In this long-awaited novel, Peretti (This Present Darkness; The Visitation) tells the story of a young woman who disappears in the Idaho wilderness and the ensuing search for her. The author’s prose is clear and crisp, with only a few lapses into Lovecraftian hyperbole: his description of the novel’s almost mythical setting is rich and detailed without being overwritten and his characterization of the woman, Beck, and the very unusual creatures she encounters is compelling. Peretti successfully incorporates several contemporary detective drama/suspense thriller tropes; one of his main characters, for example, is a crime scene investigator, and welcome doses of forensic evidence and DNA analysis are thrown into the mix. But the novel suffers from too many supporting characters, and Peretti’s failure to develop them greatly compromises the conclusion. More problematic, though, is the novel’s agenda with regard to the theory of evolution. Not raised overtly until the middle of the book, Peretti’s critique of certain aspects of Darwinism eclipses the story and leads it to an unsatisfying and somewhat confusing end. As in Peretti’s previous novels, those who hold conservative views are portrayed as heroic and those who disagree as evil. The novel’s devolution into this simplistic moralism, however, will not keep Peretti fans away, and its many merits may attract other readers as well.
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Great book…would love to see it made into a movie!
Totally agree. Frank,please make this into a movie.
This is a really great book! I hope that this book will continue to stay in stores. By the way, would love to own many more of Frank’s books! I cant seem to find the link in the back of the book though. it says TheMonsterHunt.com and I type it in, and I still cant find it.
I am drawn to the vivid images portrayed in the book. With reading only a few words, I’m engaged in the nail-biting, stomach twisting, thought provoking events that unfold in this suspense-filled novel. Not only can I hear and see the struggles of the characters, but I’m sucked in to the controversy of the issue itself. It is tactfully presented in a way as not to impose upon the story itself. Preachiness is avoided and I find myself involved in the issues via the lives of characters that I care about.
I would love to make this into a movie! if only i had the budget and everything then i could put my ideas into a film. I love everything about this book from the creativity to the suspense to the moral fight against evolution, just a wonderfully designed and perfectly written book!
This novel was a great read, and It was also my first time reading a 419 page novel. I am glad to say for my first that it was worth the time spent. Being a writter myself I am inspired to write my novels with great detail and unexpected twist. And being a actress, I would love playing the role of Beck if this were to become a movie, although I don’t match her description. I would definitely recommend this to a friend. I am so glad I read this book and it’s story line will be engraved in my mind as long as my memory allows. I also can’t wait to listen to this in the audio book on my family camping trip! Hehe. :]
This book was a Birthday present and it was Great. I loved this book it pulled me right into the story with all the detail. I can say it is very hard to put this down. It would be a great movie also I think.
My husband and I listened to this book on audio. Frank Peretti narrated. We absolutely LOVED it! His imagination and narration are great. I agree with others …. please make it into a movie!
I loooooved this book. In fact, I’ve done up a review on it. If you’d like to check it out, please use the link below.
http://theramblinreviewer.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-monster-by-frank-peretti-2005-is.html
I loved this book! I read it on one night. Peretti is a genius, the suspense was incredible. I would totally see the movie for this if they made one.