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Coyote Moon #1
Fallen
By midnight he still hadn't killed anyone. Dr. Dakota Thomas isn't prepared for the gunshot victim who rolled through his emergency room doors. Michael Ricco looks like an average young Marine. His dog tags, however, tell a different story. How could this fresh-faced Marine have a birth date of 1898? What was he doing wandering in the desert at night, alone and wounded? And why were thirteen people murdered to try to keep his secret? In a world where genetic experimentation pushes the boundaries of how far someone would go to live just a little longer, the main question is...how many must die to keep one person alive?
- GenresMystery
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2009
3 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Ann Simko
10 books19 followersWhen not writing Ann Simko works as a nurse in a level one trauma center. For fun she studies karate and tries to keep both her children, husband and odd assortment of critters in line. It never works, but that doesn't keep her from trying.
Nothing entertains her more than trying to answer the question "What if?" and then twisting the answer until it becomes warped- cool,huh?
Ann has seven novels published with Uncial press, another two finished and looking for homes out there in the world of publishing and another two in progress.
She hopes you enjoy her twisted little corner of the world.
Nothing entertains her more than trying to answer the question "What if?" and then twisting the answer until it becomes warped- cool,huh?
Ann has seven novels published with Uncial press, another two finished and looking for homes out there in the world of publishing and another two in progress.
She hopes you enjoy her twisted little corner of the world.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 27, 2010
Dr. Dakota Thomas just sewed up a gun shot wound in his ER. The young Marine's only identification is his dog tags that couldn't possible be right. How could this boy have been born in 1898? Now, Dakota is on a mission to find out who this man is, why he was wondering around the desert alone, and who would want to kill him.
With a world forever trying to learn nature's secrets to live longer, how far will mankind go? And at what sacrifice?
Warning: combat situations and blood
Oh, my friend Ms. Ann Simko! What a wonderful weave. Most times I don't read thrillers and suspense because I have an uncanny ability to solve them. Not the case here. I didn't see the twists and turns to this awesome story and that is saying something! I felt for poor Ricco and screamed at Dakota. Montana was someone I didn't like until his mannerisms were explained with realistic detail.The story was fresh and something I'd never fathomed to imagine. LOL Now, I see it in the news everyday!
Looking for a thriller to get your blood flowing on these cold nights? Pick up Fallen, not only will you not be disappointed, you'll have two more books after it to finish up the tale.
Congratulations, Ann Simko on Five and half Blue Roses! Absolutely, earned when you get an avid romance reader to buy the followups. :)
With a world forever trying to learn nature's secrets to live longer, how far will mankind go? And at what sacrifice?
Warning: combat situations and blood
Oh, my friend Ms. Ann Simko! What a wonderful weave. Most times I don't read thrillers and suspense because I have an uncanny ability to solve them. Not the case here. I didn't see the twists and turns to this awesome story and that is saying something! I felt for poor Ricco and screamed at Dakota. Montana was someone I didn't like until his mannerisms were explained with realistic detail.The story was fresh and something I'd never fathomed to imagine. LOL Now, I see it in the news everyday!
Looking for a thriller to get your blood flowing on these cold nights? Pick up Fallen, not only will you not be disappointed, you'll have two more books after it to finish up the tale.
Congratulations, Ann Simko on Five and half Blue Roses! Absolutely, earned when you get an avid romance reader to buy the followups. :)
March 30, 2014
FALLEN is a fast-paced thriller that asks the question: Is the suffering of a few okay when the end results can help millions?
You're instantly thrown into the chaotic life of e.r. doctor, Dakota Thomas, when he meets his newest patient, a gunshot victim, sporting dog tags that label him as being over one hundred years old. As Dakota sets out to uncover the truth, the tension explodes and holds taut until very near the end, and just when it lets up, danger threatens to swallow all the main characters once again. The book is well-researched and the author's nursing experience lend the medical procedures in the book much credibility.
My only gripe is it went by too fast and all the characters are worthy of knowing in a deeper regard.
You're instantly thrown into the chaotic life of e.r. doctor, Dakota Thomas, when he meets his newest patient, a gunshot victim, sporting dog tags that label him as being over one hundred years old. As Dakota sets out to uncover the truth, the tension explodes and holds taut until very near the end, and just when it lets up, danger threatens to swallow all the main characters once again. The book is well-researched and the author's nursing experience lend the medical procedures in the book much credibility.
My only gripe is it went by too fast and all the characters are worthy of knowing in a deeper regard.
February 10, 2010
"Fallen" is a debut novel from Ann Simko. Set in Nevada, this thriller follows Private Michael Ricco after his escape from an underground bunker. Dr. Dakota Thomas is swept up in the mystery of how his patient came to be wearing dog tags that put his birthdate at 110 years in the past. Evil is a step behind these men as they pair up in a struggle to stay alive and stop 'The General', aided by the doctor's brother and a band of his Army Ranger friends.
This is the first in a series of three, and I look forward to reading Ms. Simko's next novel.
This is the first in a series of three, and I look forward to reading Ms. Simko's next novel.
July 12, 2017
Very good read by a local author!
Secret military bases, medical experiments, an on the run adventure ride, a man with a mysterious past and the doctor trying to help him, who gets in way deeper than he ever imagined, with some heartache and tears on the way through, plus some strong portraits of brotherhood in all its forms. Just how far is too far?
Great read, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Secret military bases, medical experiments, an on the run adventure ride, a man with a mysterious past and the doctor trying to help him, who gets in way deeper than he ever imagined, with some heartache and tears on the way through, plus some strong portraits of brotherhood in all its forms. Just how far is too far?
Great read, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
March 10, 2015
*Please note there are some slight spoilers for the first half of the book*
Fallen is an extremely gripping, fast-paced action thriller, written well and with passion – it is an exciting read that will keep your adrenalin flowing throughout. We first meet Ricco, shot and injured in the desert, where it is unclear exactly what has happened to him. This is a super beginning as the reader is drawn into this guy’s ordeal and immediately asks questions that we need to find the answers to. Who is shooting at him? What has he done to deserve this? Will he survive? And to add more mystery, we are then told about his dog tags reading 1898 as his birth year!
When in ER, as Ricco is attended to by Dr. Dakota Thomas, Dakota tries to work out the mystery surrounding him – just who is Michael Ricco? After bringing in the local Sheriff and him having contact the military, who have no record of him, and the local Deputy going missing in the same place Ricco was found, it is then that Dakota reaches out to his private investigator brother, Montana, to do some digging. Reluctant at first, it isn’t too long before Montana changes his mind.
As another is attempt is made on Ricco’s life whilst in hospital, Montana, a former Army Ranger, makes arrangements for Ricco to be escorted to a safehouse. And, with Ricco still needing medical care, and Dakota wanting answers on who he is, Dakota accompanies them. Matters soon turn even more serious as we learn that Ricco was kept in bunkers underground against his will and has been experimented on for years, used as a lab rat, and seen many others die for this cause. It is clear to Montana that the people Ricco has escaped from will want him dead for fear of him revealing their secrets.
The Governor is the villain of the piece. He is in charge of the lab testing and experiments, believing that the death of a few could save millions in the future. Seeing nothing wrong with what he is doing and being brutally violent, it has a little Nazi-esque feel to it.
“… I’m a fucking hero to every cancer patient who prays that a cure will be found before they die, to every twenty-year-old victim of arthritis, to every human being who might die of Avian Influenza… I am God, Dakota Thomas, minus the moral fiber.”
With military working as his staff, he has the support and help he needs to carry out his testing, help defend his fort and prevent anyone from escaping. The only exception to the rule thus far has been Ricco’s escape. He will go to all lengths necessary to retrieve Ricco, as he has proven to be an interesting case, managing to survive so much more than others treated similarly.
The story takes an even more serious turn as Dakota finds himself being taken, and in the hands of The Governor. From the Governor’s point of view, surely Dakota, being a doctor, would welcome such experiments in the name of medical research? Having Dakota helps the Governor to redeem some power: he can now use Dakota to experiment with and possibly offer a trade with Montana – Dakota for Ricco! Will Dakota survive his ordeal? Will Ricco land right back from where he escaped? And just what is Montana’s next move going to be?
“Montana Lee Thomas was not a patient man, nor was he a tolerant one… He had taken lives in the past, but killing was not an easy thing for him… Never had he willfully, wantonly, taken a human life. There had never been the need or the desire.
Until now.”
Fallen is written in such a way that it makes the story very easy to visualise. It would make a great movie with kidnapping, a perfect villain, explosive action, gunfights, brawls and also brotherly love. And, just when you think they’re out of the woods – there is more action to come. You’re never quite sure what will happen next, or who will be hurt. This makes for a fantastic book of surprises – and I LOVE that. Of course, I want the heroes, the Thomas brothers in particular to be safe and live through these events, but I also enjoy an unpredictable, gritty and possible more realistic story. I like the danger, the fear and the intensity, and Ann Simko surely has brought these to the story.
As well as the physical injuries to Dakota, there is also the way in which he is affected mentally by what he is going through. This creates some compassion in him for Ricco as they have been through a very similar experience. Albeit, Ricco’s lasted almost a century and any family he once knew have been long gone. But, as the story moved on I saw Ricco as another brother to Dakota and Montana. They build trust from the very beginning, with Dakota patching him up and Montana showing that he will put his life on the line for him.
I would strongly recommend this read to anyone who loves a fast-moving, easy flowing action adventure/thriller. It will definitely keep you on your toes and it has it’s share of explosive moments. However, there are also some beautiful emotive and touching scenes, especially towards the end. I would certainly like to read more of this series!
A copy of Fallen was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
Fallen is an extremely gripping, fast-paced action thriller, written well and with passion – it is an exciting read that will keep your adrenalin flowing throughout. We first meet Ricco, shot and injured in the desert, where it is unclear exactly what has happened to him. This is a super beginning as the reader is drawn into this guy’s ordeal and immediately asks questions that we need to find the answers to. Who is shooting at him? What has he done to deserve this? Will he survive? And to add more mystery, we are then told about his dog tags reading 1898 as his birth year!
When in ER, as Ricco is attended to by Dr. Dakota Thomas, Dakota tries to work out the mystery surrounding him – just who is Michael Ricco? After bringing in the local Sheriff and him having contact the military, who have no record of him, and the local Deputy going missing in the same place Ricco was found, it is then that Dakota reaches out to his private investigator brother, Montana, to do some digging. Reluctant at first, it isn’t too long before Montana changes his mind.
As another is attempt is made on Ricco’s life whilst in hospital, Montana, a former Army Ranger, makes arrangements for Ricco to be escorted to a safehouse. And, with Ricco still needing medical care, and Dakota wanting answers on who he is, Dakota accompanies them. Matters soon turn even more serious as we learn that Ricco was kept in bunkers underground against his will and has been experimented on for years, used as a lab rat, and seen many others die for this cause. It is clear to Montana that the people Ricco has escaped from will want him dead for fear of him revealing their secrets.
The Governor is the villain of the piece. He is in charge of the lab testing and experiments, believing that the death of a few could save millions in the future. Seeing nothing wrong with what he is doing and being brutally violent, it has a little Nazi-esque feel to it.
“… I’m a fucking hero to every cancer patient who prays that a cure will be found before they die, to every twenty-year-old victim of arthritis, to every human being who might die of Avian Influenza… I am God, Dakota Thomas, minus the moral fiber.”
With military working as his staff, he has the support and help he needs to carry out his testing, help defend his fort and prevent anyone from escaping. The only exception to the rule thus far has been Ricco’s escape. He will go to all lengths necessary to retrieve Ricco, as he has proven to be an interesting case, managing to survive so much more than others treated similarly.
The story takes an even more serious turn as Dakota finds himself being taken, and in the hands of The Governor. From the Governor’s point of view, surely Dakota, being a doctor, would welcome such experiments in the name of medical research? Having Dakota helps the Governor to redeem some power: he can now use Dakota to experiment with and possibly offer a trade with Montana – Dakota for Ricco! Will Dakota survive his ordeal? Will Ricco land right back from where he escaped? And just what is Montana’s next move going to be?
“Montana Lee Thomas was not a patient man, nor was he a tolerant one… He had taken lives in the past, but killing was not an easy thing for him… Never had he willfully, wantonly, taken a human life. There had never been the need or the desire.
Until now.”
Fallen is written in such a way that it makes the story very easy to visualise. It would make a great movie with kidnapping, a perfect villain, explosive action, gunfights, brawls and also brotherly love. And, just when you think they’re out of the woods – there is more action to come. You’re never quite sure what will happen next, or who will be hurt. This makes for a fantastic book of surprises – and I LOVE that. Of course, I want the heroes, the Thomas brothers in particular to be safe and live through these events, but I also enjoy an unpredictable, gritty and possible more realistic story. I like the danger, the fear and the intensity, and Ann Simko surely has brought these to the story.
As well as the physical injuries to Dakota, there is also the way in which he is affected mentally by what he is going through. This creates some compassion in him for Ricco as they have been through a very similar experience. Albeit, Ricco’s lasted almost a century and any family he once knew have been long gone. But, as the story moved on I saw Ricco as another brother to Dakota and Montana. They build trust from the very beginning, with Dakota patching him up and Montana showing that he will put his life on the line for him.
I would strongly recommend this read to anyone who loves a fast-moving, easy flowing action adventure/thriller. It will definitely keep you on your toes and it has it’s share of explosive moments. However, there are also some beautiful emotive and touching scenes, especially towards the end. I would certainly like to read more of this series!
A copy of Fallen was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
February 1, 2014
A young man runs through the desert with a gunshot wound, afraid for his life, and afraid of his life. An unseen foe bears down on him. He trips, falls and comes to, in a small hospital.The doctor and staff that come to his aid have no idea what helping this man may cost them. Thus begins the story of Fallen ; a tale of intrigue, conspiracy, and medical mysteries.
While Fallen is a non-stop story of mystery, danger, and blood pounding excitement, it also tells of the the relationship of two brothers whose only similarities are that they care about each other, and are willing to sacrifice all in order to protect each other.
When Dakota Thomas a physician, and Montana Thomas, a former military ranger, decide to look into the extraordinary tale of the young man in the desert, they are called on to use every skill they have ever learned to get to the bottom of the story, and to stay alive.
In this day and age of many medical miracles, just what kind of research is being done? What would some do to speed up these discoveries? Could unwilling participants be tortured and abused for the sake of a new cure? Fallen will help you to consider such questions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fallen : Coyote Moon Book 1,by Ann Simko, which was awarded to me for free by Goodreads Firstreads. I look forward to reading more of Ann Simko's books.
While Fallen is a non-stop story of mystery, danger, and blood pounding excitement, it also tells of the the relationship of two brothers whose only similarities are that they care about each other, and are willing to sacrifice all in order to protect each other.
When Dakota Thomas a physician, and Montana Thomas, a former military ranger, decide to look into the extraordinary tale of the young man in the desert, they are called on to use every skill they have ever learned to get to the bottom of the story, and to stay alive.
In this day and age of many medical miracles, just what kind of research is being done? What would some do to speed up these discoveries? Could unwilling participants be tortured and abused for the sake of a new cure? Fallen will help you to consider such questions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fallen : Coyote Moon Book 1,by Ann Simko, which was awarded to me for free by Goodreads Firstreads. I look forward to reading more of Ann Simko's books.
March 12, 2014
I was hooked on the first chapter when Private Michael Ricco ends up in the emergency room under the care of Dr. Dakota Thomas, with dog tags that read his birth date as 1898. It was non-stop action, suspense, danger, the works after that.
Dakota's brother Montana and his crew reminds me of the A-Team--covert operations under the radar. The brothers relationship is complex which adds to the story. I love when I read a book and the characters are so well rounded and believable I feel like I personally know them.
The emotions the reader feels when Private Michael Ricco reacts to situations after he escapes from a compound conducting experiments by "The General", or we read his inner thoughts, conveys well his post traumatic stress symptoms and his striving to overcome it. Then When Dakota is captured ... well no spoilers here on that.
And the thought that the fictional premise of the story of scientists holding people to prolong their life to use as guinea pigs to create the cures we know of today, is down right creepy real possible. I look forward to reading the next two in the series.
Dakota's brother Montana and his crew reminds me of the A-Team--covert operations under the radar. The brothers relationship is complex which adds to the story. I love when I read a book and the characters are so well rounded and believable I feel like I personally know them.
The emotions the reader feels when Private Michael Ricco reacts to situations after he escapes from a compound conducting experiments by "The General", or we read his inner thoughts, conveys well his post traumatic stress symptoms and his striving to overcome it. Then When Dakota is captured ... well no spoilers here on that.
And the thought that the fictional premise of the story of scientists holding people to prolong their life to use as guinea pigs to create the cures we know of today, is down right creepy real possible. I look forward to reading the next two in the series.
April 2, 2011
Ann Simko has written an excellent debut novel with consistent pacing, good action sequences and interesting characters all wrapped up in a conspiracy theory worthy of the X-Files. To tell the truth, I was a little surprised that this was a novel by a first-time author as the writing certainly doesn't betray the fact. The characters are well-rounded, particularly the brothers Dakota and Montana, as they are given a past that fits well with their current responses to what's happening to and around them. Simko seems to have a thorough grasp of psychology as all her characters are endowed with thoughts and actions/reactions that ring (mostly) true. The story moves in a somewhat predictable fashion, but the moral dilemmas, questions and difficulties raised by the story that the characters must face, keep you drawn to the events unfolding and wondering 'what-if?'. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from this author.
May 9, 2011
This book poses a huge "what if" question, as stated by the author's profile at the back of the book. What if it was possible to find cures for the deadly maladies that we face each day? At what price should these cures come at? What if we must sacrifice the life and freedom of one man to cure thousands? What if that one person was held against his will?
The morality aspect of this book is the driving force behind the author's writing, it seems. The characters are believable, but at times the conversations between the two brothers feel forced and not appropriate to the situation. Other than this one small part of the plot, I was hooked into this book from the very beginning. A definite 5 star read.
The morality aspect of this book is the driving force behind the author's writing, it seems. The characters are believable, but at times the conversations between the two brothers feel forced and not appropriate to the situation. Other than this one small part of the plot, I was hooked into this book from the very beginning. A definite 5 star read.
November 21, 2011
I am an avid thriller and mystery reader. This book was amazing. The first chapter lured me in, and by the third chapter I was unable to resume life ‘till I found out how it ended.
Two of the main characters, Dakota and Montana were conflicted, but not unbelievably so. Mr. Bad Guy General was a character I loved to hate. He was creepy and I was rooting for his demise. The mysterious character that started the whole thing was believable, which given the plot was a feat!
There were many peaks and valleys, but they all made sense and didn’t feel contrived. I won’t give the ending away, but I am not a fan of characters too stupid to live, or tragic endings with no purpose. A little ambiguity is fine because it just leaves me wanting more! Cool book!
Two of the main characters, Dakota and Montana were conflicted, but not unbelievably so. Mr. Bad Guy General was a character I loved to hate. He was creepy and I was rooting for his demise. The mysterious character that started the whole thing was believable, which given the plot was a feat!
There were many peaks and valleys, but they all made sense and didn’t feel contrived. I won’t give the ending away, but I am not a fan of characters too stupid to live, or tragic endings with no purpose. A little ambiguity is fine because it just leaves me wanting more! Cool book!
May 15, 2011
When the gunshot victim is carried through the emergency room doors, Dr Dakota Thomas is astounded to read the dog tags around his neck. This 20-something-year-old has a birth date of 1898! Almost immediately, Dakota is drawn into a whirlwind of danger. Someone is willing to commit mass murder to prevent anyone finding out the story behind the mystery.
Just how far is legitimate for experimentation to have people live longer? And as Ann Simko asks, how many must die to keep one person alive?
I was rivetted by this novel. The plot and characters are strong and the story oozes energy. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a darned good read.
Just how far is legitimate for experimentation to have people live longer? And as Ann Simko asks, how many must die to keep one person alive?
I was rivetted by this novel. The plot and characters are strong and the story oozes energy. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a darned good read.
Read
February 6, 2016I received Fallen as an ARC (advance reader's copy) book from the author. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. A definite 5-star read. Fast action, intricate plot, excellent character development, and solid writing. This is not a feel-good book, but it's an edge-of-your-seat nail biter. The villain is eerily, psychologically obsessed with his mission, and the trauma scenes are believably intense. Read this is one sitting and I recommend to thriller, suspense, and even horror fans. Well done Ms. Simko.
August 12, 2010
I highly recommend this book. It was so raw and riveting that I could practically feel the emotions and pain of the characters. The characters that Ms. Simko created in this book are the strongest aspect. She makes you care about what happens to them. This doesn't diminish the fact that the plot and storyline are so action packed that I was often left breathless at the end of a chapter. This is a definite must read.
August 21, 2011
Great suspense plus a bit of moral ambiguity.
September 20, 2011
This book held my attention from cover to cover. Wonderful story and amazing characters. You just don't want to put this book down. I look forward to the rest in the series.
August 8, 2016
I enjoyed this book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews