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Species Unknown: A Novel of The Watch

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Terror lurks in the pine forests of the Black Hills on South Dakota’s border with Wyoming, but this is no ordinary serial killer. Bigger, stronger and more cunning than any other predator in the woods, this murderer has only existed in legends and the nightmares of the few to survive an encounter … until now. Dr. Jake Sanders, world-renowned expert on predators and predatory behavior, is on a quest to find the monster that did far worse than wound him. Deputy Julie Reed, a strong, beautiful and lethal enforcer of justice, fearlessly pursues a violent adversary unaware of the twisted path destiny will lay before her. Simon Standing Elk, a recovering alcoholic well on the road to atoning for past sins until a terrifying encounter that now threatens not only his life, but his soul as well. Three different people. Three very different backgrounds. One secret organization. This is the story of events that brought them together and, if they’re not careful, could destroy them all – or worse.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2019

196 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Dan Carlson

3 books9 followers

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5 stars
223 (56%)
4 stars
123 (31%)
3 stars
35 (8%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Marianne Fiero.
45 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2022
Species Unknown: A Novel of the Watch

Fantastic read. Kept me on my toes. Invested in the characters. Good vs evil. There is a lot unsaid. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Peggy Kindt.
138 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2021
HUGE: Eyes wide open! Wonderful read.

This author weaves a well thought out plot with intrigue between two focuses with excellent immersion with forgetive aid. The characters came together cohesively even when they seemingly clash. An eclectic view on a variety of possibilities. As well as mythology thrown into the complexity. Non-denominational and language is clean. PottsvillePA_FRI; 06032021.
Profile Image for Rene.
100 reviews
May 19, 2020
This was a fun first book from the author. I’d have given it 3.5 stars if I could.
This was a page turner for sure wanting to know where he was going with the tale. However I felt I got tripped up quite a bit having to go back and reread passages. I’m not usually one for ‘fantasy’ and not quite sure I’d categorise this one as such I feel more effort could have been put into moulding the characters. Rushed. That’s it, this story was rushed and I’d rather it had been longer to savour it a bit more.
I’ll definitely look out for the next one.
Profile Image for Jesse Miller.
190 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2021
Well written

This book initially seemed like your usual monster fare, but quickly show a lot of depth as the characters get swept up into a powerful group of people call The Watch. There’s tons of monster chaos and action. The characters are well written and we get inside their heads as they learn about the group and face evil beings. I will definitely be picking up the sequel.
Profile Image for Michael Chesler.
87 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2022
demons, yetis and werewolves oh my!

As you have ascertained, this book is about the supernatural, the cosmically connected and the evolving unknowns. It is a unique story about unique entities in unique circumstances. This book is an enjoyable read with much to look forward to in the next chapter.
Profile Image for PAMELA A. LANGELIER.
30 reviews
March 8, 2021
Spinetingler

For a first book’ this was fantastic. Loved the intertwining of dimensions, heaven, other worlds and ghastly monsters, as well as humor and solemnity. Definitely looking forward to more,
324 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2021
Wow! What a story!

Just excellent. A great, extremely well written monster story. The characters are all wonderfully written, intriguing questions left unanswered makes you scream for more! Say there is more in the near future please!
Profile Image for Cheryl Lee.
203 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2022
Thought Provoking

This book was thought provoking to say the least; it is a theory among those that believe in Bigfoot that he is from a different dimension and that is how he stays hidden from humans. Throw in the possibility of angels and demons and this book was beyond interesting and I hope there are more books to come. I am going to read the next book also. The Watch is definitely a series that deserves more than two adventures!
556 reviews8 followers
June 6, 2020
I liked this book. I'm waiting for the next one...
18 reviews
July 7, 2020
I loved this book and eagerly looking forward to the next one. It was fast pace and kept me turning the page. I thought the characters were good.
Profile Image for Jim Tolley.
4 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2020
Actual locations

Great read. I enjoyed the fact that the locations are real and recognizable. You can tell that Dan has spent time here in the Hills.
268 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2021
this book is different wild ride for a monster book scarry as hell not sure what to be afraid of the monster, their origin or what is watching them, read it then you will see what im talking about you won't want to put it down.
24 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2021
Great Intermixed Theology

Well developed characters with interesting backgrounds. Mr.Carlson did an exceptional job of merging theological tropes within an action motif. Must read if you like Bigfoot stories.
131 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2021
Wow

I seldom give out five stars for anything. However, I think this book was outstanding. True it’s a monster book, But it has a lot more going on than just monsters. What a fantastic fun read. Highly recommend it

Profile Image for Sarah.
81 reviews
September 5, 2021
Unexpectedly good!!! Can't wait for the second one! On its way!!!
Profile Image for Yogi Ramachandran.
37 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2021
Excellent author. Well written book. Several bouts of action and suspense stiched together to keep one entertained. Will surely look up more of this author's books.
14 reviews
June 22, 2020
Fast and exciting

This book was thoroughly enjoyable and fast paced
Great characters as well
I hope it's a series i would like to read more by this author
38 reviews
June 17, 2020
found this extremely well written and want more.. What a fantastic book. I couldn't put it down.
A well written piece.. I want to know what happen to Jake, Julie and Simon. Did our newest associate get in to be one of the good guys? Can't wait for a sequel??????
Profile Image for Lorrie Wolf vanblarcom.
53 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2020
Grabs you in and wont let go.

Wow, this book was ,,,,,Awesome.It grabs you and doesn't let go til the end. Then you want more. Science fiction, action, adventure, and a little bit of horror. Lots of scary creatures. A secret group of a chosen few who have witnessed theses creatures. Endless amounts of $$$$ for weapons, knowledge, and scientific advances to kill creatures.
102 reviews
October 17, 2020
Great read

One of those books that just might make a scary and well-worth seeing movie. This hood will keep you addictively engaged. Enjoy it, I sure did.
294 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2021
Well written entertaining

Wow this book was a surprise I didn’t expect it would be so Interesting. It was well written and intriguing. I look forward to more from this author.
9 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2020
Cryptto

Intriguing! Thought provoking. Chuckle worthy. Good characters..fearsome adversaries. Packs a multitude of ideas, cultures and even some whimsy. I enjoyed
103 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2021
Surprised and Impressed

The story concept is good and is somewhat familiar. I really liked the characters and how well developed they were. Adventure with horror, very creepy in spots. Gory scenes as well. A little too much preaching of the Bible. I am a believer but prefer it to not be in my reading of fiction. Good story very hard to put down at times. Highly recommend.
10 reviews
September 23, 2020
Good for thought

A good book with thought provoking themes. Overall a good read! I will be looking for this well rounded author again.
2 reviews
December 14, 2019
Why Not!

The possibilities in this page turner certainly give one pause when one considers multi-dimensional realms. Dan's imagination comes to life in his vivid descriptions and well-established characters. Weapons and flight technology add interest.The natural settings are varied and colorful. The Watch's hideaway is intriguing. The plot's exciting climax and resolution leave the doors wide open for a sequel. Actually, this story has all the elements to make it a blockbuster movie.
62 reviews
September 24, 2020
Species Unknown

I haven’t enjoyed a book as much as I did to
His in a very long while! I hope Dan Carson will continue writing fiction in the future!
Profile Image for Wayne Murphy.
87 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2021
A christian perspective on Sasquatch and other crytptids?

I have been in the cryptic field since I was 14 having experienced a sasquatch encounter of my own it set me on a road that's very hard to travel. I have been trying to figure out for years what are they and why do they exist and guess what I still don't know the only thing I do know is they are there. The author takes a subject that blends horror with demonology and angelology in a since I guess lol very strange combination but it works very well. I read this book so fast and refreshingly it wasn't a wasted short story its a full on novel. Can't wait to read the sequel very well written other than some misplaced words here or there it's a very very good story and series
Profile Image for Polly.
12 reviews
March 22, 2025
Wow! This was a great read and hard to put down. Although not for the week of stomach at times it did not go into such detail as to be overwhelming. It was very obvious that the author has done his research and has a passion for the topic. The 'about the author' mentioned, among other things, that he is a pastor who is also interested in cryptozoology. If that is an area of interest, you will absolutely love this book. Many science fiction stories by Christian authors simply restate a salvation story which, although fascinating and wonderful and why I read the genre, this book takes a very different approach. Fantastic, I highly recommend!
771 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2022
Species Unknown

This is an exceedingly well written book. It has a lot of sci-fi and adventure with action that keeps the reader entertained. It has good character development. Cannot wait to read the next in the series.
11 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2022
absolutely fascinating

I never read a book that gave me a perspective like this. Although written as fiction it does make me stop and consider our world today as well as sightings of cryptidis
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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