Jared Sandman

Despite knowing I was probably going to be mad while reading this book, I did it anyway. I needed something light and dumb after reading Kindred, and I don't know that you can get much further from that book than this one.

And ohhh, did this book deliver on the stupidity. I took some notes while reading to try to document the scientific inaccuracies and general mistakes, and I think I started to go crazy. Reading through these notes, I see myself starting to lose it as the book goes on. There is a lot of cursing. So why did I finish it despite wanting to throw it multiple times while reading? I can't even give a good answer to that.

I would highly, highly recommend that you skip this one if you want to keep your brain cells.… (más)

Read the full review on Smash Attack Reads! http://www.smashattackreads.com/2011/07/blogbuster-tour-dreamland-by-jared.html

The author contacted me to be a part of his Blogbuster tour. After reading the synopsis for Dreamland, I decided to give it a shot. I am not a major Sci-Fi reader - though there are some gems in the genre – but I’m always up for a challenge. This book was interesting and entertaining, and a pretty quick read, so I’m glad I said yes.

We first meet recovering alcoholic Derek White at an AA meeting. On his way home, he witnesses something he should not have: extraterrestrial activity. Derek promptly records the evidence on a video camera and snaps some pictures. The next day, Derek is visited by the Men in Black. These MIBs mean business, and will stop at nothing to silence threats. Derek doesn’t take their warning seriously though, and as a night time radio host, decides to share his experience with his listeners. The story really gets interesting after this event.

Derek’s life is turned upside down and inside out as he stays one step ahead of the MIBs in his search for the truth. Despite the threat to his family and his sanity, Derek remains strong in his quest for answers. With all of his flaws, Derek turned out to be a pretty admirable guy. I’m a sucker for the flawed character, being a social worker. I always try to find the good in people.

I really enjoyed where the book went and how it ended. It was very appropriate and expected. The real world is full of believers of alien life. The mindset and actions of the government agency in this book were pretty realistic should someone witness something they should not. You would expect the government to try and silence the witnesses at any cost, or at least, I would. We hear tons of conspiracy theories about government cover ups, and this fast-paced, action-packed thriller is a seemingly believable account of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Of course, this is completely subjective, and the reader will determine for themselves if they agree.… (más)

Leviathan by Jared Sandman is a thrilling novel. The main setting of this novel takes place in the Atlantic Ocean. This is where the mysterious creature with a voracious appetite lurks in the water. Two people are out searching for this mysterious creature for very different reasons. The hunt is on but who is hunting whom?
Leviathan has some very interesting characters in it. Oscar Wright is a multi-millionaire searching for the Leviathan. He believes the Leviathan is the same creature mentioned in the book of Job. Oscar would like nothing better than murdering the creature to smite God. He is out for vengeance and he won't let anything get in his way. Oscar is a cantankerous human being. The only person he seems to care about is himself. He does not hesitate to manipulate and sabotage Kelly Andrews. Kelly Andrews is a scientist. She's searching for the sea creature not to destroy it but to study it. Kelly makes some pretty risky choices along the way. She's willing to take the chance to get close to the sea monster. I like Kelly's character. She frustrated me at times with the crazy choices she made. She's driven by passion and like Oscar she's not going to let anything get in her way. In a way Kelly and Oscar's characters mirror each other. They are in a cut throat competition to get to the creature first.
I would also consider the Leviathan a character in this novel. The Leviathan is as mysterious as the ocean it lives in. There are many questions that surround this creature such as: Why is it here? Where did it come from? Is it going to eat me? The Leviathan seems to be an intelligent animal that is at the top of the food chain. Jared Sandman did a great job with making the Leviathan as realistic as possible.
The storyline in this book is a whirlwind of suspense. It has some exciting, action packed scenes. I really enjoyed reading Leviathan. I found myself lost in this race to capture this unique creature.
This is definitely what I would consider to be a page turner. Jared Sandman does a great job describing each scene to make you feel like you're part of the book. If you like action and adventure with a bit of science fiction thrown in, I would recommend this book. The next time I go to the beach I'm going to try not to think about the Leviathan. This book is fiction but still, you never know what's out there.… (más)