Reviews

The Intruders by Brian Pinkerton

zarco_j's review

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2.0

This had promise, but ultimately failed to deliver.

The story, while slightly intriguing was not original at all. I know that everything has been done by someone at some point in time but this seemed like a direct rip off of Invasion of the Bodysnatchers.

The characters were bland and I found I didn't care for any of them at all, it's like they were just going through the motions and the writer had no real plans for any of them.

jayfr's review

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2.0

This had promise, but ultimately failed to deliver.

The story, while slightly intriguing was not original at all. I know that everything has been done by someone at some point in time but this seemed like a direct rip off of Invasion of the Bodysnatchers.

The characters were bland and I found I didn't care for any of them at all, it's like they were just going through the motions and the writer had no real plans for any of them.

jkellyjr's review

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3.0

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! (Dr. Seuss) ----- Unless, of course, you are not…

Book Information

The Intruders was written by Brian Pinkerton. It’s due to be published on April 25, 2023 and is 256 pages. Brian Pinkerton is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fiction in the suspense, thriller, mystery, and horror genres. Thanks to Flame Tree Press for providing me with an advance reader copy for review.

Summary

Greg Garrett returns from a business trip to his quiet home in Engles, Indiana. It’s a bit too quiet, however, as his wife and kids are nowhere to be found. Greg hears things, and thinks maybe he sees things…but he can’t be sure. Other people begin to disappear. There are reports of a silverish rain falling in small, distinct areas. Strange plants grow and insects attack.

Something very strange is going on in Engles. Something that could threaten the entire world.

My Thoughts

I’m warming up my synthesizer to play the 5 notes from Invasion of the Body Snatchers. After that, maybe some music from The Walking Dead or The X-Flies.

This is a relatively fast-moving book (though repetitive in some parts, especially toward the beginning). While we have a pretty good idea of what is going on from a macro perspective, the details are revealed at a decent pace—certainly enough to keep the reader interested. It’s an interesting twist on a common premise and a fun read. While the premise and prose are good, the characters are not as developed as they might be—this leads to a lack of investment in them (at least for me). I didn’t dislike the main characters, but I also didn’t bond with them, so I felt like I was passively watching the story unfold versus being wrapped up in it and rooting for the protagonists.

Overall—a fun beach read kind of book.

Recommendation

If you like aliens, ghosts, bugs, zombies (kinda), and baseball hat-wearing conspiracy theorists—give The Intruders a try.

Rating

3 Yellow Fungus Egg Stars

emeraldreviews's review

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4.0

The Intruders is an out of this world, apocalyptic vision of alien invasion!

The most frightening aspect of this book is the fact that the invasion doesn't take place with advanced weaponry ending in a military vs military end of life as we know it… it is an invasion of our bodies, an abduction of consciousness, an assault on our mental health. Brian Pinkerton brings us a unique story which is brimming with weird situations not normally associated with extra-terrestrial activity.

The Intruders starts off as more of a mystery/paranormal novel which hints towards aliens…as the story continues, it transitions more towards aliens as the characters discover more pieces to the puzzle.

The characters themselves are rich and varied. Each of them bring their own quirks to the story and are different enough from each other that you will find connection with at least one of them.

All in all The Intruders is a terrific entry into the sci-fi paranormal genre that fans will love to read. A story with a surprising amount of heart and humanity at its core. This novel is definitely worth a read!

gays0up's review

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

grimdreadful's review

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

2.5

2.5 stars - it was okay.

This is described as The Invasion of the Body Snachers movie (which I haven't watched in well over two decades, so naturally I watched it right after reading The Intruders.) The base of The intruders story is basically The Invasion of the Body Snackers. Same, Same but different with added bits and pieces of a new story.

There were several parts of the story I really enjoyed but they were only briefly mentioned, I wish they were expended on more. it would make it more scary, and add to the horror element. I also didn't care to much about what happens to the characters, some felt boring and a lot seemed not developed enough. I didn't find myself rooting for anyone, other than the dog. 

Overall, an intresting read nonetheless. If you loved watching Xfiles then you might enjoy this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flame Tree Press, and Brian Pinkerton for sharing the digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my authentic review.

prettyinpapercuts's review

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2.0

UGH - despite this book including one of my most very favorite things on the earth (I feel like I shouldn't get too detailed about it for the sake of future readers), I thought this was so surface level, it was hard to connect with.
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