What do you think?
Rate this book
Sea Raptor
From terrorist hunter to monster hunter! Jack Rastun was a decorated U.S. Army Ranger, until an unfortunate incident forced him out of the service. He is soon hired by the Foundation for Undocumented Biological Investigation and given a new mission, to search for cryptids, creatures whose existence has not been proven by mainstream science. Teaming up with the daring and beautiful wildlife photographer Karen Thatcher, they must stop a sea monster's deadly rampage along the Jersey Shore. But that's not the only danger Rastun faces. A group of murderous animal smugglers also want the creature. Rastun must utilize every skill learned from years of fighting, otherwise, his first mission for the FUBI might very well be his last.
246 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2014
130 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
John J. Rust
26 books16 followersBorn in Hamilton Township, NJ, Rust graduated from Nottingham High School before obtaining degrees in communications from Mercer County College (NJ) and the College of Mt. St. Vincent (NY). He worked as a reporter for New Jersey 101.5 FM before moving to Arizona, where he became the sports director/sportscaster for KYCA-AM. Rust published the military sci-fi novel "Dark Wings," the baseball-related books "Arizona All-Time Baseball Team" and "The Best Phillies Team Ever," the cryptozoological thriller "Sea Raptor," and several short stories, including "The Art of Fear" starring the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe, which appears in the anthology "Halloween Dances with the Dead."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 29, 2016
There are two problems with the title: everything in this book happens at the surface or inland, and none of it's thrilling. I found myself skimming through this male action hero wish-fulfillment tale by the halfway point, worn down by the detail lavished on military hardware and a perspective that treats all women as sex objects or shrews. If you're looking for a gripping monster yarn, keep searching.
January 9, 2016
An ex army ranger, Jack, is hired as a security for a research group that finds and protects rare cryto animals( like Bigfoot). Sometimes the researchers need protection from poachers, sometimes from the animals themselves. Jack gets his first case as soon as joins the team- locate an east coast sea creature who has been going on a killing spree!
This was a good action adventure sea monster story. There were a few small complaints ( for me) that kept this from being great.
1. Jack is an ex army ranger. We know this because he is constantly bringing it up! You could play a drinking game with this book- every time the main character says " army ranger", take a shot. You will be hammered before you even get to chapter 5!
2. Too much romance for the main character. He kept busting everyone's balls about having personal relationships with one another that would interfere with your ability to focus in an emergency situation, and then he goes and does that! And half the time we have to listen to his inner monologue of crying because Karen might be hurt and how much she means to him and that might be in love with her. DON'T CARE! Sea creature. That's what I'm here for. Not your love life. If I wanted to read a making out /sex scenes, I would have bought a romance novel.
3. The villainous mole on the research team was SOOOOOO obvious. Like, you couldn't get any more obvious it was this person... Yet somehow, jack couldn't figure it out. It should have been crystal clear to him, but it wasn't and he kept crying internally about what if the new love of his life was the mole? She is, she isn't, did she, she didn't... Omg. Stfu already!!
Too bad someone hadn't warned him about getting involved in a relationship would interfere with your decision making and doing your job.... Oh. Right....
If you can over look those things, it can be fun though.
This was a good action adventure sea monster story. There were a few small complaints ( for me) that kept this from being great.
1. Jack is an ex army ranger. We know this because he is constantly bringing it up! You could play a drinking game with this book- every time the main character says " army ranger", take a shot. You will be hammered before you even get to chapter 5!
2. Too much romance for the main character. He kept busting everyone's balls about having personal relationships with one another that would interfere with your ability to focus in an emergency situation, and then he goes and does that! And half the time we have to listen to his inner monologue of crying because Karen might be hurt and how much she means to him and that might be in love with her. DON'T CARE! Sea creature. That's what I'm here for. Not your love life. If I wanted to read a making out /sex scenes, I would have bought a romance novel.
3. The villainous mole on the research team was SOOOOOO obvious. Like, you couldn't get any more obvious it was this person... Yet somehow, jack couldn't figure it out. It should have been crystal clear to him, but it wasn't and he kept crying internally about what if the new love of his life was the mole? She is, she isn't, did she, she didn't... Omg. Stfu already!!
Too bad someone hadn't warned him about getting involved in a relationship would interfere with your decision making and doing your job.... Oh. Right....
If you can over look those things, it can be fun though.
November 27, 2017
I began with Reptilian, which was before Sea Raptor, so switched to Raptor. I managed about half, but the sun setting in the Atlantic was off putting. Then he fired twenty one shots with the Glock he kept in a holster inside his pants, along with an extra clip, and it kept chasing them until it slipped in the soapy water from the bucket he threw at it.
Might be better as a graphic. Or a comic book.
I moved on, leaving both behind.
Might be better as a graphic. Or a comic book.
I moved on, leaving both behind.
October 23, 2015
This book went to places I really wasn't expecting. I really enjoyed reading this, as the action was nicely balanced with the story. I honestly wasn't expecting a novel as long as this one was, but as I daid, I was very impressed. I look forward to more from this author, especially if it is in the sea monster genre.
May 11, 2023
Well written action
Enjoyed this book a lot and, surprisingly, not for the creature feature aspect. I love creature feature books. Love the rise in stories about cryptids. The actual creature only seemed to appear a hand full of times. The good guys versus the bad guys and the investigative work takes more of the story. Great characters. Super plot twists! Excellent action. Not enough gore. Being my first book in what I see now is a series, I am behind the ball on my comments and hope that the next books allow for more creature and gore. I will see, won't I? I did enjoy the great writing and pace of the book. Anxious to see how things progress over the series. The author has a great writing style that I know I will most likely enjoy regardless. I hope the main characters return as well. I highly recommend this book.
Enjoyed this book a lot and, surprisingly, not for the creature feature aspect. I love creature feature books. Love the rise in stories about cryptids. The actual creature only seemed to appear a hand full of times. The good guys versus the bad guys and the investigative work takes more of the story. Great characters. Super plot twists! Excellent action. Not enough gore. Being my first book in what I see now is a series, I am behind the ball on my comments and hope that the next books allow for more creature and gore. I will see, won't I? I did enjoy the great writing and pace of the book. Anxious to see how things progress over the series. The author has a great writing style that I know I will most likely enjoy regardless. I hope the main characters return as well. I highly recommend this book.
May 1, 2023
Review of this book.
This was an all around fantastic story. The drama started on the first page and never stopped..The continuity was flawless. There were a few grammatical errors, but it was easy to gloss over them. This was one of the best books that I have read. I enjoyed the fast pace and never ending drama. The book was pure pleasure to read. Kudos to the author!! He outdid himself writing this book. I look forward to reading many more of his books!
This was an all around fantastic story. The drama started on the first page and never stopped..The continuity was flawless. There were a few grammatical errors, but it was easy to gloss over them. This was one of the best books that I have read. I enjoyed the fast pace and never ending drama. The book was pure pleasure to read. Kudos to the author!! He outdid himself writing this book. I look forward to reading many more of his books!
December 10, 2023
Stupid, Silly, and Boring
This is one of the worst books I have ever read. The MC is supposed to be a super Army Ranger with a black belt in martial arts, yet when it comes to a crises, he is unprepared, can't fight very well, but he certainly can talk like he is a super human. What a joke, very unlikable MC, and a very long and boring story. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
This is one of the worst books I have ever read. The MC is supposed to be a super Army Ranger with a black belt in martial arts, yet when it comes to a crises, he is unprepared, can't fight very well, but he certainly can talk like he is a super human. What a joke, very unlikable MC, and a very long and boring story. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
November 11, 2017
Nice monster book. And characters you can relate to.
I like the characters and their interaction. Quite plausible. Obviously the monster part is a bit far fetched, but all monsters are.
I like the characters and their interaction. Quite plausible. Obviously the monster part is a bit far fetched, but all monsters are.
December 26, 2017
ALWAYS FISH WITH THE RIGHT BAIT.....
Hello, this was a pretty good story. The story was good. The characters were a little slow for my taste. Not very scientific in their exploration. Thanks.
Hello, this was a pretty good story. The story was good. The characters were a little slow for my taste. Not very scientific in their exploration. Thanks.
February 28, 2018
A fun read but a little to predictable for me. I guess I read to much and watch too many movies. Thank you to the the author for escapism a few days.
If one likes monster type books this is truly that kind of read.
If one likes monster type books this is truly that kind of read.
December 15, 2019
Action, adventure, mystery, romance, espionage, whatever genre you like this book has.
Really, really liked the flow of this book. There was always something happening, no slow zones. This book is highly recommended!
Really, really liked the flow of this book. There was always something happening, no slow zones. This book is highly recommended!
June 18, 2023
Pretty good book...
I enjoyed this book immensely. It's an adventure novel with a love story and a Sea Raptor. Moves at a good pace, albeit a little too descriptive on the fighting but that's just me.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It's an adventure novel with a love story and a Sea Raptor. Moves at a good pace, albeit a little too descriptive on the fighting but that's just me.
May 23, 2024
action every minute
Maybe a little superficial at times but the action kept me reading. With all we are doing to destroy our planet I expect monsters to actually re-emerge on our planet
Maybe a little superficial at times but the action kept me reading. With all we are doing to destroy our planet I expect monsters to actually re-emerge on our planet
July 13, 2025
Good Book
My first book by this author. I think you did a really good job. I enjoyed the book. It was a actual book too not just in Novella like everybody else seems to write these days. The book had excellent characters.
My first book by this author. I think you did a really good job. I enjoyed the book. It was a actual book too not just in Novella like everybody else seems to write these days. The book had excellent characters.
December 31, 2017
Review to come.
January 21, 2018
WOW High pack action
A VERY GOOD EXCITING Book. It held your interest with both fist and would not let go. A must read
A VERY GOOD EXCITING Book. It held your interest with both fist and would not let go. A must read
July 18, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable action novel. The action sequences are good and the writing fluid. I will be reading more of these.
November 14, 2018
Adventure
Wow nom stop action with a newly discovered cryptic.
Some are trying to capture it to save. Others are trying to steal it. I didn't want to out it down. Wow
Wow nom stop action with a newly discovered cryptic.
Some are trying to capture it to save. Others are trying to steal it. I didn't want to out it down. Wow
June 28, 2020
I like the story it had a lot of action
August 29, 2021
Monsters?
I enjoy the genre. Monsters, good guys and bad guys. This particular book was better than usual in this theme. I hope to see more of these characters.
I enjoy the genre. Monsters, good guys and bad guys. This particular book was better than usual in this theme. I hope to see more of these characters.
August 6, 2022
Delivered!
On all levels! This was not a lightweight 'dinosaur' story. Gritty and scary,this I found the human monsters more frightening than the sea raptor. Good adventure read.
On all levels! This was not a lightweight 'dinosaur' story. Gritty and scary,this I found the human monsters more frightening than the sea raptor. Good adventure read.
September 11, 2022
don’t bite off more than you can chew
Water evolved raptor in the ocean. Terrible mercenaries looking for it. Guess they found it and realized that man vs. giant reptile isn’t good.
Water evolved raptor in the ocean. Terrible mercenaries looking for it. Guess they found it and realized that man vs. giant reptile isn’t good.
November 20, 2022
Action Galore!
Really enjoyed this action packed story…perfect amount of action, drama and romance! Will have to follow this author for more …
Really enjoyed this action packed story…perfect amount of action, drama and romance! Will have to follow this author for more …
January 11, 2019
Great read. Liked it enough to buy the next book. Good action with realistic characters.
July 7, 2015
I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program for the purpose of a fair review.
Overview: Being a security guard at a zoo isn’t exactly what Jack Rastun thought he would be doing with his life, especially since he became a Ranger. Lucky for him, his former colonel has a job for him. He’s to be protecting an investigative team while they search for an aquatic predator.
Likes: Mr. Rust did have his priorities straight in this book. Life, particularly human life, was valued more so than the majesty of a never before seen creature.
There wasn’t a whole lot of gore, nor rough language--at least not from the protagonists.
Dislikes: The only thing that came close to aggravating me was Dr. Malakov’s attitude. I mean, what was she going to do when the poachers came: scold them to death? Her holier-than-thou approach made her almost completely unlike-able.
Conclusion: This is a fun monster tale. I’d say enjoy it at the beach, but there was that scene on the boardwalk. If you can, enjoy.
Overview: Being a security guard at a zoo isn’t exactly what Jack Rastun thought he would be doing with his life, especially since he became a Ranger. Lucky for him, his former colonel has a job for him. He’s to be protecting an investigative team while they search for an aquatic predator.
Likes: Mr. Rust did have his priorities straight in this book. Life, particularly human life, was valued more so than the majesty of a never before seen creature.
There wasn’t a whole lot of gore, nor rough language--at least not from the protagonists.
Dislikes: The only thing that came close to aggravating me was Dr. Malakov’s attitude. I mean, what was she going to do when the poachers came: scold them to death? Her holier-than-thou approach made her almost completely unlike-able.
Conclusion: This is a fun monster tale. I’d say enjoy it at the beach, but there was that scene on the boardwalk. If you can, enjoy.
December 13, 2016
I'm a fellow Severed Press author. John took the time to read and review my book, so I figured I should do the same. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed this book. His character development and multi-layered plot held my interest all the way through the short two days it took me to read it. I didn't want to put it down. There were some superb action sequences that spanned multiple chapters and kept the action flowing, and I genuinely cared about the characters in jeopardy. His style is easy to read and yet immersive. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys sea monster stories where the characters are front and center--and matter.
April 2, 2016
Pretty good
My biggest complaint about this novel is the characters are too extreme. Too evil, too goody two shoes, etc. The doctor is simply too protective of the creature to be psychotic. No way she would have been allowed on the team. Otherwise it is well written. Almost gave it a four but I really have a problem with the simplicity of the characters.
My biggest complaint about this novel is the characters are too extreme. Too evil, too goody two shoes, etc. The doctor is simply too protective of the creature to be psychotic. No way she would have been allowed on the team. Otherwise it is well written. Almost gave it a four but I really have a problem with the simplicity of the characters.
August 10, 2016
Good creature thriller as the Point Pleasant Monster terrorizes the Jersey Shore. The story moved along at a steady pace with well developed characters although the former Army Ranger hero was a little too stereotypical gung-ho making him a bit irritating at times. Despite this small annoyance, I would read another book from this author.
May 27, 2015
This is the first of this author's books I've read. It isn't the typical book I read but a friend recommended it. Glad I did. Lots of adventure and suspense. A touch of romance from a manly point of view. I'll be looking for more to read by Mr. Rust.
December 9, 2015
What a well written novel about, not only monsters, but the people, both good and bad. The author has woven a group of men and women, thrown in a deep sea monster and came out with a compelling page turning novel.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews