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A review by topdragon
The Anomaly by Michael Rutger
5.0
Nolan Moore leads a team of four TV web series production crew members in an effort to retrace the path of an explorer from 1909 who made an important but mysterious discovery of a cave high up in the rock strata of the Grand Canyon. Nolan’s crew hopes to ramp up their reputation of chasing after strange conspiracy theory anomalies and turn this potential find into ratings gold and hopefully an actual TV network program. Thus, they allow a journalist and a rep for their corporate sponsor along for the journey making for a complete party of six.
When, against all odds, they actually find the rumored cave and manage to climb to its entrance (filming their documentary along the way) it remains only to discover what, exactly, lies deep within. Could there be ancient bones from human tribes that heretofore were not known to exist in North America? Could there be some sort of long lost knowledge or treasure? Could there even be evidence of alien technology? Rumors have run the gamut for years, but this production crew was about to find out…and capture it on film.
I won’t spoil anything but most of this thriller novel is devoted to what they find and how they deal with it. In essence it becomes a story of survival. The author, Michael Rutger is actually the pen name for [a:Michael Marshall Smith|12339|Michael Marshall Smith|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1331399592p2/12339.jpg] (Michael Marshall), novelist, short story writer and screen writer. I didn’t know this while reading the book but about half way through I remember thinking that reading this book was like watching an action-packed blockbuster movie. He certainly subscribes to the ol’ author’s tactic of putting their characters in jeopardy time and again, and just when they’ve had all they can take…make things really go bad.
It was awesome!
Now, I’ve read a few thousand books before this one, and many in this sort of genre, and so I feel like I’ve been through just about everything conceivable as far as what could possibly be waiting for this group of characters in that damn cave. But this was unique. And that was just one of several twists and surprises that awaited me. The whole plot is very well thought out and the writing is superb. Since the story is told via Nolan’s first person POV, it all unfolds on a deeply personal level. Above all, I thought the pacing was spot on. For a novel like this, pacing is crucial. That’s not something that is easily done, and even veteran authors sometimes fumble in this regard. There is a lot of humor throughout the book as characters interact with one another, much of it as a way to deal with what transpires. There are also some really scary scenes and one in particular that will be nesting in the back of my mind for many days to come.
Even though this novel won't be published until June 2018, rumor has it that a major production company has already preemptively acquired the film rights, with at least one major director potentially attached. That happens sometimes and often nothing comes of it. But this one seems to me like the real deal. Of course, they haven't asked my opinion yet.
This novel really surprised me and I’m very glad I took a chance on it. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Goodreads and to the publisher for letting me have a chance to read and review the book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
When, against all odds, they actually find the rumored cave and manage to climb to its entrance (filming their documentary along the way) it remains only to discover what, exactly, lies deep within. Could there be ancient bones from human tribes that heretofore were not known to exist in North America? Could there be some sort of long lost knowledge or treasure? Could there even be evidence of alien technology? Rumors have run the gamut for years, but this production crew was about to find out…and capture it on film.
I won’t spoil anything but most of this thriller novel is devoted to what they find and how they deal with it. In essence it becomes a story of survival. The author, Michael Rutger is actually the pen name for [a:Michael Marshall Smith|12339|Michael Marshall Smith|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1331399592p2/12339.jpg] (Michael Marshall), novelist, short story writer and screen writer. I didn’t know this while reading the book but about half way through I remember thinking that reading this book was like watching an action-packed blockbuster movie. He certainly subscribes to the ol’ author’s tactic of putting their characters in jeopardy time and again, and just when they’ve had all they can take…make things really go bad.
It was awesome!
Now, I’ve read a few thousand books before this one, and many in this sort of genre, and so I feel like I’ve been through just about everything conceivable as far as what could possibly be waiting for this group of characters in that damn cave. But this was unique. And that was just one of several twists and surprises that awaited me. The whole plot is very well thought out and the writing is superb. Since the story is told via Nolan’s first person POV, it all unfolds on a deeply personal level. Above all, I thought the pacing was spot on. For a novel like this, pacing is crucial. That’s not something that is easily done, and even veteran authors sometimes fumble in this regard. There is a lot of humor throughout the book as characters interact with one another, much of it as a way to deal with what transpires. There are also some really scary scenes and one in particular that will be nesting in the back of my mind for many days to come.
Even though this novel won't be published until June 2018, rumor has it that a major production company has already preemptively acquired the film rights, with at least one major director potentially attached. That happens sometimes and often nothing comes of it. But this one seems to me like the real deal. Of course, they haven't asked my opinion yet.
This novel really surprised me and I’m very glad I took a chance on it. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Goodreads and to the publisher for letting me have a chance to read and review the book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.