Too transparent, too much over the top, too thin character development. A thriller in form only. That said, I still read it. I’m disappointed in myself. ( )

Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception – Carl Sagan

I remember watching Carl Sagan’s TV program, and I am not even a science nerd. His sultry voice made the information he shared entertaining, yet educational. So, let’s dive into some science…fiction.

What do you think? How much genetic engineering is going on? And how much is too much? Do you believe…just because we can do it we should? I sure don’t. And when I read Extinction by Douglas Preston, we can see a fictional version of why sometimes, playing God, is going to backfire.

Olivia and Mark were on the honeymoon of a lifetime, visiting Erebus Resort, where woolly mammoths and other megafauna from the Pleistocene Age have been de-extincted. BUT, they will get much more than they bargained for and it will be a bummer for them. Someone has to be sacrificed and I love an author that has no problem killing off a character or two.

Douglas Preston has created a multilayered mystery that was not easily solved. There were many moving parts and it was hard to decide who was the villain, or villains. Entering into caves, with thousands of tons of rocks overhead doesn’t appeal to me and added an extra layer of fear and creepiness, leaving shivers running up and down my spine. There is more in those caves than rocks.

Cannibalism:

Survival cannibalism
Ritual cannibalism
Sacrificial cannabalism
A tool of terror

Have I totally creeped you out yet? Are dinosaurs not scary enough?

The characters are many and run the gamut. Heroes, villains, cowards, sacrificial lambs, animal and human, weak and strong, those who take credit for the work of others, those who play God, movie stars, egotists, and the innocent.

Could this be a cautionary tale for us and our future? I mean think about it. Dinosaurs had their moment and are extinct for a reason. Evolution is a fact of nature. Is the clock ticking on humanity?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Extinction by Douglas Preston.

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Take an ingenious mystery and marry it to a near-future science fiction plot so plausible it feels more like a prediction than an invention and you'll have Extinction by Douglas Preston.
Erebus Resort is nestled in the mountains of Colorado where scientists have de-extincted woolly mammoths and other large animals from the same era. They have been genetically modified to remove aggression (sounds foolproof) and left to roam. The resort is a top draw for the very wealthy. Newlyweds Mark and Olivia Gunnerson are two such park visitors. Until they disappear, leaving behind only a tent that has been slashed open and very large pools of blood.

Frankie Cash of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is called in. This is her first case as agent in charge and she sets about the investigation in an efficient and no-nonsense manner. She is also dealing with the uber-wealthy, an old-school sheriff complete with cowboy hat, and a large corporation that has untold millions at stake. Initially suspecting eco-terrorists, evidence begins to point to a different and more frightening threat. The Resort and its large security staff appear to be open and helpful, but there are hints that they might not be as forthcoming as they appear. It isn't long before the danger reaches truly terrifying levels.

Extinction wears its homage to Jurassic Park on its sleeve, but clever plot twists take this story in unexpected directions and it is in no way derivative. Characters such as the bellicose billionaire father of one of the missing couple, a CBI boss who is as concerned with PR as he is with answers, and a competent head of security who seems to be hiding secrets behind a face of cooperation all make this story that much more intriguing. Frankie Cash's competence and stubbornness add complexity to a character you love to root for.

The plot is quick-moving from the start and combines the awe-inspiring with de-extincted creatures, clever twists, and some shocks that will send chills down your spine. Douglas Preston has delivered another great book that will have his own fans as well as fans of writers like Michael Crichton begging for more!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. ( )

A very unique premise making for quite the entertaining story. There is a secret project in Colorado where scientists have learned how to bring back extinct life forms including woolly mammoths. However some people at the compound end up missing and are presumed dead. Some much darker truths emerge about the experiments come to light over the novel's l course.This novel would lend itself to a great movie. I liked it - captivated my imagination. ( )

Extinction by Douglas Preston combines a compelling murder mystery and cutting-edge science in a Michael Crichton-esque plot. This excellent mind-blowing thriller is very highly recommended. One of the best!

The exclusive Erebus Resort is located in a hundred-thousand acre valley of in the mountains of Colorado. Through genetic manipulation Erebus specializes in the "de-extinction" of Pleistocene megafauna, like woolly mammoths, giant ground sloths, Irish Elk, giant armadillos, and the indricothere. These prehistoric animals have had their genes for aggression removed for the safety of the visitors at the resort. For their honeymoon Mark and Olivia Gunnerson go backpacking at Erebus to see the prehistoric animals there and then disappear in the night.

County Sheriff James Colcord notes the obvious attack on the couple left behind a copious amount of blood but no bodies, so Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frances (Frankie) Cash is called in to track down the perpetrators. Since Mark is the son of a wealthy billionaire, the first assumption is a gang of eco-terrorists are trying to send a message about the resort.

This is a gripping murder mystery full of extinct creatures, perpetual tension, breathtaking twists, and shocking developments that gallops at a heart-stopping pace. Once you start reading the ingenious narrative you will not want to stop until you reach the unpredictable, stunning final denouement. Once the plot took off, I was following in what ever direction Preston led me. I kept trying to predict what was going to happen and was surprised at every turn.

What made Extinction even better (if that were possible) are the variety of fully realized characters and personalities that populate the novel. Frankie and Colcord are great characters and the interaction between the two is appealing even when they seemingly clash. All the supporting characters are presented as unique individuals and you will easily distinguish between them while reading as fast as possible to see what in the world is going to happen next.

Additionally, much like Crichton, Preston has done his research and knows the science behind the direction his plot takes. At the end of the novel Preston shares the real science and the direction it is taking right now. Great characters, action-packed plot, and expert plotting and pacing make this one of the best novels of the year. Thanks to Forge Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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