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Jane Harper #1
The Sentinel
In the frigid waters off the Arctic Ocean, north of Greenland, the anti-whaling ship, The Sentinel, and her crew face off against a harpoon ship in search of Humpback whales. When the two ships collide and a suspicious explosion sends both ships to the bottom, the crews take refuge on what they think is a peninsula attached to the mainland, but is actually an island, recently freed from a glacial ice bridge. Seeking shelter, the two opposing crews scour the island for resources. Instead, they find Viking artifacts, the preserved remains of an ancient structure and a stone totem warning of horrible creatures buried in the island's caves. Facing violent, frigid storms, a hungry polar bear and the very real possibility that they are stranded without hope of rescue, Jane Harper leads the two crews, who must work together to defend themselves against an ancient evil upon which the modern stories of both zombies and vampires are based upon. The original undead are awake and hungry. Beware the Draugar.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
58 people are currently reading
1,400 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 15, 2011
I found the premise of this book interesting for a light reading and that is where it didn't disappoint. The plot and the flow of the story is quite good. After the free sample (about the first 10% of the book) I was hooked so I bought it.
Our main hero (a heroine actually) Jane Harper starts out as a very interesting character with her witty and sarcastic remarks. Unfortunately that will become only repetitive and dull after a while and boring plus tiresome towards the end. Throughout the whole novel only one person show any growth in character, but real the problem here is that none of the characters are written well enough to be engaging. I didn't really like any of them. No, that's not the right phrasing... I couldn't care less for them. If I don't care for the characters than I don't care for what's going to happen to them. See where I go with this? In this case, what's the point? What's left to carry me through the novel? The story � which I liked � and the writing.
So... the writing. It was ok at best, but weak a lot of times. Tons of short sentences and some cringe worthy lines. I think it mostly comes down to that the narrating was really weak. It was like: I see that. I thought that. I said that and I did that...
Please show what happens not just tell it in short sentences.
Let me show what I'm rambling about:
On the plus side I found only 3 or 4 typos (note, my native language isn't English and my spelling is bad). The formatting of the e-book could've been a little bit better, but it's ok.
And finally a personal side note if I may. Of coure this doesn't count towards my rating, just my views on the morality of the author.
While I've searched for reviews of this book I've found the author's facebook page. There's an entry on it from Mr. Bishop:
That's just low.
Our main hero (a heroine actually) Jane Harper starts out as a very interesting character with her witty and sarcastic remarks. Unfortunately that will become only repetitive and dull after a while and boring plus tiresome towards the end. Throughout the whole novel only one person show any growth in character, but real the problem here is that none of the characters are written well enough to be engaging. I didn't really like any of them. No, that's not the right phrasing... I couldn't care less for them. If I don't care for the characters than I don't care for what's going to happen to them. See where I go with this? In this case, what's the point? What's left to carry me through the novel? The story � which I liked � and the writing.
So... the writing. It was ok at best, but weak a lot of times. Tons of short sentences and some cringe worthy lines. I think it mostly comes down to that the narrating was really weak. It was like: I see that. I thought that. I said that and I did that...
Please show what happens not just tell it in short sentences.
Let me show what I'm rambling about:
»I turn on the gas and sprint across the open field. I pass the Viking ruins thirty seconds later. They're about fifty feet to my right. I can't see Jakob or Alvin through the entrance, but I can't see the tent, either. So I continue heading for Peach, who is running in a straight line across the plain, but not toward me, or the shelter.
As I get closer, I see her eyes have kind of a blank stare. "Peach," I shout to her.«
On the plus side I found only 3 or 4 typos (note, my native language isn't English and my spelling is bad). The formatting of the e-book could've been a little bit better, but it's ok.
And finally a personal side note if I may. Of coure this doesn't count towards my rating, just my views on the morality of the author.
While I've searched for reviews of this book I've found the author's facebook page. There's an entry on it from Mr. Bishop:
»Hey TORMENT fans. I need your help! Can you visit the Amazon review page for TORMENT: {amazon link}
See those "most helpful" one star reviews. Can you click "no" button where it asks, "Was this review helpful to you?" And then, on the top three 5 star reviews, can you click "Yes" Thanks!«
That's just low.
September 16, 2011
This novel definitely had me from the start. I couldn't put it down and Sunday at 1:30am with less than 5 hours left to sleep before work, I was still flipping pages as fast as I could.
What a great novel. The beginning was fun and the genius behind the Bilksen's revenge was too funny. I'm really looking forward to more of Jane Harper. Jane's tough, and funny, and exciting. I'm hoping she has more to come.
I've always been excited about Viking myth's and folklore so this book really kept me interested. Also, the detailing in the story had me right there with the characters. I could almost feel the icy cold of the waters and the surroundings. Not to mention the terror as the story progressed.
I actually loved how everything wasn't spelled out perfectly for you about the zombie/vampire creatures. Which leads into a way of continuing the story. Perhaps, learning more about them in the future. The ending definitely left you with sort of a sinking feeling in your stomach as to what could and might happen next.
I loved how this novel never had a moment of rest. It was fast paced and exciting. There was humor, sarcasm, cleverness, and running. Don't forget to run. The creatures were well thought out and questions that kept popping up were taken care of towards the end.
One thing that bothered me (and this is probably just me) I couldn't really picture the hiding places they had. Either, Torstein was super huge large, or I was picturing their hidey hole all wrong. It's really the only thing I couldn't quite get a clear understanding of.
I have to say, I enjoyed this thoroughly. I can't wait for more. And come on, who doesn't love some good Viking stories!?
What a great novel. The beginning was fun and the genius behind the Bilksen's revenge was too funny. I'm really looking forward to more of Jane Harper. Jane's tough, and funny, and exciting. I'm hoping she has more to come.
I've always been excited about Viking myth's and folklore so this book really kept me interested. Also, the detailing in the story had me right there with the characters. I could almost feel the icy cold of the waters and the surroundings. Not to mention the terror as the story progressed.
I actually loved how everything wasn't spelled out perfectly for you about the zombie/vampire creatures. Which leads into a way of continuing the story. Perhaps, learning more about them in the future. The ending definitely left you with sort of a sinking feeling in your stomach as to what could and might happen next.
I loved how this novel never had a moment of rest. It was fast paced and exciting. There was humor, sarcasm, cleverness, and running. Don't forget to run. The creatures were well thought out and questions that kept popping up were taken care of towards the end.
One thing that bothered me (and this is probably just me) I couldn't really picture the hiding places they had. Either, Torstein was super huge large, or I was picturing their hidey hole all wrong. It's really the only thing I couldn't quite get a clear understanding of.
I have to say, I enjoyed this thoroughly. I can't wait for more. And come on, who doesn't love some good Viking stories!?
July 11, 2014
I had fun with this one due to the main character, Jane, whose wit and skill left nothing to be desired. She was strong, but not overly so. Super-witty with some movie/tv/people references that tickled my funny bone.
There was action. Plenty of it to be exact. Lots of players lost their lives. The author did not make it easy on anyone.
This is just one of those reads that you come across and enjoy your time with it, giving you a renewed zest to pick up more books.
A fun-filled, blood-soaked adventure.
I'm glad I gave this author a try.
There was action. Plenty of it to be exact. Lots of players lost their lives. The author did not make it easy on anyone.
This is just one of those reads that you come across and enjoy your time with it, giving you a renewed zest to pick up more books.
A fun-filled, blood-soaked adventure.
I'm glad I gave this author a try.
March 25, 2015
Lets get it right out in the open shall we? If there is one thing in life that I hate, it is hearing a woman referred to using the c word. I hate that word. But let's be honest, in this book that is the one word that perfectly sums up our heroine Jane.
Jane is a pure and utter bitch from hell and I hated her. She believes that she is superior to everyone else on the ship. She looks down her nose at all the grotty men on board who aren't good enough to share her bed...then she gets annoyed that none WANT to sleep with her! She is prejudiced, rude and vile. She constantly makes mean comments in her head directed at the fat girl Jenny who is a nice and friendly women who goes out of her way to help Jane and saves her from a bad fall. So Jane has bitchy thoughts about being flattened by Jenny, crushed by Jenny, the boat tipping because of Jenny, polar bears finding a better meal in Jenny...When you get a comment like this every second bloody paragraph on every page, it gets tiresome. The author obviously has some obsession with fat people as we kept getting this crap rammed down our throats.
Jane also thinks she is the great undercover spy on the ship, working to get evidence of this environmental group using illegal and dangerous methods to further their aims. Trouble is, the captain of the ship knows she is a spy and has been having her watched all along. Not so great now are we Jane?
By the time the boats sink quite early on in the book, I already hated Jane and wanted her to die painfully. Knowing this wasn't going to happen made me decide to give up on this hellish MC and find something better to read. I can barely even comment on the plot or writing style because the entire section I read was Jane complaining, Jane bitching, Jane being a giant pain in the butt.
No thanks!
Jane is a pure and utter bitch from hell and I hated her. She believes that she is superior to everyone else on the ship. She looks down her nose at all the grotty men on board who aren't good enough to share her bed...then she gets annoyed that none WANT to sleep with her! She is prejudiced, rude and vile. She constantly makes mean comments in her head directed at the fat girl Jenny who is a nice and friendly women who goes out of her way to help Jane and saves her from a bad fall. So Jane has bitchy thoughts about being flattened by Jenny, crushed by Jenny, the boat tipping because of Jenny, polar bears finding a better meal in Jenny...When you get a comment like this every second bloody paragraph on every page, it gets tiresome. The author obviously has some obsession with fat people as we kept getting this crap rammed down our throats.
Jane also thinks she is the great undercover spy on the ship, working to get evidence of this environmental group using illegal and dangerous methods to further their aims. Trouble is, the captain of the ship knows she is a spy and has been having her watched all along. Not so great now are we Jane?
By the time the boats sink quite early on in the book, I already hated Jane and wanted her to die painfully. Knowing this wasn't going to happen made me decide to give up on this hellish MC and find something better to read. I can barely even comment on the plot or writing style because the entire section I read was Jane complaining, Jane bitching, Jane being a giant pain in the butt.
No thanks!
April 27, 2014
I almost gave up on this book. For the first three chapters the main character does nothing but make fat jokes about the ONLY character who is nice to her. WTF, seriously? Sets her up to be a right unlikeable bitch - she thinks she's totally superior to everyone, acts like a total cow to everyone around her and yet SOMEHOW has TWO men sniffing around her because she's clearly the Most Awesome Ever (tm).
I persevered and once the apparently so offensive woman is out of the picture, it's an OK story. I very nearly one-starred this because of how completely unlikeable this woman is.
Also, the whole reason I bought this was because of the promise of ZOMBIE WHALES, but they don't even turn up until the next to last chapter.
I persevered and once the apparently so offensive woman is out of the picture, it's an OK story. I very nearly one-starred this because of how completely unlikeable this woman is.
Also, the whole reason I bought this was because of the promise of ZOMBIE WHALES, but they don't even turn up until the next to last chapter.
June 30, 2015
Jane Harper is a force to be reckoned with. She is smart, tough, and has a mean throwing arm! This was a great story with so many different types of characters and personalities. The plot kept me guessing, as each time I thought I knew where the story was going, it took a different turn. I loved the story and have already downloaded The Raven.
August 11, 2013
The Sentinel is one twisted, adventured filled, blood, guts and gore laden horror story at its entertaining best! The story begins with the thirty something Jane Harper aboard an anti-whaling activist ship, Sentinel, in the midst of a "battle" with the Greenland based whaling ship, Bliksem. Jane is working undercover for WSPA as an investigative reporter to look into some shady activist dealings, little does she know the evil designs set in place by The Captain of the Sentinel, McAfee (a modern psychotic Captain Ahab). As the battle between the activists and whalers ensues, catastrophic events lead to the sinking of both vessels. Jane saves the lives of two comrades, Jenny and Peach and flees into the cold Greenland sea in a survival raft.
Jane and crew find themselves stranded on a frigid island that holds untold horrors including polar bears, zombie/vampire Vikings, and a virus that could destroy the world. Jane encounters survivors from the Bliksem including the Captain Jakob, his heroic and handsome son Willem and their side-kick Alvin and they join forces. They soon discover that they have unleashed a frozen, ancient nightmare from the island caves that will terrorized and kill them to extinction unless they fight and fight they do.
Jane as the strong, feisty, hilariously jaded heroine is the perfect character to take readers on this crazy ride. She is supported by rich supporting characters whose flaws are demonstrated practically every minute in every action they take. Sure mayhem and death befall most of these characters, like the course of every good horror story, but you can't get much better than this in the department of gruesomeness....seriously!
I know the idea of virus infested, zombie/vampire Vikings sounds completely outrageous, but Bishop writes a fast-paced fantastical plot that blows your mind and keeps you rapidly turning pages without a care for reality...this is fiction in its wildest, untamed form. Bishop's writing is smart and reminds me a bit of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child books with some Bridget Jones-like humor...just plain good stuff and entertaining to boot, I want to read more!
Jane and crew find themselves stranded on a frigid island that holds untold horrors including polar bears, zombie/vampire Vikings, and a virus that could destroy the world. Jane encounters survivors from the Bliksem including the Captain Jakob, his heroic and handsome son Willem and their side-kick Alvin and they join forces. They soon discover that they have unleashed a frozen, ancient nightmare from the island caves that will terrorized and kill them to extinction unless they fight and fight they do.
Jane as the strong, feisty, hilariously jaded heroine is the perfect character to take readers on this crazy ride. She is supported by rich supporting characters whose flaws are demonstrated practically every minute in every action they take. Sure mayhem and death befall most of these characters, like the course of every good horror story, but you can't get much better than this in the department of gruesomeness....seriously!
I know the idea of virus infested, zombie/vampire Vikings sounds completely outrageous, but Bishop writes a fast-paced fantastical plot that blows your mind and keeps you rapidly turning pages without a care for reality...this is fiction in its wildest, untamed form. Bishop's writing is smart and reminds me a bit of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child books with some Bridget Jones-like humor...just plain good stuff and entertaining to boot, I want to read more!
July 24, 2014
Looking for an enjoyable, fast-paced, old-school, action-adventure-horror read? Then look no further than Jeremy Bishop's The Sentinel. Told from the POV of caring-but-snarky, intelligent-but-relatable Jane Harper, The Sentinel tells the story of a group of marooned whalers and anti-whalers who have to join forces to stave off an undead enemy that becomes more powerful with every life it claims.
Bishop's choice to set his story amongst the ice in the Artic and weave in elements of Norse mythology helps to differentiate The Sentinel from the pack of similarly themed works that pit monsters versus a group of ever dwindling characters. But it his skill in bringing Jane and some of her fellow survivors to life that really makes this one shine. Sure, there is the usual strong manly-man love interest, and the slightly weaselly fellow who goes through a (far too swift) redemptive arc, but against those stereotypes there is an older ship's captain who has a touching relationship with his son, and the character who is initially identified and ridiculed for being overweight, but soon becomes a clever, humorous and loyal ally to Jane.
The action through the back-half of the novel is constant; the gore not at all skimped on. Bishop's writing might be a bit simplistic, but it gets the job done, and besides who needs Justin Cronin like prose for a pulpy action-horror like this? I read to be entertained, and I most definitely was with The Sentinel.
4 Charging Polar Bears for The Sentinel.
Bishop's choice to set his story amongst the ice in the Artic and weave in elements of Norse mythology helps to differentiate The Sentinel from the pack of similarly themed works that pit monsters versus a group of ever dwindling characters. But it his skill in bringing Jane and some of her fellow survivors to life that really makes this one shine. Sure, there is the usual strong manly-man love interest, and the slightly weaselly fellow who goes through a (far too swift) redemptive arc, but against those stereotypes there is an older ship's captain who has a touching relationship with his son, and the character who is initially identified and ridiculed for being overweight, but soon becomes a clever, humorous and loyal ally to Jane.
The action through the back-half of the novel is constant; the gore not at all skimped on. Bishop's writing might be a bit simplistic, but it gets the job done, and besides who needs Justin Cronin like prose for a pulpy action-horror like this? I read to be entertained, and I most definitely was with The Sentinel.
4 Charging Polar Bears for The Sentinel.
May 29, 2014
YA? Did not appear overtly so. A pretty good horror story set in a very isolated location (an island off Greenland). Not really zombies and not really vampires. But still a form of the walking dead that want to either bite you or eat you. In the beginning the author kept harping on one character being overweight. Must have had the main character make 8 or 9 comments to this in just the first 10% of the book. The weight issue wasn't even a factor in the story. Okay, we get it, she's a tad chubby, can we move on to the rest of the story?
Not sure why this is considered YA. Okay, no sex maybe, but surely there must be other factors. People die and get eaten, blown-up, and other stuff. There might have been some cussing, but nowhere near like in Pulp Fiction. I picked up both this book and the follow-up book: for $1.99 each.
Not sure why this is considered YA. Okay, no sex maybe, but surely there must be other factors. People die and get eaten, blown-up, and other stuff. There might have been some cussing, but nowhere near like in Pulp Fiction. I picked up both this book and the follow-up book: for $1.99 each.
July 9, 2012
Not great lit but lots of fun. Who doesn't get excited at the idea of what are, in effect, Viking zombies?
Also, only $3.99 on Kindle!
Funny that I enjoyed this cheap book, from an author & publisher I've never heard of much more than the last thriller I read, which was from a supposedly good author & a big name publisher.
Also, only $3.99 on Kindle!
Funny that I enjoyed this cheap book, from an author & publisher I've never heard of much more than the last thriller I read, which was from a supposedly good author & a big name publisher.
January 7, 2014
COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. NON-STOP ACTION. GREAT STORY. JANE HARPER KICKS ASS. :)
December 6, 2024
A Long Time Coming. Let me tell you a story. It begins in 2010. Jeremy Robinson and I have known each other online for a few years now, having met in MySpace. I've read every book he's written (just a half dozen or so at this point), and he is now releasing a book he calls TORMENT - his first outright horror book. So I read it too. And it literally gave me nightmares for YEARS after reading it.
A year later, Robinson releases his next horror book - The Sentinel. And it becomes the first of his books that I would not read... for 13 years. Until November 2024, when he is gearing up to release the completed Jane Harper Trilogy via writing a book called THE HOST and packaging it similarly to how he did FAMINE and HUNGER: THE COMPLETE TRILOGY earlier in the 2020s.
And now that my nightmares from TORMENT have faded - particularly after Robinson retconned it into his INFINITE TIMELINE event in the late 2010s/ early 2020s and weakened it significantly - I'm finally in a position that I can attempt to read THE SENTINEL.
And what I found... was nowhere NEAR the horror of TORMENT. Yes, it absolutely has its horrific moments - many times over. Its got an almost Carrie-type callback. Its got a ship sinking. Its got creatures. Its got the same irreverent wit that Robinson would come to develop more over the last 15 years. Truly, having read everything Robinson has released since THE SENTINEL (other than its sequel, THE RAVEN), this may as well be included in his "Origins" package, because you can absolutely see in this book the beginnings of his style to come for the next decade+ of his career.
So pick this book up, even now - or maybe wait until March 2025 when THE SENTINEL: THE COMPLETE JANE HARPER TRILOGY is released. You're going to laugh. You're going to cry. You might even puke a few times at the horror on the screen. But you're going to have a blast doing it, and you're going to want to have the next book available immediately at hand anyway.
Very much recommended.
A year later, Robinson releases his next horror book - The Sentinel. And it becomes the first of his books that I would not read... for 13 years. Until November 2024, when he is gearing up to release the completed Jane Harper Trilogy via writing a book called THE HOST and packaging it similarly to how he did FAMINE and HUNGER: THE COMPLETE TRILOGY earlier in the 2020s.
And now that my nightmares from TORMENT have faded - particularly after Robinson retconned it into his INFINITE TIMELINE event in the late 2010s/ early 2020s and weakened it significantly - I'm finally in a position that I can attempt to read THE SENTINEL.
And what I found... was nowhere NEAR the horror of TORMENT. Yes, it absolutely has its horrific moments - many times over. Its got an almost Carrie-type callback. Its got a ship sinking. Its got creatures. Its got the same irreverent wit that Robinson would come to develop more over the last 15 years. Truly, having read everything Robinson has released since THE SENTINEL (other than its sequel, THE RAVEN), this may as well be included in his "Origins" package, because you can absolutely see in this book the beginnings of his style to come for the next decade+ of his career.
So pick this book up, even now - or maybe wait until March 2025 when THE SENTINEL: THE COMPLETE JANE HARPER TRILOGY is released. You're going to laugh. You're going to cry. You might even puke a few times at the horror on the screen. But you're going to have a blast doing it, and you're going to want to have the next book available immediately at hand anyway.
Very much recommended.
February 13, 2021
Our protagonist Jane Harper works for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) as an investigative journalist covertly reporting on the illegal taking of whales in the Arctic Ocean. She secures a crew position on The Sentinel, a reconditioned anti-whaling ship that follows and harasses the illegal whaler Bliksem; similar to objectives by Greenpeace. The adversarial encounter gets out of hand, leaving both ships sinking. Jane and several crew members make shore to what they believe is a peninsula from the mainland in a liferaft. A few of the Bliksem crew also survive. Together, they discover they’ve landed on an island with no supplies or shelter. With the setting presented and the characters introduced, the story proceeds with a series of unusual discoveries, paranormal sightings, and terrifying encounters. Seeking shelter from a storm and the bitter cold, discovered caves appear to be a lifesaver. Unfortunately, the caves are connected to ancient Scandinavian folklore, sealed for a purpose. What is released is beyond the imagination!
March 31, 2025
Jeremy Bishop/Jeremy Robinson has written some great books and this one is somewhere in the middle of that long list. This story was written nearly a decade and a half earlier and the difference in writing style is apparent to someone who has read a lot of his books.
It starts off so well with anti-whaling agitation that turns catastrophic with characters which were loads of fun and filled with humorous banter. The next part drives deep into fantasy, horror and creature feature territory with sentient zombies. The story slowly turns into the thing and progresses at a brisk pace. The effects become predictable but the pace ever lets down.
Basically you know how this will turn out but can't stop reading.
This is a part of a trilogy and I am now reaching out to the next one.
It starts off so well with anti-whaling agitation that turns catastrophic with characters which were loads of fun and filled with humorous banter. The next part drives deep into fantasy, horror and creature feature territory with sentient zombies. The story slowly turns into the thing and progresses at a brisk pace. The effects become predictable but the pace ever lets down.
Basically you know how this will turn out but can't stop reading.
This is a part of a trilogy and I am now reaching out to the next one.
September 20, 2018
Mini-Review:
The story has an interesting setup for creating a new cast of heroes. None of them set out to be heroes but that's what happened. There are lots of unrealistic elements but none of them grated on my nerves to the point that I didn't like the book.
Nice highlights on environmental issues.
Good contrast of characters.
Thumbs up on the climax & plot tie ups.
Predictable & fun story.
The story has an interesting setup for creating a new cast of heroes. None of them set out to be heroes but that's what happened. There are lots of unrealistic elements but none of them grated on my nerves to the point that I didn't like the book.
Nice highlights on environmental issues.
Good contrast of characters.
Thumbs up on the climax & plot tie ups.
Predictable & fun story.
December 10, 2017
So much action!! Vikings, vampires, arctic tundra. The science behind the supernatural was cool. I liked the characters but I had one issue. The main character kept calling Jenny fat and that after her description it didn’t add to the story. But I liked the book so much I can’t take off a star for it.
May 15, 2022
Solid horror read
A solidly good read. I liked the main character Jane; shes funny and heroic. The Draugr are a creative horror villain. Yet I gave this 4 (not 5) stars because it didn't grab me and keep me turning pages quickly. I have no specific complaints but it's just not Bishop's best. Still, if you are looking for something new to read, I say go ahead and give this a try.
A solidly good read. I liked the main character Jane; shes funny and heroic. The Draugr are a creative horror villain. Yet I gave this 4 (not 5) stars because it didn't grab me and keep me turning pages quickly. I have no specific complaints but it's just not Bishop's best. Still, if you are looking for something new to read, I say go ahead and give this a try.
August 11, 2017
Listened via Audible
Wow drama drama and more. This was wonderful. I loved the character set up, the myth and science all wrapped into a great book. The reader was excellent choice as well.
Wow drama drama and more. This was wonderful. I loved the character set up, the myth and science all wrapped into a great book. The reader was excellent choice as well.
October 11, 2018
It took me a bit to get into the story line, but when I did, I really enjoyed it. The story had a great mix of high energy, horror, and history all wrapped together. I found it entertaining and would read more from this author including the next book in this chapter.
April 13, 2020
Zom
I'm a fan of authors that combine some family lore or myth. This book combined all the ingredients. Fast pace, with action at page. A very believable story with family at its root.
I'm a fan of authors that combine some family lore or myth. This book combined all the ingredients. Fast pace, with action at page. A very believable story with family at its root.
March 6, 2025
I’m really really glad that Jeremy Robinson has evolved into a better writer (and maybe person) than he was when he wrote this. This book was wildly fat-phobic and the FMC so unlikeable that it did a disservice to what would have been a great story.
April 14, 2018
A new twist on walking dead
This book was great. I couldn't lay it down. I love sci fi and this measures up to a great read. It has all the perfect ingredients.
This book was great. I couldn't lay it down. I love sci fi and this measures up to a great read. It has all the perfect ingredients.
July 6, 2018
Pretty enjoyable
June 30, 2022
Very much enjoyed reading this. Wish I could find the follow up, “Raven�, in book form.
February 7, 2018
Paperback won in a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaway.
Well, this was a pretty awful book. It was trying to explain it to my husband but once I got to zombie Vikings and zombie walruses he just started laughing. WTH? I didn't like the MC at all. Why the focus on fat-shaming? MC was fat-shaming another character in her head. Unnecessary even though she "tried" to curb it. This book was just a wild mix of topics. I won't be reading the second one.
Well, this was a pretty awful book. It was trying to explain it to my husband but once I got to zombie Vikings and zombie walruses he just started laughing. WTH? I didn't like the MC at all. Why the focus on fat-shaming? MC was fat-shaming another character in her head. Unnecessary even though she "tried" to curb it. This book was just a wild mix of topics. I won't be reading the second one.
January 31, 2012
A True Masterpiece of Modern Horror
Bishop tells a riveting tale, well paced and beautifully narrated. With that said, I’ll start out this review by saying that I don’t really read horror. Never have because I can’t stomach it. I went to Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and saw an ad for The Sentinel. The cover and description really drew me. I still wasn’t sure. I don’t like gore. So I downloaded the sample. Okay, I was hooked! Jane was an awesome character that I immediately connected with. I loved how this book started out with the opposing ships. It was perfect! I wanted to see what was going to happen to Jane. This gal won me over! I felt like I was on this journey right along with her. Witty dialogue, snappy narrative, skillful writing, funny pop culture references, sparkling humor…yeah, this book nailed everything I look for in an awesome read. After the sample ended, I immediately downloaded the book and began reading.
I won’t rehash what it’s about because it’s been done by other readers. But I will give you my thoughts and feelings on the book. Jane is such a kick-butt heroine. I adored her! She is tough, funny, witty and I never got tired of her. She’s a deep character too. We learn about the pain of her past and her troubled relationship with her father who she calls the Colonel. He passed away and his funeral was the same day the ship took off. His advice to her in the past has kept her alive on this journey. I think it’s why she’s so tough too. This gives up great insight into her tough exterior and character. The rest of the cast is unique and likable too. Especially the “Viking�. (Willem Olavson) Yeah, he’s hot!
The writing is flawless, the dialogue is witty, and the back drop for the story is amazing. The plot is unique and like nothing I’ve ever read. The author has unleashed a mythology of horror, sprinkled with history, brilliantly created and will have you turning page after page to see what happens. I think this book tests the limits of human endurance in a different way, making the reader think about life and death in a new light.
I noticed one reviewer said the action doesn’t start until half way through the book. The author is setting up the scene, letting us meet characters, creating twists, spinning a web, getting us ready for what’s to come. The suspense is mounting. The pacing is fantastic and when all hell breaks loose. Watch out!!!! Nail biting suspense and pulse pounding action follows! Please don’t let me ever be stuck on an island with the Draugar. This is a true masterpiece of modern horror. One of the best books I’ve read in the last year. I was so glad I gave this story a chance. It’s brilliant and terrifying! This book would look fantastic on the big screen. It needs to go Hollywood big time! And when it does, I’ll be first in line to get my movie ticket! I will definitely pick up book 2 if it ever comes out. Kudos to this author!
Bishop tells a riveting tale, well paced and beautifully narrated. With that said, I’ll start out this review by saying that I don’t really read horror. Never have because I can’t stomach it. I went to Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and saw an ad for The Sentinel. The cover and description really drew me. I still wasn’t sure. I don’t like gore. So I downloaded the sample. Okay, I was hooked! Jane was an awesome character that I immediately connected with. I loved how this book started out with the opposing ships. It was perfect! I wanted to see what was going to happen to Jane. This gal won me over! I felt like I was on this journey right along with her. Witty dialogue, snappy narrative, skillful writing, funny pop culture references, sparkling humor…yeah, this book nailed everything I look for in an awesome read. After the sample ended, I immediately downloaded the book and began reading.
I won’t rehash what it’s about because it’s been done by other readers. But I will give you my thoughts and feelings on the book. Jane is such a kick-butt heroine. I adored her! She is tough, funny, witty and I never got tired of her. She’s a deep character too. We learn about the pain of her past and her troubled relationship with her father who she calls the Colonel. He passed away and his funeral was the same day the ship took off. His advice to her in the past has kept her alive on this journey. I think it’s why she’s so tough too. This gives up great insight into her tough exterior and character. The rest of the cast is unique and likable too. Especially the “Viking�. (Willem Olavson) Yeah, he’s hot!
The writing is flawless, the dialogue is witty, and the back drop for the story is amazing. The plot is unique and like nothing I’ve ever read. The author has unleashed a mythology of horror, sprinkled with history, brilliantly created and will have you turning page after page to see what happens. I think this book tests the limits of human endurance in a different way, making the reader think about life and death in a new light.
I noticed one reviewer said the action doesn’t start until half way through the book. The author is setting up the scene, letting us meet characters, creating twists, spinning a web, getting us ready for what’s to come. The suspense is mounting. The pacing is fantastic and when all hell breaks loose. Watch out!!!! Nail biting suspense and pulse pounding action follows! Please don’t let me ever be stuck on an island with the Draugar. This is a true masterpiece of modern horror. One of the best books I’ve read in the last year. I was so glad I gave this story a chance. It’s brilliant and terrifying! This book would look fantastic on the big screen. It needs to go Hollywood big time! And when it does, I’ll be first in line to get my movie ticket! I will definitely pick up book 2 if it ever comes out. Kudos to this author!
January 6, 2014
Ugh. This book is ridiculous. I should start this review off and say, I can't keep reading. And also if you're a 14 year old girl, then you might like this book. If you're not, don't read it.
I'm not a big YA reader. But I guess I've read a few books that qualify and I was looking for a mystery/horror/slightly supernatural or with a twist. Something fun and different. And this book kept coming up in recommendations. It sounded interesting, so I bought it. The book is written from the POV of woman on an antiwhaling ship, but who's there undercover to expose extreme behavior from antiwhalers. The horror in the plot doesn't begin until she and some antiwhalers and whalers all end up stranded on land after their ships sink. The horror for the readers starts right at the beginning.
First of all, the main character, Jane, is the most awful, annoying character I've ever read. And I read a lot. She starts off talking about how she works for an environmental organization but doesn't really care about animals or the cause of saving them and how she just wants a cheeseburger. She thinks she's super smart and super clever and keeps patting herself on the back for making jokes about other characters and then says she shouldn't be mean but keeps doing it. I mean, maybe if she were actually funny as a character, I'd understand the mean jokes. But she's not funny, she just thinks she is.
Besides the main character being so incredibly annoying, the other characters are unbelievable. So the writer thinks all the people who volunteer to work on an icebreaker in the arctic circle to stop whaling ships are delicate, scared young girls and boys who don't know what they got themselves into? That doesn't make sense. You can't lead that life for years and keep acting like a teenage girl who hasn't stepped foot out of her suburban home town and mall. But they do. The men are like scrawny boys who play D&D, and the women all keep giggling to each other, crying and hugging, while their ship sinks and they're trying to survive. The writers goes back and forth between giggling and survival mode. There's no real gravity to the story or the situation.
Oh, and the main character thinks the ship captain is pure evil and hatched a plan to kill people in his aim to save whales. She doesn't know, but a few vague hints in the very beginning are enough for her to often repeat how he has to pay and is evil, oh, and it's funny when the whalers throw bloody whale meat onto their boat. Clearly the writer thinks the anti-whaling movement is ridiculous, and the "Sea Sentinel" is a hardly hidden jab at Sea Shepherd. And the writer thinks vague, very early plot "discoveries" are enough to cement the protagonist's convictions and drive the rest of the story.
I can't even tell you just how much the plotting, the characters and the blatant anti-animal message annoyed me early on in this book. Oh, and did I mention how awful the main character Jane is with her smug cockiness?
I'm not a big YA reader. But I guess I've read a few books that qualify and I was looking for a mystery/horror/slightly supernatural or with a twist. Something fun and different. And this book kept coming up in recommendations. It sounded interesting, so I bought it. The book is written from the POV of woman on an antiwhaling ship, but who's there undercover to expose extreme behavior from antiwhalers. The horror in the plot doesn't begin until she and some antiwhalers and whalers all end up stranded on land after their ships sink. The horror for the readers starts right at the beginning.
First of all, the main character, Jane, is the most awful, annoying character I've ever read. And I read a lot. She starts off talking about how she works for an environmental organization but doesn't really care about animals or the cause of saving them and how she just wants a cheeseburger. She thinks she's super smart and super clever and keeps patting herself on the back for making jokes about other characters and then says she shouldn't be mean but keeps doing it. I mean, maybe if she were actually funny as a character, I'd understand the mean jokes. But she's not funny, she just thinks she is.
Besides the main character being so incredibly annoying, the other characters are unbelievable. So the writer thinks all the people who volunteer to work on an icebreaker in the arctic circle to stop whaling ships are delicate, scared young girls and boys who don't know what they got themselves into? That doesn't make sense. You can't lead that life for years and keep acting like a teenage girl who hasn't stepped foot out of her suburban home town and mall. But they do. The men are like scrawny boys who play D&D, and the women all keep giggling to each other, crying and hugging, while their ship sinks and they're trying to survive. The writers goes back and forth between giggling and survival mode. There's no real gravity to the story or the situation.
Oh, and the main character thinks the ship captain is pure evil and hatched a plan to kill people in his aim to save whales. She doesn't know, but a few vague hints in the very beginning are enough for her to often repeat how he has to pay and is evil, oh, and it's funny when the whalers throw bloody whale meat onto their boat. Clearly the writer thinks the anti-whaling movement is ridiculous, and the "Sea Sentinel" is a hardly hidden jab at Sea Shepherd. And the writer thinks vague, very early plot "discoveries" are enough to cement the protagonist's convictions and drive the rest of the story.
I can't even tell you just how much the plotting, the characters and the blatant anti-animal message annoyed me early on in this book. Oh, and did I mention how awful the main character Jane is with her smug cockiness?
February 16, 2017
Enjoyable, mindless action. I note how a lot of reviews took umbrage with the overload of fat jokes in the opening chapters, might have been an attempt at characterisation done in poor taste. The weak characterisation is true though, the only character I cared about was Jakob cuz respect your elders lolol.
July 9, 2018
The premise was interesting and the book started well, it has some nice ideas but after a while, it got very boring for me, repetitive and predictable. Also, I didn't like or care for the characters at all. Especially I didn't like the main character, don't get me wrong, I love strong female characters and I really liked her at the start because she seemed smart and sarcastic but later on.... it became repetitive, vile, rude and bitchy. She was treating others like they were trash all the time and she was superior to them. I couldn't stand her. So, I DNF this book at 65%.
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