Review: Natural Selection
Editorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsFrom the dark depths of the ocean floor come flying sea monsters who eat sharks for breakfast. In this debut thriller, Freedman suggests that while evolution may have halted in humans, it continues among sea creatures. Thousands of them swim up from the ocean floor to escape a killer virus, and as they move to the light, they gradually acquire new and deadly characteristics. By the time they're off the California coast, they're 12 feet long, have a 14-foot wingspan and weigh 4,000 pounds. Adaptation has also led to their being able to breathe above and fly from the water—and they're hungry. In a series of action scenes that will have Hollywood animation artists salivating, the monsters stalk and devour dolphins, sharks and humans, though one predator exhibits the good grace to spare an infant. Unfortunately, Freedman's writing, especially his descriptions, never measures up to his nightmarish idea. Hobbling the work is a predictable plot about a group of marine scientists (thin characters all, usually established by what they wear) determined to find out what's coming up from the ocean. They're driven by an entrepreneur who, like those who sought the mighty Kong, desperately wants to capture and exhibit the monsters to the public. Their pursuit takes them up the coast, eventually coming to center on a redwood forest where the creatures swoop down on them. In the midst of it all, romance, of course, blooms between leader Jason Aldridge ("male ambition in a wet suit") and ocean nutrition specialist Lisa Barton. Lisa teaches her man he's just got to open up and trust other people. They head to the altar, the monsters mostly dispatched, though enough remaining to evolve into a sequel. The premise has bite, but the primer-style prose lacks teeth.
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Alex - GoodreadsThis was such a ridiculous book. The writing was atrocious, the characters were flat and one-dimensional, the "science" was laughable, and the entire premise was ludicrous. So needless to say, I loved ... Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Reader - GoodreadsSomehow, in a book about the rapid evolution of monstrous sea creatures threatening to potentially take over the world, Dave Freedman finds the time to weave in the stereotypical oversexed and ... Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Lugene - GoodreadsIf you'd Jaws, you'll like this one even better. Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Joe Cox - GoodreadsGood read, real complicated Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Kimberly - GoodreadsI don't know about you but I usually love novels like this. If it has a monster/horrific creature in it chances are I am more than likely going to want to give it ago. I've loved books like these ever ... Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Héctor Lamadrid - GoodreadsIt is by far, and I am confident saying it, by far the worst book I have ever read in my life. But as those moments of complete certainty in life are rare, I can say that I sumerge myself in the filth ... Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Jessie - GoodreadsJust plain fun. Made me forget about my life for a while. All of the scenes in this book were very easy picture to see, to visualize - you could see this new predator so easily and that made it ... Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Nora - GoodreadsI would give this four stars for suspense. But for overall content, it gets three. Read full review
Review: Natural Selection
User Review - Victoria - GoodreadsThis book was either a five-star book, or a one-star book depending on your perspective. I mean, it was laughably bad in places and the whole story was absolutely ludicrous... giant, flying (air ... Read full review
