As someone who has seen Roland Emmerich’s 1992 classic Universal Soldier more times than I care to count, and as a fan of Warhammer 40,000 (the most famous protagonists of which are the genetically engineered superhumans known as Space Marines), on paper, The Dark Continent should be exactly my kind of fare. Opening with a note to the reader that it follows on from another novel (2017’s The Prometheus Man), knowledge of which is not essential for this story, the plot follows three different characters - Tom Reese, survivor of the Prometheus Program, a top secret, experimental program to enhance human beings with stem cell injections; Karl Lyons, the CIA agent who recruited Tom, now out to shut down other Prometheus sites; and Dr. Azamor, the scientist working with the death row inmates who have - somewhat inevitably - been selected for the current wave of enhancements. I say “somewhat inevitably” because, well, isn’t it always the way? Just as with Dolph Lundgren’s gleefully demented Andrew Scott in Universal Soldier, as well as Justin Cronin’s 2010 epic The Passage, those surprisingly short-sighted boffins have decided that the best candidates to receive a leg up the evolutionary ladder are the most depraved murderers and psychopaths they can lay their hands on. It’s here we first meet Dr. Azamor, as she assesses and acquires yet another specimen. Speaking of The Passage, in fact, it’s worth mentioning that The Dark Continent is at times cut from a cloth so similar it could be mistaken for the same book - the recruiting of death row inmates for genetic enhancement, the dynamic of a similarly capable being tracking down the rogue subjects, even the mind games played on the research team by those subjects. And the most dangerous, most devious subject, who masterminds everything, is somewhat tellingly named Kronin.

Where The Passage trilogy spanned generations over its combined (and whopping) 2000 pages plus length, The Dark Continent weighs in at a much more free time friendly 400 or so, without taking into account the preceding book which, as mentioned, is not essential reading for enjoyment of this one. I did find there was perhaps the odd occasion where I wanted to know a little more about a character, or their relationship to someone else, so if you’re someone for whom FOMO is the worst feeling imaginable, picking up The Prometheus Man before this might be a good call. These instances were very rare however, and didn’t bother me untowardly. In fact, for the first half of the book, I was mostly just concerned about flying through as quickly as possible - varied locations, interesting characters and pacey action kept me turning the pages late into the night. Having never read any Robert Ludlum, I can’t say how accurately his work has been translated to screen, so it’s the films that I’m thinking of here, but Tom Reese demonstrates his formidable capabilities with Bourne-like prowess. Chase scenes in particular, not just involving Tom but also Karl, are also high octane and exciting.

Of course, the big bad psychopaths are what the story is really leading up to, and when we eventually meet Kronin, he doesn’t disappoint. The philosophising, menacing alpha of this particularly rabid pack is equal parts Hannibal Lecter and Dracula, with some shark DNA thrown in for good measure. He glowers behind the plexiglass screens of his cage, biding his time and laying his plans until his inevitable breakout. It’s once the subjects are on the loose that the body count really starts to climb, unsurprisingly, with their escape itself positively nightmarish, all darkened corridors and stormy weather. It’s a high point which the novel struggles to reach again, in all honesty. The second part of the novel lacks the pace of the first, with the characters much more prone to introspection. It felt a lot like the first half of the novel existed as a set up for the situation in the second, with said situation then not really being capitalised on in terms of the stories that could have been told. A lot of the moral debates and dilemmas that Tom in particular has also feel at odds with the content of the rest of the novel - whilst they serve the purpose of reminding us that Tom is different to the other subjects, they feel very heavy handed and none too subtle at times, making some sections feel like something of a slog, and quite depressing. Some let up from the relentless savagery and depravity would have worked wonders in this section, and overall it leads to a feeling that this is two different books stitched together. Appropriate, perhaps, to think of it as a bit of a literary Frankenstein’s monster, given the subject matter.

In conclusion then, The Dark Continent is an enjoyable grab bag of influences, and for the most part it’s well executed and tautly plotted. Reardon writes well, indeed at times there are real flashes of brilliance, particularly in terms of setting - many locales are depicted so vividly that I’m still seeing them in my mind’s eye days later. Action set pieces are entertaining and frantic, but it’s a pace that’s difficult to sustain over the course of the whole novel, and when the foot comes off the gas it almost stalls. A strong finish, however, leaves the way open for a sequel, and I would be interested to see where this story goes in the future.

What a book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were believable, I loved the many narratives running alongside each other. Fast paced, energetic, gorey and brilliant.

I did not read the book that precedes this, it's not necessary. I really loved this book! Is definitely be interested in a follow up sequel.

This is the second book, after The Prometheus Man, although you don’t have to have read the first book, it would be a good for the background info. In the first book, we learned that a secret government lab was creating super humans by injecting them with experimental stem cells to enhance their bodies. The subjects became stronger, faster and had no moral compass. They were also highly unstable and more likely to maim/kill their handlers and themselves. In this book, the lab and new subjects have been move to an oil rig off the coast of Alaska. The test subjects are all men who were sitting on death row for various appalling acts of murder or terrorism. They have all been injected with an updated version of the stem cells that, though making them stronger and faster, has also made them more stable mentally. During a massive storm the test subjects escape the sinking oil rig and are able to reach land. They hatch a plan to bring America to its knees by destroying power stations, which proves successful. Americans are suddenly without power, internet or access to basic information. Anarchy arrives when Americans start looting stores and each other for necessities. Meanwhile the test subjects are searching for the man who was the brains behind the stem cell experiments. The pacing of the book is quick, most of the chapters are only a few pages or less long. There is a lot of violence. The subjects have no moral compass and kill anything that they encounter, the manner in which they dispatch some of these individuals, men mostly, can get quite graphic. If you have an aversion to violence, you should skip this book, otherwise, the book is enjoyable, but I wonder if there is a third book on the horizon as the ending was ambiguous. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Most certainly this was an exciting read. I always tend to drift toward books that don't have alot of action but this captured my attention from the first chapter. The characters being very believable and made you actually feel like you were going through this dark story with them. I would certainly recommend it. It's an exciting story that will keep you hooked till the end.

The Dark Continent by Scott Reardon
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Sci Fi & Fantasy
Publisher: Aspen Press
Publish Date: 28 January 2020

The Government is experimenting on the human body. They want it to perform better, they want it enhanced, they want the perfect soldier...and the test subjects: Death Row Inmates. But there is no need to worry, the experiments are taking place on an oil rig off the coast of Alaska. If anything went wrong they would never reach the mainland, they would simple cease to exist lost in the sea.

The Dark Continent is the second book in the Prometheus Man Series. I haven't read the other book in the series but I requested the book anyway because it also stated that the book worked as a stand alone and the synopsis was too inviting. Death row inmates being experimented on, off the coast of Alaska? How could I not? I'm glad I did, the story was much more than what I was expecting. And it does work as a stand alone!

This book is dark, pitch black even, gory and very very violent. So if you are put off by these things, this book is not for you. There are good guys and bad guys or maybe its not that simple. Its hard to explain without giving away spoilers. The death row characters are fully developed, they are terrifying and their logic is alarming. These are not the people you want to make into super soldiers.

The only disappointing part of the book was the ending. This book was a five out of five for me until the last 50 pages. That ending came out of no where, I felt the decisions that where made didn't fit with the characters or what was building up. I assume that is because the story is not over and there is another book around the corner, but it did ruin it for me. It was so perfect until this point. Even if there is another book coming the ending could have been much much stronger.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Dark Continent is a superlative example of a page turner. Scott Reardon's pacing is pitch perfect. This action packed book races along at top speed and the various plot lines are skillfully brought together to an epic showdown. The madman Kronin is memorably monstrous and as unconscionable as any you'll find in fiction. The threat he presents is nightmarish. Thank goodness for Tom Reese. It's an exhilarating read and it's one of those books that would make a fantastic film (if they're faithful to the source material).

A very promising first thriller, with elements of Sci fi and horror. A author to follow. It moves with a frantic pace, with strong characters and some plausibility. Highly recommended!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review, all opinions are mine.

The dark continent is the second book of The Prometeus Man, but, in my opinion, could be read as a standalone. When I request it, I didn't realize right away it was a sequel, so I ran to read the first one.

The story is intriguing and really interesting. The reader follows Tom Reese and Karl Lyons while they cross a devastated America. The book is full of twists and it's amazing, fast paced and captivating. It's impossible not to be involved in the plot. But it's also hard and difficult to read, if you are triggered by violent scenes. I really liked the main characters and the story left me with so many questions, moral ones.

Did you love The Passage like I did? The you will love this series. This is Book 2 in the Promethus Man Series and while you can just pick up this book and then go back and read book 1, I personally ran and read the first after I got approved for this one.

We pick up still going on a mind bending fast paced speed where we are at an oil rig off Alaska that has death row inmates being subjected to Government testing. That right there tells you things are about to get crazy. The subjects escape and Tom and Karl are the only ones that can stop them.

If you like tense moments and a gory high thrilling fast paced read this is for you. Grab it now!

The Dark Continent by Scott Reardon, well written. Very graphic and suspenseful, didn't realize it was second in a series but still reads well.

I really enjoyed this book. It started out intense and never really let up which held my interest. I couldn't put it down. The violence in it was very graphic so if thst bothers you, don't read it. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book if you love this genre.

When I requested this book I had no idea this was the second book of the series. But I gave it a try anyway and I’m glad I did.

Description
On an oil rig off the coast of Alaska, government researchers lead an experiment. They try to enhance the human body. They succeed, in a way. But the subject don’t just become stronger, faster, smarter, they become evil. They escape by killing they way out. And their goal is something unthinkable. They want to bring the United States to its knees.
Tom Reese and Karl Lyons are the only ones who can stop them. They follow the subjects through the States as they bring the country on the brink of collapse.

Main characters
Tom Reese is a young man who went through the same experiment the subjects have. But he is different, he can handle it. He tries to have a normal life with the woman he loves. And he will do everything to make that life possible. I so loved his character because he is a good guy who can and will do real bad things when push comes to shove. He is practically unstoppable. He is passionate and kind and so human.
Karl wants to redeem himself, make his past mistakes right, he is even willing to sacrifice himself.
Kronin is his exact opposite. He is one of the subject, the strongest, the smartest of them them. He want to destroy. Nothing else matters, not even human life.

Supporting characters
There are lots of them so let’s start with Dr. Azamor. She is a there to be a witness to everything Kronin does. To witness the end of the world, so to speak. She is desperate to escape Kronin and her past too.
The other subjects are also death-row inmates like Kronin, murderers, rapists. They just follow orders and their basic instinct to kill, to destroy. They don’t seem human at all.

Writing style
The story is horrifying and amazing in equal measures. Horrifying because something like this could happen. Amazing because I could hardly put it down, I read well into my bedtime. The story flows nicely even if it is bloody, grisly.

Ending
I think there will be a third book if the ending is any indication. But despite this, I liked the ending, it gave me something to think about and I had to sleep on my review.

I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Second in a Series, THE DARK CONTINENT also functions as a stand-alone, as there is sufficient backstory interspersed throughout to keep the reader who's not previously read PROMETHEUS MAN engaged in the story and aware. I also think there's more than sufficient reason to continue the series. We all know human hubris knows no bounds, and like the Tower of Babel and Icarus, human egotism and quest for knowledge will always surpass moral integrity (and good common sense, sorely lacking among many in this novel, specifically scientists and spies).


THE DARK CONTINENT is Action-Adventure on steroids; there is a "Supreme Villain" I compared to Stephen King's "Walking Man" Randall Flagg (for criteria obvious on reflection). It's also a sad predictor for America's infrastructure. Yet more, this novel is a metaphysical, metaphorical, and philosophical riff on morality, deity, and life. Complex, unstoppable tension, high-tech and advanced biology--and extreme gore. So please be forewarned. The violence is often, and ugly.

The beginning of this book reminded me a lot of Justin Cronins the Passage,which is a good thing.
I feel like I've been on a complete roller coaster of a ride,having survived some tense moments,and the biggest blood bath you can imagine.
Not once did the intensity stop... and there were plenty of surprises along the way.

Fast paced,full of action,but still moments of humour and friendship that made it a little bit more than a horror.