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The Nick Ventner Adventures #1
Whiteout: A Nick Ventner Adventure
Nick Ventner is a drunk with a blatant disregard for others. He’s also damned good at hunting creatures that aren’t supposed to exist. From amateur necromancers in the bayou to Sasquatch impersonators in the Pacific Northwest, Nick’s seen it all. Even if some of the details might be a little fuzzy.
In Whiteout, Nick faces his greatest challenge to date. Accompanied by his trusty mountain guide, Lopsang, and his testy apprentice, James, Nick journeys into the Himalayas to settle a matter of pride and payouts, as he searches for the lost riches of Shangri-La rumored to lie within the mountain’s peak. However, the sudden arrival of Nick’s greatest adversary, Manchester, complicates matters, and pits the two in a race towards the top, and both soon find that they have not just one another to contend with, but also a mythical and elusive yeti that has been terrorizing the mountain.
Featuring death-defying obstacles, hair-raising encounters with creatures from beyond, and a heavy dose of sarcasm along the way, Whiteout is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a fast-paced adventure novel brimming with action, suspense, and imagination. Not to mention the occasional whiskey on the rocks.
Whiteout is the first in a planned trilogy from author Ashton Macaulay and Aberrant Literature, so be sure to stay on the lookout for more Nick Ventner adventures to come!
In Whiteout, Nick faces his greatest challenge to date. Accompanied by his trusty mountain guide, Lopsang, and his testy apprentice, James, Nick journeys into the Himalayas to settle a matter of pride and payouts, as he searches for the lost riches of Shangri-La rumored to lie within the mountain’s peak. However, the sudden arrival of Nick’s greatest adversary, Manchester, complicates matters, and pits the two in a race towards the top, and both soon find that they have not just one another to contend with, but also a mythical and elusive yeti that has been terrorizing the mountain.
Featuring death-defying obstacles, hair-raising encounters with creatures from beyond, and a heavy dose of sarcasm along the way, Whiteout is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a fast-paced adventure novel brimming with action, suspense, and imagination. Not to mention the occasional whiskey on the rocks.
Whiteout is the first in a planned trilogy from author Ashton Macaulay and Aberrant Literature, so be sure to stay on the lookout for more Nick Ventner adventures to come!
- GenresHorrorFantasyParanormal
297 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 23, 2020
The best way that I can describe this book is: think Indiana Jones meets Supernatural.
Cryptid stories, especially Bigfoot stories, are not all that common in the land of fiction, so this book made for an interesting read. Combine the unique storyline with Nick Ventner, an alcoholic but quick witted adventurer, and you get an epic adventure worthy of a series.
One of the things that I was most pleased with was the separation of past and present with chapters and the use of 1st and 3rd person narrative. This was done extremely well and made it easy to follow along throughout the book.
So how did this book mesh together concepts that were worthy of comparisons to Indiana Jones and Supernatural?
Simply this: in the beginning of the book, you have this rough edged adventurer setting off into another one of his expeditions into the wilderness. He's there for a job and Nick Ventner always gets it done...even if it is half-assed. But then he is propelled deeper into the situation and has to use all of his wits and talents to come out on top. Just when you think that you know the direction that the story is going in, another layer is pulled back and this is when the Supernatural elements come into play.
The twists made for an exciting read and left me surprised until the very end. I absolutely can't wait to continue on with the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this wild adventure in exchange for my honest review.
Cryptid stories, especially Bigfoot stories, are not all that common in the land of fiction, so this book made for an interesting read. Combine the unique storyline with Nick Ventner, an alcoholic but quick witted adventurer, and you get an epic adventure worthy of a series.
One of the things that I was most pleased with was the separation of past and present with chapters and the use of 1st and 3rd person narrative. This was done extremely well and made it easy to follow along throughout the book.
So how did this book mesh together concepts that were worthy of comparisons to Indiana Jones and Supernatural?
Simply this: in the beginning of the book, you have this rough edged adventurer setting off into another one of his expeditions into the wilderness. He's there for a job and Nick Ventner always gets it done...even if it is half-assed. But then he is propelled deeper into the situation and has to use all of his wits and talents to come out on top. Just when you think that you know the direction that the story is going in, another layer is pulled back and this is when the Supernatural elements come into play.
The twists made for an exciting read and left me surprised until the very end. I absolutely can't wait to continue on with the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this wild adventure in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2022
If you told me that one of the most enjoyable books I would read this year would be about a monster hunter, I would laughed. Well here we are and, yes Whiteout is about a monster hunter and it is a ton of fun.
Meet Nick Ventner: he know his monsters, can seek them out, has excellent powers of deduction and he’s also quite witty. Yes he is an alcoholic but he sort of knows how to handle it. Along with his apprentice James they both take down the earth’s most fearsome creatures.
When summoned to Tibet due to some mysterious killings, Nick, James and his guide Lopsang have to seek out the elusive Yeti, which also means that the gates of Shangri La have been opened. The problem is Nick’s rival, Manchester is on the trail as well. The question is who will reach Shangri La first and will there be consequences if the Yeti is killed?
Told as an elaborate flashback, Whiteout is full of action from the start: beginning with a fantastic wrag (a sort of mythical wolf found in Tolkien) hunting scene to the actual events as Shangri La, this book does not let the drama flag. This is what the term white knuckle ride was invented for.
Neither is Whiteout predictable, if anything there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Usually I can see a twist far away but here I was surprised quite a few times. Furthermore Ashton Macaulay is a very funny writer and Ventner’s particular brand of sarcasm sat well with me.
As the first part of a trilogy, Whiteout is a great introduction to this memorable character and I am looking forward to reading about his exploits (as it stands there’s a novella and the second part of the trilogy out, all will be reviewed over the next few weeks)
oh and can someone ask Guillermo del Toro to adapt it?
Meet Nick Ventner: he know his monsters, can seek them out, has excellent powers of deduction and he’s also quite witty. Yes he is an alcoholic but he sort of knows how to handle it. Along with his apprentice James they both take down the earth’s most fearsome creatures.
When summoned to Tibet due to some mysterious killings, Nick, James and his guide Lopsang have to seek out the elusive Yeti, which also means that the gates of Shangri La have been opened. The problem is Nick’s rival, Manchester is on the trail as well. The question is who will reach Shangri La first and will there be consequences if the Yeti is killed?
Told as an elaborate flashback, Whiteout is full of action from the start: beginning with a fantastic wrag (a sort of mythical wolf found in Tolkien) hunting scene to the actual events as Shangri La, this book does not let the drama flag. This is what the term white knuckle ride was invented for.
Neither is Whiteout predictable, if anything there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Usually I can see a twist far away but here I was surprised quite a few times. Furthermore Ashton Macaulay is a very funny writer and Ventner’s particular brand of sarcasm sat well with me.
As the first part of a trilogy, Whiteout is a great introduction to this memorable character and I am looking forward to reading about his exploits (as it stands there’s a novella and the second part of the trilogy out, all will be reviewed over the next few weeks)
oh and can someone ask Guillermo del Toro to adapt it?
May 20, 2020
I found this book by following Aberrant Literature on Twitter and I’m so glad I did. I borrowed it thinking that it was horror, and while it sort of fits that category it’s more like action/adventure/thriller with some gruesome scenes. There’s also a huge comedic element due to the irreverent humor and musings of the main character, Nick Ventner. He’s a delightful mashup of Indiana Jones, Van Helsing, and House (you know, the insanely smart yet constantly high TV doctor?). Nick prefers his inebriation from a bottle though and given his experiences, I couldn’t really blame him.
The humor is a bit over-the-top at times, but Ashton Macaulay completely owns it in the writing and it makes for a superbly gratifying experience. This is almost non-stop action & suspense presented in a series of shorter adventures leading up to the final attempt to vanquish the Yeti. Admittedly I know nothing about the mythos surrounding the Yeti, Shangri-La, or any of the legends that make up this story – but I don’t felt it hurt my enjoyment one bit. Macaulay immerses the reader completely in the world building.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the Whiteout Universe, A Man of the Mountain.
The humor is a bit over-the-top at times, but Ashton Macaulay completely owns it in the writing and it makes for a superbly gratifying experience. This is almost non-stop action & suspense presented in a series of shorter adventures leading up to the final attempt to vanquish the Yeti. Admittedly I know nothing about the mythos surrounding the Yeti, Shangri-La, or any of the legends that make up this story – but I don’t felt it hurt my enjoyment one bit. Macaulay immerses the reader completely in the world building.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the Whiteout Universe, A Man of the Mountain.
May 3, 2018
Ashton has brought to life an amazing world of supernatural. I was enthralled from beginning to end. Nick Ventner is a fantasticly entertaining character. This book is a must read and I look forward to the many adventures Nick will take me on for years to come.
August 1, 2020
Firstly, right up front, there's not as much bigfoot/yeti in this book as I wanted or expected. That was a disappointment but despite that disappointment, I still really enjoyed this book. It's a weird mix of Supernatural, Uncharted, and Indiana Jones that shouldn't work but it does. This book is quite fun. If you're into adventure stories, you'll dig this.
August 20, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.
Whiteout by Ashton Macaulay is a bit different from the books I have been reading as of late. It is an action adventure novel with bits of horror splashed in here and there. Picture Indiana Jones as a narcissistic drunk who instead of searching for ancient treasures hunts down mythical monsters of legend. That is our protagonists Nick Venter in a nutshell.
Now that's not to say that Nick Venter isn't unlikable. He has his moments where he is full of snark or he turns on the charm. It feels as if his demeanor and drunkenness are a defensive mechanism, a facade, to silence the ghosts of his past. Venter has been through some stuff, seen some things, and lost some people along the way during his previous adventures. There are mentions throughout the book of Nick Venter's prior escapades from necromancers in the bayou to Sasquatch impersonators in the Pacific Northwest. Every time one of these was brought up I thought to myself, "Now that sounds like a book I'd like to read." So hopefully we get more of these adventures in the future.
Now to the beating heart of this book. Whiteout is a story within a story. I love when books do this. It is one of my favorite storytelling devices in fiction. Nick Venter is being paid a good chunk of change to tell of the circumstances of how he came to hunt down the infamous yeti by a well off man by the name of Winston. There is something a bit mysterious and off about Winston by Nick isn’t quite able to put his finger on it. The book cuts back and forth between Nick divulging his adventure involving the yeti for Winston to flashbacks of the harrowing expedition itself.
Nick is hired to come to a small remote mountain village in the Himalayas to uncover the nasty truth behind recent killings that appear to be the work of some unknown beast. Along with his assistant James, James hate being called an assistant, along with his protege James they journey into the frigid unforgiving environment only to discover that there's more going on that they haven’t been informed of. The unknown beast turns out to be the mythical yeti creature and it is Nick’s job to hunt it down to keep it from raving the village inhabitants. As if things couldn’t get any worse, Venter's arch nemesis Manchester shows up with his sights set on reaching the lost city of Shangri-La to reap riches beyond his wildest dreams. The only problem is that the yeti’s lair and the entrance to the legendary city are supposedly one in the same and the race is on to see who reaches the gates first.
I thought Nick Venter was an interesting character but the stand outs for me were his apprentice James and their sherpa guide Lopsang. Lopsang has some secrets of his own and I really enjoyed getting to learn more about his character.
I was surprised at the different genres blended together here. Action adventure stands at the forefront but there is also a healthy dose of fantastical elements at play, especially towards the end of the book, along with glimpses of horror when the yeti appears to shred flesh and rip limbs from his victims.
Adrenaline fueled action fused with terrifying horrors. Whiteout by Aston Macaulay is a fast paced, white knuckled adventure to the frigid peak of the world chock-full of deadly dangers lurking around every corner. If you are a fan of stories involving monster hunters, cryptids, and thrilling adventure then I recommend giving this one a read. I look forward to reading more about Nick Venture in his next novel Downpour.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
Video review: https://youtu.be/cumpuxcu3Zo
Whiteout by Ashton Macaulay is a bit different from the books I have been reading as of late. It is an action adventure novel with bits of horror splashed in here and there. Picture Indiana Jones as a narcissistic drunk who instead of searching for ancient treasures hunts down mythical monsters of legend. That is our protagonists Nick Venter in a nutshell.
Now that's not to say that Nick Venter isn't unlikable. He has his moments where he is full of snark or he turns on the charm. It feels as if his demeanor and drunkenness are a defensive mechanism, a facade, to silence the ghosts of his past. Venter has been through some stuff, seen some things, and lost some people along the way during his previous adventures. There are mentions throughout the book of Nick Venter's prior escapades from necromancers in the bayou to Sasquatch impersonators in the Pacific Northwest. Every time one of these was brought up I thought to myself, "Now that sounds like a book I'd like to read." So hopefully we get more of these adventures in the future.
Now to the beating heart of this book. Whiteout is a story within a story. I love when books do this. It is one of my favorite storytelling devices in fiction. Nick Venter is being paid a good chunk of change to tell of the circumstances of how he came to hunt down the infamous yeti by a well off man by the name of Winston. There is something a bit mysterious and off about Winston by Nick isn’t quite able to put his finger on it. The book cuts back and forth between Nick divulging his adventure involving the yeti for Winston to flashbacks of the harrowing expedition itself.
Nick is hired to come to a small remote mountain village in the Himalayas to uncover the nasty truth behind recent killings that appear to be the work of some unknown beast. Along with his assistant James, James hate being called an assistant, along with his protege James they journey into the frigid unforgiving environment only to discover that there's more going on that they haven’t been informed of. The unknown beast turns out to be the mythical yeti creature and it is Nick’s job to hunt it down to keep it from raving the village inhabitants. As if things couldn’t get any worse, Venter's arch nemesis Manchester shows up with his sights set on reaching the lost city of Shangri-La to reap riches beyond his wildest dreams. The only problem is that the yeti’s lair and the entrance to the legendary city are supposedly one in the same and the race is on to see who reaches the gates first.
I thought Nick Venter was an interesting character but the stand outs for me were his apprentice James and their sherpa guide Lopsang. Lopsang has some secrets of his own and I really enjoyed getting to learn more about his character.
I was surprised at the different genres blended together here. Action adventure stands at the forefront but there is also a healthy dose of fantastical elements at play, especially towards the end of the book, along with glimpses of horror when the yeti appears to shred flesh and rip limbs from his victims.
Adrenaline fueled action fused with terrifying horrors. Whiteout by Aston Macaulay is a fast paced, white knuckled adventure to the frigid peak of the world chock-full of deadly dangers lurking around every corner. If you are a fan of stories involving monster hunters, cryptids, and thrilling adventure then I recommend giving this one a read. I look forward to reading more about Nick Venture in his next novel Downpour.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
Video review: https://youtu.be/cumpuxcu3Zo
April 22, 2018
After all the stories I’d heard throughout my life about aliens, Bigfoot, mermaids, Grendel, and the Loch Ness Monster, I had never heard a story about the Yeti, so I looked forward to reading Macaulay’s Yeti Hunter scenario. His character introduction and adventure set-up didn’t disappoint. The fact that the whole book is Nick telling the story of the hunt to a man who said he’d pay thousands to hear it suggests that the story is going to be THAT good.
Nick’s personality is written in an over-the-top manner that some may consider comical, but that I personally found distracting from the meat of the story and characters. This experience, however, depends on the reader’s preferences, so should be determined by actually reading it. Macaulay made clear what sort of person Nick Ventner was from the beginning. If he were real I would never want to meet him, due to the position of his morals and values. Yet, there’s a smidgen of decency floating on top of his decisions and opinions like oil in a puddle that keep the reader wondering whether he’s all that bad. The relationship between Nick and pretty much anyone he met held a tenuous respect, and involvement with Nick only moved ahead due to a mutual mystery of the Yeti and/or its killing of humans. Stories unfolded in Nick’s telling of some of the characters he worked with, which kept me interested and changed the pace and depth of the story as it moved on. The feel of events tended to emulate typical action/thriller/adventure movies and the usual relationships between unlikely hero/nemesis/sidekicks.
I was caught off-guard by one or two situational and grammatical anomalies according to my literary sensitivities, but despite these, I was able to follow events as they unfolded. The images of each place emerged easily in my head, conflict was constantly coloring the plot, and a realm of magic shows up once-in-a-while. Between unexpected twists such as the physical presence of figurative places, references to other monsters he’d hunted, and the unfolding of a surprise true identity of one character, the book certainly did not stand still. I’m sure that when Nick returns in Downpour, the pace will not change.
Nick’s personality is written in an over-the-top manner that some may consider comical, but that I personally found distracting from the meat of the story and characters. This experience, however, depends on the reader’s preferences, so should be determined by actually reading it. Macaulay made clear what sort of person Nick Ventner was from the beginning. If he were real I would never want to meet him, due to the position of his morals and values. Yet, there’s a smidgen of decency floating on top of his decisions and opinions like oil in a puddle that keep the reader wondering whether he’s all that bad. The relationship between Nick and pretty much anyone he met held a tenuous respect, and involvement with Nick only moved ahead due to a mutual mystery of the Yeti and/or its killing of humans. Stories unfolded in Nick’s telling of some of the characters he worked with, which kept me interested and changed the pace and depth of the story as it moved on. The feel of events tended to emulate typical action/thriller/adventure movies and the usual relationships between unlikely hero/nemesis/sidekicks.
I was caught off-guard by one or two situational and grammatical anomalies according to my literary sensitivities, but despite these, I was able to follow events as they unfolded. The images of each place emerged easily in my head, conflict was constantly coloring the plot, and a realm of magic shows up once-in-a-while. Between unexpected twists such as the physical presence of figurative places, references to other monsters he’d hunted, and the unfolding of a surprise true identity of one character, the book certainly did not stand still. I’m sure that when Nick returns in Downpour, the pace will not change.
May 22, 2018
As the debut novel from a new author, Whiteout was a solid introduction. Readers will find that this will be the first in a series that (hopefully) runs several installments. Macaulay did a great job of interspersing world-building elements throughout the story without detracting from the overall narrative (For instance, one can only assume that another arcane Black Market will appear in subsequent Nick Ventner adventures.).
The story was pretty standard action/suspense fare for fans of The Dresden Files and The CW's Supernatural series, and those fans should have little trouble slipping into the dark but exciting world of Whiteout. What really helped sell it was the meta-narrative that helped bridge scenes together, provide subtle exposition, and helped lampshade the parts where Macaulay dared to let his story poke fun at itself.
And then there was the third act. No spoilers, but the dive straight into mythology old and new shed the tone of the previous sections, which was what marked the third act as the part where pages practically turned themselves. The climax was a little underwhelming for my taste, but only because the buildup was so momentous that I probably held unfair expectations. Among those expectations are an exciting continuation of Nick Ventner's adventures in a promised sequel, as teased in the plot-twisting resolution.
Overall: Four stars because it was a fun read!
The story was pretty standard action/suspense fare for fans of The Dresden Files and The CW's Supernatural series, and those fans should have little trouble slipping into the dark but exciting world of Whiteout. What really helped sell it was the meta-narrative that helped bridge scenes together, provide subtle exposition, and helped lampshade the parts where Macaulay dared to let his story poke fun at itself.
And then there was the third act. No spoilers, but the dive straight into mythology old and new shed the tone of the previous sections, which was what marked the third act as the part where pages practically turned themselves. The climax was a little underwhelming for my taste, but only because the buildup was so momentous that I probably held unfair expectations. Among those expectations are an exciting continuation of Nick Ventner's adventures in a promised sequel, as teased in the plot-twisting resolution.
Overall: Four stars because it was a fun read!
July 8, 2020
This is another book which is completely away from my preferred genre. However, lockdown has me reading anything I can get my hands on.
I loved the supernatural element to this book, I think that’s what kept my attention and Ashton has done a fantastic job of pulling me in.
I was really shocked to find this is a debut novel. I never would’ve said that because this has been a fantastic read. I haven’t been able to put it down.
This is completely different to anything I’ve read before, but I have loved it. The writer’s style has been easy to follow and has completely pulled me in.
I am delighted to find that this is the first instalment of what should be a great series. I cannot wait to read more by this author. This is definitely a five star read for me.
I loved the supernatural element to this book, I think that’s what kept my attention and Ashton has done a fantastic job of pulling me in.
I was really shocked to find this is a debut novel. I never would’ve said that because this has been a fantastic read. I haven’t been able to put it down.
This is completely different to anything I’ve read before, but I have loved it. The writer’s style has been easy to follow and has completely pulled me in.
I am delighted to find that this is the first instalment of what should be a great series. I cannot wait to read more by this author. This is definitely a five star read for me.
May 11, 2018
Whiteout’s strength is clearly in the world Macaulay creates. Whenever supernatural story elements are present, it’s easy to make lazy decisions and rely too much on outside material. Whiteout, luckily, does not suffer from this fate.
The world is inventive, the characters believable, and the action clear and fast-paced. A great, quick jaunt up a mountain that builds a world in which any story would be entertaining. Highly recommend, and definitely looking forward to more of Nick!
The world is inventive, the characters believable, and the action clear and fast-paced. A great, quick jaunt up a mountain that builds a world in which any story would be entertaining. Highly recommend, and definitely looking forward to more of Nick!
April 24, 2018
The author does such a wonderful job of building a world around the story in the novel with enticing tid bits that make it feel like Nick really has lived through many adventures. I can’t wait to read more of his adventures!
May 2, 2018
A delightfully layered, pulp-inspired, booze-fueled adventure up a mountain. Nick Ventner is a monster hunter, but he certainly wouldn’t call himself a hero. This novel is an enjoyable read that by the end was difficult to put down. I found myself quickly absorbed into the author’s world. I am excited to see further adventures with Nick Ventner. I strongly recommend picking this book up.
June 1, 2019
Bring on more Nick and crew!
What an adventure! Nick Ventner and apprentice set off to find a Yeti and the "fun" begins. This book is full of surprises but I really enjoyed the humor. If you love a good monster/creature book then try this one. It's different in a very good way. I look forward to reading more of his adventures.
What an adventure! Nick Ventner and apprentice set off to find a Yeti and the "fun" begins. This book is full of surprises but I really enjoyed the humor. If you love a good monster/creature book then try this one. It's different in a very good way. I look forward to reading more of his adventures.
April 21, 2018
Great writing. The writer does an amazing job of mixing suspense, drama, and humor, keeping you on the edge while reading, but also laughing out loud as you turn the pages. Can't wait to read more from Ashton Macaulay, going to be a favorite on my book shelf.
July 10, 2020
Kinda too many things packed into this story other than the yeti
July 9, 2020
I always go into books I know nothing about with a hefty bit of skepticism simply because of read so many really bad books. I don't expect them to be bad, I just prepare myself for them to be. Whiteout, however, was a pleasant surprise. This was exactly my kind of book from the story line to the humor. I loved Nick's sarcastic, wry wit and his seeming inability to take anything seriously. I'm the same way and I really connect with that in a character. While Nick Ventner hunts creatures that don't really exist in our world, his deep knowledge that he could (usually) recall quickly made him a lovable rogue similar to Indiana Jones.
Whiteout was such a fun read and I can't wait for the follow up!
Whiteout was such a fun read and I can't wait for the follow up!
November 3, 2020
This was such a fun concept! I really enjoy mountain climbing/expedition books that involve some supernatural or horror elements, so this was a great fit for me. I could have used a bit more yeti moments, but I liked what we had with the yeti and other creatures. The incorporation of Shangri-La was awesome!
This has a story within a story structure where Nick recounts this adventure to someone. I thought both aspects were quite interesting! You definitely get a sense that this person Nick is talking to is just a bit off, so it's fun to see what happens there. There are hints of other adventures mentioned in passing, and I feel like there's so much room for development in future books! I thought this was generally fast paced, though there were maybe some slower moments towards the beginning.
Nick is certainly not the most likeable man ever, but he seems to have a good heart..buried somewhere down there. He's pretty snarky, and I generally found him amusing. He's definitely seen some things, and he reminds me of a battle-hardened warrior type character. I liked both his apprentice and the mountain guide! They're much nicer, and there are some fun developments with them.
I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a fun, monster hunting adventure!
I received a copy of this for review from the author - thank you! All opinions are my own.
This has a story within a story structure where Nick recounts this adventure to someone. I thought both aspects were quite interesting! You definitely get a sense that this person Nick is talking to is just a bit off, so it's fun to see what happens there. There are hints of other adventures mentioned in passing, and I feel like there's so much room for development in future books! I thought this was generally fast paced, though there were maybe some slower moments towards the beginning.
Nick is certainly not the most likeable man ever, but he seems to have a good heart..buried somewhere down there. He's pretty snarky, and I generally found him amusing. He's definitely seen some things, and he reminds me of a battle-hardened warrior type character. I liked both his apprentice and the mountain guide! They're much nicer, and there are some fun developments with them.
I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a fun, monster hunting adventure!
I received a copy of this for review from the author - thank you! All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2020
Book starts as a story within a story with the intrepid Nick Ventner, cryptozoologist extraordinaire summoned to regale his wealthy host over an extraordinary tale of the yeti and Shangri-La. A monster fic, with great world-building and intricate lore, linked to a character who drinks too much, seen too much, and yet can somehow still be surprised. Live for the character, his insight and his wit, and it is fun to go along for this epic adventure into frightening snow-filled peaks, risking life and limb with him.
Twist at the end ties the past and the present together nicely, and looking forward to part 2!
Twist at the end ties the past and the present together nicely, and looking forward to part 2!
December 22, 2020
Whiteout is a great book, a fast paced adventure full of thrills, spills, and a world that’s been built to feel real. Very well written, and if you like Indiana Jones, cryptids, and large doses of adventure, sarcasm, and alcohol then this really is the book for you.
January 26, 2021
Loved the story. Has a very Indiana Jones vibe. I found myself really caring about the characters which is a huge deal to me. I thought the story was very uniquely written.
April 21, 2018
Whiteout is one of the best adventure novels I've read in a long time. The main character, Nick Ventner, is a sarcastic, (mostly) good-natured alcoholic who also happens to hunt monsters and treasure. He reminds me of Indiana Jones crossed with Nathan Drake served with a dash of your alcoholic uncle that ruins every Thanksgiving.
In Whiteout, Nick sets out to search for the lost gates of Shangri-La, rumored to lie in the peak of the Himalayas, with his equally sarcastic apprentice James. When he gets there, it turns out that the entire mountain is being terrorized by a Yeti, and also Nick's arch-nemesis Manchester, who is a fun, theatrical villain, also shows up to try to get to Shangri -La first.
Nick and James also meet up with a mountain guide named Lopsang, and his character was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the good-natured camaraderie that developed between the three characters. There's also certain elements of the supernatural (aside form the Yeti, of course) that are introduced at various sections of the book, and I found all of those moments to be incredibly enjoyable, and often funny as well.
Author Ashton Macaulay does a great job of keeping the book moving along at all times. It's fun and easy to read, with clear and concise visuals, and a breakneck speed. 100% recommended for fans of fast paced, fun adventure novels. It's also appropriate for teens and adults alike.
*Full disclosure: I am the publisher of this novel and am perhaps somewhat biased here in my opinion. That being said, everything I have mentioned above is 100% accurate. I genuinely love this book, and can't wait for the sequels.*
In Whiteout, Nick sets out to search for the lost gates of Shangri-La, rumored to lie in the peak of the Himalayas, with his equally sarcastic apprentice James. When he gets there, it turns out that the entire mountain is being terrorized by a Yeti, and also Nick's arch-nemesis Manchester, who is a fun, theatrical villain, also shows up to try to get to Shangri -La first.
Nick and James also meet up with a mountain guide named Lopsang, and his character was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the good-natured camaraderie that developed between the three characters. There's also certain elements of the supernatural (aside form the Yeti, of course) that are introduced at various sections of the book, and I found all of those moments to be incredibly enjoyable, and often funny as well.
Author Ashton Macaulay does a great job of keeping the book moving along at all times. It's fun and easy to read, with clear and concise visuals, and a breakneck speed. 100% recommended for fans of fast paced, fun adventure novels. It's also appropriate for teens and adults alike.
*Full disclosure: I am the publisher of this novel and am perhaps somewhat biased here in my opinion. That being said, everything I have mentioned above is 100% accurate. I genuinely love this book, and can't wait for the sequels.*
May 15, 2018
A crazy adventure from start to finish. Nick Ventner is a tall glass of whiskey distilled from equal parts Indiana Jones, Fox Mulder and Rick Sanchez. Macaulay writes with creativity and sarcastic humor reminiscent of Douglas Adams, but the story is as much a thriller as anything, and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire latter half of the book. Macaulay also has an amazing talent for painting a beautiful 3-dimensional world without any long Dickensian passages. The chapters are bite-sized, but you are transported to a whole other dimension nonetheless.
I'm not a guy who reads books, but I read this one in about three days. It's probably the first time in years I've read more than a hundred pages in one sitting. Once the story ramps up, it doesn't slow down, so make sure you don't have to be up early in the morning.
Can't wait for the next Nick Ventner adventure.
I'm not a guy who reads books, but I read this one in about three days. It's probably the first time in years I've read more than a hundred pages in one sitting. Once the story ramps up, it doesn't slow down, so make sure you don't have to be up early in the morning.
Can't wait for the next Nick Ventner adventure.
April 21, 2018
Whiteout is one of the best adventure novels I've read in a long time. The main character, Nick Ventner, is a sarcastic, (mostly) good-natured alcoholic who also happens to hunt monsters and treasure. He reminds me of Indiana Jones crossed with Nathan Drake served with a dash of your alcoholic uncle that ruins every Thanksgiving.
In Whiteout, Nick sets out to search for the lost gates of Shangri-La, rumored to lie in the peak of the Himalayas, with his equally sarcastic apprentice James. When he gets there, it turns out that the entire mountain is being terrorized by a Yeti, and also Nick's arch-nemesis Manchester, who is a fun, theatrical villain, also shows up to try to get to Shangri -La first.
Nick and James also meet up with a mountain guide named Lopsang, and his character was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the good-natured camaraderie that developed between the three characters. There's also certain elements of the supernatural (aside form the Yeti, of course) that are introduced at various sections of the book, and I found all of those moments to be incredibly enjoyable, and often funny as well.
Author Ashton Macaulay does a great job of keeping the book moving along at all times. It's fun and easy to read, with clear and concise visuals, and a breakneck speed. 100% recommended for fans of fast paced, fun adventure novels. It's also appropriate for teens and adults alike.
*Full disclosure: I am the publisher of this novel and am perhaps somewhat biased here in my opinion. That being said, everything I have mentioned above is 100% accurate. I genuinely love this book, and can't wait for the sequels.*
In Whiteout, Nick sets out to search for the lost gates of Shangri-La, rumored to lie in the peak of the Himalayas, with his equally sarcastic apprentice James. When he gets there, it turns out that the entire mountain is being terrorized by a Yeti, and also Nick's arch-nemesis Manchester, who is a fun, theatrical villain, also shows up to try to get to Shangri -La first.
Nick and James also meet up with a mountain guide named Lopsang, and his character was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the good-natured camaraderie that developed between the three characters. There's also certain elements of the supernatural (aside form the Yeti, of course) that are introduced at various sections of the book, and I found all of those moments to be incredibly enjoyable, and often funny as well.
Author Ashton Macaulay does a great job of keeping the book moving along at all times. It's fun and easy to read, with clear and concise visuals, and a breakneck speed. 100% recommended for fans of fast paced, fun adventure novels. It's also appropriate for teens and adults alike.
*Full disclosure: I am the publisher of this novel and am perhaps somewhat biased here in my opinion. That being said, everything I have mentioned above is 100% accurate. I genuinely love this book, and can't wait for the sequels.*
February 25, 2021
I honestly haven’t had this much fun reading a book in the past twenty years. The sense of excitement and wonder, combined with real, in-the-flesh characters, hooked me all the way through. When reading Whiteout, I wanted to be in a shaded tree with an apple on a hot summer day. Macaulay is a deft, confident writer that transports and delivers what any great author ought to—unbridled and unapologetic escape.
April 23, 2018
An excellent drunken romp up and down "Not Everest", complete with hunters and monsters galore. Macaulay takes inspiration from many of the great monster hunting books and movies throughout the times, and combines them with an Indiana Jones feel to give us a fantastic Anti-Hero who just wants to get drunk and get paid. The character development throughout the story is rich between Ventner and his apprentice, and the pacing is superb. There's a great blend of action and storytelling as we learn more and more about the dangers (both environmentally, and monster-like) hidden behind every nook and cranny of the mountain. Truly a sight to behold, if you enjoy books that are just plain FUN, this is one to read.
August 7, 2022
There are few things I love more than cold horror and a supernatural adventure starring a wise cracking antihero. Imagine an alcoholic, amoral Indiana Jones that only hunts monsters for profit and that's this book in a nutshell. But like any good book it is much greater than the sum of its parts. Recommended for readers who enjoy their carnage with a wry smile.
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