The best creature feature books that aren't Jaws

Why am I passionate about this?

For as long as I can remember, I have shared an affinity with monsters. Or at least, what we humans define as monsters. I suppose you could say I have a bit of a Frankenstein complex (if there is such a thing). I see myself in them sometimes. A little sad perhaps, but true, nonetheless. So, who better to compile a "top-5" creature feature list for you to enjoy?


I wrote...

Relict

By Chris McInally,

Book cover of Relict

What is my book about?

Relict is the story of a freshly orphaned boy thrown headfirst into his new guardian’s insane world of cryptozoology and globe-trotting adventures.

During just such an expedition to the Sea of Cortez, the teenaged Kai and his estranged uncle, Aloysius, come face-to-face with a beast right out of legend, El Demonio Negro—The Black Demon. A fearsome creature that has terrorized the region for countless generations. In the ensuing chaos, Kai and his uncle must work together and overcome their differences, to contain the Demon as it wreaks havoc along the Baja peninsula.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Loch

Chris McInally Why did I love this book?

This is a book that I found not only thoroughly entertaining but one that simultaneously tugged at my heartstrings.

How could it not? I am Scottish, after all. I love how Alten captures the majesty, beauty, and the magical atmosphere of one of my favourite destinations on the planet—the Scottish Highlands. In particular, the fabled Loch Ness.

I can genuinely say that the experience of reading The Loch will stay with me forever, and it is an experience I will cherish.

By Steve Alten,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Loch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Loch Ness holds secrets, ancient and deadly. Does a monster inhabit its depths, or is it just myth? Why, after thousands of reported sightings and dozens of expeditions, is there still no hard evidence? Marine biologist Zachery Wallace knows, but the shock of his near-drowning as a child on Loch Ness have buried all memories of the incident. Now, a near-death experience suffered while on expedition in the Sargasso Sea has caused these long-forgotten memories to re-surface. Haunted by vivid night terrors, stricken by a sudden fear of the water, Zach finds he can no longer function as a scientist.…


Book cover of Jurassic Park

Chris McInally Why did I love this book?

Crichton is in a league of his own when it comes to research, in my opinion. For me, Crichton set the benchmark for speculative fiction writers. I truly believe this.

He is a master storyteller because of his ability to take complex subject matter and translate it for the layperson. And somehow, at the same time, he weaves it all into a believable, action-packed story like Jurassic Park. Also, I love dinosaurs. So, there’s that.

By Michael Crichton,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked Jurassic Park as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Crichton's most compulsive novel' Sunday Telegraph
'Crichton's dinosaurs are genuinely frightening' Chicago Sun-Times
'Breathtaking adventure. . . a book that is as hard to put down as it is to forget' Time Out

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The international bestseller that inspired the Jurassic Park film franchise.

On a remote jungle island, genetic engineers have created a dinosaur game park.

An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now one of mankind's most thrilling fantasies has come true and the first dinosaurs that the Earth has seen in the time of man emerge.

But, as always, there is a…


Book cover of Kronos Rising

Chris McInally Why did I love this book?

What was it that stood out for me reading this book? Quite simply, Hawthorne brings something new to the top of the food chain (don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for you).

Before Kronos Rising, it was all sharks and krakens, which is ironic because those two creatures feature heavily in the sequels. As they say, variety is the spice of life. But more than that, I found Hawthorne to be a breath of fresh air in a genre that can sometimes grow a little stale.

So, if you are looking for a great sea monster book that doesn’t feature one of the usual suspects, then Kronos Rising is my recommendation to you. Or the first one, at least.

Book cover of The Rats

Chris McInally Why did I love this book?

If I had to use one word to describe The Rats it would be brutal.

I say this not simply because of the savage depictions of gore and other intense imagery conjured by Herbert throughout, but also the blunt and grim depictions of working-class 1970s London.

This book is so much more than a tale of man-eating monsters. I found it to be a scathing critique of social decay and the prerequisite neglect that gives rise to such conditions. To be honest, I didn’t know what I was walking into and that is why it has stayed with me. Consider yourself warned. I wish I had been.

By James Herbert,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Rats as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A special fortieth anniversary edition of The Rats, the classic, bestselling horror novel that launched James Herbert's career.

With a foreword by Neil Gaiman, author of Norse Mythology.

It was only when the bones of the first devoured victims were discovered that the true nature and power of these swarming black creatures with their razor sharp teeth and the taste for human blood began to be realized by a panic-stricken city. For millions of years man and rats had been natural enemies. But now for the first time - suddenly, shockingly, horribly - the balance of power had shifted .…


Book cover of Hotel Megalodon: A Deep Sea Thriller

Chris McInally Why did I love this book?

Man makes monster; monster kills people; man destroys monster, that’s how these stories usually go, right? Well, not for Chesler in my experience. At least with Hotel Megalodon, that is. I say this because of the story’s unique resolution. As always, I won’t ruin it for you.

What I will say, is that this book manages to steer clear of the archetypal motif. Instead, it gave me something new and refreshing to enjoy. This is why I think it’s a standout in the creature feature subgenre. Enjoy!

By Rick Chesler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hotel Megalodon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An underwater luxury hotel on a gorgeous tropical island is set for an extravagant opening weekend with the world watching. The only thing standing in the way of a first-rate experience for the jet-setting VIPs is an unscrupulous businessman and sixty feet of prehistoric shark. As the underwater complex is besieged by a marauding behemoth, newly minted marine biologist Coco Keahi must face off against the ancient predator as it rises from the deep with a vengeance. Meanwhile, a human monster has decided he would be better off if Coco were one of the creature’s victims.


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Aggressor

By FX Holden,

Book cover of Aggressor

FX Holden Author Of Aggressor

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a former journalist and intelligence officer turned writer, so I seek out authenticity in my reading, especially when it comes to war stories. I look for fiction from people who have been there or know how to listen to those who have, and be their voice. When I write, I always put together a team of veterans and specialists in their fields to challenge my work and make sure I get it right, too!

FX's book list on war stories you probably haven’t read yet

What is my book about?

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan. The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced, it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run the Chinese blockade to deliver it?

Aggressor is the first novel in a gripping action series about a future war in the Pacific, seen through the eyes of soldiers, sailors, civilians, and aviators on all sides. Featuring technologies that are on the drawing board today and could be fielded in the near future, Aggressor is the page-turning military technothriller you have been waiting for!

Aggressor

By FX Holden,

What is this book about?

"Full-throttle action..." Publishers Weekly BookLife April 2023 Editor's Pick.

It is April 1 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced, it can disrupt the balance of power in the region.

But what pilot would be crazy enough to run the Chinese blockade to deliver it?

AGGRESSOR is the first novel in a new series that looks at the conflict that could spark the next World War, through the eyes of soldiers, sailors, civilians and aviators on all sides. Featuring technologies that…


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