A shocking biological discovery—a previously unknown predatory species evolving just like the dinosaurs. Now. Today. Being forced out of its world and into man's for a violent first encounter. Weaving science and thriller in a way not seen since Jurassic Park, Natural Selection introduces a phenomenally dangerous new species that is rapidly adapting in a way never before seen.
A mystery; a chase; a vast expansive puzzle—a team of marine scientists is on the verge of making the most stunning discovery in the history of man. In their quest for answers, they engage a host of fascinating characters: the world's premier neurology expert; a specialist on animal teeth; flight simulation wizards; evolution historians; deep sea geologists; and so many more. Along the way, the team of six men and women experience love, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Together, they set off to exotic locale: literally to the bottom of the ocean; to a vast and mysterious redwood forest; to an unknown complex of massive caves. When people start dying, the stakes are upped even further. Then the real hunt begins…
Loaded with astonishing action sequences, Natural Selection is that rare breed of thriller, filled with intricately layered research, real three-dimensional characters, and tornado pacing.
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"WHOA! Why hadn't I heard of this book? Thought the cover looked ridiculous, made it look like real horror junk so I had very low expectations. But almost immediately, literally from page one, I could tell this was going to be a very fun read. It was. It just felt so real; a fantastic combo of real smarts and suspense gave it that special something. Read the whole thing in a week."
— Yippee (5 out of 5 stars)
“[An] entertaining debut; possesses all the predatory features to provide maximum chills…an awesome beach read.”
— Publishers Weekly“A sci-fi thriller that combines the best of Jaws and Jurassic Park.”
— People Magazine“Jaws meets Charles Darwin.”
— USA Today, Top 10 Hottest Summer Reads“An action-packed debut. Make sure to pack this one for your next trip to the beach.”
— Cincinnati Library Review“Remarkable…Imagery...evokes a visceral terror…Don’t be surprised if giant flying fish are the talk of the summer.”
— Booklist“Action scenes will have Hollywood animation artists salivating.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I enjoyed this book a great deal, a lot of tension, great action and excitement. "
— Paul Tremmer, 9/21/2016" I found this novel quite riveting. I'd heard it was a page-turned and it really was. Very smart, super scary, fantastic action. "
— Jenna, 9/19/2016" Very exciting read, loved it. "
— Donny, 9/14/2016" GREAT book, really intense, awesome action. "
— Joseph, 6/30/2016" Great book, really entertained me. While I read it, I forgot about everything else. "
— Joey G, 6/13/2016" Very scary and exciting. A real page-turner. Loved it. "
— Michelle, 6/13/2016" Fantastic Read. I found this book terrifying, felt very real, really well supported, awesome action too. Seemed really smart too, esp for this type of book. Overall, thought it was great. "
— Kendra Simpkins, 6/3/2016" Loved, Loved, Loved this one. Really intense and scary. This action scenes are just fantastic. The science backdrop is borderline brilliant. The pages turned so very fast. Characters were fun and real. A blast. "
— Michelle, 5/29/2016" This book was fantastic. A page turner like I haven't read in years. I read it cover to cover in 5 days and just found it so riveting. The concept fascinated me and the execution was awesome. Intense action and really brilliant background research. Loved it! "
— michael, 5/25/2016" The book kept me entertained but the ending was rushed. "
— Kelli, 2/11/2014" The book is utter crap. The science is so messed up that I can only assume it was done on purpose. It's a virtual scavenger hunt of messed up science. And the writing is laughable. I counted the word suddenly three times in one paragraph! Don't waste your time with this crap... unless you're looking for a negative example of successful suspense writing. "
— Mike, 1/31/2014" I picked this up from the library based solely on the cover. I admit the premise of a manta ray learing to fly is far-fetched but it was still fun to read. Several scenes you could almost guess what was going to happen next but overall I thought it was an enjoyable read. "
— Eric, 1/26/2014" Just something to pass the time. "
— Conrad, 1/26/2014" I bought this book at the dollar store and it was worth every penny. "
— Deric, 1/15/2014" a very good thought provoking sci-fi thriller "
— Bill, 1/2/2014" Not bad, but far from perfect. Dave Freedman has a decent story going, but needs to work on his plotting and timing. I look forward, though, to seeing how his second book turns out. More details at The Last Exit to Babylon "
— Corwin, 12/28/2013" A good read - lots of action and this book makes you really think about nature. "
— Ronni, 11/30/2013" LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Of course, you have to distend a lot of belief with this one, but it's still fabulous. It's pretty much Jaws, only with giant flying Manta Rays. Yes, you read that correctly. "
— Beth, 11/26/2013" Unique read on new specie finding. Great for those who are facinated by the "what-if" and want a good twist of horror associated with it. "
— Dena, 9/18/2013" If you'd Jaws, you'll like this one even better. "
— Lugene, 8/6/2013" It was good enough that I read the whole thing, but I didn't really love it. "
— Amanda, 5/26/2013" Uhh, I wasn't that impressed. For some reason the writing style did not impress me. Some of the character development was refreshingly believable but most wasn't and overall the story was just a little too far fetched for me "
— Kim, 4/2/2013" An honest to goodness terrifying read on how quickly a species can adapt to the ever changing world and that mankind is not as dominant as we thought anymore. "
— Kyle, 9/17/2012" I really likes this book. It had some REALLY slow points, but all in all it was a really good read. "
— Pastor, 6/23/2012" Fun! Interesting ideas about natural evolution processes, set in current time. A little far-fetched at times, but a good story. "
— Cathay, 5/31/2012" Creepy concept a bit predictable however. "
— Darlene, 4/2/2012" This isn't a book I would normally read, but I enjoyed it. It was out there, but not enough to be unbelievable. "
— Faye, 3/22/2012" Fun read, good summer time mindless type book about manta rays that evolve rapidly and become able to fly, after which they begin to terrorize people and have to be defeated in a final showdown. "
— Andy, 2/24/2012" Fast read but very cheesy "
— Jennifer, 1/18/2012" There are definitely worse mass-market paperbacks that you could choose to read to kill the time on a 3-hour delay. "
— Mowry, 1/10/2012" totally mindless read...excellent for days when you don't want to think "
— Danimdavis, 6/17/2011" It was good to read a creature/monster horror book. It was a good debut. "
— Shari, 6/8/2011" Audio Book. A horror book where Manta World biologists can't keep the mantas alive and end up looking for some in the ocean and then a new species of manta. The new manta comes from the deep and is migrating to get away from a virus. Some of the new yo "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" This book was amazing! So good. Couldn't put it down. "
— Cassy, 2/20/2011" It was good enough that I read the whole thing, but I didn't really love it. "
— Amanda, 1/4/2011" The book kept me entertained but the ending was rushed. "
— Kelli, 10/21/2010" I wanted to enjoy this on a "wow, this is really goofy" level, but nope. Couldn't even do that. "
— Judah, 7/5/2010" I bought this book at the dollar store and it was worth every penny. "
— Deric, 7/2/2010" Jurassic Park crossed with Jaws and a bit of Meg thrown in for good measure.. <br/> <br/>It was ok but nowt special..a bit slow n not enough action..no way near as good as a Steve Alten novel! "
— Nicky, 6/25/2010" Had me on the edge of my seat. "
— Mary, 5/20/2010" I bought this at the dollar store. That was all it was worth. The plot was extremely slow and the characters were very one dimensional. <br/>I do not recommend this. "
— Kay, 4/17/2010" Uhh, I wasn't that impressed. For some reason the writing style did not impress me. Some of the character development was refreshingly believable but most wasn't and overall the story was just a little too far fetched for me "
— Kim, 4/4/2010Dave Freedman lives in Southern California with his wife. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Princeton and a master’s degree from Harvard. Natural Selection is his first novel.
Brian Emerson is an actor and technical director with a long career in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas.