Incredibly fast paced gory horror. There was almost too much going on but once the carnage started I couldn't put this down. Great fun! ( )

In Peaceful Valley something is awakened and soon, the Valley will be peaceful no longer: Yeah! Savage Species is a wildly imaginative creature feature and I thought it was a blast!

Populated with a great cast of characters, (just like the sequel, [b:Children of the Dark|28963838|Children of the Dark|Jonathan Janz|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454965669s/28963838.jpg|49191503], which I read first), I found myself rooting for some and hating on others, almost from the get-go. Jonathan Janz has the ability to get the reader caring for these people, and then he puts them through hell, just as horror readers expect he will. He doesn't shy away, either, from bringing these characters to the only end possible, which I enjoy and respect.

My only issue with this book is that I think some of the action scenes went on a bit too long, an issue which I feel he improved upon in Children of the Dark. Sometimes I felt my tension wane when this occurred, but sure enough, it ramped back up again as the plot unfolded.

Overall, this was one hell of a read. Well written Creature-Features are one my favorite types of horror stories, because there's a lot of room for imagination. Let me tell you, Jonathan's imagination is messed up! Not only do we have 2 sets of main creatures, we have a couple of odd ball one offs on top of that! Plus, there is plenty of room to expand even further than he already has with CoD. I will wait with bated breath to see if there will be another book. If and when there is, I'm all over it!

Recommended for fans of creature features and fun horror stories!

You can buy your copy here: ttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6ZTNBY/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C6ZTNBY&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

*Disclosure: I am friends online with this author, but in no way has that affected the contents of this review. * ( )

This is a full-on gore fest, creature feature. If that's your sort of thing, you'll love this.
This is not a short book, and at the start I wondered how the narrative could be extended over so many pages. The plot is brilliant however, lacking repetition, continually evolving. New twists arise and separate threads return to weave a detailed roller coaster ride. Basically, even with being graphically gory, it's a damned good story.
I loved the variety of vocabulary used, too. It's littered with brilliant words that seem too often shunned. It's a language feast without being over complicated or pretentious.
It's dark, it's grim, but even in the most hopeless of times it retains a slither of hope that keeps you turning the pages. I wish things had ended better for some characters, but the ruthlessness of the story is what heightens its value as a horror novel.
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press for the ARC. My review is my honest opinion. ( )

This book scared me so badly I had to take breaks reading it. This story line was absolutely amazing. Not only is the story well written but it is made to feel real. The first three pages sucks you in and keeps you there. Savage Species is a perfect horror story. ( )