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Grant Coleman Adventures #6
Atoll X
Billionaire Parker Rothman is building a resort on a private island in the South Pacific. He’s uncovered marine fossils during construction and offers paleontologist Grant Coleman the opportunity to come catalog them. The offer includes all expenses paid, first-class meals and accommodations, and a healthy paycheck. Grant accepts what he thinks will be a working vacation.
From the moment he arrives, things go awry. The resort isn’t finished, the food is canned, and Rothman is nowhere to be found. There’s also an adjacent forbidden atoll, supposedly set aside as a wildlife sanctuary. All the vacation disappears from Grant’s working vacation.
The situation soon gets worse. A pirate attack strands Grant and a group of island residents on the prohibited atoll. The protected wildlife turns out to be a plethora of deadly prehistoric creatures on both land and sea. They are only the first of the atoll’s many dangerous secrets.
With no rescue coming, will anyone survive setting foot on Atoll X?
From the moment he arrives, things go awry. The resort isn’t finished, the food is canned, and Rothman is nowhere to be found. There’s also an adjacent forbidden atoll, supposedly set aside as a wildlife sanctuary. All the vacation disappears from Grant’s working vacation.
The situation soon gets worse. A pirate attack strands Grant and a group of island residents on the prohibited atoll. The protected wildlife turns out to be a plethora of deadly prehistoric creatures on both land and sea. They are only the first of the atoll’s many dangerous secrets.
With no rescue coming, will anyone survive setting foot on Atoll X?
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2023
146 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Russell James
48 books216 followersRussell R. James was raised on Long Island, New York and spent too much time watching Chiller, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and Dark Shadows, despite his parents’ warnings. Bookshelves full of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe didn’t make things better. He graduated from Cornell University and the University of Central Florida.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 4, 2025
This was a fairly comparable premise to Jurassic Park. And our main character was also a Dr Grant, which stuck out to me as too much of a coincidence. And I hold Michael Crichton’s novels to the highest regards. I’ve seen plenty of knock offs and similar ideas, but nothing has come close to the original. However, I will put Russell James’ novel about as close as one can come. The writing is top notch, the characters are all quirky and have purpose, as they all embark of this wild adventure to Nirvana Island and all of its adjacent structures, most notably the Atoll. We find prehistoric animals and a huge presence of gigantic crocodiles just minding their own business in this untouched environment. Mix in some advanced technology and humans messing around, and well, you have a bit of a problem. Lots of action, some great creature violence, and an overall interesting premise. One thing that I took issue with was that there were quite a few references to Dr Grant having previous experiences with matters like this, but nowhere did I see that this was part of a series. So that should have had some transparency, as it left me unsure as to how many references and such from other adventures with our lead that I missed out on. Otherwise, I had a wonderful time here and recommend to any fan of Crichton’s Jurassic Park and Lost World.
May 18, 2024
This is a great premise that has some inspiration from The Lost World's of AC Doyle and Crichton with the activity happening in a remote Atoll. The description of the islands in this extremely short novel of a pristine clean beautiful haven. The initial set-up was extremely good as was the book blurb. The overall story is also readable and moves at a good pace. The presence of ancient animals have variety and show promise. The writing and descriptions of this story seems comparable but simplistic version of Legend by David L. Golemon.
I thought that this book had great potential but the second half especially the ending was rushed and abrupt which stopped this story from achieving the great heights that it was meant for.
The story is adequate and it is the size of the story (short) which actually makes it a great read. Loved the cover.
Plays in the sci-fi creature-feature space.
I thought that this book had great potential but the second half especially the ending was rushed and abrupt which stopped this story from achieving the great heights that it was meant for.
The story is adequate and it is the size of the story (short) which actually makes it a great read. Loved the cover.
Plays in the sci-fi creature-feature space.
January 19, 2023
Once more we get to see how much physical abuse Grant Coleman can take and come out sassy as ever. The man is a human ping pong ball. This time he gets to go to a tropical island and has a water adventure with big water beasts, not to mention human villains. He still has the stuff and has cast a spell on me. He always starts his trips doing something that sounds so cool. Great setting, characters, creatures and story, a truly smooth, fast and exciting read that is hard to put down. Godspeed on your next trip Mr Coleman. Can’t wait.
May 21, 2023
This series continues to be so good!
Grant is nothing like the usual MCs I usually love reading about but somehow he has endeared himself to me. I can't wait to continue reading about his adventures!
Grant is nothing like the usual MCs I usually love reading about but somehow he has endeared himself to me. I can't wait to continue reading about his adventures!
April 29, 2024
Another great read, loved the introduction of Grant to the aquatic dangers! Onto the next book
April 1, 2023
3.5 edging towards a 4 for me. As much as I enjoyed delving into another Grant Coleman adventure, it wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be. I remember reading earlier Coleman books and really enjoying them.
The synopsis states "a plethora of prehistoric creatures", when in actual fact there are only 3 different creatures that appear. I know that's being very picky, but I was looking forward to reading about a variety of beasts, and was quite disappointed.
Grant's constant quips at every situation became tiresome pretty quick.
The descriptive manner of boats, engineering works, the rig, etc etc also kind of read like a manual, rather than a story, so I found myself skipping some chunks of text.
It's also not clear how they get off the beach in one part of the story (chapter 34, 35 and 36). I can't go into details as it's a bit of a spoiler.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read but I just had higher hopes for it and it didn't hit them. Never mind.
The synopsis states "a plethora of prehistoric creatures", when in actual fact there are only 3 different creatures that appear. I know that's being very picky, but I was looking forward to reading about a variety of beasts, and was quite disappointed.
Grant's constant quips at every situation became tiresome pretty quick.
The descriptive manner of boats, engineering works, the rig, etc etc also kind of read like a manual, rather than a story, so I found myself skipping some chunks of text.
It's also not clear how they get off the beach in one part of the story (chapter 34, 35 and 36). I can't go into details as it's a bit of a spoiler.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read but I just had higher hopes for it and it didn't hit them. Never mind.
August 29, 2023
GRANT IS THE MOST UNLIKELY HERO ..... ABSOLUTELY PERFECT👍
By using GRANT as the most UNLIKELY Hero, the book is very likeable and easy to read, which keeps you turning the pages again and again! He is the most unlikely HERO you will ever meet and gets himself in and out of the most unlikely scenarios, with wit and sarcastic comments, aimed at himself, which keeps you ENTERTAINED throughout😊
By using GRANT as the most UNLIKELY Hero, the book is very likeable and easy to read, which keeps you turning the pages again and again! He is the most unlikely HERO you will ever meet and gets himself in and out of the most unlikely scenarios, with wit and sarcastic comments, aimed at himself, which keeps you ENTERTAINED throughout😊
April 11, 2023
STILL not safe to go back in the water….
…. Or on the beach. Or wander around in the jungle. Or hop into any pristine lagoons.
Because there (just may be … ;) a few extremely large, non-extinct, yet widely agreed upon as being 100% extinct, unlikeable surprises there to eagerly (errr…. aggressively..??) greet you.
Atoll X is definitely that type of book. Like the classic & utterly unforgettable, JAWS, it will haunt you - or at the very least push in at the fringes of your memories - as you enter places similar to the ones in the story.
I honestly don’t think, just like with JAWS, you need to be on or near a salt water atoll either, to feel a bit jump due to this story. Your local town pool, or swimming hole especially, would kick your adrenaline up a bit just as easily.
Imagine & the will to survive are funny things! Lol ;)
Overall, Atoll X is a tightly written, well-crafted, & creative story.
The main character, the professor - who I’ve seen other reviewer not enjoy for his incessant use of one-liner’s - is simply the character he’s meant to be.
I do agree he could say SOMETHING during the course of the book, even once to a few times, that was more than a joking response within any of the dialogues he’s a part of. Even when talking out loud to himself.
This said, the professor is truly deeper than the humor he uses to hide his insecurities. This is readily apparent in his inner thoughts, which we are privy to throughout the tale.
He’s more of a hero than he could ever imagine as well. Even if it’s just in his ability to pull himself out of sticky, (or without a doubt) deadly, jams. HE just doesn’t realize it.
It’s kind of a reflection thing. For most people. You can interpret it in many different ways. As in general, lots of people don’t see their own potential- even after they’ve proven it to themselves.
Russell James does a fantastic job with the foundational aspects of Atoll X.
The character development hits all the right notes. The characters have histories, current interesting & unique personalities (though a couple are stiff & stereotypical - such as the captain of security, but that could have been intentional), you can “see them” physically, & each has their own voice which remains consistent throughout.
World building had to be great in Atoll X, or the story would have fallen flat. (I mean, not many of us have been lucky enough to experience an atoll in the middle of the Pacific, or a 1%’er private, 5 Star retreat in said locale.) And compared to James’s earlier work, which I most recently read, there has been phenomenal grown in all areas of his work including this.
The world building was complex, colorful, rich, & detailed. As I read I was on the planes, helo’s, & miserable treks through the blazing hot sorta-jungle/kinda beach with the characters.
And when the action really kicked into gear …. I was all in. A thousand percent PRESENT with the characters as they precariously _____ or they _____ !!
(Never a spoiler from me. Who wants a spoiler?? They are never any fun for anybody! Lol ;)
So, the action scenes definitely get your adrenaline going a bit, your heart rate increased!
And that takes skill. Some great writing chops on the part of Russell James.
There are a couple ….. twists … I never expected or saw coming in the story. So they were pleasant surprises. And quite creative!
…. Or on the beach. Or wander around in the jungle. Or hop into any pristine lagoons.
Because there (just may be … ;) a few extremely large, non-extinct, yet widely agreed upon as being 100% extinct, unlikeable surprises there to eagerly (errr…. aggressively..??) greet you.
Atoll X is definitely that type of book. Like the classic & utterly unforgettable, JAWS, it will haunt you - or at the very least push in at the fringes of your memories - as you enter places similar to the ones in the story.
I honestly don’t think, just like with JAWS, you need to be on or near a salt water atoll either, to feel a bit jump due to this story. Your local town pool, or swimming hole especially, would kick your adrenaline up a bit just as easily.
Imagine & the will to survive are funny things! Lol ;)
Overall, Atoll X is a tightly written, well-crafted, & creative story.
The main character, the professor - who I’ve seen other reviewer not enjoy for his incessant use of one-liner’s - is simply the character he’s meant to be.
I do agree he could say SOMETHING during the course of the book, even once to a few times, that was more than a joking response within any of the dialogues he’s a part of. Even when talking out loud to himself.
This said, the professor is truly deeper than the humor he uses to hide his insecurities. This is readily apparent in his inner thoughts, which we are privy to throughout the tale.
He’s more of a hero than he could ever imagine as well. Even if it’s just in his ability to pull himself out of sticky, (or without a doubt) deadly, jams. HE just doesn’t realize it.
It’s kind of a reflection thing. For most people. You can interpret it in many different ways. As in general, lots of people don’t see their own potential- even after they’ve proven it to themselves.
Russell James does a fantastic job with the foundational aspects of Atoll X.
The character development hits all the right notes. The characters have histories, current interesting & unique personalities (though a couple are stiff & stereotypical - such as the captain of security, but that could have been intentional), you can “see them” physically, & each has their own voice which remains consistent throughout.
World building had to be great in Atoll X, or the story would have fallen flat. (I mean, not many of us have been lucky enough to experience an atoll in the middle of the Pacific, or a 1%’er private, 5 Star retreat in said locale.) And compared to James’s earlier work, which I most recently read, there has been phenomenal grown in all areas of his work including this.
The world building was complex, colorful, rich, & detailed. As I read I was on the planes, helo’s, & miserable treks through the blazing hot sorta-jungle/kinda beach with the characters.
And when the action really kicked into gear …. I was all in. A thousand percent PRESENT with the characters as they precariously _____ or they _____ !!
(Never a spoiler from me. Who wants a spoiler?? They are never any fun for anybody! Lol ;)
So, the action scenes definitely get your adrenaline going a bit, your heart rate increased!
And that takes skill. Some great writing chops on the part of Russell James.
There are a couple ….. twists … I never expected or saw coming in the story. So they were pleasant surprises. And quite creative!
August 11, 2023
Review of this book.
This wss an exceptionally well written book. The drama and suspense were there right up to the the end of the book. I was so excited by what was happening that I gave up sleep to finish the book. It was well worth the lack of sleep to finish the book. There was no lull in the action to justify putting the book down. This was one of the best books that I have read recently. I see that there are several books in this series. I plan to read them all. The author has been thorough in his research to make this book a success. I now know what the monsters were, what they looked like, and how dangerous they were. This added to my appreciation and enjoyment of the book. Kudos to the author for an outstanding book.
This wss an exceptionally well written book. The drama and suspense were there right up to the the end of the book. I was so excited by what was happening that I gave up sleep to finish the book. It was well worth the lack of sleep to finish the book. There was no lull in the action to justify putting the book down. This was one of the best books that I have read recently. I see that there are several books in this series. I plan to read them all. The author has been thorough in his research to make this book a success. I now know what the monsters were, what they looked like, and how dangerous they were. This added to my appreciation and enjoyment of the book. Kudos to the author for an outstanding book.
June 12, 2024
Exhausting
Just another adventure for Dr Grant Coleman. You would think being a professor and making a few bucks from his real life monster tales, he would have enough money to stop accepting these monster gigs. But then we would not see where the next adventure will take him. This monster was right up his alley, but still didn't have a chance to get any work done. Poor guy. Let's get on to the next predicament. Hang in there Grant.
Just another adventure for Dr Grant Coleman. You would think being a professor and making a few bucks from his real life monster tales, he would have enough money to stop accepting these monster gigs. But then we would not see where the next adventure will take him. This monster was right up his alley, but still didn't have a chance to get any work done. Poor guy. Let's get on to the next predicament. Hang in there Grant.
August 4, 2024
This was the first one I've read and that could have impact on this rating. I think so much more could have been done and it was not what I hoped it to be. This could be a series that I will start from the beginning anyway, just with a different mindset
May 29, 2023
With a knack for being in the wrong place when giant monsters are attacking, paleontologist Grant Coleman, again finds his life spiralling out of control. Good story that has Grant wishing he had stuck to his resolution to get fit, as he runs from monsters intent on a nice meal.
January 5, 2024
Professor Grant Coleman once again finds himself in trouble. This time around he's given a dream job by a billionaire that turns out not to be what he expects. Attached by pirates, stranded on an island filled with prehistoric monsters. Good read.
March 30, 2023
Ah, another fun ride as Grant Coleman struggles to survive giant monsters. I've loved this series from the beginning and can't wait for the next adventure. Keep turning out these great stories Russell!
July 24, 2024
For the audiobook:
Decent worldbuilding, likeable bumbling professor and a decent cohort of characters. Easy listening with the right amount of humor.
Most of the creatures are based on SCIENCE!!! Which I'm sure the redditters will love and totally upvote this book for.
Decent worldbuilding, likeable bumbling professor and a decent cohort of characters. Easy listening with the right amount of humor.
Most of the creatures are based on SCIENCE!!! Which I'm sure the redditters will love and totally upvote this book for.
August 4, 2025
Still Cute.
The formula seems to be working, but after six books, I’m a bit bored. All the plots are the same. If I weren’t racking up completed book counts on my kindle, I’d stop reading these. I won’t spoil it for any other readers.
The formula seems to be working, but after six books, I’m a bit bored. All the plots are the same. If I weren’t racking up completed book counts on my kindle, I’d stop reading these. I won’t spoil it for any other readers.
July 8, 2024
Vacation Crocodile
Lots of good humor while your fellow cast aways get munched for snacks was not how our slightly pudgy nerdy college professor envisioned his trip to a South Pacific island to view a few fossils would be.
Lots of good humor while your fellow cast aways get munched for snacks was not how our slightly pudgy nerdy college professor envisioned his trip to a South Pacific island to view a few fossils would be.
March 19, 2023
A refreshing and one of the most entertaining horror books I've read lately.
The slapstick-like humor is a perfect counterbalance to the horrors befalling the stranded crew of a compromised pleasure yacht, and nixes the underhanded plans of the key villain along with the nefarious involvement of an environmental group more or less by accident, rounds this novel up perfectly. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates horror with humor.
The slapstick-like humor is a perfect counterbalance to the horrors befalling the stranded crew of a compromised pleasure yacht, and nixes the underhanded plans of the key villain along with the nefarious involvement of an environmental group more or less by accident, rounds this novel up perfectly. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates horror with humor.
July 19, 2025
Another Dino read for me. This one weaves a level of intrigue and mystery into the story and the Dino inclusion is fairly believable. I love seeing how people react to what couldn’t possibly be a dinosaur (it is) it was a fairly solid read though I did find the main character irritating and sorta hoped he’d get eaten😐. I realise it’s one of a series but still. He did grow on me in the end though. It’s not a big read but I enjoyed it.
March 4, 2023
Good stuff
I enjoy Grant's adventures very much. This one was fun. The characters were OK, not much depth. The beasties were mostly dinosaurs. I liked the big poisonous salamanders the most because the came across as the most unique of all. Wanted to hear the last moments with Marie more detailed.. Her ending should have been more dire as well as related to the reader. Come on, baddies need bad endings. Other than that, it was a fun read and I would recommend it.
I enjoy Grant's adventures very much. This one was fun. The characters were OK, not much depth. The beasties were mostly dinosaurs. I liked the big poisonous salamanders the most because the came across as the most unique of all. Wanted to hear the last moments with Marie more detailed.. Her ending should have been more dire as well as related to the reader. Come on, baddies need bad endings. Other than that, it was a fun read and I would recommend it.
April 4, 2024
Another good and quick read
These books have always been entertaining. They are good short reads with semi complicated story lines. Where somehow miraculously the creatures survived and then miraculously they also die. Always a fun time!
These books have always been entertaining. They are good short reads with semi complicated story lines. Where somehow miraculously the creatures survived and then miraculously they also die. Always a fun time!
October 20, 2024
Less monsters more skullduggery
This book is a little different than the previous Grant Colemans. This time the monsters take a second seat to the action of the humans in the story. Now don't get me wrong the monsters get their chance to kill the characters, but there are characters in the book that do their share of the killing. Grant is still his wisecracking self and being the reluctant hero. What I liked was the way you are reading and just know things are about to get worse and you want to see how much worse they get. So for mayhem with a light touch that will make you want to read more. Check out this book.
This book is a little different than the previous Grant Colemans. This time the monsters take a second seat to the action of the humans in the story. Now don't get me wrong the monsters get their chance to kill the characters, but there are characters in the book that do their share of the killing. Grant is still his wisecracking self and being the reluctant hero. What I liked was the way you are reading and just know things are about to get worse and you want to see how much worse they get. So for mayhem with a light touch that will make you want to read more. Check out this book.
August 3, 2024
3.5
I'll bump this one up to 4 stars as it didn't take itself too seriously. This is my first Grant Coleman adventure. It's refreshing that we have a hero who is not a special forces superstar. Just an ordinary and out of shape college professor.
The story itself takes a page from Jurassic Park and a couple other books and movies. Given that it's still somewhat original and keeps things somewhat in the realm of possibility. I liked it enough to back and order the first of this series.
I'll bump this one up to 4 stars as it didn't take itself too seriously. This is my first Grant Coleman adventure. It's refreshing that we have a hero who is not a special forces superstar. Just an ordinary and out of shape college professor.
The story itself takes a page from Jurassic Park and a couple other books and movies. Given that it's still somewhat original and keeps things somewhat in the realm of possibility. I liked it enough to back and order the first of this series.
June 23, 2023
good
Imagine a chance to study fossils in a haven. Arriving early due to his managers neglect he is dropped into a nightmare
Imagine a chance to study fossils in a haven. Arriving early due to his managers neglect he is dropped into a nightmare
August 17, 2023
It's Clerks meets Jurassic Park.
No, wait, stop, that's a better idea than this book. But it has that feeling.
This book is part of a series. There's nothing on the dustjacket to suggest that, but it's really not relevant for the book, except a 4th wall joke in the book about the protagonist writing all the books. Notably, the book has on its cover monsters that do not appear in the book. I will not be reading the other books.
The plot is in the Lost World vein (Doyle, not Crichton). A paleontologist is called out by a tech billionaire to advise on a fossil exhibit, shows up on the wrong day, and ends up trapped with others on a nearby island where dinosaurs still roam. Only it's not dinosaurs (I think that was another book in the series) but ancient reptiles.
What saves the book is its broad comedy. The protagonist is the comic relief, to the point of Holy Fool status. This is brilliant. It means that the competent characters in the thriller can be killed off as the plot needs them to, and it makes the protagonist's acts of competence thrilling because they are kind of a shulb so it feels more extraordinary for them to accomplish anything, plus the author is not beyond making their trivial successes minor.
The death count is high. The author has some weird hangups? I think. There's a lot of quirky characters, and some, I think, are intended as Take Thats. They are oversized, and make some real choice choices. I will note in its favor that I think it avoids transparent racism in its indigenous characters.
I am tempted to give the three or even four star review, because a different way is to judge the book on its own intentions and say that it's perfect schlock, a literary B movie, that knows exactly what it is and wants to give it to you in as efficient a package as possible, and while the comedy isn't always...er...funny, keeping it in that zone is at least a star, but if you want something like this, you best be looking at lower ratings anyway.
No, wait, stop, that's a better idea than this book. But it has that feeling.
This book is part of a series. There's nothing on the dustjacket to suggest that, but it's really not relevant for the book, except a 4th wall joke in the book about the protagonist writing all the books. Notably, the book has on its cover monsters that do not appear in the book. I will not be reading the other books.
The plot is in the Lost World vein (Doyle, not Crichton). A paleontologist is called out by a tech billionaire to advise on a fossil exhibit, shows up on the wrong day, and ends up trapped with others on a nearby island where dinosaurs still roam. Only it's not dinosaurs (I think that was another book in the series) but ancient reptiles.
What saves the book is its broad comedy. The protagonist is the comic relief, to the point of Holy Fool status. This is brilliant. It means that the competent characters in the thriller can be killed off as the plot needs them to, and it makes the protagonist's acts of competence thrilling because they are kind of a shulb so it feels more extraordinary for them to accomplish anything, plus the author is not beyond making their trivial successes minor.
The death count is high. The author has some weird hangups? I think. There's a lot of quirky characters, and some, I think, are intended as Take Thats. They are oversized, and make some real choice choices. I will note in its favor that I think it avoids transparent racism in its indigenous characters.
I am tempted to give the three or even four star review, because a different way is to judge the book on its own intentions and say that it's perfect schlock, a literary B movie, that knows exactly what it is and wants to give it to you in as efficient a package as possible, and while the comedy isn't always...er...funny, keeping it in that zone is at least a star, but if you want something like this, you best be looking at lower ratings anyway.
February 18, 2023
I always look forward to the latest Grant Coleman adventure - the poor man simply cannot help getting into the most impossible scrapes. Channelling his inner spiritual links to Jules Verne, Conan Doyle, Michael Crichton and H.G. Wells, with nods to Indiana Jones, author Russell James sends our intrepid paleontologist off to Atoll X in the South Pacific, owned by a billionaire businessman whose business practices leave a lot to be desired. Now he's building a luxurious resort and has invited Grant to investigate the animal life that has left some intriguing fossil evidence behind. In return for his services, Grant will have a wonderful 5 star, all expenses paid holiday of a lifetime.
Well, not exactly. This is a Grant Coleman adventure so naturally things fail to go according to plan from the moment he arrives. Massive crocodiles, deadly salamanders and more - all at prehistoric proportions. Isolated by its lagoon, Atoll X has been the perfect place to ensure continuation of species long extinct elsewhere.
A thoroughly enjoyable classic Coleman adventure and just the right kind of escapist fun we all need. Loved it.
Well, not exactly. This is a Grant Coleman adventure so naturally things fail to go according to plan from the moment he arrives. Massive crocodiles, deadly salamanders and more - all at prehistoric proportions. Isolated by its lagoon, Atoll X has been the perfect place to ensure continuation of species long extinct elsewhere.
A thoroughly enjoyable classic Coleman adventure and just the right kind of escapist fun we all need. Loved it.
April 2, 2023
Kindle Unlimited Read
I've got a soft spot for monster stories so when I saw Atoll X on Kindle Unlimited I thought why not. Apparently it's part of a series of books starring main character Grant Coleman although this isn't listed anywhere on the blurb or the book. Clearly they are stand alones as I didn't feel like I missed anything starting with this one.
Anyway bottom line I got about what I expected. Books in this genre are usually short and action packed so I don't expect any major character development or deep storylines and that's fine - I buy these to read about giant sea monsters devouring people and this delivers that.
Unfortunately I won't be continuing on with this series for one simple reason - I quickly grew to despise main character Grant Coleman. The guy never shuts up with a stream of one liners in every situation, whether he's casually chatting to a colleague or immediately following the gruesome death of a companion. I quickly drew tired of his sarcasm and quips to the point I hated it when he opened his mouth at all. One book was more then enough - I can't fathom having to spend any more time with him.
I've got a soft spot for monster stories so when I saw Atoll X on Kindle Unlimited I thought why not. Apparently it's part of a series of books starring main character Grant Coleman although this isn't listed anywhere on the blurb or the book. Clearly they are stand alones as I didn't feel like I missed anything starting with this one.
Anyway bottom line I got about what I expected. Books in this genre are usually short and action packed so I don't expect any major character development or deep storylines and that's fine - I buy these to read about giant sea monsters devouring people and this delivers that.
Unfortunately I won't be continuing on with this series for one simple reason - I quickly grew to despise main character Grant Coleman. The guy never shuts up with a stream of one liners in every situation, whether he's casually chatting to a colleague or immediately following the gruesome death of a companion. I quickly drew tired of his sarcasm and quips to the point I hated it when he opened his mouth at all. One book was more then enough - I can't fathom having to spend any more time with him.
September 14, 2025
I actually like this one quite a bit, but points off because I got really mad that the author didn’t specify pliosaurs and just gave a general plesiosaur categorization for Liopleurodon which is incredibly not picky of me, but I like my (not)dinos ok?
4.0 🌟
4.0 🌟
December 31, 2023
Felt like the story became a little loose knit towards the ending, like the author was in a hurry to finish.
October 9, 2024
DNF, I read until 70% of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews