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The Deep Green
In the Congo, an American ship disappears from port on the last day of a scientific expedition to collect DNA samples from the jungle near an abandoned Belgian research station. A month later, the ship runs aground on a Texas beach—and no one on board is alive.
When an elite military force and shadowy intelligence officers descend on the small island town of Port Aransas, Texas, a strong-willed local girl is swept into the search for a dedicated scientist as she and others race to unravel a dark secret before something none of them has ever seen before is unleashed into the world.
In a literary thriller that mirrors today’s headlines, The Deep Green is John Lyman’s most compelling novel yet. Blending scientific fact with provocative fiction, he takes readers on a wild ride to the dark side of genetic engineering, where anything is possible for those with the money and resources to create new life—no matter how devastating the consequences might be for the rest of us.
Intricately layered with remarkable research and detail, the heart-stopping action that builds right up to the end proves once again that bestselling author John Lyman is a master storyteller.
When an elite military force and shadowy intelligence officers descend on the small island town of Port Aransas, Texas, a strong-willed local girl is swept into the search for a dedicated scientist as she and others race to unravel a dark secret before something none of them has ever seen before is unleashed into the world.
In a literary thriller that mirrors today’s headlines, The Deep Green is John Lyman’s most compelling novel yet. Blending scientific fact with provocative fiction, he takes readers on a wild ride to the dark side of genetic engineering, where anything is possible for those with the money and resources to create new life—no matter how devastating the consequences might be for the rest of us.
Intricately layered with remarkable research and detail, the heart-stopping action that builds right up to the end proves once again that bestselling author John Lyman is a master storyteller.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2015
126 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
John Lyman
11 books62 followersJohn Lyman is the bestselling author of the "God's Lions" series of books. He describes his novels as "spiritural thrillers" for the times we live in. John is currently at work on the third book in the series, "God's Lions - The Dark Ruin".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 7, 2017
Green Eyed Lady Ocean Lady!
Wow! A very exciting science fiction thriller with just about every genre covered. It was part James Bond, Clive Cussler and Michael Crichton in it's exploratory story lines.
Beginning in the deep green Congo and ends there as well, this story takes you to Texas and back to meet up with Samantha, a 22 year old beach entrepreneur by trade. Charting fishing trips from an idyllic beach side resort town, she gets wrapped up in a story so fantastical it made me stay up late to finish my chapters.
Do give this tome a chance and you'll see what I mean. The government espionage and Special Forces will show you and excellent time, revealing a plot so thick you'd need a peanut butter knife to spread it. Ha ha
Cheers and enjoy! Murf
Wow! A very exciting science fiction thriller with just about every genre covered. It was part James Bond, Clive Cussler and Michael Crichton in it's exploratory story lines.
Beginning in the deep green Congo and ends there as well, this story takes you to Texas and back to meet up with Samantha, a 22 year old beach entrepreneur by trade. Charting fishing trips from an idyllic beach side resort town, she gets wrapped up in a story so fantastical it made me stay up late to finish my chapters.
Do give this tome a chance and you'll see what I mean. The government espionage and Special Forces will show you and excellent time, revealing a plot so thick you'd need a peanut butter knife to spread it. Ha ha
Cheers and enjoy! Murf
August 6, 2017
This was really good book I couldn't put down. I had to finish it - because I had to know what happened next.
However I had to sleep on it in order to rate it.
I will compare this book to a Japanese puzzle box. Find the next piece of the puzzle in order to open it and find out what is inside. Or a fine glass of wine you have to drink slowly in order to taste all the nuances. The pace just as it should be in order to delve into the mystery but with action enough to move forward.
It was a well written book and I was wholly immersed in the world. I was there - which is probably also why I only give it four out of five stars.
Some things just kept pulling me out, like the uneven use of Sam/Samantha (and I usually overlook these things). The timeline versus the characters emotional state like I at one point kept thinking "why is she not tired yet?!". Sometimes these small things felt like they were added as an afterthought much too late in the narrative or just indirectly included (they went swimming a lot with clothes on but hardly a mention of the effect of that). Normally that wouldn't bother me but everything else were so detailed described and well executed that it felt like carelessness.
Then the ending. It was not bad, so I was not per se disappointed. It just felt like that part was out of tune with the rest of the story. Like somebody decided "oh we are just gonna push the button here on the side and open up the box to reveal the contents, skipping the last pieces of the puzzle" or you found out the wine had gotten a different aftertaste.
I like the fact that the main character was just ordinary, caught in the middle and a bit of a spectator in the story (but still active). It felt real. She was extraordinary in her own elements. Then in the ending she became too much of a Mary Sue. I just had a hard time believing her surviving over a bunch of special forces. The other characters who had had bigger roles in during the story were suddenly reduced to passive spectators.
I would have liked to see them all contributing to the conclusion in the story within their own fields, like each a piece of a puzzle to make the picture whole. Sadly that didn't happen.
However I had to sleep on it in order to rate it.
I will compare this book to a Japanese puzzle box. Find the next piece of the puzzle in order to open it and find out what is inside. Or a fine glass of wine you have to drink slowly in order to taste all the nuances. The pace just as it should be in order to delve into the mystery but with action enough to move forward.
It was a well written book and I was wholly immersed in the world. I was there - which is probably also why I only give it four out of five stars.
Some things just kept pulling me out, like the uneven use of Sam/Samantha (and I usually overlook these things). The timeline versus the characters emotional state like I at one point kept thinking "why is she not tired yet?!". Sometimes these small things felt like they were added as an afterthought much too late in the narrative or just indirectly included (they went swimming a lot with clothes on but hardly a mention of the effect of that). Normally that wouldn't bother me but everything else were so detailed described and well executed that it felt like carelessness.
Then the ending. It was not bad, so I was not per se disappointed. It just felt like that part was out of tune with the rest of the story. Like somebody decided "oh we are just gonna push the button here on the side and open up the box to reveal the contents, skipping the last pieces of the puzzle" or you found out the wine had gotten a different aftertaste.
I like the fact that the main character was just ordinary, caught in the middle and a bit of a spectator in the story (but still active). It felt real. She was extraordinary in her own elements. Then in the ending she became too much of a Mary Sue. I just had a hard time believing her surviving over a bunch of special forces. The other characters who had had bigger roles in during the story were suddenly reduced to passive spectators.
I would have liked to see them all contributing to the conclusion in the story within their own fields, like each a piece of a puzzle to make the picture whole. Sadly that didn't happen.
March 19, 2015
John Lyman has done it again!
Travel to The Congo for an edge of your seat thriller....I couldn't put this book down! The characters are great and the story has science fiction, action, and thrills.
And if you love this book as much as I know you will then I promise you that you will love his other books "God's Lions"!
If you like James Rollins, Jeremy Robinson, and Clive Cussler then you will love John Lyman.
Travel to The Congo for an edge of your seat thriller....I couldn't put this book down! The characters are great and the story has science fiction, action, and thrills.
And if you love this book as much as I know you will then I promise you that you will love his other books "God's Lions"!
If you like James Rollins, Jeremy Robinson, and Clive Cussler then you will love John Lyman.
June 26, 2015
This is my first John Lyman book, but it certainly won't be my last. A fast paced,well written and exciting thriller which includes a thought provoking message about leaving nature to it's own devices.
On the look out for another of his books now.
On the look out for another of his books now.
January 8, 2019
Scary
Transgenic world is scary. The scientists were experimenting with dna. Of course, everything turned out wrong.
This was a page turner but at times it was boring with scientific details.
Transgenic world is scary. The scientists were experimenting with dna. Of course, everything turned out wrong.
This was a page turner but at times it was boring with scientific details.
December 12, 2025
Not a bad genetic engineering thriller!
The Deep Green is a sci-fi thriller revolving around a gene, engineered to cause aggression is found in the bones of a fish normally found 700' deep in the Amazon River, setting off a wild chase to find the source of the gene. From Texas to The Congo, the action is fast and excellently unpredictable. The quality of the writing is excellent, if a bit dated scientifically, but it was released in 2015, an eternity in the fast moving field of genetic engineering. Character wise, Sam is a remarkable character who rises to challenges Special Forces operators didn't survive! Overall, 4/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of sci-fi thrillers!
The Deep Green is a sci-fi thriller revolving around a gene, engineered to cause aggression is found in the bones of a fish normally found 700' deep in the Amazon River, setting off a wild chase to find the source of the gene. From Texas to The Congo, the action is fast and excellently unpredictable. The quality of the writing is excellent, if a bit dated scientifically, but it was released in 2015, an eternity in the fast moving field of genetic engineering. Character wise, Sam is a remarkable character who rises to challenges Special Forces operators didn't survive! Overall, 4/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of sci-fi thrillers!
February 23, 2017
Reality Slaps You In The Face
So easily pulled from current headlines in Scientific Journals. Probably more likely to occur than we really want to admit to ourselves. The ending is also not what you are expecting. Super read!!!
So easily pulled from current headlines in Scientific Journals. Probably more likely to occur than we really want to admit to ourselves. The ending is also not what you are expecting. Super read!!!
July 29, 2017
Excellent!
This was a terrifying story of science gone terribly wrong. When a group of researchers accidentally find a scientific secret in the jungle many lives end and others get turned upside down.
This was a terrifying story of science gone terribly wrong. When a group of researchers accidentally find a scientific secret in the jungle many lives end and others get turned upside down.
August 26, 2017
The Deep Green
I really enjoyed this book. Pretty sure it was a freebie on ereader and am very glad I got it. Very suspenseful and intriguing with neat science stuff thrown in and mystery as well. Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed this book. Pretty sure it was a freebie on ereader and am very glad I got it. Very suspenseful and intriguing with neat science stuff thrown in and mystery as well. Highly recommend!
March 13, 2018
Scary adventurous action
Wow, this is definitely a favorite. Edge of your seat scary and adventurous action. I can only hope this will never happen. Is there a continued book? I sure hope so.
Wow, this is definitely a favorite. Edge of your seat scary and adventurous action. I can only hope this will never happen. Is there a continued book? I sure hope so.
February 23, 2020
Kept my attention throughout.
Wow, I hated the story to end. It kept me interested throughout and wanting more. It leaves me with scary thoughts of what could happen in our quickly advancing world.
Wow, I hated the story to end. It kept me interested throughout and wanting more. It leaves me with scary thoughts of what could happen in our quickly advancing world.
August 24, 2018
Good
A very satisfying read. A good story with decent characters and well edited. I would recommend it give this go
A very satisfying read. A good story with decent characters and well edited. I would recommend it give this go
April 30, 2020
Great read
Great book as are all of Lymans books. I can recommend this book to everyone who is interested in a great read and into learning interesting facts.
Great book as are all of Lymans books. I can recommend this book to everyone who is interested in a great read and into learning interesting facts.
April 13, 2022
Captivating. Science (okay maybe it's a stretch), and action with good characters. I didn't want to put it down. Goooooood stuff.
March 28, 2025
Extremely Boomer-coded. Clearly inspired by Michael Crichton, with possibly shabbier science, and full of sexist and racist tropes that the author themselves is probably not aware of. Predictable at every part, and honestly quite slow at times. Okay if you have nothing else to read; 1.5 ⭐.
January 13, 2017
AWESOME!!!
This book was AWESOME!! Lots of nonstop action. It should be made into a movie!! Is there a sequel to this book?
This book was AWESOME!! Lots of nonstop action. It should be made into a movie!! Is there a sequel to this book?
February 15, 2021
Great read!
The premise for this story was very interesting, and once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. Of course, what's scary is that it's probably happening right now as we speak. Anyway, I really liked this book from the first to the last page, and you will too.
The premise for this story was very interesting, and once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. Of course, what's scary is that it's probably happening right now as we speak. Anyway, I really liked this book from the first to the last page, and you will too.
Read
February 19, 2017DNF 40% - This started off great but fizzled out for me.
July 29, 2016
Wow!
This is one fast paced thriller that you can't put down. The author doesn't ease you into the action, the plot hits the ground running just like the military characters & one special heroine. My only negative comment is the book ends just as quickly as it started, but that doesn't mean the author did a poor job with the ending. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the amazing characters and fascinating plot! I will begin reading his next book right after I post my review. I sure hope he has !ore books!
This is one fast paced thriller that you can't put down. The author doesn't ease you into the action, the plot hits the ground running just like the military characters & one special heroine. My only negative comment is the book ends just as quickly as it started, but that doesn't mean the author did a poor job with the ending. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the amazing characters and fascinating plot! I will begin reading his next book right after I post my review. I sure hope he has !ore books!
August 13, 2016
Heroines To Root For!
I liked the two Heroines, I found myself picking up my Kindle, and wondering what would happen to them next. I enjoyed Lyman's style- how he organized the story and descriptive details of all the different environments the characters found themselves in. As for my part the ending seemed rushed and didn't seem to get the attention and love-of the first 90% of the book. But! Not a deal breaker- an original concept that I'd certainly recommend.
I liked the two Heroines, I found myself picking up my Kindle, and wondering what would happen to them next. I enjoyed Lyman's style- how he organized the story and descriptive details of all the different environments the characters found themselves in. As for my part the ending seemed rushed and didn't seem to get the attention and love-of the first 90% of the book. But! Not a deal breaker- an original concept that I'd certainly recommend.
April 2, 2015
John Lyman has become one of my favorite Authors. This book was very well written and kept me in suspense all the way thru. There are a number of plot twists and takes place at an Island in Texas and along the Congo river. There is a lot of action and intrigue. I can't wait to see the movie "The secret Chapel" based on John Lyman's book by the same name.
June 7, 2016
Interesting genetic material
Good story line with characters that on the whole were well written. It's a little hard for someone to buy that a woman goes from island living carefree life to wannabe SEAL in 24 hrs. It reads well even through the fire fights that you can forgive the highly remote chance that a civilian could be anything but a liability to a SEAL team.
Good story line with characters that on the whole were well written. It's a little hard for someone to buy that a woman goes from island living carefree life to wannabe SEAL in 24 hrs. It reads well even through the fire fights that you can forgive the highly remote chance that a civilian could be anything but a liability to a SEAL team.
August 24, 2016
Super Military SciFi
Very enjoyable, well written, believable characters with a possible sci-first plot. The was edited which has become a requirement for me to spend my time and money. The book still had a few characters and an opening was written for this to become a series.
Mythros
Very enjoyable, well written, believable characters with a possible sci-first plot. The was edited which has become a requirement for me to spend my time and money. The book still had a few characters and an opening was written for this to become a series.
Mythros
October 21, 2016
My new favorite author
I have learned so much from reading all this author's books. Starting with the God's Lions series, I then read Prelude to Dystopia, and now The Deep Green. Fascinating, one and all! John Lyman touches on the threats to our modern Pandora's Box of life and what it might mean for the future.
I have learned so much from reading all this author's books. Starting with the God's Lions series, I then read Prelude to Dystopia, and now The Deep Green. Fascinating, one and all! John Lyman touches on the threats to our modern Pandora's Box of life and what it might mean for the future.
March 15, 2015
Another five star hit
Although it started out a bit slow, in typical Lyman fashion the action and plot picked up speed and carried your interpretations conclusion. He excels at developing characters and plot.
Although it started out a bit slow, in typical Lyman fashion the action and plot picked up speed and carried your interpretations conclusion. He excels at developing characters and plot.
April 2, 2015
Great story!!!
Mankind today is still messing with things he should not!!!,and ruining this beautiful earth God has given us!!! The characters in this story are very well developed,but the time of man dominating man to his injury is coming to an end!!!
Mankind today is still messing with things he should not!!!,and ruining this beautiful earth God has given us!!! The characters in this story are very well developed,but the time of man dominating man to his injury is coming to an end!!!
July 23, 2016
Don't mess with Mother Nature!
Decent action adventure novel. I gave it three stars because the plot did not flow well in the first part. It picked up in the second half. Would make a good movie. The moral of the story is don't mess with Mother Nature!
Decent action adventure novel. I gave it three stars because the plot did not flow well in the first part. It picked up in the second half. Would make a good movie. The moral of the story is don't mess with Mother Nature!
December 13, 2016
WOW! A great thriller
I was taken in by the story as soon as I finished the prologue. The characters are very compelling and all have great depth of emotion and charisma. This story is a great mix of science and action. I loved it.
I was taken in by the story as soon as I finished the prologue. The characters are very compelling and all have great depth of emotion and charisma. This story is a great mix of science and action. I loved it.
May 25, 2015
Great book
Great book with twisting story line. Was hard to put down. Will save and read again. Thank you John Lyman.
Great book with twisting story line. Was hard to put down. Will save and read again. Thank you John Lyman.
March 4, 2016
Fast paced adventure
Great story line with very likable characters. Would recommend to anyone that likes stories with surprise twists and turns.
A truly enjoyable read.
Great story line with very likable characters. Would recommend to anyone that likes stories with surprise twists and turns.
A truly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews