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Dark Island
Madagaskar ist eine "Alte Insel", wie es die Geologen nennen. Seit über 150 Millionen Jahren vom afrikanischen Festland isoliert, konnte sich dort eine ganz eigene Pflanzen- und Tierwelt entwickeln. Und überleben …
Nur widerwillig nimmt der ehemalige Navy SEAL Ian Hunt das Angebot an, ein Forschungsteam nach Madagaskar zu begleiten, nachdem dort ein Erdbeben ein riesiges Netzwerk aus Tunneln freigelegt hat, aus welchen unbekannte Kreaturen zur Oberfläche fliehen.
Ihre Entdeckung könnte sich als Sensation entpuppen, vorausgesetzt, das Team überlebt lange genug, um davon berichten zu können, denn im Herzen der dunklen Insel haben Dinosaurier überlebt. Und sie sind hungrig …
"Matt James schreibt elektrisierend." [Rick Chesler, Autor von Hotel Megalodon]
Nur widerwillig nimmt der ehemalige Navy SEAL Ian Hunt das Angebot an, ein Forschungsteam nach Madagaskar zu begleiten, nachdem dort ein Erdbeben ein riesiges Netzwerk aus Tunneln freigelegt hat, aus welchen unbekannte Kreaturen zur Oberfläche fliehen.
Ihre Entdeckung könnte sich als Sensation entpuppen, vorausgesetzt, das Team überlebt lange genug, um davon berichten zu können, denn im Herzen der dunklen Insel haben Dinosaurier überlebt. Und sie sind hungrig …
"Matt James schreibt elektrisierend." [Rick Chesler, Autor von Hotel Megalodon]
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
395 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Matthew James
53 books118 followersMATT JAMES is the international bestselling author of over thirty-five action-packed titles, including the fan-favorite Jack Reilly series, The Cursed Thief, and The Blood King. He specializes in globetrotting thrillers that fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Ernest Dempsey will devour!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 10, 2021
3.5 Stars
This was an OK read. I feel the end held more promise than the entire book did. It's basically a Hollow Earth type read where the MCs are exploring the wilderness of Madagascar and while escaping predators find themselves traversing caves deep into the Earth. (I found this a little odd at times because it didn't seem to me they traveled very far to find this other world. Guess I'm used to characters rappelling in caves for days or falling down a volcano chute for hours.....) Of course when they get there, everything tries to kill them from evolved dinosaurs and giant bugs to a mythical dragon. Move over T-Rex there's a mother f*cking intelligent dragon on their tails. I actually loved how the author actually included the fact that these animals had evolved over the years. Most other world reads feature dinos and reptiles as we know them now or from fossils. Yet if they've been left over millions of years they surely would have changed and adapted to their surroundings from what they were 65 million years ago. The world below was horrifying and it's a nonstop escape for their lives. There's also a threat from a bubbling volcano and ground shattering earthquakes. The book was a quick read but was just OK for me, nothing overly exciting or that I felt I had not read before. The end as I mentioned showed much promise as the characters are now part of a secret organization hunting the creatures that have escaped their underworld habitat. There's also evidence of prehistoric humans and clashing societies which I thought would have been much more fascinating then them just stumbling upon this hidden world because again, it's been done before. Still a good thrilling read nonetheless.
This was an OK read. I feel the end held more promise than the entire book did. It's basically a Hollow Earth type read where the MCs are exploring the wilderness of Madagascar and while escaping predators find themselves traversing caves deep into the Earth. (I found this a little odd at times because it didn't seem to me they traveled very far to find this other world. Guess I'm used to characters rappelling in caves for days or falling down a volcano chute for hours.....) Of course when they get there, everything tries to kill them from evolved dinosaurs and giant bugs to a mythical dragon. Move over T-Rex there's a mother f*cking intelligent dragon on their tails. I actually loved how the author actually included the fact that these animals had evolved over the years. Most other world reads feature dinos and reptiles as we know them now or from fossils. Yet if they've been left over millions of years they surely would have changed and adapted to their surroundings from what they were 65 million years ago. The world below was horrifying and it's a nonstop escape for their lives. There's also a threat from a bubbling volcano and ground shattering earthquakes. The book was a quick read but was just OK for me, nothing overly exciting or that I felt I had not read before. The end as I mentioned showed much promise as the characters are now part of a secret organization hunting the creatures that have escaped their underworld habitat. There's also evidence of prehistoric humans and clashing societies which I thought would have been much more fascinating then them just stumbling upon this hidden world because again, it's been done before. Still a good thrilling read nonetheless.
September 25, 2020
THE DETAILS✎ ❐MY RATING➯ 4¼ STARS ❐ PREHISTORIC BEASTS OF THE DINOSAUR VARIETY ❐ JULES VERNE MEETS MICHAEL CRICHTON ❐ THERE'S EVEN A SHOUT-OUT TO DR. GRANT & JURASSIC PARK ❐ TINY SPLASH OF ROMANCE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT ❐ LENGTH OF AUDIO ➯ 8 HOURS, 11 MINUTES ❐ I LISTENED ON HOOPLA THROUGH MY LIBRARY
Dark Island is like Jurassic Park meets Journey to the Center of the Earth, and it is one heck of a ride. I was thoroughly entertained for the most part...but there were times where it lost me a little bit and others where I thought things were a little hokey...but overall, this was better than I thought it was going to be.
At times I thought the narration was freaking awesome and others where he, Michael Lesley, fell a little short...like he was good...just not consistently good. Although, I wouldn't hesitate to listen to a book narrated by him in the future. My biggest issue with the narration overall is one that I always harp on...the lack of a second/female narrator for Mack's POV.
BREAKDOWN✎
Narration ➯ 4¼ STARS
Plot ➯ 4/5
Characters ➯ 4/5
The Feels ➯ 4.3/5
Pacing ➯ 4/5
Addictiveness ➯ 4/5
Theme, Tone or Intensity ➯ 4.2/5
Originality ➯ 4.3/5
Flow (Writing Style/Ease of Listening) ➯ 3.7/5
World-Building ➯ 4.2/5
Ending ➯ 4.3/5
SUMMATION ➯ 4¼ STARS
Dark Island is like Jurassic Park meets Journey to the Center of the Earth, and it is one heck of a ride. I was thoroughly entertained for the most part...but there were times where it lost me a little bit and others where I thought things were a little hokey...but overall, this was better than I thought it was going to be.
At times I thought the narration was freaking awesome and others where he, Michael Lesley, fell a little short...like he was good...just not consistently good. Although, I wouldn't hesitate to listen to a book narrated by him in the future. My biggest issue with the narration overall is one that I always harp on...the lack of a second/female narrator for Mack's POV.
BREAKDOWN✎
Narration ➯ 4¼ STARS
Plot ➯ 4/5
Characters ➯ 4/5
The Feels ➯ 4.3/5
Pacing ➯ 4/5
Addictiveness ➯ 4/5
Theme, Tone or Intensity ➯ 4.2/5
Originality ➯ 4.3/5
Flow (Writing Style/Ease of Listening) ➯ 3.7/5
World-Building ➯ 4.2/5
Ending ➯ 4.3/5
SUMMATION ➯ 4¼ STARS
December 29, 2020
Nette Monstergeschichte für zwischendurch, die mich jedoch besser unterhalten hätte, wenn der Autor nicht so unerträgliche Charaktere mit holprigen Dialogen und nicht nachvollziehbaren Handlungen geschaffen hätte.
January 3, 2020
Ian and his wife were searching the island nation for evidence of a dinosaur bird when he watched her being killed by strange creatures who appeared after a series of seismic events on the crater rim.After finally proving he was innocent of killing her, Ian stayed on the island, not ready to leave but never brave enough to go back to the scene of her death. Mack's journalist father believed in the story of the dinosaur bird and after his death, Mack is going to Madagascar to investigate for herself. She hires the reluctant Ian, his friend Bob and British ex-military man Thomas Nash to take her there. But when history begins to repeat itself, the team find themselves split into two pairs and trapped in tunnels below ground that lead to an entire Lost World within the mountain itself.
This book had mixed reviews when I looked at it but I decided to give it a try because I can never resist the Lost World concept, whether it is forests, caves, caverns, plateaus or in this case inside a volcano. I very much liked the idea of hapless explorers getting attacked on the ridge by dinosaur birds and falling into a tunnel complex during an earthquake. With creatures following them, the only option is to go forward and down into the mountain where much worse awaits them. Mack and Nash, and Ian and Bob face different terrors inside the mountain as they search for the other pair and try to stay alive amid dinosaurs, mutant bugs and beasts, fast moving land crocodiles and the menace of the dinosaur birds. Trying to find each other sounds like a hopeless task but then they have to somehow find a way out of the mountain. The concept was certainly interesting.
The characters were ok. I thought in the beginning that Mack was a bit of a loud mouthed idiot but she did grow on me. I liked the guys and their complicated friendships and rivalry. I really liked local man 'Bob' the best as he was capable without being military trained. I also loved the intelligent lemurs that the group meet on their travels. Having once had a lemur sit on my back at a zoo visit, I have seen how social and friendly they can be so it was fun to see them in the story. There was a big variety of various dinosaur birds, creatures and mythical monsters for the group to deal with. I do like a variety of creatures but there really are a lot in the book. It wasn't that which bugged me. Had the monster attacks been spread out through a book with time to explore, observe and then build tension, it could have been really good...but the manic pace of events was just too much.
We would be with one pair as they escaped an attack by the flying birds, ran into mad killer ostrich things and ran away from them to be suddenly attacked by a land crocodile thing which they run from right into the path of giant insect things. The other pair might be escaping the birds to be stalked by a jaguar and run into three other creatues in the space of a chapter. For me there was too much happening one thing after another, with no time for the injured and hungry people to eat or rest. I can't imagine that someone ordinary like Mack could have that unending energy to constantly keep going through all of this without seeming to suffer.The military guys might be able to but they were both sporting really bad injuries. The book had good things in it but the pacing was just too manic and rushed for it to be regarded as a really great read. The ending also wasn't what I expected and there could maybe be a sequel.
I'm not really sure how to rate this. It wasn't a terrible book. It had good ideas, decent characters and an interesting setting. The monsters were varied. It could have done with a few more scenes of tension like in the tree attack and more of the lemurs. It had a couple of plots that were a bit too convenient or bizarre for me and the pacing was too breakneck to really let the story develop. Sometimes less can be more, y'know? That said, I only had a couple of mild niggles over the actual story and I didn't think there was anything wrong with the author's style so I would consider reading more by him. I thought I was going to rate this as 2.5 but it feels a bit mean so I think I'll up the rating to three. It was after all, a book I did finish and there was good stuff in it, just a few things that didn't suit me. Hmm not sure!
2.5/3 stars.
This book had mixed reviews when I looked at it but I decided to give it a try because I can never resist the Lost World concept, whether it is forests, caves, caverns, plateaus or in this case inside a volcano. I very much liked the idea of hapless explorers getting attacked on the ridge by dinosaur birds and falling into a tunnel complex during an earthquake. With creatures following them, the only option is to go forward and down into the mountain where much worse awaits them. Mack and Nash, and Ian and Bob face different terrors inside the mountain as they search for the other pair and try to stay alive amid dinosaurs, mutant bugs and beasts, fast moving land crocodiles and the menace of the dinosaur birds. Trying to find each other sounds like a hopeless task but then they have to somehow find a way out of the mountain. The concept was certainly interesting.
The characters were ok. I thought in the beginning that Mack was a bit of a loud mouthed idiot but she did grow on me. I liked the guys and their complicated friendships and rivalry. I really liked local man 'Bob' the best as he was capable without being military trained. I also loved the intelligent lemurs that the group meet on their travels. Having once had a lemur sit on my back at a zoo visit, I have seen how social and friendly they can be so it was fun to see them in the story. There was a big variety of various dinosaur birds, creatures and mythical monsters for the group to deal with. I do like a variety of creatures but there really are a lot in the book. It wasn't that which bugged me. Had the monster attacks been spread out through a book with time to explore, observe and then build tension, it could have been really good...but the manic pace of events was just too much.
We would be with one pair as they escaped an attack by the flying birds, ran into mad killer ostrich things and ran away from them to be suddenly attacked by a land crocodile thing which they run from right into the path of giant insect things. The other pair might be escaping the birds to be stalked by a jaguar and run into three other creatues in the space of a chapter. For me there was too much happening one thing after another, with no time for the injured and hungry people to eat or rest. I can't imagine that someone ordinary like Mack could have that unending energy to constantly keep going through all of this without seeming to suffer.The military guys might be able to but they were both sporting really bad injuries. The book had good things in it but the pacing was just too manic and rushed for it to be regarded as a really great read. The ending also wasn't what I expected and there could maybe be a sequel.
I'm not really sure how to rate this. It wasn't a terrible book. It had good ideas, decent characters and an interesting setting. The monsters were varied. It could have done with a few more scenes of tension like in the tree attack and more of the lemurs. It had a couple of plots that were a bit too convenient or bizarre for me and the pacing was too breakneck to really let the story develop. Sometimes less can be more, y'know? That said, I only had a couple of mild niggles over the actual story and I didn't think there was anything wrong with the author's style so I would consider reading more by him. I thought I was going to rate this as 2.5 but it feels a bit mean so I think I'll up the rating to three. It was after all, a book I did finish and there was good stuff in it, just a few things that didn't suit me. Hmm not sure!
2.5/3 stars.
December 30, 2021
Dinosaurs in the modern world is almost always entertaining to read about even when the plot isn't the greatest. Not the best dinosaurs/monster book I've read bit mildly entertaining and I'm glad I've listened to it
February 1, 2021
A classic, lost world thriller. Lots of fun with lots of teeth.
June 9, 2020
Was ein Spaß!
Eine Mischung aus Jurassic Park, die Reise zum Mittelpunkt der Erde und King Kong von 2005.
Fesselnder und flüssiger Schreibstil, Action und Abenteuer pur, mit sympathisch, wenn auch etwas klischeehaften, Charakteren.
Aber es hat einfach irre Spaß gemacht das Buch zu lesen!
Wer auf Dinosaurier-/Monsterabenteuer mit jeder Menge Action steht, dem kann ich das Buch nur empfehlen!
Eine Mischung aus Jurassic Park, die Reise zum Mittelpunkt der Erde und King Kong von 2005.
Fesselnder und flüssiger Schreibstil, Action und Abenteuer pur, mit sympathisch, wenn auch etwas klischeehaften, Charakteren.
Aber es hat einfach irre Spaß gemacht das Buch zu lesen!
Wer auf Dinosaurier-/Monsterabenteuer mit jeder Menge Action steht, dem kann ich das Buch nur empfehlen!
August 28, 2020
Trigger warnings: death, blood, gore, death of a spouse, explosions, mentions of sexual assault (in the past), animal death, basically anything you'd expect to find in Jurassic Park...
3.5 stars.
Okay so this year I'm trying to read books set in 50 different countries and I'm behind schedule which always stresses me the fuck out so periodically I just search different country names in Scribd to see what comes up. I searched for Madagascar and this came up. Being the Jurassic Park fangirl that I am, obviously I was sold. And I listened to the entire thing during the course of my work day because of course I did.
Ultimately, this was like Jurassic Park meets The Meg meets Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Was it utter ridiculous? Yes. Was it also ridiculously entertaining? Absolutely. Should the audiobook narrator never again attempt an Australian accent because it nearly made my ears bleed? For sure. Was I hooked from start to finish despite the horrifying Australian accent? YOU BET.
3.5 stars.
Okay so this year I'm trying to read books set in 50 different countries and I'm behind schedule which always stresses me the fuck out so periodically I just search different country names in Scribd to see what comes up. I searched for Madagascar and this came up. Being the Jurassic Park fangirl that I am, obviously I was sold. And I listened to the entire thing during the course of my work day because of course I did.
Ultimately, this was like Jurassic Park meets The Meg meets Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Was it utter ridiculous? Yes. Was it also ridiculously entertaining? Absolutely. Should the audiobook narrator never again attempt an Australian accent because it nearly made my ears bleed? For sure. Was I hooked from start to finish despite the horrifying Australian accent? YOU BET.
July 24, 2019
It's been awhile since I've read a full out action-adventure. This was fun! The ending was a bit cheesy but it ties into the story and I was happy to see the survival of favorites. Recommended for those who like dino fiction and monstrous animals on the rampage.
February 25, 2019
Ian and his wife, Abigail, are in Madagascar exploring when they are suddenly attacked by creatures that shouldn't exist. Abigail doesn't survive and nobody believes Ian about what happened. Fast forward a few years and people are still disappearing in the area. Mackenzie Moore is a reporter and knows there's a story here so she decides to hire Ian and investigate the place. Mackenzie, Ian and two of his associates enter the jungle and climb the mountain. Ian knows there are things here that shouldn't be, but even he doesn't know the extent of it!!
I love a good creature feature book so was excited to listen to this. You are brought into the story right from the start and it doesn't let up till the very end. It was an incredibly fast paced read and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
The plot was well developed and it's something you could believe since there are so many different animals that thrive in the dark. The group find so many different animals in the underground chambers and it was awesome!!! I loved that the author threw in so many different ones and didn't just stick to dinosaurs. I'm intrigued about some of the other things they found out while down there and can only hope there is a sequel because there's a lot left unanswered.
I really liked Ian. He is ex Navy SEAL, yet he isn't infallible. He gets his butt whooped a few times and it made him easier to relate to. I find it hard to connect with characters that know everything and can do everything so it's nice when a strong military type can still be seen as human. It took me a little while to connect with Mackenzie and I don't know why! There was just something about her that I didn't like at first, but she grew on me eventually.
One thing I really didn't like about the book is the needless fact that two of the characters find love..... you don't need two guesses to figure out who!! At no stage do they really get to know each other, in point of fact, they are separated for a good portion of the book, yet they love each other. Honestly, it annoyed me and was something that didn't add to the story.
In all though, this was a fun read. It ticked a lot of the boxes for a good creature feature and left me wanting more from the world.
This is the first book I've listened to that's narrated by Michael Lesley and I enjoyed his performance a lot. He had plenty of different tones and voices and gave a good performance, but I felt like he was very slow to read it...I had to amp up the speed to make it bearable, and he paused at odd times. I don't know if it was for effect but it got a bit annoying after a while. Other than that, his performance was good.
I love a good creature feature book so was excited to listen to this. You are brought into the story right from the start and it doesn't let up till the very end. It was an incredibly fast paced read and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
The plot was well developed and it's something you could believe since there are so many different animals that thrive in the dark. The group find so many different animals in the underground chambers and it was awesome!!! I loved that the author threw in so many different ones and didn't just stick to dinosaurs. I'm intrigued about some of the other things they found out while down there and can only hope there is a sequel because there's a lot left unanswered.
I really liked Ian. He is ex Navy SEAL, yet he isn't infallible. He gets his butt whooped a few times and it made him easier to relate to. I find it hard to connect with characters that know everything and can do everything so it's nice when a strong military type can still be seen as human. It took me a little while to connect with Mackenzie and I don't know why! There was just something about her that I didn't like at first, but she grew on me eventually.
One thing I really didn't like about the book is the needless fact that two of the characters find love..... you don't need two guesses to figure out who!! At no stage do they really get to know each other, in point of fact, they are separated for a good portion of the book, yet they love each other. Honestly, it annoyed me and was something that didn't add to the story.
In all though, this was a fun read. It ticked a lot of the boxes for a good creature feature and left me wanting more from the world.
This is the first book I've listened to that's narrated by Michael Lesley and I enjoyed his performance a lot. He had plenty of different tones and voices and gave a good performance, but I felt like he was very slow to read it...I had to amp up the speed to make it bearable, and he paused at odd times. I don't know if it was for effect but it got a bit annoying after a while. Other than that, his performance was good.
September 9, 2021
It's a 3.5 actually.
First I've to say that I started reading this book in german and while I liked the story the writing style was not for me so I changed to the english version which I found out was written a lot better than the german one.
In general I liked the plot and the idea but the characters were far too simple and their relationships between each other were foreseeable from the very start.
The middle part I liked a lot but I can't explain here because I'd spoiler the best thing of this book imo. I'm not sure if there's to be a second part because the end is written the way that there could be one or more sequels which might be interesting.
First I've to say that I started reading this book in german and while I liked the story the writing style was not for me so I changed to the english version which I found out was written a lot better than the german one.
In general I liked the plot and the idea but the characters were far too simple and their relationships between each other were foreseeable from the very start.
The middle part I liked a lot but I can't explain here because I'd spoiler the best thing of this book imo. I'm not sure if there's to be a second part because the end is written the way that there could be one or more sequels which might be interesting.
Read
January 6, 2021Abgebrochen:
Idee war so weit vielversprechend, aber der Schreibstil war mir zu anstrengend. Unnötige Dinge wurden so in die Länge gezogen und dann Sätze, die einfach unvorteilhaft formuliert waren. Die Charaktere gingen noch, aber der Erzähler hat nicht dazu beigetragen, dass man ihnen näher kommt, da wäre die Ich Perspektive viel besser gewesen.
Hab es bei 11% abgebrochen, weil ich keine Lust mehr hatte so viel Geschwafel zu lesen.
Idee war so weit vielversprechend, aber der Schreibstil war mir zu anstrengend. Unnötige Dinge wurden so in die Länge gezogen und dann Sätze, die einfach unvorteilhaft formuliert waren. Die Charaktere gingen noch, aber der Erzähler hat nicht dazu beigetragen, dass man ihnen näher kommt, da wäre die Ich Perspektive viel besser gewesen.
Hab es bei 11% abgebrochen, weil ich keine Lust mehr hatte so viel Geschwafel zu lesen.
May 8, 2020
This was a fun, if a bit stereotypical, adventure set in Madagascar. With shades of Jules Verne's A Journey to the Center of the Earth, a team of scientists finds a world of supposedly extinct animals living inside the Earth. The creatures are not welcoming to visitors. The most interesting part of this book was learning about the actual extinct creatures like the elephant bird and giant fossa.
July 9, 2020
Review to come
February 28, 2019
Fascinating story
Wow! A fascinating story with some wonderful characters. This action packed and at times humorous story was so hard to put down.
Wow! A fascinating story with some wonderful characters. This action packed and at times humorous story was so hard to put down.
February 27, 2025
Originally published on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
Now this is a fun lost world dinosaur story!! 😀 It does not take long to get to the dino action, either. Just a little bit of set up before things start to get crazy! The plot is entertaining and I really loved the 4 main characters. They have great chemistry and are so likable.
The prehistoric wild life is awesome. Lots of giant dinosaurs, killer lemurs, monster mongoose, dragons, and deadly bugs! A huge variety of animals and I’m totally here for all of them! Let’s boop their snoots!! ❤
Dark Island is action packed. The story does slow down a little bit near the 70% mark. Don’t worry, the end ramps the action right back into the stratosphere!
I’m dying to know if there will be a part 2. It feels like the ending totally sets up a series, but I don’t know if there are any plans for more books in this universe? I know I would be down to see these characters again. 😀
Dark Island is such a fun, rampaging dinosaur story. The wildlife has a great variety of prehistoric monsters! Love the action packed plot. This is a delightful dino novel and I really hope it is the start of a series.
Now this is a fun lost world dinosaur story!! 😀 It does not take long to get to the dino action, either. Just a little bit of set up before things start to get crazy! The plot is entertaining and I really loved the 4 main characters. They have great chemistry and are so likable.
The prehistoric wild life is awesome. Lots of giant dinosaurs, killer lemurs, monster mongoose, dragons, and deadly bugs! A huge variety of animals and I’m totally here for all of them! Let’s boop their snoots!! ❤
Dark Island is action packed. The story does slow down a little bit near the 70% mark. Don’t worry, the end ramps the action right back into the stratosphere!
I’m dying to know if there will be a part 2. It feels like the ending totally sets up a series, but I don’t know if there are any plans for more books in this universe? I know I would be down to see these characters again. 😀
Dark Island is such a fun, rampaging dinosaur story. The wildlife has a great variety of prehistoric monsters! Love the action packed plot. This is a delightful dino novel and I really hope it is the start of a series.
January 6, 2019
I found this author on kindle unlimited and I absolutely love his writing. I love reading action packed thrillers/ Indiana Jones on speed genre and his books are non stop action 🤣. This book takes place in Madagascar where evolved prehistoric creatures have stayed hidden under the earths surface until volcanic quakes have allowed them access above ground. Due to several deaths a group of 4 go and investigate. They find a entire ecosystem underground where they are considered the aliens and prey! Love love love !!!
The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the author threw in a love attraction towards the end which I could have done without. And I wish there could have been more on the lost civilization (which it looks like there will be a sequel to this book, The Found World, coming out in the future. Looking forward to reading it!!!
The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the author threw in a love attraction towards the end which I could have done without. And I wish there could have been more on the lost civilization (which it looks like there will be a sequel to this book, The Found World, coming out in the future. Looking forward to reading it!!!
July 25, 2024
The book is an ok lost world/hollow Earth romp, but the writing is some real amateur stuff. There are too many sentences that start with “-ing” words, cardboard characters, and it takes about 1/3 of the book for anything of note to happen and once stuff starts it takes off at a breakneck pace that makes it hard to enjoy or take in what’s happening, which is a real shame because this story had potential otherwise.
Also, not a knock against the book specifically, but the audiobook narrator is atrocious. He randomly starts and stops sentences, puts emphasis on the wrong words, slurs his speech sometimes and frequently treats commas as periods. Do not listen to the audiobook version. Your brain will thank you.
Also, not a knock against the book specifically, but the audiobook narrator is atrocious. He randomly starts and stops sentences, puts emphasis on the wrong words, slurs his speech sometimes and frequently treats commas as periods. Do not listen to the audiobook version. Your brain will thank you.
June 4, 2019
No no no no
i don't even know if this was a good story or not because the narrator butchered it from the very first word...hideous narrating....Matt James what were you thinking allowing this to be released ;(
i don't even know if this was a good story or not because the narrator butchered it from the very first word...hideous narrating....Matt James what were you thinking allowing this to be released ;(
December 15, 2024
One weekend of driving and I've polished another book off my list.
I really enjoyed this one. Once I was midway into it I didn't want to stop for sleep or to chat to my spouse while driving (thankfully he got the hint, lol). I really liked Mack's character...her purpose in the story worked well for me, though it would have helped to have a bit more on what the character wanted out of her distant future rather than the past and the here and now. Ian was relatable at least in the beginning. His turn of thoughts toward the end in regards to Mack were far too quick of a turn for me to enjoy...it didn't feel natural.
I appreciated that the Author didn't have an qualms about beating up our Characters. And made it pretty clear that sometimes their survival really was just lucky. I will say I got a little attached to Babo, I liked him even as a supporting character.
Once the action kicked off in this book things did feel a little rushed. Could have slowed certain parts down a bit more to build the suspense and thrills. But I enjoyed it either way. And will likely read again in the future.
I was pleased with the ending and can't wait for a sequel! I know the paperback and Kindle are already here but I'm hoping to get an Audio version again to continue the experience.
Pros:
Dinosaurs/Prehistoric/Extinct/Hybrid creatures!
Evolution
Hollow Earth Concept
Mystery
Action
Science
Trauma & Death
Cons:
The relationship felt very out of the blue. I understand trauma bonding but this was a bit quick.
Cliffhanger ending
The narrator's way of speaking required headphones. Some parts dipped in tone so much I couldn't hear in my vehicle on the highway. Also occasionally he would alter his voice like mid narration for no reason (POV hadn't changed or anything) and that was a bit jarring, only happened a couple times, may have been mid-recording issues?
There are some sensitive topics in the book that may put off certain readers (not myself)
Not an original concept
I really enjoyed this one. Once I was midway into it I didn't want to stop for sleep or to chat to my spouse while driving (thankfully he got the hint, lol). I really liked Mack's character...her purpose in the story worked well for me, though it would have helped to have a bit more on what the character wanted out of her distant future rather than the past and the here and now. Ian was relatable at least in the beginning. His turn of thoughts toward the end in regards to Mack were far too quick of a turn for me to enjoy...it didn't feel natural.
I appreciated that the Author didn't have an qualms about beating up our Characters. And made it pretty clear that sometimes their survival really was just lucky. I will say I got a little attached to Babo, I liked him even as a supporting character.
Once the action kicked off in this book things did feel a little rushed. Could have slowed certain parts down a bit more to build the suspense and thrills. But I enjoyed it either way. And will likely read again in the future.
I was pleased with the ending and can't wait for a sequel! I know the paperback and Kindle are already here but I'm hoping to get an Audio version again to continue the experience.
Pros:
Dinosaurs/Prehistoric/Extinct/Hybrid creatures!
Evolution
Hollow Earth Concept
Mystery
Action
Science
Trauma & Death
Cons:
The relationship felt very out of the blue. I understand trauma bonding but this was a bit quick.
Cliffhanger ending
The narrator's way of speaking required headphones. Some parts dipped in tone so much I couldn't hear in my vehicle on the highway. Also occasionally he would alter his voice like mid narration for no reason (POV hadn't changed or anything) and that was a bit jarring, only happened a couple times, may have been mid-recording issues?
There are some sensitive topics in the book that may put off certain readers (not myself)
Not an original concept
May 5, 2025
I love creature features and cryptid/dinosaur tales in the modern setting, lost worlds and hollow earth/centre of the earth kind of adventure thrillers. With sprinkling of science and tech the novels engage my imagination. This started from way back when I read Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth and the 20000 leagues series way back in school and today I read a variety of authors who serve fare as diverse as techno-thrillers with ancient myths in the middle by Matthew Reilly, James Rollins, Jeremy Robinson to true blue cryptid tales similar to this like Jurassic Park tales, The Event series, William Meikle, Matt James himself, Russel James and so many others. Sove are very good and some are so so.
Matt drives some very good concepts in his novels but I always feel that he either rushes in too fast or slows down the flow, not hitting the perfect sweet spot for me. It doesn't stop me from reading his books because I like what he thinks but spoils me with conceptual expectations.
Dark Island starts off with a beautiful poignant prologue that sets up the story and I expected this to be a high 4 star if not a 5 star story but down the road the adventure brings in too many elements into the story that could have come in spurts and as follow-up books, maybe a trilogy, a series with the worldbuilding more detailed having invested a lot in the characters with possible back stories and chance for more adventure. By cramming so much into one 200 odd page novel, the story started to drag and overwhelm. For a reader like me who reads 25-30 books simultaneously without breaking a sweat, if this seems to assail my senses then for the casual reader it may be too much information.
Despite this I loved the story, the prologue hit me in my gut and the final set-piece stand-off was imaginative and would look great on the screen.
I would like to read the lead characters here and the team making other appearances in follow-up novels.
I just found out that a follow-up novel released late last year. I missed its release.
Also good to know that it will be a trilogy.
Matt drives some very good concepts in his novels but I always feel that he either rushes in too fast or slows down the flow, not hitting the perfect sweet spot for me. It doesn't stop me from reading his books because I like what he thinks but spoils me with conceptual expectations.
Dark Island starts off with a beautiful poignant prologue that sets up the story and I expected this to be a high 4 star if not a 5 star story but down the road the adventure brings in too many elements into the story that could have come in spurts and as follow-up books, maybe a trilogy, a series with the worldbuilding more detailed having invested a lot in the characters with possible back stories and chance for more adventure. By cramming so much into one 200 odd page novel, the story started to drag and overwhelm. For a reader like me who reads 25-30 books simultaneously without breaking a sweat, if this seems to assail my senses then for the casual reader it may be too much information.
Despite this I loved the story, the prologue hit me in my gut and the final set-piece stand-off was imaginative and would look great on the screen.
I would like to read the lead characters here and the team making other appearances in follow-up novels.
I just found out that a follow-up novel released late last year. I missed its release.
Also good to know that it will be a trilogy.
April 14, 2021
Ich mag diese Abenteuerromane aus dem Luzifer-Verlag und auch »Dark Island« von Matt James ist genau mein Geschmack, denn Menschen gegen Dinosaurier, das geht einfach nie ohne Leichen ab – wobei sich die in diesem Buch in Grenzen halten.
Erzählt wird die Geschichte von Ian, der nie über den Tod seiner Frau hinweggekommen ist, für den er sogar im Gefängnis saß, weil ihm niemand glauben wollte, wer seine Frau wirklich umgebracht hat. Sonderlich begeistert ist er daher nicht, als er von Mack engagiert wird, sie zu der Stelle zu bringen, an der damals alles so furchtbar schiefging. Ian will zuerst ablehnen, begleitet die Journalistin dann allerdings doch, unterstützt von seinem besten Freund, einem Söldner und jeder Menge Waffen.
Nicht, dass ihnen die viel nützen, denn als die vier feststellen, womit sie es zu tun haben, das nachts um ihr Lager schleicht, ist es schon zu spät und wenig später wird die Gruppe auch noch getrennt und muss sich in Zweiterteams durch einen urzeitlichen Dschungel schlagen, in dem sogar Käfer zur tödlichen Gefahr werden.
Es ist ein Wechsel zwischen beiden Gruppen und keiner der vier kommt ohne Blessuren davon. Kein Wunder, wenn man vor Urzeitviechern und sogar einer Art Drachen gejagt wird. Die Story ist spannend erzählt, man kommt kaum zum Luft holen, daher bleiben die Charaktere auch recht blass, bieten aber zumindest genug Ansatzfläche, um sie zu mögen – oder auch nicht.
Fazit: Solche Bücher muss man mögen, denn außer einer Hetzjagd und ein bisschen angedeutete Romantik gibt es nicht viel Inhalt. Mir machen sie trotzdem Spaß und ich werde bei Gelegenheit nachschauen, was der Autor sonst noch veröffentlicht hat.
Erzählt wird die Geschichte von Ian, der nie über den Tod seiner Frau hinweggekommen ist, für den er sogar im Gefängnis saß, weil ihm niemand glauben wollte, wer seine Frau wirklich umgebracht hat. Sonderlich begeistert ist er daher nicht, als er von Mack engagiert wird, sie zu der Stelle zu bringen, an der damals alles so furchtbar schiefging. Ian will zuerst ablehnen, begleitet die Journalistin dann allerdings doch, unterstützt von seinem besten Freund, einem Söldner und jeder Menge Waffen.
Nicht, dass ihnen die viel nützen, denn als die vier feststellen, womit sie es zu tun haben, das nachts um ihr Lager schleicht, ist es schon zu spät und wenig später wird die Gruppe auch noch getrennt und muss sich in Zweiterteams durch einen urzeitlichen Dschungel schlagen, in dem sogar Käfer zur tödlichen Gefahr werden.
Es ist ein Wechsel zwischen beiden Gruppen und keiner der vier kommt ohne Blessuren davon. Kein Wunder, wenn man vor Urzeitviechern und sogar einer Art Drachen gejagt wird. Die Story ist spannend erzählt, man kommt kaum zum Luft holen, daher bleiben die Charaktere auch recht blass, bieten aber zumindest genug Ansatzfläche, um sie zu mögen – oder auch nicht.
Fazit: Solche Bücher muss man mögen, denn außer einer Hetzjagd und ein bisschen angedeutete Romantik gibt es nicht viel Inhalt. Mir machen sie trotzdem Spaß und ich werde bei Gelegenheit nachschauen, was der Autor sonst noch veröffentlicht hat.
March 27, 2020
This book started out a bit slow but I must say I really really enjoyed the book. I read this book through my Kindle Unlimited account but it is one book I definitely plan to add to my permanent collection of ebooks. Seriously hope there is a follow up book, though the book does not end on a cliffhanger, it is left open to the possibility of a future book. Can only say I wish the book was longer, had more story as i just liked it that much and just plain want more.
Definitely recommend this book
I will say I’m somewhat confused about the complaints people have about this book. I’m rather, let us say opinionated about bad writing and editing. To put it mildly! There definitely quite a few grammatical errors or wrong words or extra words used through out the book but is still readable. I saw minimal strange punctuation. Italics is used when referencing specific names, terms, emphasis or internalized thoughts and fairly consistent throughout. Normal use of italics in most books I come across, fiction and nonfiction, and definitely does not detract from the book in any way I can see. And contrary to some very dense and possibly uneducated people who apparently know nothing of human nature, it is VERY common for people in stressful situations to make jokes and sarcastic comment or even have heightened emotional reactions to others. Is called a Coping Mechanism and is well documented! They might want to actually look up what they claim is realistic.
Anyways, like I said, fun book. Give it a try.
Definitely recommend this book
I will say I’m somewhat confused about the complaints people have about this book. I’m rather, let us say opinionated about bad writing and editing. To put it mildly! There definitely quite a few grammatical errors or wrong words or extra words used through out the book but is still readable. I saw minimal strange punctuation. Italics is used when referencing specific names, terms, emphasis or internalized thoughts and fairly consistent throughout. Normal use of italics in most books I come across, fiction and nonfiction, and definitely does not detract from the book in any way I can see. And contrary to some very dense and possibly uneducated people who apparently know nothing of human nature, it is VERY common for people in stressful situations to make jokes and sarcastic comment or even have heightened emotional reactions to others. Is called a Coping Mechanism and is well documented! They might want to actually look up what they claim is realistic.
Anyways, like I said, fun book. Give it a try.
January 11, 2025
This started out a 5 star review. I loved the storyline and adventure. But three fourth through the book, it got too kitchy and far fetched. Even Ian's character was nothing like who he was. The whole instalove with someone you just met while still grieving your wife was in the wrong moment. who's gonna be all kissy kissy when you are injured so badly and running for your life? If it would've happened afterwards it might have been better. I sort of liked Nash better in the end and was hoping Mac would go for him. If not for all that, it would've been wonderful.
December 6, 2018
4 Star's
Ian and his wife Abigail are attacked in Madagascar by dino like birds. Ian survives but loses Abigail. 10 years later Nat. Geo. reporter Mackenzie Moore comes to Madagascar to search for proof of the creatures. She hires a reluctant Ian as her guide and the adventure begins.
Slow starting but pace picks up and gets better. A little like Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Ian and his wife Abigail are attacked in Madagascar by dino like birds. Ian survives but loses Abigail. 10 years later Nat. Geo. reporter Mackenzie Moore comes to Madagascar to search for proof of the creatures. She hires a reluctant Ian as her guide and the adventure begins.
Slow starting but pace picks up and gets better. A little like Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.
November 16, 2019
Despite some pedestrian opening paragraphs in the prologue, the story picks itself up and takes off. Great action and pacing. I especially liked the Mack character and her banter with Ian and Nash. Reminded me a little of James Rollins' first novel, SUBTERRANEAN. Editing could be better as others have cited and there seemed to be some fundamental confusion about rounds/shells/cartridges in the gun descriptions.
August 14, 2023
Entertaining read
I enjoyed this book. A very new and original take on Verne's "Journey to the center of the earth". That being said... it's in desperate need of a good editor. So much so that there are whole sentences that don't make sense. I'm very surprised it made it to publishing in this condition. Readable, yes, but it's not as good as some of the other reviews made it to be.
I enjoyed this book. A very new and original take on Verne's "Journey to the center of the earth". That being said... it's in desperate need of a good editor. So much so that there are whole sentences that don't make sense. I'm very surprised it made it to publishing in this condition. Readable, yes, but it's not as good as some of the other reviews made it to be.
April 24, 2024
Dark Island
I got this one because of the description and the cool cover art (helicopter in case y'all have a different version). I really enjoyed the adventure, the action really never slowed down much. No sexual scenes, yay, just some cuddles and kisses. I'm surprised no one was yelling about killing the ancient species, most of these plots include at least one misguided soul that gets eaten, but that tired device wasn't used here. Really a fun read.
I got this one because of the description and the cool cover art (helicopter in case y'all have a different version). I really enjoyed the adventure, the action really never slowed down much. No sexual scenes, yay, just some cuddles and kisses. I'm surprised no one was yelling about killing the ancient species, most of these plots include at least one misguided soul that gets eaten, but that tired device wasn't used here. Really a fun read.
February 15, 2019
Page turner
Wow, scary. I was reading this book. Really into the scene. Mack and Nash was hiding in a tree. They heard rustling around them. They heard the monster behind them. The suspense is exciting.
Then, A nurse came up silently and touched my arm. I almost had a heart attack.
Loved the characters and storyline.
Wow, scary. I was reading this book. Really into the scene. Mack and Nash was hiding in a tree. They heard rustling around them. They heard the monster behind them. The suspense is exciting.
Then, A nurse came up silently and touched my arm. I almost had a heart attack.
Loved the characters and storyline.
July 15, 2020
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The premise was good, but I had hard time pushing thru. At times it was as if the characters repeated their thoughts and/or ideas which made me question my sanity. Found myself skipping parts just to get to the end.
All in all not a horrible book, maybe something I would have read while traveling and not for my daily hobby.
All in all not a horrible book, maybe something I would have read while traveling and not for my daily hobby.
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