Smilodon

Alan Nayes

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love creature features, wilderness thrillers, or stories where nature fights back, Smilodon is for you! This suspenseful adventure combines a prehistoric predator on the loose with sharp social commentary on human greed and environmental destruction. The tense atmosphere, vivid Idaho setting, and relentless cat-and-mouse action make for a chilling, engrossing read - especially on a cold, stormy night. Fans of Michael Crichton or classic 'Jaws'-style tales (but with fangs!) will especially enjoy this wild ride.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Readers looking for scientific realism or deeply original character types might find themselves rolling their eyes. If you dislike gory animal attacks, slow-building suspense or familiar tropes (think hunters, flawed heroes, arrogant businessmen), you might not find this book as engaging. Some also felt the pacing dragged in parts and were not fans of a divisive epilogue or character choices that seemed set up for a sequel rather than story logic.

A fun, atmospheric thriller where a saber-toothed cat chews more than scenery - perfect for fans of eco-horror and animal-attack adventures, as long as you don’t mind some familiar tropes and a little blood along the way.

About:

'Smilodon' by Alan Nayes is a thrilling novel set in modern-day Idaho, where a fearsome saber-toothed cat has inexplicably reappeared and is wreaking havoc by feasting on large game, livestock, and even humans. The story unfolds with well-crafted characters, including a brave tracker and a wildlife biologist, who are determined to capture or kill the dangerous predator before more lives are lost. The plot is filled with excitement, suspense, and a touch of horror that keeps readers engaged from the first chapter to the last. Nayes skillfully weaves a tale of human greed, nature's wrath, and the ultimate battle for survival in the wilderness.

The writing style of 'Smilodon' is described as gripping, engaging, and well-paced, with intense stalking and hunting scenes that showcase Nayes' knowledge of hunting, firearms, and the Idaho setting. The novel addresses themes of environmental conservation, human impact on habitats, and the consequences of greed, all while delivering a thrilling and action-packed story that leaves readers on the edge of their seats.

Characters:

Characters are a mix of relatable and flawed individuals responding to the central threat, contributing to the story's tension and emotional impact.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and descriptive, maintaining tension while allowing the reader to appreciate the wilderness and characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on the resurrection of a prehistoric creature in Idaho, emphasizing themes of environmental degradation and human greed, with significant events linked to severe weather.

Setting:

The setting is vividly described, focusing on the Idaho wilderness and the encroachment of human development.

Pacing:

Pacing starts slow and builds towards a thrilling conclusion, balancing setup with action.

He started down the thirty-degree decline, careful to avoid any uneven ground that might cause a slip or fall. The rifle slung to one shoulder gave him whatever confidence he required to protect what ...

Notes:

Smilodon is a novel about a saber-toothed cat that reappears in modern Idaho after being extinct for about 10,000 years.

The story explores themes of human greed and the destruction of natural habitats.

The main character, Norah, is a wildlife biologist who wants to capture the Smilodon alive, contrasting her views with other characters who prioritize human safety.

Severe weather plays a significant role in the story, marking the beginning and end with catastrophic storms.

The narrative features strong symmetry, including emotional reactions over time connected to the Smilodon.

Characters in the novel are depicted as flawed, highlighting various human traits and moral dilemmas.

The presence of the Smilodon leads to a series of bloody events, reminiscent of a 'Jaws' storyline but with a feline predator.

Nayes skillfully builds tension through well-crafted hunting scenes and character development.

The pacing is noted to be slow, with surprises and excitement concentrated in the last few chapters.

Some readers noted that the epilogue may leave questions unanswered, hinting at potential sequels.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Smilodon include graphic violence and animal death, which may be distressing for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Jason Bristol, ex-prize fighter and expert animal tracker, and part-time drunk, teams up with beautiful wildlife biologist Norah Phelps as they pursue a man-eating predator that threatens to derail her father's prize real estate development project in north central Idaho.

Against the majestic pristine backdrop of Idaho's Bitterroot Wilderness Area, the adventure unfolds. Jason, with Norah's assistance, soon discovers the ghosts of his past are nothing compared to the battle he's undertaken.

Smilodon. A saber-toothed cat. He's angry, he's frightened, he's hungry, and he's 12,000 years from home!

SMILODON 75,000 words or about 300 pages

Alan Nayes is the author of the spellbinding sci-fi apocalyptic series, The Resurrection Trilogy (GARGOYLES, PLAGUE, RESURRECTION), and the giant cat thriller, SMILODON. His most recent release is ABOMINABLE. For a complete list of all his books, please visit anayes.com.

October 2011

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236 pages

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