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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.

If you liked Smilodon, here are the top 40 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 40 
  1. #1

    Altar of Eden by James Rollins
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    A fun, fast-paced genetic thriller that reads like a blockbuster movie - perfect for science fiction and adventure fans, but maybe not for those craving literary depth or Rollins' Sigma Force crew.

    Altar of Eden by James Rollins is a fast-paced and thrilling techno-thriller that delves into the world of genetic engineering of animals and humans. The plot centers around a clandestine government project to design bioweapons through genetic manipulation, leading to a series of suspenseful events involving a shipwreck, exotic animals with disturbing abnormalities, and a mysterious island with nightmarish dimensions. The story unfolds with a mix of adventure, science, and conspiracy, as the characters navigate through a world of genetic experimentation and scientific mysteries, all while facing danger and intrigue.

    The writing style of Altar of Eden is described as well-written, with well-developed characters that engage the readers in the story. The book is praised for its fast pace, unexpected twists and turns, and the ability to keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The author, James Rollins, combines complex scientific concepts with an exciting plot, creating a narrative that is both engaging and informative, drawing readers into a world of genetic experimentation, suspense, and high-stakes action.

    The Bronco crushed through the debris left by the hurricane and bounced off yet another hole. Lorna nearly hit the roof of the cabin. The car slid to the left on the wet road. She eased off the accele...
    2007
    559 pages

  2. #2

    The Shadow Killer by Matthew Scott Hansen
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    The Shadow Killer by Matthew Scott Hansen is a gripping novel that delves into the terrifying world of Bigfoot encounters. The story follows a man driven by a haunting past encounter with a Sasquatch, whose obsession with finding the creature puts his family's support at risk. Teaming up with a Native American film icon, a Sheriff, and a pushy news reporter, the protagonist embarks on a dangerous mission to track down the vengeful and intelligent Sasquatch wreaking havoc in Western Washington. With a blend of subplots and twists, Hansen keeps readers on edge as the story escalates towards a near apocalyptic ending, offering a unique perspective on the creature's emotions and thought processes.

    Hansen's writing style expertly combines elements of thriller, horror, and suspense, creating a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Through well-developed characters and a relentless pace, the author explores the darker side of Bigfoot mythology, challenging conventional beliefs and introducing a formidable antagonist in the form of an 11-foot-tall, 1400-pound Sasquatch with cognitive thinking akin to a human serial killer. The Shadow Killer is not just a typical Sasquatch story but a complex tale of revenge, survival, and the blurred lines between man and monster.

    Had you asked him when he rolled out of bed that morning, Joe Wylie wasn’t even remotely thinking about being first at anything. Being first had always eluded Joe—in birth order, in school, with women...
    January 2007
    446 pages

  3. #3

    Fatalis by Jeff Rovin
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    The bobcat moved slowly through the cool, shallow mountain stream. His stocky torso swayed easily between four heavily muscled limbs, his head slung low between powerful shoulders. The cat's large paw...

    When an ancient fissure is jolted in the hills above Los Angeles, the giant cats-in suspended animation since ancient time-awake. And then the deaths begin, attributed at first to the modern hazards of setting up a rich and teeming metropolis so clos

    ...
    June 2000
    363 pages

  4. #4

    Mannheim Rex by Robert Pobi
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    A gripping, character-rich thriller with a dash of horror - perfect if you like your monsters as complex as your heroes, but not for those wanting nonstop scares.

    A grieving horror writer, Gavin, moves to a peaceful town after the death of his wife and befriends Finn, a wheelchair-bound boy with a terminal illness. Together, they embark on a mission to hunt down a monstrous creature that has plagued the community. The book intricately weaves together themes of friendship, loss, and redemption, with a mix of horror and suspense that keeps the readers on edge.

    The story unfolds in a small American town called New Mannheim, where unlikely friendships are formed, secrets are uncovered, and the presence of both a lake monster and a psychopathic sheriff adds layers of complexity to the plot. As the characters navigate through grief, fear, and danger, the book delves into the human psyche, showcasing strength, resilience, and the power of connection amidst darkness and chaos.

    Frank Knechtel swiveled his head in the direction of the approaching storm. He took off the battered gold Ray-Bans and squinted into the ugly mass of clouds, trying to get a feel for her vitals; he ha...
    November 2012
    513 pages

  5. #5

    The Flock by James Robert Smith
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    A delightfully over-the-top, fast-paced monster romp - unapologetically silly, but wildly entertaining if you’re in it for the fun.

    'The Flock' by James Robert Smith is a fast-paced and entertaining novel that delves into a world where a highly intelligent and extinct species known as The Flock must navigate the encroachment of expanding suburbia into their hunting grounds. The story follows the conflict between the Berg Brothers, who want to expand their development into the wilderness, and billionaire environmentalist Vance Holcomb, who opposes their plans. As the suspense builds with the mysterious disappearances of household pets, the narrative unfolds to explore themes of survival, territoriality, and the clash between nature and human development.

    The writing style in 'The Flock' has been described as clumsy, labored, and artless by some readers, with amateurish and ungrammatical elements present throughout the book. Despite these criticisms, the novel offers a unique and creative premise, blending elements of science fantasy with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained.

    The Flock was out in the Sun. It had been a long time since they had moved in daylight. But this occasion required such a measure. They could not fail. Scattering in the tall grass, flashing between t...
    October 2006
    374 pages

  6. #6

    The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas
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    Moody, smart, and spooky - The Paleontologist is a unique supernatural mystery that's perfect for fans of eerie museums, slow-burn horror, and ghostly dino drama, though the pacing and pandemic themes won't be everyone's cup of tea.

    The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas tells the story of Simon, a new leader in a small hometown museum, who is dealing with his sister's mysterious disappearance. The plot unfolds in a museum plagued by isolation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Simon delves into the handwritten diaries of his predecessor, he uncovers a blood-soaked mystery tangled with supernatural elements, hinting at ghostly dinosaurs from 150 million years ago. The book interweaves layers of suspense and humor through unique characters and unexpected twists, making it a thrilling read despite its slow beginning.

    The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, capturing the eerie feeling of a haunted museum during a quiet pandemic. The descriptions of various dinosaurs and the protagonist's struggles with reality enhance the narrative's tension. Although some readers found the pacing slow and the themes surrounding COVID somewhat distracting, others appreciated the depth and humor woven into the layers of mystery. Overall, Dumas's novel offers a heartfelt exploration of grief and the fantastical, appealing to fans of dinosaur lore and haunting tales.

    Sixty-six million years after the asteroid Chicxulub slammed into the Yucatán Peninsula and set in motion the extinction of three quarters of life on Earth, Dr. Simon Nealy turned his gaze toward the...
    October 2023
    364 pages

  7. #7

    Mastodon by Steve Stred
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    A fast, wild ride through the creepy woods filled with monsters, blood, and government secrets. Imperfect but highly atmospheric, "Mastodon" is a must for monster horror fans looking for thrills over answers.

    "Mastodon" by Steve Stred is a fast-paced and chilling creature feature with a twist, where the main character, Tyler, sets out to uncover the mystery behind his dad's small airplane crash in the dark, isolated woods. As Tyler delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters giant predatory animals, military secrets, and horrifying scientific experiments that blur the line between humans and animals. The story unfolds with suspenseful pacing, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the eerie and unsettling forest filled with unknown dangers.

    January 2022
    234 pages

  8. #8

    CLAW: A Canadian Thriller by Katie Berry
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    A fun, high-energy creature thriller with big scares and plenty of monster carnage, wrapped in a slightly cheesy package. Great for horror fans seeking escapism, but less so for those craving tight editing and realism.

    'CLAW: A Canadian Thriller' by Katie Berry is a gripping tale set in a small mountain town in British Columbia, where a series of attacks by prehistoric animals unfold after an earthquake hits the region. The story follows a female Conservation Officer and two male city road and maintenance animal control employees as they navigate through the chaos caused by the deadly creatures. The author skillfully builds suspense and unease, leading to intense action scenes that keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

    The book is praised for its well-written action scenes, detailed descriptions of character deaths, and the way it presents a thrilling storyline with monstrous creatures coming to life amidst a severe Canadian winter. The narrative keeps the readers engaged with a roller coaster of events, corrupt politicians, and businessmen adding to the tension, making it a compelling and enjoyable read.

    The towering bonfire crackled in the centre of the large clearing, the fresh-cut firewood drying out as it burned. Huge plumes of smoke billowed into the cold night air, blending with the thick fog th...
    November 2019
    546 pages

  9. #9

    Carnosaur by Harry Adam Knight (John Brosnan)
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    A bloody, unapologetically pulpy dino thriller that’s a guilty pleasure for creature-feature lovers - but not for those seeking subtlety or depth.

    'Carnosaur' by Harry Adam Knight (John Brosnan) is a fast-paced and gory dinosaur sci-fi horror novel that captivates readers with its thrilling plot and detailed descriptions of dinosaur attacks. The story revolves around a madman illegally cloning dinosaurs from chicken eggs, leading to chaos and carnage in a town as the prehistoric creatures wreak havoc. As the suspense builds up and the body count rises, a group of characters, including determined reporters and a hero named David Pascal, must confront the terrifying dinosaurs and uncover the truth behind the mayhem.

    The writing style of 'Carnosaur' is praised for its brisk pace, suspenseful storytelling, and graphic details, making it a gripping and entertaining read. features a large body count, gory scenes, and some graphic moments, which add to the horror and intensity of the narrative. Additionally, the book delves into themes of violence, cloning, and the consequences of scientific experimentation gone wrong, offering a unique and thrilling take on the dinosaur genre.

    Des Cartwright tried to ignore his wife’s hand tugging on his shoulder. He wanted desperately to sink back down into his sleep. He’d been having a wonderful dream and being wrenched out of it was almo...
    1984
    223 pages

  10. #10

    Subterranean by James Rollins
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    A wildly imaginative, fast-paced adventure that puts a fun, modern twist on an old-school tale - perfect for escapism, as long as you’re ready to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.

    Subterranean by James Rollins is a fantastical thriller set in Antarctica, where a team of scientists explores caves under a volcano and discovers new species of animals, plants, rocks, and humans. The story is filled with action, suspense, and danger as the team faces off against the mysterious underground world. The writing style is fast-paced, full of adventure, and provides a nice escape from reality, offering a mesmerizing experience for readers who enjoy exploring the unknown.

    Ashley Carter knocked trail dirt from her boots before climbing into her rusted Chevy pickup. She threw her dusty cowboy hat on the seat next to her and swiped a handkerchief across her brow. Leaning...
    June 1999
    524 pages

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