Apex Predator

by Kelvin Kwa

Apex Predator is a military techno-thriller wrapped around a core of science-fiction horror. Set in the very near future, the story follows a variety of characters; the officers and crew of a United States nuclear submarine, a highly trained splinter unit of Navy SEALs, a Chinese Special Forces commander and a rogue freelance intelligence agent as they are entangled in a sinister covert operation that will see them hunted and betrayed by friend and enemy alike. But natural adversaries and hidden agendas are the least of their worries. Deep beneath the polar ice-cap an ancient mythological creature has awakened to the death cries of its children caught in the unwitting crossfire of the human conflict raging above. Intelligent as it is malevolent, this entity will stop at nothing to sate its hunger for vengeance and destruction on the surface world. From the wastelands of the Arctic Tundra to the New England coast, even to the very doorstep of their homes, man and machine will be pursued by an unrelenting, immortal abomination that will test the limits of their courage, resourcefulness and military might. Only the survivors, only the triumphant will be the Apex Predator.

Genres: Science Fiction

670 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2013

About the author

Kelvin Kwa was born in Penang, Malaysia in 1969. When he was 12 years of age, he and his family moved to Melbourne, Australia where he currently resides to this day. It is a testimony to the English teachers who encouraged him through high-school that their classes were the only ones he ever enjoyed especially when asked to write essays of a purely creative nature.
He would like to tell you that upon graduation, he became employed as a journalist for a prestigious publication or news media organization...but that would not be true. Perhaps he served in the military or law enforcement and brings his extensive knowledge and experience from the field to bear in this, his first novel. Nope, didn’t do that either.
The only things that are relevant to Kelvin’s skills and qualifications in authoring this book are the following:
He’s pretty good with English.
He saw Aliens a total of eight times consecutively when it first came out in the cinemas. Die Hard six times. Jaws, five times (once with his grandmother who also enjoyed it more than a little bit). The list goes on.
He reads a lot of books. Generally fiction. Generally Adventure, Sci-Fi and Fantasy. He collects the odd graphic novel.
He plays video games and believes that the X-Box is the superior console.
This all amounts to the fact Kelvin is just someone with an over active imagination whose particular skill set lies in the acquisition and dissemination of useless but entertaining trivia. Hence, he describes himself as a story teller and nothing more. For the past 20 years, he has worked variously as a salesman and an IT engineer in the financial sector. Apex Predator is his first but not his last novel.

Reviews

[11811 (Eleven) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one wasn't for me. I received this from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review and I honestly did not care for it. I entered to win because it was listed under horror but although there are elements of horror, this is not a horror novel. It is more of a military action/adventure novel with an overabundance of military jargon. The heavy military angle of this is what killed it for me. It was also littered with more acronyms than I've ever seen in a single novel - COB, DOD, XO, CYA, XREP, CINCLANT,COMSUBLANT, CNO, CPO.... I'm just skimming pages here and leaving out the normal ones like NATO or RV. The list goes on.

If you like military action-adventure novels you may enjoy this but if you're looking for a horror novel I would look elsewhere.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most heart-pounding, exciting science fiction novels I've read in 2014 is "Apex Predator" by Kevin Kwa. It begins when a high-tech Chinese satellite plunges into the Arctic Ocean near the Helgelund Arctic Nature Reserve. When Navy Seal and Chinese Storm Tiger teams race to be the first to retrieve it they never expect to encounter a ancient adversary awakened deep under the ice cap. Roused by the death cries of its spawn dying from radiation poisoning it lashes out in vengeance taking its battle from the Arctic Tundra to the New England coast. Nothing seems to be able to stand in its way. Unstoppable in its malevolence this intelligent, swift and mighty ancient power, this apex predator could bring about the extinction of humankind if it's not destroyed.

The plot is well-written, filled with an intensity that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last; the only relief from snatches of dry humor. Ingeniously Kevin Kwa has created a story with multiple subplots; the recovery and cracking of the high- tech within the satellite's core, the confrontation of two military powers and the breakdown of an ice shelf resulting in a mega storm and flooding. The narrative is fast-paced, action-packed and explosive as the Navy battles a biologic that attacks submarines and counters underwater mines without fear; death to anyone who gets in its way.

Well-developed and realistic the characters are complex with all their strengths, flaws and faults. Marcus Cartaneo the captain of the " Seawolf", a hunter-class nuclear submarine who's haunted by an ensign's suicide has lost his love of the sea and the taste for command only to find any hope for a smooth final mission shattered. A man of honour, integrity and courage he attacks every challenge wholeheartedly, willing to sacrifice himself to save others. Commander Rudi Jessen, his XO is an officer who strictly follows military orders no matter the consequences. He's contentious, ambitious, easily manipulated, but honest when faced with his mistakes. Master Chief Carter Bohem, a Navy Seal is a clever strategist, hard-nosed and tough like the Chinese Colonel, Xianghai Peng who's also forthright and self-sacrificing. But it's the antagonists in the story that chill the blood; the cold analytical intelligence of a menacing sea-serpent; the chameleon nature of the operative Grey Cole that masks a sociopathic killer, and the calculated brutality of Admiral Donner and the Black Prism security contingent. With these personalities and more the plot vibrates with passion, drama and energy.

"Apex Predator" is a thrilling science fiction novel that even ends with a startling and frightening conclusion. I couldn't put it down and recommend it to those that love heart-stopping action and a powerfully realistic story. Kudos to Kevin Kwa. I can't wait to read his next book.

[Beverley Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that I won on the goodreads giveaway.

At first, I was a bit confused by the book. Was it a about environmental issues...was it a political/military thriller...was it a horror book with monsters....was it about personal tragedy and/or revenge? Not to mention one huge ass hurricaine.

Well, readers, to be honest....it was all of the above. You would think that a book with so many moving parts would be confusing and just a horrible mish mash. But...Mr. Kwa managed to keep all the pieces moving quite well on the chess board and ended up with a fine tale to tell.

My only complaint is I wasn't so interested in all of the technological aspects and the influx of information on the submarine and all of the weaponry. I admire Mr. Kwa's research and I am sure there are fans out there that will appreciate the addition of all these facts. But that is my own non-interest and not Mr. Kwa's.

I would definitely read another book by this prolific self made author.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to win Apex Predator by Kelvin Kwa from Goodreads. It took me a long time to get a chance to read it as sometime life gets in the way of reading time. The story itself was great and kind of makes you wonder what is really out there that we don't know about. His characters were great and well thought our. The story line kept you wanting more. It kept me interested page after page. I'm not going to give away any details as I don't want to spoil it for any one. The only thing wrong with it was the book itself I'm an in bed reader and I found the book overly large and heavy. I think it would have been an easier to handle if it was made into a trilogy. I did enjoy the book and am passing it on as a couple of my friends are chomping at the bit to read it. Keep up the good work Kelvin looking forward to more from you. Cheers

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immensely entertaining, I give it a 4.5

This large novel delivered in every single chapter. Gripping and deadly right from the start, the explosive story continued building and building and building to an ending that culminated in even more action and firepower. I loved the combination of military perspectives and fictional beasts; kudos to author Kelvin Kwa!

This book was free from Goodreads Firstreads :)

[David Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelvin Kwa you have done a great job here with apex predator. A good reads first reads.

I know it has taken a while to put up anything one this I am sorry.

If you like the ocean navy or any prehistoric predator well this is book is for you I will not say much more.



This book draws you in as you read it.
You all most can feel yourself in the shoes of the different people. Through the different battles with the different predators to the battle for life with mother nature.

[Patricia Levack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apex Predator by Kelvin Kwa is my first win from Goodreads and it is so good I hope they make it into a movie! The military characters, the submarine maneuvers, the Chinese connection and a sea monster plus a touch of home life all made for a exciting and intense read. Mr Kwa's first book keep me engaged and guessing what was going go to happen next to the last pages. I will be looking forward to reading his next book! Well done!

[Lyndsay-ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and I really enjoyed it. It took me a long time to read because of it's size. It's a heavy book and is awkward to hold as I like reading at night before bed. I liked the characters, and the action sequences were exciting. Overall the book was very good and I'm glad I got a chance to read it.

[Brian Earnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know what to expect with a new author, but I have to say wow this was a fantastic book, it was nonstop action for over 600 pages. I think it would also make a great action movie, I am looking forward to Kelvin's next book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It felt like I was reading an intense action movie but even better than a movie because here I could really get to know each of the characters. It's full of excitement and surprises throughout. Highly recommend this book!

[Arnel Dionisio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild ride. Gives you little time to breathe.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite having a very heavy load of titles to review, Apex Predator was just one of those books I couldn't say 'no' to. I mean, you've got a secret Chinese satellite crashed in the arctic, a group of Navy Seals racing against the Chinese Special Forces who are sent to retrieve it, a submarine crew on the way to rescue (with a Captain who has lost his nerve and the support of his XO), and a giant prehistoric monster awakened from beneath the ice. With Kelvin Kwa willing to send over the doorstopper paperback, it became one of my first beach reads of the early summer.

We got off to something of an awkward start, with a few narrative flaws that irked me, but it all smoothed itself out and I quickly found myself settling in. I'm a sucker for both giant monster stories and submarine warfare, and I'm pleased to say Kwa pays off on both counts. This is one of those rare hybrid novels that actually works, managing to blend the genre of the high-tech thriller with that of horror. I was initially afraid there might be too much going on, especially with the tensions between Captain Marcus and his XO, the introduction of a (as it turns out) not-so-Bond-like special agent, and the tensions within the Chinese crew, but it all comes together very well.

The characters here are well-developed, with some genuine growth and surprises along the way, and Kwa smartly avoids the usual temptation to glorify the 'good' guys and vilify the 'bad' ones. This is a well-rounded cast that you get to know and like, becoming completely invested in their fate. As for the monster, I'd rather not say too much about it, but I quite like the way its cunning intelligence was explored, making it more than just another mindless super-beast. The story is well-paced too, getting off to a quick start, throwing us right into the height of the action, and then racing along from there.

With the exception of those few narrative gaffes I mentioned earlier, this is a really strong story, and one that ably delivers on what is, admittedly, a very ambitious premise. If you've ever wondered what might happen if the Red October were to come against Godzilla, and ever thought about how much darkness there is within a character like James Bond, then Apex Predator is a book I think you'll enjoy very much.


Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins

[Daniel Rudge · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not quite as exhilarating as a Matthew Reilly novel, Apex Predator is a military techno-thriller wrapped around a core of science-fiction horror. Gets docked a star for not really explaining the origins of the creature. Set in the very near future, the story follows a variety of characters; the officers and crew of a United States nuclear submarine, a highly trained splinter unit of Navy SEAL's, a Chinese Special Forces commander and a rogue freelance intelligence agent as they are entangled in a sinister covert operation that will see them hunted and betrayed by friend and enemy alike. But natural adversaries and hidden agendas are the least of their worries. Deep beneath the polar ice-cap an ancient mythological creature has awakened to the death cries of its children caught in the unwitting crossfire of the human conflict raging above. Intelligent as it is malevolent, this entity will stop at nothing to sate its hunger for vengeance and destruction on the surface world. From the wastelands of the Arctic Tundra to the New England coast, even to the very doorstep of their homes, man and machine will be pursued by an unrelenting, immortal abomination that will test the limits of their courage, resourcefulness and military might.

[Kaitlyn Day]

Summary: This book is a non-fiction books that talks about and describes the killer animals in the world. The book discusses past and present killer animals. From the sea to land so many different animals are described throughout this book.

Evaluation: This book has many details and gives lots of information on the different predators around the world. Additionally, the photographs in the book really display the predators and what they look like.

Teaching: I would use this to teach a lesson on animals and predators around the world. It is a great way to keep kids engaged about the different predators. It also shows the students that predators can be on land, in the ground, and in the ocean.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a high 2 stars, and if he comes out with a second edition, it might be that I'd bump it to 3 stars on reread.

I'm leaving my initial review in here, as well as my final review.

Not very far into it, but so far... a little hint, Kelvin. While it's good that you know every detail of the backstory of your major characters... your readers don't need to know everything. So far, I'm about 10 pages in, and I probably could have cut what I've read by 3 pages and still have everything the readers really needed.

....

And what I said in my initial review pretty much holds true for the entire book. It's definitely exciting in places, but... there is often *a lot* more detail than we really need about minor things, and so forth. A good editor could probably cut at least 100 pages from the book without it suffering in the *least*. Probably make it better, since the pacing would more readily suit a book that's supposed to be an action/adventure kind of story.

Other than the author's failure to "kill his darlings" (general writing advice to get rid of the things in your story that you're *really* proud of, but that don't need to be there), it was a decently written book, though rather bloodier than I prefer. If he could get it into the hands of a good editor and cut 100 or so pages from it, I'd probably bump the rating up to a 3 (my standard rating for "not really my kind of book, but fairly well-written" or "really my kind of book, but not too well written").


I got this book from Goodreads in return for a free review, and all the usual boilerplate.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast pace book that doesn't skip on the action. The story is okay, something I found done many times but wrapped in multiple different views of characters, suspense and mystery keeping you entertained until the last page. There are a lot of characters, some are great and you can see a change in them as the story moves along. Some die off, others you may not care for. It's not a hard read, aside from the contestant abbreviations. There's more military mumbo jumbo than a nutrageous candy bar has nuts. Other than that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'll be looking forward to more by Kelvin Kwa.