Primal

Feb 14, 2013 Pragya rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Thriller/ Crime book lovers

Shelves: 2013, own-kindle, favorites, review-request

4.5 stars

The reason I decided to pick up this book was because it mentioned heavy psychological content and you know how I feel about psychology (being a Clinical Psychologist), so I grabbed at the opportunity. Did the book live upto my expectations of the psychological content? Well, diving into the book without reading a blurb, I wasn’t really expecting something of a particular kind. However, I do remember postponing reading this book in favor of more catchy titled books.

What’s my impression...more 4.5 stars

The reason I decided to pick up this book was because it mentioned heavy psychological content and you know how I feel about psychology (being a Clinical Psychologist), so I grabbed at the opportunity. Did the book live upto my expectations of the psychological content? Well, diving into the book without reading a blurb, I wasn’t really expecting something of a particular kind. However, I do remember postponing reading this book in favor of more catchy titled books.

What’s my impression after reading the book? I wish it had a different title. Not that there’s anything wrong with the current one but somehow it didn’t appeal to me as much as the book did.

Pick up this book at your own peril because it will hook you right in and you will feel like devouring it in a one sitting read which is not very easy since it’s a 224 page book (unless of course, you take a day off, hire a babysitter, refuse to open the door and have ready-to-eat meals by your side). Anyway, I finished the book in 2 days amongst chaos and craziness that has enveloped my personal and professional life so that should give you a hint of what the book does to the reader.

One important thing that I wanted to mention was that since I do most of my reading during my to and fro commuting by the metro (tube), it was really difficult to read this book and yet get down at my stop or change metros. Yeah, as soon as I opened my Kindle, my eyes were hooked, my brain even more so, my ears turned into sound-proof doors, my comfort/discomfort of standing, being pushed by strangers, being jostled by the crowd ceased to effect me and I had to put this alarm in my head to listen after an appropriate amount of time if my station was coming yet. Wow! Seriously I loved this book, never have I been so engrossed in a book as to keep out the noisy, irritating chatter of other passengers. And I read every single day on the metro!

It was just amazing – the plot, mind-blowing; the characters, everyday people you meet and some we don’t meet (and wouldn’t like to), interesting nevertheless and real (a very important thing) and the pace – ah!mazing (especially the first 50%).

The book is so good as a thriller that I waited with bated breath at times wondering what would happen next, crying and praying for the characters. Just wow!

Although I might say the second half of the book could do with some editing but then perhaps not. It required that kind of build-up to seem entirely realistic. It’s just my impatience regarding ‘when is that going to happen?!!’ that’s speaking.

Overall, a great book. Especially recommended for people who love thrillers and crime books. Go get it now!(less)

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Apr 20, 2013 Lacey Welch rated it 5 of 5 stars

What lesson did you learn from the story? As humans we will do whatever it takes to survive

Describe the main character. We are strong willed, smart, dedicated, driven and both trust our intuition.

List the characters and describe them. Alison - Wife and mother. She was a middle school teacher. She was quiet and timid, till she wasn't.

Hank - Husband and father. He owned a business called Pump Up The Volume and he had two business partners.

Jimmy - Was their 9 year old son.

Ben - In prison on deat...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, crime-thriller, crime, emotional, favorites, great-heroines, kickass, mystery, psychological, suspense, thriller

Original post here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/10/primal-blog-tour-review-giveaway-primal.html

Brilliant! That is really the only word I have to describe this book. Primal just takes you to a place that is fast paced, aggressive, emotional, and well...primal (couldn't help it). This is a story I will be telling everyone to read because I think it is essential for people to. This may not be based on a real story, but it felt that way. You get an instant connection these characters a...more Original post here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/10/primal-blog-tour-review-giveaway-primal.html

Brilliant! That is really the only word I have to describe this book. Primal just takes you to a place that is fast paced, aggressive, emotional, and well...primal (couldn't help it). This is a story I will be telling everyone to read because I think it is essential for people to. This may not be based on a real story, but it felt that way. You get an instant connection these characters and the situation that has been forced on to them. One of my favorite reads this year and I can guarantee that it will most likely be one of yours as well.

I love our characters. It feels so real. I couldn't help but just imagine myself and people I know as these characters. It is hard not to place yourself in this book. Our main character Alison is a school teacher, a wife, and a mother. She is a sweet and loving woman who likes to bury herself in books. To treat her son for his birthday, they go on a fishing trip at an old cabin. Sadly, they were not aware of the prisoner (who is on death row) who escaped with his equally psychotic brothers heading at the same lodge. Alison finds herself outside looking in while her son and husband are trapped inside with the murderers. Alison starts off scared, but something quickly takes over her and she will fight to the death to save her family. And all of this happens in the first half of the book. There is not just one climax and then it is over. There is so much more.

I love how we dive into her family and how their lives are after what happened as well. Her husband Hank loves her so much and like at the lodge, he feels helpless to help Alison. There is so much disconnect between them. Hank was a great supporting husband and seeing him struggle with himself and with trying to connect with his wife was heartbreaking. I was most proud of their son Jimmy. Being a kid, he is able to look at the situation in a different way. The more he shares it with his friends, the more he feels like he was part of a game and it doesn't scare him. Then we have Ben, the main criminal. He was nothing like his brothers, he knew the right things to say, how to be calm and had great instincts and it made him more terrifying. All the brothers put you on edge, but Ben was just too calculating.

This book started off as a screenplay which has been purchased by James Cameron himself and for good reason. This book would make a fantastic film. The plot in Primal will have your face buried in it. The suspense and the intensity is almost staggering. You will have a hard time taking your eyes away from it. The story is just incredible because it shows things from both sides. We have Alison trying to save everyone in the cabin and we have the new her adjusting to life after the chaos. Just reading this, you feel all the emotions they are going through and with Alison, it is the toughest. She is lost, full of fear, anxiety, and anger. I won't give too much away, but I couldn't blame her.

Primal is a book that will be stuck in your head for a very long time. It forces you to ask yourself, “What would you do? How far are you willing to go to save those you love?” This is one hell of a debut. Serra has quite honestly written a classic. She even even takes it all a step further by showing us the aftermath. I mean how do you adjust to life after something like this? Can you ever find balance? Can you ever get back to what is normal? Primal definitely strikes a chord especially if you are a mother. This is an intense, psychological thriller that will leave a mark. It holds no punches and it will leave you breathless. If you are looking for a thriller to add to your bookshelf, look no further. Primal is an absolute must read. (less)

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Oct 02, 2012 Mason rated it 5 of 5 stars

While there are cases where mothers abandon their children, for the most part the bond between mother and child is stronger than anything on earth.

Author D.A. Serra taps into this emotion and creates a story that is a parent’s worst nightmare in her current release, PRIMAL. In this crime thriller, a mother is faced with decisions that will result in life or death for herself and her family.

Allison Kraft is a gentle, loving mother and teacher. She misses life in the city, but is content to live i...more While there are cases where mothers abandon their children, for the most part the bond between mother and child is stronger than anything on earth.

Author D.A. Serra taps into this emotion and creates a story that is a parent’s worst nightmare in her current release, PRIMAL. In this crime thriller, a mother is faced with decisions that will result in life or death for herself and her family.

Allison Kraft is a gentle, loving mother and teacher. She misses life in the city, but is content to live in a small town close to her husband Hank’s family for the sake of their son, Jimmy. For Jimmy’s 9th birthday, the family heads to a cabin in Northern Minnesota for a camping trip.

Meanwhile, psychotic killer Ben Burne escapes from prison and goes on the run with his three brothers. Circumstances brings the Burne brothers to the Kraft cabin where a hostage situation ensues. Allison finds herself on the outside trying to save her family inside. She does whatever is necessary to free them.

When the crisis is over, her family begins to put their lives back together. Allison, however, isn’t convinced the threat is over. Either her maternal instinct is working overtime or she has cracked from the stress.

Serra delivers a suspenseful thriller that is packed with fear, hope, family love, revenge, and desperation. The adrenaline rush will keep you on the edge of your seat anticipating the next move.

The characters are well-developed. Serra gives a sense of balance in both a functioning and dysfunctional family. She draws the reader in with a story that flows smoothly and at a steady pace filled with action and drama.

Serra also paints a beautiful, yet terrifying setting in the woods of Northern Minnesota. Her vivid descriptions places the reader in the scene as the action unfolds.

PRIMAL explores what lengths a mother will go to for her child (in both the Kraft and Burne families). This is a book that is hard to put down and will make you wonder at the same time.

Author D.A. Serra’s website is www.deborahserra.com

Primal by D. A. Serra, Perry Street Pictures Inc., @2012, ISBN: 978-1478198031, Paperback, 222 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - An eBook copy of this book was sent to me by the author as part of her blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. (less)

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Jan 15, 2013 Lynelle Clark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-for-author, thriller, suspense

An exceptional crime thriller pact with a wonderful plot that held your attention from beginning to end. Masterfully planned story line that demanded attention and you are introduced to the Kraft and Burne family so opposite from each other that you wonder how they will come together. Serra managed to hold your imagination as you are introduced to Alison. A real suburban teacher who have never been in the woods, never went on camping trips with no idea of survival. Her husband Hank, her partner...more An exceptional crime thriller pact with a wonderful plot that held your attention from beginning to end. Masterfully planned story line that demanded attention and you are introduced to the Kraft and Burne family so opposite from each other that you wonder how they will come together. Serra managed to hold your imagination as you are introduced to Alison. A real suburban teacher who have never been in the woods, never went on camping trips with no idea of survival. Her husband Hank, her partner and friend, a wonderful father and music lover with their son Jimmy, nine years old with the typical characteristic of a boy of that age. Adorable, sweet and excited about life.
Then you meet Ben, Gravel, Kent and Theo Burne the epitome of evil in its ugliest form. And the seven come together at a fishing ground and it went down hill from there fast and ferocious.
Alison’s delicate system could not handle the outing and she found her self separated from her family and co campers when these evil four are introduced. And we see that what were supposed to be a pleasant weekend away became a nightmare that changed them all forever. Finding each others weakness and strengthens amidst the show down of survival.
When they finally return home Alison, Hank and Jimmy found it difficult to adapt back into normal life. Especially Alison who could not shake the experience leaving her paranoid, on the edge, fearful and bereft from her former self. Yet a hero in every ones eyes. But for some reason she could not go back to her old life, standing guard vegetal at all hours of the day and night. People became scared of her outburst her paranoia to have weapons in the house, alarmed every inch of their home and always looking for that one person who promised to return.
Her marriage and relationship with her son suffered and when she finally decided that maybe this one man will not return, and she let her guard down, then all hell broke loose and yet again she fights for her family. Willing to lay down her life so that they could be free.
Fast paced, with well developed characters, this story keep you at the edge of your chair, not willing to stop to make sure Alison was right and not crazy as every one believed. Telling your self the story could not end in that manner. Hoping it does not.
A book that is definitely one of my favorites for this year and I can recommend to all lovers of thrillers. Creating a sigh at the end as you relax and smile knowing it was all worth it at the end.
(less)

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Apr 20, 2013 Linda Rogers rated it 5 of 5 stars

Is the plot well-developed? The plot is well developed and it makes sense. I felt the terror and suspense. I liked this book a lot.

How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place? Part of the suspense would have worked in a different time but the place worked very well with this story.

Make a list of facts you learned from the story. Alison was married to Hank and they have one son named Jimmy. There were four brothers involved in the killings. They kil...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Ashley Fields rated it 5 of 5 stars

What was the author's purpose or purposes in writing this book? To create a spell binding book for anyone to read.

What did the title have to do with the book? It was about survival. It pulled strength from deep inside Alison. Strength that she never knew she had.

List the places mentioned in the book. Hills Harbor School / First National Bank / Miami Brinks / Community Hospital / Grayley / Walmart / Lenny BBQ /Eiffel Tower /Guava /Dunkin Donuts / Super Cuts / Merriweather's Gun Shop / Citi Bank /...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Ben Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars

What would the main character be likely to do if s/he visited? Talk about her husband and son.

If you were in a problem situation like one in the book, how would you have acted? I would use any means possible to get away from the brothers. I would fight to the end.

Find one word that describes a character in your book very well. Worried - Hank was trying to protect his son. He got a doctor for Alison. He talked with police. He took Jimmy to his mother's. He went back to check on Alison.

Compare two...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Shelia Robinson rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you could continue the story, what events would you include? The family moving to a new community and things getting back to normal .

List the five major events in the story in the correct order. The Kraft family go to a isolated fishing camp. The three brothers break Ben out of prison. Alison kills three brothers. Ben goes to Alison's house to kill her. Alison Kills Ben, the last of the brothers.

Describe what is happening in the first part of the book. There is a fight in prison and a guy get...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Gina Butler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I read this book for Virtual Author Book Tours.

This story grips you from the very first page. Alison thought she was going on a simple vacation with her husband and son. She was wrong....deadly wrong.

This is a story that will stay with you for a long time. It's one of those stories that although it's fiction it could very well happen in real life. You feel what the characters feel... love, fear, determination, anger, confusion, paranoia. Your heart races with every turn of the page.

I often found...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Teena in Toronto rated it 4 of 5 stars

Schoolteacher Allison is talked into going on a fishing vacation by her husband, Hank, and son, Jimmy. She would rather be at the spa (me too!). When they arrive at the camp, they meet the others who will be staying in cabins nearby. The common meeting place is a lodge where they meet for meals. There are no phones or Internet ... definitely roughing it.

Ben Burne is in prison and despite being a model prisoner, has been sentenced to death for his crime. With a month to go before he'll be put to...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Kevin Fords rated it 5 of 5 stars

What was the mystery was and how it was solved? Alison has to stay alive so she can save her family from the sadistic brothers.

What is the time period in which the book happens? Takes place in the summer and the heat does not help the situation.

What kind of book is this? Fiction - The brothers causing a explosion at the hospital. Inmate on death row donating a kidney. Curtis dragging his self all through the woods.

Tell in your own words the beginning of the book. The book starts out with Ben in...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Amy Logan rated it 5 of 5 stars

What were the main themes of the book? The story was about a family of 3 and what they went through to survive. Was also about 4 brothers and their cold blooded attacks on anyone in their path.

Describe 2 different settings or locations. The prison where Ben was being held till his execution. Community Hospital, where the kidney transplant was to take place.

Were you able to connect with the main character? I was able to connect with Alison. I too would do whatever it took to save my family.

Consid...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Vicky Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

How realistic was the characterization? The entire book was realistic. All characters were well developed. Everything Alison did made sense.

How does the setting figure into the book? The setting was very important. A fishing camp with little amenities compounded by cold blooded killers. Made for a very scary setting.

Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The conclusion was the best. Kept me guessing right till the end.

Why would you recommend or not recommend this...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Olivia G rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I could not put this book down!! I started it this afternoon on my kindle and read straight through til the end - I have never been more captivated by a book and so emotionally connected to its characters! This is an absolute MUST read if you love thrillers. I love the fact that it delved into the personal psychology of the characters revealing intimate details of their minds, something you don't generally get in gritty thriller novels. A talented writer with a gift for language, the action...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Courtney Lewis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Do any characters grow or change during the course of the novel? Alison does a complete 180. She goes way outside the box.

What motivates a given character’s actions? Fear motivated Alison. Everyone's survival depended on her actions. She went commando and saved her husband and son.

Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I admire Alison, she did what she had to. Certainly disliked all the brothers.

Do you find the characters convincing? All characters are compelling and believable....more

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Apr 20, 2013 Ashley Haynes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cover – The cover was good. It looked desolate and spooky. It fit the story.

Top 3 things I liked about the whole book – Fast and interesting read. Full of suspense and heroism. The justice that Alison was able to execute for the sake of her family made the book even more worthwhile.

Top 3 things I liked about the main character – Strong, resilient, never giving in

Top 3 things I liked about the setting in this book – The prison setting was very detailed. The fishing camp was desolate. The hospital...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Steph And Dani {A Walk on Words} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: thriller, worthy-heroine, mystery-suspense, favorites, adult-fiction

We were given a copy of this book by Virtual Author Book Tours for our fair and honest review.

*Giveaway* of PRIMAL going on at
http://awalkonwords.blogspot.com/2013...
Enter to win! Open International and you must be 13 years or older

Dani’s rating: 5 stars
Steph’s rating: 5 stars
Overall Rating: 5 stars

This review can also be found at:
http://awalkonwords.blogspot.com/

Dani’s Review:

When Alison Kraft's son Jimmy asks to go to a fishing camp far, far away from civilization for his birthday, the Kraf...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Amelia Stewart rated it 5 of 5 stars

What are some of the book's themes? A family scared to death. Four ruthless murders and a prison break. Riveting and definitely caught my attention.

Did the book end the way you expected? Not at all. Everytime I thought I guessed it, I would be wrong.

Did the book description relate to the story? The description was spot on and my book club members and I appreciated this.

What were the main relationships explored in this book? The relationships between Hank, Alison and Jimmy; Ben, Kent, Theo and...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Tracey McGee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Which secondary character resonated most with you and why? The four brothers mother. Because she set the plan in motion by requesting them to kill on her 80th birthday.

What I liked – I liked the strong role Alison had to take to protect her family. She summoned strength, she never knew she had

What I didn't like – I still prefer a straight read. But it was written in a such a way, that it was easy to follow.

What did you think of the ending? I thought the ending was fabulous. It had to end with Be...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Ruby Weatherford rated it 5 of 5 stars

Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? The book pulled me into it right away. The story and writing both kept me turning the pages.

If you were to talk with the author, what would you want to know? How many books she has written.

If you could rewrite the ending, would you? No, I wouldn't rewrite it. It was perfect just the way it was.

Content (overall theme, idea and setting) – The story content and settings were very good.

Disclosure: I received a rev...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Misty Rayburn rated it 5 of 5 stars

It was supposed to be a normal camping trip for Alison and her family, and it turned into a nightmare. Four armed men took her family hostage and now a schoolteacher has to kill or watch her family die.

I was absolutely floored by this thriller. D.A. Serra put real characters into a situation that could actually happen and plays it out with the raw ferocity that would actually be there. The armed men are ruthless and they are totally ready to kill if they have to. It’s something they’re very comf...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Carla Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: thriller

Alison is so normal so practically oozes Betty Crocker and plaid skirts. She's a teacher with a small son, married to a man she loves. When the family vacation at a fishing camp goes wrong, she suddenly turns into someone even she doesn't recognize. Her husband and son are taken hostage and Alison realizes it is up to her to save them. She goes to every length possible-physical and emotional-to save the ones she loves. No one believes her when she says the evil isn't over yet. She, and the reade...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Mike Grey rated it 5 of 5 stars

How do you define the central theme. I can see myself as Alison, protecting my child. A mother's love knows no bounds.

Is the story plot or character driven? Definitely character driven.

Formatting / Appearance – Formatting was perfect and this book was a pleasure to read.

Who in this book would you most like to meet? Alison

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Apr 20, 2013 James Noel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Favourite character(s) … Alison was my favorite.

Favourite location / setting … The fishing camp that the Kraft family went to.

Favourite scene …. When Alison killed Kent, by shooting him with a harpoon gun.

Favourite quote … "And so good for you since I made it with breast milk.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Sep 17, 2012 Psych Babbler rated it 3 of 5 stars

My review: http://www.overacuppacoffee.com/book-...

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Aug 14, 2012 Joy (Thoughts of Joy) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook

You can read my thoughts here.

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Apr 20, 2013 Delaney Powell marked it as to-read

Apr 21, 2013 Yanise marked it as to-read

Shelves: maybe

Apr 20, 2013 Victoria marked it as to-read

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