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The Flense #1
China
China is Book 1 of 4 of THE FLENSE quadrilogy (this ebook contains the full-length novel, parts 1-3 of the serial) THE FLENSE SERIES DESCRIPTION Hundreds die in a fiery train crash in northern China. A cargo ship smuggling refugees is lost to calm seas off the Libyan coast. Entire villages in Ghana are abandoned overnight.
Contracted by an apocalypse prepper group to investigate a series of seemingly disconnected global tragedies, a young freelance medical reporter, Angelique de l'Enfantine, uncovers a disturbing pattern: each event is preceded by the sudden spread of a mysterious ailment and is followed by the appearance of a man dressed in black and silver who witnesses claim is the devil himself. Are the tragedies harbingers of an impending biblical catastrophe or practice runs of a fanatical organization bent on global annihilation?
With each event more grisly than the last and the risk to her life growing, Angel must ask herself if her sponsors are using her to advance their own paranoid agenda.
Contracted by an apocalypse prepper group to investigate a series of seemingly disconnected global tragedies, a young freelance medical reporter, Angelique de l'Enfantine, uncovers a disturbing pattern: each event is preceded by the sudden spread of a mysterious ailment and is followed by the appearance of a man dressed in black and silver who witnesses claim is the devil himself. Are the tragedies harbingers of an impending biblical catastrophe or practice runs of a fanatical organization bent on global annihilation?
With each event more grisly than the last and the risk to her life growing, Angel must ask herself if her sponsors are using her to advance their own paranoid agenda.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
104 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Saul W. Tanpepper
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Saul is the specfic pen name of author Ken J. Howe, who writes in a variety of genres. He is a retired biotech entrepreneur with a PhD in molecular genetics and is a former combat medic.
Got a Kindle? Find me at http://viewauthor.at/SaulTanpepper
Got a Nook? I'm here http://bit.ly/VpgXlh
iTunes? Click this http://bit.ly/QnMoJp
Google Play? http://bit.ly/2jVLtVL
Kobo? http://bit.ly/TNIWZX
Do you Smashwords? http://bit.ly/P4SEWi
Wattpad: http://wattpad.com/SaulTanpepper
Saul is the specfic pen name of author Ken J. Howe, who writes in a variety of genres. He is a retired biotech entrepreneur with a PhD in molecular genetics and is a former combat medic.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 9, 2018
3.5 But starting to get somewhere. Looking forward to next book Iceland.
December 27, 2017
This book is part mystery, part medical thriller, and part horror. Its imagery is vivid, so much so that I felt a bit nauseated at times. It starts with a train crash in China that leaves only one survivor and the ensuing conspiracy is far-reaching and evil. There's no other way to describe it. There are powerful people and powerful corporations taking advantage of the poor, the anonymous, and the powerless for money. Sometimes they try to justify it as trying to make life better for people, but they treat people like lab animals and then laugh about it. Like I said--evil.
The main character of the book is Angelique de l'Enfantine, a French woman married to an America she is separated from. She studied to be a doctor, but didn't finish, and instead is a medical reporter. She's also an heiress, which helps since she travels all over the place during the course of this book.
She sees things she isn't supposed to while investigating the story of the train crash and is soon on the run from people who don't want her digging too deeply. The problem is she doesn't know who is on her side and who isn't. Neither do we. When she finally figures out the truth, again the imagery is quite gross and the unethical and illegal behavior of its proponents disgusts her and us. Also, the idea that this human experimentation is continuing leaves you with the feeling that it can get out-of-control very easily and threaten humanity.
Angel, as she prefers to be called, does have some allies, namely, Norstrom. He's a secret agent, but she doesn't know where he's from. He warns her to get away from this thing, but, of course, she doesn't.
There is also a mysterious "man in black" that appears rarely. Angel and we have no idea who he is. An additional mystery involves her brother--is he alive or dead? Does he have a part in all this? We don't know yet.
This is a very good book. I started out thinking it was an apocalyptic viral story, but it isn't. It can easily turn apocalyptic, though. There seem to be very few people with ethical standards, which, unfortunately, mirrors our society today.
This is the first book in a long series. I have the next two Flense books, but it will be quite costly to read the entire series. That is unfortunately.
I highly recommend this book.
The main character of the book is Angelique de l'Enfantine, a French woman married to an America she is separated from. She studied to be a doctor, but didn't finish, and instead is a medical reporter. She's also an heiress, which helps since she travels all over the place during the course of this book.
She sees things she isn't supposed to while investigating the story of the train crash and is soon on the run from people who don't want her digging too deeply. The problem is she doesn't know who is on her side and who isn't. Neither do we. When she finally figures out the truth, again the imagery is quite gross and the unethical and illegal behavior of its proponents disgusts her and us. Also, the idea that this human experimentation is continuing leaves you with the feeling that it can get out-of-control very easily and threaten humanity.
Angel, as she prefers to be called, does have some allies, namely, Norstrom. He's a secret agent, but she doesn't know where he's from. He warns her to get away from this thing, but, of course, she doesn't.
There is also a mysterious "man in black" that appears rarely. Angel and we have no idea who he is. An additional mystery involves her brother--is he alive or dead? Does he have a part in all this? We don't know yet.
This is a very good book. I started out thinking it was an apocalyptic viral story, but it isn't. It can easily turn apocalyptic, though. There seem to be very few people with ethical standards, which, unfortunately, mirrors our society today.
This is the first book in a long series. I have the next two Flense books, but it will be quite costly to read the entire series. That is unfortunately.
I highly recommend this book.
August 20, 2017
Title: China
Author: Saul Tanpepper
Publisher: Brinstone Press
ISBN: B015EF915K
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015EF915K/...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
The Flense 1
Hundreds die in a fiery train crash in northern China. A cargo ship smuggling refugees is lost to calm seas off the Libyan coast. Entire villages in Ghana are abandoned overnight.
Contracted by an apocalypse prepper group to investigate a series of seemingly disconnected global tragedies, a young medical investigative reporter, Angelique de l'Enfantine, uncovers a disturbing pattern to the tragedies. Are they harbingers of an impending biblical catastrophe? Or practice runs by a fanatical organization bent on global annihilation?
Total Score: 4/5
Summary:
Received for an honest review.
This was an incredible story that brought together people form different walks of life in the ultimate struggle reveal the cause of of so many deaths before it is too late. Angelique was hired as an investigative reporter with her medical background to uncover the truth about what happened to cause the unexplained death, but what she found was more questions and threats to her life. Who or what is behind these death, could these deaths be linked to something communicable and how fr will they go to keep the secret hidden?
At first it was difficult to understand how the many tragedies fit together, but soon a pattern between the random situations began to show itself. The numerous deaths that Angelique was forced to see only made her desire to find and bring the culprits to justice if only to pay for what they had done and the mystery has yet to be revealed.
I listened to the audiobook format and the narrator brought the story to life as the book unfolded. The only issue I had with the audiobook rendition is that there was an issue with proper pronouncement of a few of the medical terms, but only someone in the field would notice that.
Author: Saul Tanpepper
Publisher: Brinstone Press
ISBN: B015EF915K
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015EF915K/...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
The Flense 1
Hundreds die in a fiery train crash in northern China. A cargo ship smuggling refugees is lost to calm seas off the Libyan coast. Entire villages in Ghana are abandoned overnight.
Contracted by an apocalypse prepper group to investigate a series of seemingly disconnected global tragedies, a young medical investigative reporter, Angelique de l'Enfantine, uncovers a disturbing pattern to the tragedies. Are they harbingers of an impending biblical catastrophe? Or practice runs by a fanatical organization bent on global annihilation?
Total Score: 4/5
Summary:
Received for an honest review.
This was an incredible story that brought together people form different walks of life in the ultimate struggle reveal the cause of of so many deaths before it is too late. Angelique was hired as an investigative reporter with her medical background to uncover the truth about what happened to cause the unexplained death, but what she found was more questions and threats to her life. Who or what is behind these death, could these deaths be linked to something communicable and how fr will they go to keep the secret hidden?
At first it was difficult to understand how the many tragedies fit together, but soon a pattern between the random situations began to show itself. The numerous deaths that Angelique was forced to see only made her desire to find and bring the culprits to justice if only to pay for what they had done and the mystery has yet to be revealed.
I listened to the audiobook format and the narrator brought the story to life as the book unfolded. The only issue I had with the audiobook rendition is that there was an issue with proper pronouncement of a few of the medical terms, but only someone in the field would notice that.
August 21, 2017
( Format : audiobook )
"Chasing theories down rabbit holes"
An island, known as an international tourist resort, is devastated by an 8.3 earthquake followed by a gigantic tsunami. Yet it is not reported anywhere, nor is there any attempted recovery. Following just a rumour, a journalist and a photographer arrive three weeks later to see what had happened. And so, for Angelique, begins a nightmare she had never foreseen.
Saul Tanpeppers writing is easy to read and the story flows freely between people and places. It tells a fascinating mystery with underlying horror: conspiracy and double dealing: something is terribly wrong, something hidden or disguised. And there are people determined to prevent their discovery.
The characterisations are very good and the descriptions vividly visual, the strangely eery introductory chapter immediately grabbing the reader's attention. This audio version is read by Doug Greene, whose pleasant to hear voice has a depth perfectly suited to the book. His text narration is well modulated and paced, not too fast but still brisk enough to carry the story forcefully forward. His is much more of a reading than a performance, with little attempt to give individual voicings to the protagonists, but their conversations are fluently read and it is always obvious who it is that is speaking.
This is a book to delight and excite all who enjoy a good conspiracy mystery and action story as well as a glimpse into the greed and sometime madness of scientific development. I hope that the other Flense books follow soon in audio format. Meanwhile, I'm off to read the next one on ebook.
An unusual and excellent read.
"Chasing theories down rabbit holes"
An island, known as an international tourist resort, is devastated by an 8.3 earthquake followed by a gigantic tsunami. Yet it is not reported anywhere, nor is there any attempted recovery. Following just a rumour, a journalist and a photographer arrive three weeks later to see what had happened. And so, for Angelique, begins a nightmare she had never foreseen.
Saul Tanpeppers writing is easy to read and the story flows freely between people and places. It tells a fascinating mystery with underlying horror: conspiracy and double dealing: something is terribly wrong, something hidden or disguised. And there are people determined to prevent their discovery.
The characterisations are very good and the descriptions vividly visual, the strangely eery introductory chapter immediately grabbing the reader's attention. This audio version is read by Doug Greene, whose pleasant to hear voice has a depth perfectly suited to the book. His text narration is well modulated and paced, not too fast but still brisk enough to carry the story forcefully forward. His is much more of a reading than a performance, with little attempt to give individual voicings to the protagonists, but their conversations are fluently read and it is always obvious who it is that is speaking.
This is a book to delight and excite all who enjoy a good conspiracy mystery and action story as well as a glimpse into the greed and sometime madness of scientific development. I hope that the other Flense books follow soon in audio format. Meanwhile, I'm off to read the next one on ebook.
An unusual and excellent read.
August 16, 2017
I listened to the audio rendition of this book, and enjoyed the portrayal immensely. The story unravels as a macabre experiment of those that may have had the best of intentions, but the experiments have taken a truly sinister turn.
I do not want to give the story line away but I did find the nature of the story interesting and different to the normal story I have been reading. As often the things that have come to pass, in medical discovery and developments, have been those duplicated in horror stories, i.e. Frankenstein and body part replacements, heart transplants and similar ideas, the subject of using different cell regeneration attributes to solve some of humanity's health care issues, is very leading edge technology, with very macabre outcomes, should things go astray, or the technology is placed into uncaring hands.
Perhaps, writers imagination is in a way for people to think about issues that one would never bring up, with the very worst case scenario being depicted, to have those with conscious to start social debate on the safeguards that would be required to prevent the misuse of such technology, should they ever come to pass.
I do not want to give the story line away but I did find the nature of the story interesting and different to the normal story I have been reading. As often the things that have come to pass, in medical discovery and developments, have been those duplicated in horror stories, i.e. Frankenstein and body part replacements, heart transplants and similar ideas, the subject of using different cell regeneration attributes to solve some of humanity's health care issues, is very leading edge technology, with very macabre outcomes, should things go astray, or the technology is placed into uncaring hands.
Perhaps, writers imagination is in a way for people to think about issues that one would never bring up, with the very worst case scenario being depicted, to have those with conscious to start social debate on the safeguards that would be required to prevent the misuse of such technology, should they ever come to pass.
August 6, 2017
This is a compelling 12-part SERIAL of which this book is the first three parts. Episodes 1 and 2 end in decided cliff-hangers ("Perils of Pauline"!) and you will probably be left craving more although there is a resolution (of sorts) to this segment of the whole. I listened to the AUDIO, which is well narrated and as exciting as listening to an old radio serial.
Set in the NOW this series plays to (possibly) paranoid fears of global Big Business as our intrepid heroine, dual citizen of France and the United States, medical doctor and journalist, wants to know WHY there have been no rescue efforts after an earthquake and tsunami have leveled a resort island off China. Quickly she is sucked into an investigation of a possible world-wide conspiracy. In this tautly scripted thriller it is hard to tell the good guys from the bad and everyone has an agenda.
Set in the NOW this series plays to (possibly) paranoid fears of global Big Business as our intrepid heroine, dual citizen of France and the United States, medical doctor and journalist, wants to know WHY there have been no rescue efforts after an earthquake and tsunami have leveled a resort island off China. Quickly she is sucked into an investigation of a possible world-wide conspiracy. In this tautly scripted thriller it is hard to tell the good guys from the bad and everyone has an agenda.
September 4, 2017
This is a very interesting beginning (parts1-3) of a 12 part series which shows a great deal of potential to become an apocalyptic story. While the hints are there so far there is no true apocalypse. I enjoyed the intrigue and still have many questions but it is very detailed. I understand much of this is required to get the ball rolling because of the many threads that run through this epic tale. And I definitely feel that I have to read the next segments. I do recommend it especially if you like a lot of mystery mixed with edge of your seat tension.
I read this book from my Kindle Unlimited program and I recommend it as well.
I read this book from my Kindle Unlimited program and I recommend it as well.
July 8, 2020
Angel is a medical reporter who unknown to her is in for a terrifying journey. Huangxia Island, a popular tourist destination is devastated by a tsunami but the Chinese gov't is hiding this from the rest of the world. There is a intentional train derailment that kills all but 1 survivor, who's life is in danger because of her surviving. A village is destroyed by a napalm strike and that's just half of this roller coaster ride of a story. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
August 3, 2022
Pros: suspenseful, action-packed, intelligent strong female lead character, excellent writing
Cons: ending sets up for next book
I really wish this wonderful book had ended with a resolution of sorts. It seemed to just set-up for the next book in the series. This brought down my rating from 5 to 4 stars.
Cons: ending sets up for next book
I really wish this wonderful book had ended with a resolution of sorts. It seemed to just set-up for the next book in the series. This brought down my rating from 5 to 4 stars.
September 2, 2023
Never been a fan of prequels.o
This novel is a slow read compared to the rest of the series. I guess I am not invested enough in the back story to continue reading. I always find the back story less than what I imagined and I tire of hearing about the evil profit motive only to be exposed by the artsy, emotionally pure protagonist.
This novel is a slow read compared to the rest of the series. I guess I am not invested enough in the back story to continue reading. I always find the back story less than what I imagined and I tire of hearing about the evil profit motive only to be exposed by the artsy, emotionally pure protagonist.
September 1, 2017
China, my first read/listen from author Saul Tanpper. Filled with mystery & medical intrigue an enjoyable read/listen that makes me want to read more from Saul Tanpper.
February 25, 2022
Good back story.
Good action novel with constant twists to keep you guessing on where the story is headed. I've already obtained book 2, Iceland, to start reading.
Good action novel with constant twists to keep you guessing on where the story is headed. I've already obtained book 2, Iceland, to start reading.
June 8, 2022
An interesting premise that was drawn out far too long and pedestrianly. I truly dislike DNF books so I plodded through to the end of this one. I won't bother with the rest.
July 5, 2016
Tantalising hints about the Flense - but nothing concrete yet to tie to the Bunker 12 series. A new protangonist - freelance journalist and former medical student (useful) Angelique de l'Entantine follows a tantalising hint to a China Sea holiday island and then to Mongolia via Beijing and her family home in France. Several loose ends (what happened to her brother?) as well as the on-going plot means I'll be back for more.
Read as part of the Apocalyptic Fears II anthology on the PC kindle app.
Read as part of the Apocalyptic Fears II anthology on the PC kindle app.
January 1, 2016
This took me a little longer to get into than Gameland but this is another excellent story from the author. Twists and turns abound, and you're never quite sure who is on which side, which all adds to the suspense. Seriously, it's like a very tense episode of 24! Can't wait to read the next set and also the companion 'Bunker 12' series.
February 27, 2020
Your new favorite author could be right here!
If you have read anything by Saul, you will not be disappointed! If you haven't read Saul Tanpepper yet, you most definitely should! The writing is superb, and the story line fantastic. I wish the Flense...Iceland? Book2/part2 was already ready so we could see what happens next :D
If you have read anything by Saul, you will not be disappointed! If you haven't read Saul Tanpepper yet, you most definitely should! The writing is superb, and the story line fantastic. I wish the Flense...Iceland? Book2/part2 was already ready so we could see what happens next :D
September 23, 2016
Apocalyptic fiction, set in the near future.
I enjoyed this book but may or may not seek out the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book but may or may not seek out the rest of the series.
January 14, 2022
Feh!
I would like a lot more meat and a lot less matter. I am not tempted to continue reading this series Too many damn words
I would like a lot more meat and a lot less matter. I am not tempted to continue reading this series Too many damn words
April 14, 2017
Good start, then the more time we spent with the protagonist, the less I cared about her. I'm not sure why, but I simply lost interest in the story because we were spending so much time on just her. Others may like that sort of thing, but it's not for me. Moving on.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews