Reviews

Craig Zumwalt's Dunkle's Bones is a gripping marine horror novel that delivers nonstop action and suspense. The blend of real paleontology with sci-fi horror makes for a fascinating and terrifying read. The characters, especially Alexa and Ned, are well-developed, and their dynamic adds emotional depth to the fast-paced adventure. Fans of Jaws and The Meg will find themselves hooked from the first chapter.

As a fan of creature-feature stories, I was pleasantly surprised by how well Zumwalt integrated scientific realism with the horror and adventure elements. The Dunkleosteus is a fantastic antagonist: Massive, powerful, and terrifying. The pacing is strong, though some technical descriptions slow the momentum slightly. Overall, Dunkle's Bones is an exciting and well-crafted debut novel.

The idea of a prehistoric predator resurfacing in modern times is thrilling, and Zumwalt does a great job of building tension. The action sequences are intense, and the novel feels cinematic. However, the plot follows a somewhat predictable structure, and some side characters could have been more fleshed out. Despite this, it's a fun, adrenaline-fueled read for fans of the genre.

Zumwalt's debut novel is a love letter to classic monster horror with a fresh twist. The descriptions are vivid, the action is relentless, and the scientific elements add an extra layer of intrigue. The writing is immersive, making it easy to visualize the terrifying encounters with the Dunkleosteus. The overall experience is incredibly satisfying. Highly recommended!