questioned her thought processing when she joined forces with Jason. But they surprised me. Roman was the scariest psychopath bad guy I’ve read in a long time. I finished the book in a day and a half. The ending threw me into a tailspin. Never in all my wildest thoughts did I expect THAT ending! Good job, Steven. Better let me know when the sequel comes out!
December 8, 2022
Suspenseful medical thriller
I haven't read a medical thriller for a few years. I used to share the ones I read with my father and since his death I hadn't picked one up until now.
My father would have enjoyed this one with me, being a part of Tanna and Jason's desperate journey.
The villians in the tale are so vile and the evil that they are perpetrating is so awful that you find yourself really rooting for this unlikely pair.
I haven't read a medical thriller for a few years. I used to share the ones I read with my father and since his death I hadn't picked one up until now.
My father would have enjoyed this one with me, being a part of Tanna and Jason's desperate journey.
The villians in the tale are so vile and the evil that they are perpetrating is so awful that you find yourself really rooting for this unlikely pair.
January 12, 2023
A pleasant surprise
I didn't have much hope for this novel by SP. Especially after reading some of the reviews. But I'm happy I gave it a chance. The author did a great job of keeping my interest and perfectly laid the ground work for the continuation of the story without making me feel cheated of a conclusion. Can't wait for future installments.
I didn't have much hope for this novel by SP. Especially after reading some of the reviews. But I'm happy I gave it a chance. The author did a great job of keeping my interest and perfectly laid the ground work for the continuation of the story without making me feel cheated of a conclusion. Can't wait for future installments.
January 21, 2023
Not really into medical thrillers and almost stopped reading after the first couple of chapters. However, I hate "quitting" on books, so I slogged on. It got better. The main characters were good, the story a little too science fiction for me. Three stars is a little high for me but I will leave it at that.
September 14, 2022
A great, interesting story about a medical student who, after trying to get better in her studies, ends up in the middle of a dangerous scientific war. During her fight for survival, she finds allies in the most unthinkable places.
It's full of danger, tragedy, twists and turns, and some romance.
It's full of danger, tragedy, twists and turns, and some romance.
September 18, 2022
Exciting medical thriller.
This book is an excellent medical thriller. It has a bit of everything in it. Murder, mystery and a little romance. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This book is an excellent medical thriller. It has a bit of everything in it. Murder, mystery and a little romance. I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 8, 2022
Satisfactory
A light mildly entertaining read. The novel is predictable, the twists of plot are unremarkable.
Nevertheless, it was a satisfactory way to spend a quiet Saturday.
A light mildly entertaining read. The novel is predictable, the twists of plot are unremarkable.
Nevertheless, it was a satisfactory way to spend a quiet Saturday.
December 30, 2022
Surprisingly Good
This book was full of interesting characters, twists and turns unexpected. From a first-time author, I was not expecting such a well written book. I highly recommend this author and hope to see another book available by him soon.
This book was full of interesting characters, twists and turns unexpected. From a first-time author, I was not expecting such a well written book. I highly recommend this author and hope to see another book available by him soon.
January 11, 2023
This book is an huge burning pile of trash. It took everything in me to finish it because somehow it got high ratings. HOW?! Hopeful that it would get better toward the end, I pushed on. Alas, much to my disappointment, it only got worse. Utter rubbish.
October 13, 2023
DNF at 25%
I wish I could give a short synopsis but I seriously have no idea what was going on. I then had a quick look through the reviews to see if it was worth continuing and I concluded that it wasn’t.
I wish I could give a short synopsis but I seriously have no idea what was going on. I then had a quick look through the reviews to see if it was worth continuing and I concluded that it wasn’t.
December 28, 2023
Exceptional
I really enjoyed this book. The author took time to build the characters. The medical information was correct. And I never foresaw the ending. That was quite the twist. I would like to have read more about the characters afterwards.
I really enjoyed this book. The author took time to build the characters. The medical information was correct. And I never foresaw the ending. That was quite the twist. I would like to have read more about the characters afterwards.
March 25, 2024
Good read! Definitely on the edge of your seat through the book! Fast pace. Short chapters. Author is also the nicest guy ever! Met him at a book festival and will for sure buy whatever he writes next!
April 16, 2024
Quick paced, page-turning medical thriller with more twists and turns than a mountain highway. This book will have you staying up late to find out what happens next. An impressive debut, and pure entertainment.
May 6, 2024
really good
I’m not one to read medical thrillers. I am so glad I read this one. I couldn’t put it down.
Whatever I’ve open can’t be put back in. I guess I’ll just have to find my next triller, be it medical or otherwise. Thanks for the good read.
I’m not one to read medical thrillers. I am so glad I read this one. I couldn’t put it down.
Whatever I’ve open can’t be put back in. I guess I’ll just have to find my next triller, be it medical or otherwise. Thanks for the good read.
October 28, 2022
Interesting
The premise of the book was different from usual. A surprising twist at the end raised my rating from a 3.5 to a 4. I would recommend.
The premise of the book was different from usual. A surprising twist at the end raised my rating from a 3.5 to a 4. I would recommend.
November 11, 2022
Excellent storyline
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is excellent, the characters are believable and it carries you forward at a quick pace. I couldn’t put it down.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is excellent, the characters are believable and it carries you forward at a quick pace. I couldn’t put it down.
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