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Alex Hunter #2
Dark Rising
When a massive amount of gamma radiation is detected somewhere beneath the desert of Iran, the world is on edge. Is it a nuclear weapon—or worse? Alex Hunter and his highly trained incursion team is on a mission to find out. When they arrive at the ruins of Persepolis, they find an underground facility but no lab, no weapons, no scientists—not even radiation. A black hole has taken everything…
Meanwhile, Iran is preparing for the return of the prophet. Israel is threatening nuclear war. And the details about Alex’s special U.S. military venture—code name: Arcadian—have been stolen. Then another gamma spike is detected…and someone, or something, is draining the fluids from the bodies of Iranian soldiers in the desert.
Now it’s up to Alex to follow the traces of radiation all the way to the ancient caves of Arak, where he’ll come face to face with a creature from his darkest nightmares. Is it game-over for Alex and his team? Or are greater forces at work as the world reaches its natural end—and mankind casts its final judgment?
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
154 people are currently reading
1220 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
46 books1,147 followersHi GoodReaders, I’m an Australian author residing in Sydney with my wife, son and a mad Golden Retriever named Jessie. My novels are now available globally, also in Large Print and now in full AUDIO format.
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
July 10, 2023
Not As Good as the First!
I really enjoyed the Alex Hunt prequel and the first book in the series. So, even though this book cost thirteen dollars, I purchased it.
So sorry I did that. This book is nowhere as good as the first book in the series, nor the prequel.
So the Iranian government is experimenting with gamma radiation, in the hope of creating nuclear fuel (translate that to nuclear weapons).
The American Arcadians team up with Israeli Mossad, to stop them!
After a strange anomaly, it appears that the Iranians have somehow managed to develop a black hole. The whole lab, including all radiation has disappeared.
Everything has disappeared into the hole. Where has it gone? And if there are things going into the hole, will there be “things” coming out?
This book at times became very technical. I chose this book for entertainment, not a lesson in physics. Or should I say, many lessons in physics.
There is nothing wrong with learning about physics, but not during a book about monsters.
Two point five stars. ✨✨✨
I really enjoyed the Alex Hunt prequel and the first book in the series. So, even though this book cost thirteen dollars, I purchased it.
So sorry I did that. This book is nowhere as good as the first book in the series, nor the prequel.
So the Iranian government is experimenting with gamma radiation, in the hope of creating nuclear fuel (translate that to nuclear weapons).
The American Arcadians team up with Israeli Mossad, to stop them!
After a strange anomaly, it appears that the Iranians have somehow managed to develop a black hole. The whole lab, including all radiation has disappeared.
Everything has disappeared into the hole. Where has it gone? And if there are things going into the hole, will there be “things” coming out?
This book at times became very technical. I chose this book for entertainment, not a lesson in physics. Or should I say, many lessons in physics.
There is nothing wrong with learning about physics, but not during a book about monsters.
Two point five stars. ✨✨✨
July 11, 2022
The plot is a bit of a step down from the first book but the characters are more fun this time around for me. Still completely over the top ridiculous in terms of science and concept but definitely entertaining.
March 21, 2015
4 Stars
Dark Rising (Alex Hunter #2) is a fun second outing for The Arcadian. This is my third Beck novel that I have read and once again I am delighted with his style. He writes adventure thrillers with a strong dose of science fiction. All of his books also seem to have a cool creature adversary, and Dark Rising has a good one.
In this book the story is more of the star than our more than human hero. Iran scientists create a black hole with dreams of weaponization, sterilization, and world domination. Beck does a great job at laying out the science, and the nature behind the black holes. The speculation and conversations in the story had me thinking for a long time afterward.
Alex Hunter continues to change, and continues his growth as a soldier and a warrior. He is one bad ass dude. Not to be outdone by him, our favorite ass kicking Israelian heroine is also back and she doesn't disappoint.
The story is fast paced and action packed and the science is not technical reading. I loved how it unfolded and the ending was satisfying. Even better is how Hunter as a character and a warrior continues to change and become more. I can't wait to see where he is going to go.
Great action series!!!
Dark Rising (Alex Hunter #2) is a fun second outing for The Arcadian. This is my third Beck novel that I have read and once again I am delighted with his style. He writes adventure thrillers with a strong dose of science fiction. All of his books also seem to have a cool creature adversary, and Dark Rising has a good one.
In this book the story is more of the star than our more than human hero. Iran scientists create a black hole with dreams of weaponization, sterilization, and world domination. Beck does a great job at laying out the science, and the nature behind the black holes. The speculation and conversations in the story had me thinking for a long time afterward.
Alex Hunter continues to change, and continues his growth as a soldier and a warrior. He is one bad ass dude. Not to be outdone by him, our favorite ass kicking Israelian heroine is also back and she doesn't disappoint.
The story is fast paced and action packed and the science is not technical reading. I loved how it unfolded and the ending was satisfying. Even better is how Hunter as a character and a warrior continues to change and become more. I can't wait to see where he is going to go.
Great action series!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2015
Cuando un evento de radiación gamma es descubierto en Irán, Alex Hunter, nombre en clave Arcadia, junto a un escuadrón de HAWCs, lo más selecto de las fuerzas especiales, se unen a una agente y un científico israelíes para descubrir la causa y neutralizar la amenaza. No obstante, Alex tiene órdenes de conseguir esta nueva tecnología para Estados Unidos, e igualmente, la agente israelí ha recibido la orden de averiguar qué o quién es el Proyecto Arcadia. Pero lo que no saben es que los iraníes están experimentando con una tecnología sumamente peligrosa, que puede desembocar en una agujero negro que lo engulla todo.
‘La esfera de Arak’ (Dark Rising, 2010), del australiano Greig Beck, es la segunda aventura del capitán Alex Hunter, una serie de novelas plagadas de acción, con un ritmo trepidante. Hunter tiene la particularidad de que tiene alojada una bala en el cerebro que ha potenciado su funcionamiento, y que le dota de cualidades especiales que le convierten en un supersoldado. Se lee bien y rápido, muy entretenida.
‘La esfera de Arak’ (Dark Rising, 2010), del australiano Greig Beck, es la segunda aventura del capitán Alex Hunter, una serie de novelas plagadas de acción, con un ritmo trepidante. Hunter tiene la particularidad de que tiene alojada una bala en el cerebro que ha potenciado su funcionamiento, y que le dota de cualidades especiales que le convierten en un supersoldado. Se lee bien y rápido, muy entretenida.
August 11, 2018
I read the first book in the series several years ago and always meant to get back to see what happened next. It took me longer than it should have, but I'm glad I finally picked the series back up. I recall enjoying book #1. Dark Rising was outstanding with strong character development and a great plot. In a way I'm glad I lollygagged on this series because it means there are now more books to catch up on.
July 21, 2021
We learned in the first Alex Hunter book that Hunter's physical abilities and senses were mysteriously enhanced when he survived a Russian agent's bullet to the brain, the bullet's location making it too dangerous to be removed. Hunter then became part of the Arcadian project in which his abilities were studied and scientifically enhanced even further. He is a type of super-hero berserker soldier, like a cross between Captain America, The Hulk and Dr. Strange. He and his HAWC team are reserved for the most dangerous covert American military missions, and so far their missions have brought them up against Lovecraftian monstrous entities as well as human enemies.
In this story, an Iranian scientist has stumbled upon a way to open a black hole in a covert underground facility. The first time this happens, in a nanosecond the laboratory is destroyed, personnel disappear and a huge burst of gamma radiation is released. Horribly mutilated bodies of some of the irradiated personnel appear in various parts of the world and the burst of gamma radiation has alerted detectors in the United States and Israel.
Hunter, men from his HAWC team, members of Mossad, led by a tough and beautiful female Mossad officer, and a nerdy Israeli scientist are tasked with the mission to either capture or destroy the technology that created the strange gamma burst in Iran. Unbeknownst to both sides is that the black hole, while open, has sucked into the Iranian desert a monstrous creature from some other place and this creature finds humans very appetizing.
The story is action packed and bloody. My biggest complaint about such stories comes from my personal standing on current world geopolitics. The Iranian leaders have to be portrayed as radical religious fanatics. The United States and Israel must be the good guys stopping the Iranian fanatics from destroying the world, and so it is just okay to drop into a sovereign country and create havoc. In such two dimensional writing the story must be written in a way to present the current propaganda narrative without any nuance. I can only give this three stars for the action, especially with the creature.
In this story, an Iranian scientist has stumbled upon a way to open a black hole in a covert underground facility. The first time this happens, in a nanosecond the laboratory is destroyed, personnel disappear and a huge burst of gamma radiation is released. Horribly mutilated bodies of some of the irradiated personnel appear in various parts of the world and the burst of gamma radiation has alerted detectors in the United States and Israel.
Hunter, men from his HAWC team, members of Mossad, led by a tough and beautiful female Mossad officer, and a nerdy Israeli scientist are tasked with the mission to either capture or destroy the technology that created the strange gamma burst in Iran. Unbeknownst to both sides is that the black hole, while open, has sucked into the Iranian desert a monstrous creature from some other place and this creature finds humans very appetizing.
The story is action packed and bloody. My biggest complaint about such stories comes from my personal standing on current world geopolitics. The Iranian leaders have to be portrayed as radical religious fanatics. The United States and Israel must be the good guys stopping the Iranian fanatics from destroying the world, and so it is just okay to drop into a sovereign country and create havoc. In such two dimensional writing the story must be written in a way to present the current propaganda narrative without any nuance. I can only give this three stars for the action, especially with the creature.
May 10, 2020
Lectores, que les puedo decir de este libro, ustedes saben que ame completamente la primera parte de esta saga y esta segunda parte comenzó igual de bien, mucha acción y aventuras que me mantuvieron interesada hasta el final, pero desafortunadamente en menor cantidad que con el primer libro lo cual me entristeció un poco.
La trama igualmente incluye la aparición de criaturas fantásticas y una misión que cumplir por parte de los arcadia, o sea lo mismo que el primer libro, pero con diferente trama y ubicación, eso no es malo, pero honestamente esta trama no me pareció tan buena como la del primer libro.
De las cosas que menos me gustaron es que las paginas están cargadas de lenguaje muy técnico, demasiada política, demasiada física y demasiada química imposible de entender y eso volvió muy pesada la lectura en ciertas partes, sumándole el hecho de que constantemente se hablaba de religión y eso hizo que me perdiera en ciertas partes de la historia.
Otra cosa negativa es que la acción no empieza si no hasta muy avanzado el libro, la historia comienza con un sinfín de explicaciones sobre arcadia, el experimento, la religión etc., y después prosigue con las escenas de acción, que repito no son tan buenas como la primera parte de la saga.
Lo mas destacable de este libro fueron las escenas de tortura, realmente sufrí mientras las leía de solo imaginarme a alguien siendo sometido a lo que narra en el libro… realmente escalofriante y muy muy bueno, creo que este es el punto fuerte de la trama.
Como conclusión les dejo que todo lo que alabe y ame en la primera parte de la saga se perdió en esta segunda parte, pero aun así me gusto la historia y pienso leerme la tercera parte, y espero que ustedes también.
La trama igualmente incluye la aparición de criaturas fantásticas y una misión que cumplir por parte de los arcadia, o sea lo mismo que el primer libro, pero con diferente trama y ubicación, eso no es malo, pero honestamente esta trama no me pareció tan buena como la del primer libro.
De las cosas que menos me gustaron es que las paginas están cargadas de lenguaje muy técnico, demasiada política, demasiada física y demasiada química imposible de entender y eso volvió muy pesada la lectura en ciertas partes, sumándole el hecho de que constantemente se hablaba de religión y eso hizo que me perdiera en ciertas partes de la historia.
Otra cosa negativa es que la acción no empieza si no hasta muy avanzado el libro, la historia comienza con un sinfín de explicaciones sobre arcadia, el experimento, la religión etc., y después prosigue con las escenas de acción, que repito no son tan buenas como la primera parte de la saga.
Lo mas destacable de este libro fueron las escenas de tortura, realmente sufrí mientras las leía de solo imaginarme a alguien siendo sometido a lo que narra en el libro… realmente escalofriante y muy muy bueno, creo que este es el punto fuerte de la trama.
Como conclusión les dejo que todo lo que alabe y ame en la primera parte de la saga se perdió en esta segunda parte, pero aun así me gusto la historia y pienso leerme la tercera parte, y espero que ustedes también.
December 23, 2011
This ambitious novel draws from all of the genres that I love. The story begins as a kind scientific thriller, when a black hole is created in a secret lab in a Middle Eastern desert. The US calls on superhuman Alex Hunter, think Wolverine meets Indiana Jones, to lead a team of the nation's best military agents to assess and destroy this threatening technology. To complicate matters, Israel has sent two agents to assist the US on the mission, and to steal the secrets behind their mysterious Arcadian project.
The opening section of this novel shifts between different points of view during each chapter, and because of this, the story was a bit hard for me to immediately become engrossed in. Once the main objective and characters are established, the book becomes a very fast and action packed read, and the last third of the story really builds a great page turner pace.
By drawing on influences from some of the best military and science fiction traditions, Greig Beck has crafted a wonderfully entertaining, thrill ride of a novel.
Thanks to the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads program.
The opening section of this novel shifts between different points of view during each chapter, and because of this, the story was a bit hard for me to immediately become engrossed in. Once the main objective and characters are established, the book becomes a very fast and action packed read, and the last third of the story really builds a great page turner pace.
By drawing on influences from some of the best military and science fiction traditions, Greig Beck has crafted a wonderfully entertaining, thrill ride of a novel.
Thanks to the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this as part of the First Reads program.
May 5, 2015
The 2nd book in the Alex Hunter series, and it was just as high tempo as the 1st one. These Arcadian books seem to have a little bit of something for everyone. There is action, mixed in with the high tech and a bit of science fiction, alongside a hint of horror. Not really enough of any for it to be happily pigeon holed to a specific genre.
Initially the book was quite slow paced, but soon picked up the higher tempo. A radiation spike is detected out in the Iranian desert, but without the expected radioactive fallout. Iran is not meant to have any such nuclear capabilities, so a worried Israel calls for American assistance in solving this particular mystery. Enter Captain Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs, who accompanied by an Israeli Mossad agent and a physics professor, are tasked with finding the answers, and retrieving any possible data.
The main character is a bit larger than life, the plot might be a little far fetched, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
Initially the book was quite slow paced, but soon picked up the higher tempo. A radiation spike is detected out in the Iranian desert, but without the expected radioactive fallout. Iran is not meant to have any such nuclear capabilities, so a worried Israel calls for American assistance in solving this particular mystery. Enter Captain Alex Hunter and his team of HAWCs, who accompanied by an Israeli Mossad agent and a physics professor, are tasked with finding the answers, and retrieving any possible data.
The main character is a bit larger than life, the plot might be a little far fetched, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
November 18, 2024
I really liked this a lot. Great pace, memorable characters and solid research combined with a plot that was solid. Think Michael Crichton combined with Clive Cussler. The intelligent reader's Matthew Reilly.
August 2, 2021
In this book, the Iranians varied from standard bad guys to evil incarnate.
That was pretty annoying. The super soldier part was unexpected.
So overall, didn't really like it and won't read any others
That was pretty annoying. The super soldier part was unexpected.
So overall, didn't really like it and won't read any others
May 16, 2022
While I thought the first book in the series, Beneath the Dark Ice, was okay, I suspected the series may get better as the first book was not only the first book in the series, but the first book Greig Beck published.
I was pleasantly surprised with the second book as it was substantially better than the first. Dark Rising was edited tighter and the storyline was an interesting one. Yeah, purists may question the science, but it was compelling nonetheless. As before, the story abounds with cliches, but it was a fun read.
I was pleasantly surprised with the second book as it was substantially better than the first. Dark Rising was edited tighter and the storyline was an interesting one. Yeah, purists may question the science, but it was compelling nonetheless. As before, the story abounds with cliches, but it was a fun read.
July 9, 2023
DGAFd. Complete step down from the 1st book. While 1 mustnt expect any nuance from a military-monster mashup novel, it's frikkin' exhausting reading about how the US and Israel are saintly superheroes while Iranians are 1d villians. TLDR - Read only if the geopolitical propaganda doesnt become too much for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2016
Couldn't enjoy this one that much due to too much scientific BS. Man-made black holes? I could buy just a little tiny black hole, but
The second thing that killed the book for me was Alex Hunter and his new abilities. Somehow he's even stronger than before and, unbelievably, can now perceive life force and kinda telepathically glimpse others' state of mind etc. Including the freaking monster! That's some grade A BS.
The book isn't as fast paced as the first one. I didn't like the setting that much, political jabs didn't do much for me. It picked up in the second half, but was more like pseudo-sf military movie with lots of fire and explosions.
The second thing that killed the book for me was Alex Hunter and his new abilities. Somehow he's even stronger than before and, unbelievably, can now perceive life force and kinda telepathically glimpse others' state of mind etc. Including the freaking monster! That's some grade A BS.
The book isn't as fast paced as the first one. I didn't like the setting that much, political jabs didn't do much for me. It picked up in the second half, but was more like pseudo-sf military movie with lots of fire and explosions.
May 13, 2023
Well the Arcadian aka Alex Hunter is back and we are in another controversial territory, Iran.
And they are experimenting with something that is leaking copious amounts of Gamma which translates to something nuclear and the world is on edge. Israel as the nearest bastion is worried and so are the Americans and we have a joint task force on alien territory (Hunter's Hawcs and Mossad).
Beck has amped up the stakes and we have the team contending with a black hole in the suspected area and a portal to a different dimension where alien creatures seem to emanate. After the high stake fight in the Antarctic the hotter climes of the middle east brings forth a non-carbon creature that doesn't seem to die. After perusing antique books it seems the Iranians are preparing for Armageddon and a creature from hell.
The rest of the story is about the solution to the crisis.
Beck writes some mean creatures and the tech portion is also something that will force the reader to browse google for answers and it is learning as you read. The action as always is frenetic and fast.
Another enjoyable romp.
And they are experimenting with something that is leaking copious amounts of Gamma which translates to something nuclear and the world is on edge. Israel as the nearest bastion is worried and so are the Americans and we have a joint task force on alien territory (Hunter's Hawcs and Mossad).
Beck has amped up the stakes and we have the team contending with a black hole in the suspected area and a portal to a different dimension where alien creatures seem to emanate. After the high stake fight in the Antarctic the hotter climes of the middle east brings forth a non-carbon creature that doesn't seem to die. After perusing antique books it seems the Iranians are preparing for Armageddon and a creature from hell.
The rest of the story is about the solution to the crisis.
Beck writes some mean creatures and the tech portion is also something that will force the reader to browse google for answers and it is learning as you read. The action as always is frenetic and fast.
Another enjoyable romp.
December 28, 2017
This book held my interest all the way through, which is a plus. Some books you have to force yourself to pick up and read, but not this one. Set mostly in the Iranian desert, we follow Alex Hunter, "The Arcadian," with his enhanced strength and senses, and his team of HAWKS, as they battle seemingly insurmountable odds trying to locate a lab where an Iranian scientist has managed to create, and harness, a miniature black hole. Trouble ensues when several volunteers attempt to travel through the wormhole created by the black hole and turn up in other parts of the world in less than ideal health - like living nightmares of bizarrely twisted lumps of flesh and bone. During one of these experiments, something manages to come through from the other side - and it's hungry!
October 2, 2011
this was a truly wonderful book. the characters were intriguing and full of depth and vitallity. it was very easy to become emotionally connected to each of the characters and to empathize with them and what they were going through. the plot was also complex and stimulating and was not one of those that you could solve in the first 5 minutes but it left you guessing until the end as to who did what. a truely great story by a gifted writer. if this is the type of book that you enjoy then this is the book for you
September 26, 2011
A great second book of the Alex Hunter saga.
I didn't find it as good as the first only because it took so long for the action to start. I had to read up to nearly 40% of the book before it got moving. But then it got real interesting.
The Alex Hunter character is getting more and more intriguing, can't wait to see how he will evolve in the next book.
I didn't find it as good as the first only because it took so long for the action to start. I had to read up to nearly 40% of the book before it got moving. But then it got real interesting.
The Alex Hunter character is getting more and more intriguing, can't wait to see how he will evolve in the next book.
September 3, 2013
4+ stars on this one. A little cheesy at times but overall a fun novel. This is mostly an adventure novel but it does well on other elements such as the horror factor, which was tame but still unique, and the supernatural factor which was kind of a side premise. It reminded me of the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark - Action with substance.
May 14, 2017
So this was interesting. A far more realistic horror/military thriller than the first book in the series. I didn't like the slightly islamaphobic tone throughout, but I could understand it's purpose. Overall, this is a good and worthwhile read. Time for the next in the series.
June 16, 2019
It's been 8 years since I read the first book in the series, Beneath The Dark Ice, which I remember was quite an action packed page turner so when I stumbled across this, the second in the series I thought it'ld be worth a look.
Pleasingly, it's similar to the first, but not just a rehash in a different setting as some books of this genre can tend to do. In this installment we have an Iranian regime attempting to refine uranium for their nuclear weapons program, only instead of actually managing that feat they instead stumble into a method of spawning a black hole, and in doing so destroy their lab and everyone in it. It's here we get a glimpse that there's more than just destruction going on as mangled bodies are seemingly flung across to the other side of the planet.
This is where Alex Hunter and his team enters as America & Israel are rather concerned about the concentrated gamma ray burst that this experiment produced and as such dispatch a team to identify what is being done in the Iranian desert and secure the technology.
From there the story gets a little more interesting as a secondary villain is introduced through the aforementioned, sharing the spotlight with the Iranian regime for Bad Guy of the story.
Overall it was an action filled adventure with a scoop of scifi, also featured a strong female lead character who was more than just the cliche. I now see in my eight absence another 2 novels have been written after this so I think I'll be checking those out too.
Pleasingly, it's similar to the first, but not just a rehash in a different setting as some books of this genre can tend to do. In this installment we have an Iranian regime attempting to refine uranium for their nuclear weapons program, only instead of actually managing that feat they instead stumble into a method of spawning a black hole, and in doing so destroy their lab and everyone in it. It's here we get a glimpse that there's more than just destruction going on as mangled bodies are seemingly flung across to the other side of the planet.
This is where Alex Hunter and his team enters as America & Israel are rather concerned about the concentrated gamma ray burst that this experiment produced and as such dispatch a team to identify what is being done in the Iranian desert and secure the technology.
From there the story gets a little more interesting as a secondary villain is introduced through the aforementioned, sharing the spotlight with the Iranian regime for Bad Guy of the story.
Overall it was an action filled adventure with a scoop of scifi, also featured a strong female lead character who was more than just the cliche. I now see in my eight absence another 2 novels have been written after this so I think I'll be checking those out too.
December 23, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of Dark Rising immediately after finishing the first in the series, Beneath the Dark Ice, and was glad to find that the narrator remained the same who has done and continues to do an excellent job of portraying the characters and the excitement and constant pace of the novels.
The second book in the series continues the story of Alex Hunter, “super soldier” - this time following him to Iran as he investigates the suspicious and worrying gamma radiation spikes picked up by the American and Israeli military. Similarly to the prequel we get to see the events unravel from various perspectives and it is less of a mystery of what is happening than how the situation will resolve.
Dark Rising is, again, fast paced; however the overall story was not as gripping for me as it’s predecessor. Perhaps the story was a little too far into the realms of the unrealistic for it to grab me, or perhaps I didn’t find that the key characters were as likeable, or maybe a mix of both. I was glad that, although certain characters from Beneath the Dark Ice didn’t feature as main characters in this book, the story did continue on and the events and characters from the previous book were acknowledged.
The story concludes with an element of uncertainty for Alex’s future which definitely grips the reader and has lured me into downloading the next book and continuing to follow his journey.
The second book in the series continues the story of Alex Hunter, “super soldier” - this time following him to Iran as he investigates the suspicious and worrying gamma radiation spikes picked up by the American and Israeli military. Similarly to the prequel we get to see the events unravel from various perspectives and it is less of a mystery of what is happening than how the situation will resolve.
Dark Rising is, again, fast paced; however the overall story was not as gripping for me as it’s predecessor. Perhaps the story was a little too far into the realms of the unrealistic for it to grab me, or perhaps I didn’t find that the key characters were as likeable, or maybe a mix of both. I was glad that, although certain characters from Beneath the Dark Ice didn’t feature as main characters in this book, the story did continue on and the events and characters from the previous book were acknowledged.
The story concludes with an element of uncertainty for Alex’s future which definitely grips the reader and has lured me into downloading the next book and continuing to follow his journey.
April 21, 2025
Recomendable : Si
Lectura previa obligatoria : Arcadia Genesis #0.5 y Bajo el hielo oscuro #1 para comprender los antecedentes y capacidades del personaje principal.
Temática :
Thriller / Suspenso : 5/5 Mantiene el interés por conocer que sucederá después de cada evento.
Horror : 3/5 aunque disfrute las escenas de lucha contra la nueva entidad me pareció que se encontraba sobrepotenciada en todas sus capacidades, prefiero que hubiera 3 o 4 entidades de capacidades desconocidas pero mortales a una casi indestructible.
Acción y Aventura 5/5 ; Supresión voluntaria de la incredulidad para que funcione la historia pero es divertida y entretenida.
Ciencia ficción 3/5 Mejoro respecto a #1, las explicaciones de los eventos pueden considerarse plausibles sin ser abrumadoras.
Ficción militar 5/5 Balazos, explosiones, cuchilladas, peleas cuerpo a cuerpo, disparos de francotirador, espionaje satelital, bunkers, misiles, equipo técnico plausible dentro del contexto de la historia.
Incluye epilogo para darle cierre a un personaje.
Lectura previa obligatoria : Arcadia Genesis #0.5 y Bajo el hielo oscuro #1 para comprender los antecedentes y capacidades del personaje principal.
Temática :
Thriller / Suspenso : 5/5 Mantiene el interés por conocer que sucederá después de cada evento.
Horror : 3/5 aunque disfrute las escenas de lucha contra la nueva entidad me pareció que se encontraba sobrepotenciada en todas sus capacidades, prefiero que hubiera 3 o 4 entidades de capacidades desconocidas pero mortales a una casi indestructible.
Acción y Aventura 5/5 ; Supresión voluntaria de la incredulidad para que funcione la historia pero es divertida y entretenida.
Ciencia ficción 3/5 Mejoro respecto a #1, las explicaciones de los eventos pueden considerarse plausibles sin ser abrumadoras.
Ficción militar 5/5 Balazos, explosiones, cuchilladas, peleas cuerpo a cuerpo, disparos de francotirador, espionaje satelital, bunkers, misiles, equipo técnico plausible dentro del contexto de la historia.
Incluye epilogo para darle cierre a un personaje.
October 21, 2019
Dark Rising, the second installment in the Arcadian Alex Hunter series, is a fine but unremarkable read. While the premise of an accidental black hole is unique, I had this niggling doubt in the back of my mind through out, that I've read something similar already. Quantum Space, maybe? Not exactly.
I knew Alex and Aimee would break up. Seriously, I predicted it. What happened to Matt? I liked him, he was funny and smart. Hammer makes a repeat appearance. Who's the boss he was talking to? The President? Don't think so. Hmm, I think the author's laying the foundation for his subsequent novels. All the talk of hi-tech gadgets and weapons seemed a bit Bond-like.
So far, the series seems good. Will keep reading.
January 4, 2024
Ultra Lovecraftian,
I am personally not a huge sci-fi fan, and once I got through the first little bit of the book I took a pause to decide if I was even going to read this Alex Hunter when I was so uninvested in the general/overall topic.
Decided I would give myself permission to put it down at any time. BUT I couldn't put it down,
Despite being so sick of hearing about the isreal/ Middle East conflict (2023) I had to find out what happened next, despite not caring about the space/sci-fi science I had to find out what happened next, despite not feeling as connected to the HAWK crew (with the exception of uncle )... 5 against my own wishes, I burned through the book in two days.
Credit to Beck for entangling me like a fly in a spiders web. I did really like the Lovecraftian vibes with a monster that was very Ripleys Alien (even thought I found the monster a little boring).
I am personally not a huge sci-fi fan, and once I got through the first little bit of the book I took a pause to decide if I was even going to read this Alex Hunter when I was so uninvested in the general/overall topic.
Decided I would give myself permission to put it down at any time. BUT I couldn't put it down,
Despite being so sick of hearing about the isreal/ Middle East conflict (2023) I had to find out what happened next, despite not caring about the space/sci-fi science I had to find out what happened next, despite not feeling as connected to the HAWK crew (with the exception of uncle )... 5 against my own wishes, I burned through the book in two days.
Credit to Beck for entangling me like a fly in a spiders web. I did really like the Lovecraftian vibes with a monster that was very Ripleys Alien (even thought I found the monster a little boring).
April 23, 2022
I am beginning to really enjoy the series (albeit I wasn't too impressed with the 1st book which to me was like a study of how to kill people in the most hideous way whilst they are in the dark cave).
The insight into the Middle East situation and especially Israel was really fascinating.
The conflict in the Middle East was around since before I was born so never gave it much thought.
This is the 2nd book I've read directly or indirectly describing the Israeli special forces.
The common theme - the people are loyal (if not bordering on fanatical) in their love for their country. Which not many current Western countries can say for their citizens.
The plots always take place in different parts of the world thus giving interesting insights, will def continue with the series.
The insight into the Middle East situation and especially Israel was really fascinating.
The conflict in the Middle East was around since before I was born so never gave it much thought.
This is the 2nd book I've read directly or indirectly describing the Israeli special forces.
The common theme - the people are loyal (if not bordering on fanatical) in their love for their country. Which not many current Western countries can say for their citizens.
The plots always take place in different parts of the world thus giving interesting insights, will def continue with the series.
August 21, 2025
Dark Rising (Alex Hunter #2) by Greig Beck
I’m into the whole super soldier vibe, and Alex Hunter—aka the Arcadian—is a solid concept. This second book tries to build on that, but honestly? It didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The story felt a bit all over the place, with too many side plots pulling focus from the main action. And for a book about a genetically enhanced warrior, there’s surprisingly little Arcadian action. Alex doesn’t get much to do, and when he does show up, it’s brief and lacking the detail or intensity you'd expect. It’s like the book forgot its own star.
Still, I like the core idea enough to stick with the series. Hopefully the next one gives the Arcadian more room to shine and brings back the edge this one was missing.
I’m into the whole super soldier vibe, and Alex Hunter—aka the Arcadian—is a solid concept. This second book tries to build on that, but honestly? It didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The story felt a bit all over the place, with too many side plots pulling focus from the main action. And for a book about a genetically enhanced warrior, there’s surprisingly little Arcadian action. Alex doesn’t get much to do, and when he does show up, it’s brief and lacking the detail or intensity you'd expect. It’s like the book forgot its own star.
Still, I like the core idea enough to stick with the series. Hopefully the next one gives the Arcadian more room to shine and brings back the edge this one was missing.
August 28, 2017
Black holes and alien creatures. The Iranians are up to no good and Alex leads a mixed team of HAWCs and Mossad to find out what and stop them. And, of course, the black hole has a few surprises.
Alex is another hero with a girl in every ‘port’. I like seeing women involved with the teams and danger, but it’s cliché to always have the hero and ‘his girl’ escaping, just to move on to another girl next book.
Fave scenes: the ‘mermaid’, climbing out of the elevator well, Adira & the blob and ‘For Irish’.
Alex is another hero with a girl in every ‘port’. I like seeing women involved with the teams and danger, but it’s cliché to always have the hero and ‘his girl’ escaping, just to move on to another girl next book.
Fave scenes: the ‘mermaid’, climbing out of the elevator well, Adira & the blob and ‘For Irish’.
November 21, 2019
This comes across more or less like the first Alex Hunter (Beneath The Dark Ice). This time he and a new ‘crack’ team are sent to Iran where scientists have created a Black Hole, which could mean the total destruction of Earth. He is ordered to bring back the technology by any means. Once again a hideous monster is thrown in to make matters worse. His mortality, and his team, are also at great risk and there is again lots of death and near death. Could all this possibly happen? Nevertheless a quick and enjoyable read. I marked 4.5 purely for the entertainment.
January 28, 2022
I know it is the 2nd of the Arcadian series but just had to read this novel again. As always just a great read. The conjoured sand dweller coupled with the experimetal lab is heartpounding thus leaving the action to stand alone, is simply genius. The chase survival over warm sand offers shivers, chilling one's spine as the written description of fear is maifested into some weird sense of believabilty. A read that our group of devotees rated as an 8.5 all round. A read not to have before an expected restful sleep. Be warned.
Well done again Greig. IAN bRADBROOK
Well done again Greig. IAN bRADBROOK
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