Reading Extinction, I kept thinking about this paraphrased statement from the movie Jurassic Park, you were so eager to see if you could, you never stopped to think whether you should. There were some similarities to Jurassic Park, even a few of the major characters brought up the book and movie; though this is a police procedural where the main characters are trying to determine who murdered the honeymooners on a guided backpacking adventure in Erebus' backcountry. Even more important, how did they do it? Was it related to the husband's billionaire father? Or was it a way to close Erebus as there had been protests against the park even before it broke ground?

At the beginning of the book, readers get an idea of Erebus, a hotel and visitor center in a huge Colorado wilderness area that's been cleared of predators to protect the newly de-extinct animals that Erebus has wandering the area-- woolly mammoths, Irish Elk, giant ground sloths, and others.

Olivia and Mark Gunnerson opted for the eight-day backcountry adventure. The newlyweds are experienced backpackers but they opted for a guide. After a trying but exhilarating first day of hiking and enjoying nature, they share a ready meal and turn in. During the night they hear a noise and when they leave their tent to check it out they are attacked. The guide who heard the same noise dressed as quickly as he could and ran to their tent but there was no sign of the Gunnersons, only their headlights and blood-soaked ground. Once the guide calls it in, the state investigator, Frankie Cash, and county sheriff, James Colcord, arrive to take charge of the case.

Investigators are hampered by the extremely rough terrain, lack of roads, and thousands of acres to cover. They quickly learn the attack took less than four minutes and the victims and attackers all disappeared into the wild. It turns out Mark Gunnerson is the son of a billionaire with a financial interest in Erebus.

As one might expect, the disappearance of the son and daughter-in-law of a billionaire in mysterious circumstances while at a very exclusive and expensive resort makes the investigators' task that much more difficult. Then there is the fact that Cash and Colcord, based on the evasion of certain questions, are convinced some of those interviewed are not telling the entire truth. Something fishy is going on at Erebus. To top it all off Cash's supervisor feels a case like this one is his chance to shine if he handles the politics and image of the situation so he pops into Erebus to be the face of the agency, and to block Cash and Colcord from actually doing what needs to be done to keep the searchers, researchers, investigative teams, and the Erebus employees safe and finding the attackers.

The tension is certainly high in places. There are also some truly horrific scenes that the investigators find – but the actual activity that caused those scenes takes place off the page and is only discussed. There are a lot of philosophical issues raised as they were in Jurassic Park but this time with a definite twist that makes some issues impossible to not think about once the story is over.

A story worth reading for the adventure, the mystery, and the scientific advancements that allowed it to happen.

A modern day Jurassic Park but with a twist. A fun easy read (easily finished in a weekend) with likeable characters and a smart, well developed plot. I also always love how the surroundings, in this case the beautiful natural environment of Colorado, play a large, integral part in the storyline.

I am a huge fan of the Agent Pendergast series. It's probably my favourite series in this genre but would not be against this developing into a series and the way the character's storylines are left open ended anything is possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group (Forge Books) for providing a digital copy in return for an honest, unbiased review.

I requested Extinction on NetGalley basically because I love dinosaurs and I love de-extinction as a concept, so any book with one or the other will automatically grab my attention. Extinction is a thriller/mystery set in a park with animals that have been bought back from extinction - but the creators of the park have learned from Jurassic Park, so obviously they’ve just gone for nice safe (ish) herbivores. And yet, one of the guests is dead…

Things I loved:
- The plot is twisty and clever and impossible to comment on without spoilers but it was the kind of thing that had me stopping to fill my husband in on ever turn and revelation
- Science-based - it’s no academic test, but it’s at least given some thought to credible science and how things would work, so it’s believable
- Genuinely creepy at times. Not what I expected but well done. A bit gory at points but in a relevant to the plot way
- Like all the best speculative fiction, it made me think. For days afterwards I mulled over the story and it’s still stuck with me, months later.

Things I wasn’t quite as sold on:
- I nearly DNF’d it early on, because I thought it was very slow to get going
- There’s nothing explicitly wrong with the characters, but I didn’t particularly care about any of them. Especially early on, I actually found it difficult to keep our two main characters separate because they just didn’t seem to have enough of an individual identity (and they both have C-names which didn’t help)

Final thoughts:
Objectively, I shouldn’t have loved this as much as I did. It was slow to get going, and the characters were underwhelming - and we all know by now that I’m a very character driven reader normally. Despite that, once I got engrossed I couldn’t put it down, and the plot ended up being brilliantly clever and addictive. If you like crime or thrillers with a bit of a twist and that’ll make you think, this is well worth a read.

Douglas Preston’s Extinction is a thrilling exploration of humanity’s attempts to play god through genetic resurrection, set against the stunning yet foreboding backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. With echoes of Michael Crichton’s signature blend of science and suspense, this novel delivers a fast-paced and gripping story, though it occasionally stumbles in its execution.

The premise is undeniably captivating: Erebus Resort offers a glimpse into a prehistoric past brought to life through cutting-edge genetic manipulation. When the idyllic sanctuary becomes the scene of gruesome murders, Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Frances Cash and county sheriff James Colcord are thrust into a case that rapidly escalates into a battle for survival against a mysterious, ancient force.

Preston excels at crafting vivid and immersive settings, and the Colorado wilderness, teeming with resurrected creatures, provides a striking stage for the story’s events. The scientific concepts are fascinating, raising compelling ethical questions about de-extinction and its unintended consequences. The escalating tension and action sequences keep the pages turning, making it a solid choice for fans of techno-thrillers.

The characters, while serviceable, lack the depth to make them truly memorable, and their development feels secondary to the plot. The story’s second half, where the ancient and malevolent presence comes to the forefront, veers into predictability, undercutting some of the initial intrigue. Additionally, the resolution feels rushed, leaving some narrative threads unresolved.

Extinction is an entertaining read that delivers on its promise of thrills and scientific wonder, even if it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. While the characters and conclusion fall short, the novel’s imaginative premise and relentless pacing make it worth picking up for fans of Preston’s work or anyone drawn to science-driven suspense. I rated this 3 stars for its engaging concept and adventurous spirit, though it may leave some readers wanting more depth and originality.

In his latest solo journey, Mr. Preston takes on a subject we tend not to think about unless confronted with it—cloning. Initially, the impulse to think one is embarking on another version of Jurassic Park is strong, but trust me when I say this novel wanders down a very different rabbit hole.

Picture a fabulous luxury resort deep in the foothills of the Erebus Mountains of Colorado where those who can afford it can enjoy sharing real estate with a range of extinct species. Watch a family of mammoths stroll through forests of regenerated flora. See glyptodons wend their way across the valley floor.

Get yourself murdered.

For those unfamilar with Greek mythology, “Erebus” was the personification of darkness, and in this science-fiction thriller Mr. Preston digs deep into the darkness those seeking profit at any cost are willing to plumb whatever the consequences.

A billionaire socialite and her husband disappear from their sightseeing camp leaving only “two big, dark, clotted stains” behind. Frankie Cash, newly promoted senior detective in the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Major Crimes Division, is assigned the task of finding out how that could happen at a location with the security—and secrecy—of Cheyenne Mountain. She and colleague Bart Romanski from CSI join forces with Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord, and none of them are prepared for what they discover.

According to Erebus Security Chief Andrew Maximilian, only six species of Pleistocene megafauna have been resurrected for the entertainment of the 1%, all of them herbivores. More to the point, the complete disappearance of the two victims isn’t something any animal was likely to have perpetrated.

Mayhem, of course, ensures right on schedule as the investigators dig out the truth about Erebus and its scientific explorations. Since going into too much detail would spoil the fun, suffice it to say Mr. Preston anticipated comparisons to the aforementioned Jurassic Park and has more than one homage to it as the plot progresses. The resolution of his story is food for lots of discussion about hubris and overreach, so if your book club is looking for a good read—here it is.

So, this is an *enjoyable* book, especially in audio format. It kept me interested, and at one point I was yelling 'just run 'em down!'...while driving on the freeway. Luckily the windows were up. Is it a *good* book? The one star reviews are definitely valid when it comes to Men Writing Women and the fuzzy science. So, 3.5 stars rounded down.
Thank you very much to Tor and Forge and NetGalley for the ARC!

A fun an engaging read. This is my first by Douglas Preston and I will definitely pick up others in the future.

Fun, dynamic, engaging read. I am always intrigued by this author and his out of the box storylines. The book is thought-provoking while being delightfully entertaining. I would recommend this read to anyone that would like a fast-paced, light, yet conversation invoking read.

Extinction of the first book I’ve read by Douglas Preston, and it didn’t disappoint. I wouldn’t really compare it to Jurassic Park too much, but if you loved Jurassic Park you’ll like this one. This is more of a mystery. Who’s the bad guy/bad guys? In Jurassic Park, the enemy was always clear, because they weren’t the main point of the story. In Extinction, the story starts with mysterious killings, and it builds from there. I loved the imagery of the mammoths and other prehistoric mammals. It was written beautifully.

This story was very well told. Especially since it was told from multiple perspectives which can sometimes get messy. This one was put together nicely. It did drag in areas, but when it was going, it really went. There were brutal bits, but they were mainly left to the imagination rather than a full description. Sometimes less is more, and while I’m not one to get queasy, I feel like if you do, this style wouldn’t be as hard on you. It was interesting! You can tell the author did some research here, and that makes it all the better.

Even though it never ends well, fictionally speaking, I’ve gotta say I’d line up to see these creatures. Dinos. Mammals. It’d be worth the risk to see them. Sign me up!

This reminded me so much of a Michael Crichton book and I absolutely loved it. I love books that have a sci-fi twist that really make you contemplate the morality of scientific progress and make you ask "Just because you can do something, should you actually do it, and what are the possible ramifications?'

I have read every Michael Crichton book and loved them. A cover with a woolly mammoth, the title hinting at a Jurassic Park vibe, and a sci-fi thriller description made me want to dive into this book. The hook is great. Preston does a great job giving you vivid detail to paint the idyllic scene of a baby woolly mammoth playing in the water at sunset. You are immediately hit with the thriller part of the story very 1980s style couple left alone and why would you go out into the dark. Now we introduce the investigator, a female who seems very disconnected from the world and has some past "moment" that she will need to reconcile with during the story. Kinda cliche. From there a ton of characters get introduced and it seems to just muddy the storyline, but I assume they are meant to bring in red herrings. The twist is odd and hard to believe. The investigator figures it all out and we all go home with a smile. This felt to contrived for TV or film and it would have really great imagery, but the story has some plot holes that was disappointing, and the science needs some scientific review for accuracy and terminology use. Overall, it was a fun ride but not a Michael Crichton adventure which is sorely miss.

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. This is a thriller with some twist and mystery thrown in with the historical animals was a masterpiece. Chef’s kiss!

I ARC reviewed this for Netgalley and this is my honest opinion. I was not paid for this review. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this masterpiece.

5 Stars.

This gripping thriller, filled with hidden dangers and twists, kept me hooked. The search for missing campers leads to shocking discoveries. I highly recommend this thriller.

This is a novel that I approached with high hopes, especially as a big fan of Jurassic Park. The idea of bringing back extinct animals from fossilized DNA is an exciting concept that immediately drew me in. However, while the premise was intriguing, the execution left me with mixed feelings.

The novel’s central plot revolves around the cloning of Neanderthals, a concept that, while ambitious, felt a bit far-fetched for my taste. Unlike the more grounded approach seen in Jurassic Park, the science in Extinction sometimes stretched the limits of believability, making it harder to fully immerse myself in the story.

Additionally, the characters involved in the secretive cloning experiments came across as somewhat cliché. The "mad scientist" trope is well-worn, and in this case, it felt a bit overdone. The characters lacked the nuance and depth that could have made their motivations more compelling, instead leaning heavily into the stereotypes of unethical scientists driven by hubris.

That said, Extinction wasn’t without its merits. The pacing was solid, and there were moments of genuine tension and excitement that kept me engaged. If you’re a fan of science fiction thrillers with a focus on genetic experimentation, there’s certainly some entertainment to be found here. However, if you’re looking for a story with the same level of scientific plausibility and character complexity as Jurassic Park, you might find this one falls a bit short.

Douglas Preston's Extinction is a gripping blend of scientific intrigue and pulse-pounding adventure. The novel deftly intertwines cutting-edge genetic research with a suspenseful narrative, keeping readers on edge from start to finish. Preston's meticulous attention to detail and compelling characters make this a standout thriller in the genre.

Wow, what a page-turner! I loved the Jurassic Park-type plot mixed with the police procedural aspects.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this book.

A valley in Colorado contains a safari-style experience with de-extinct herbivores such as the woolly mammoth. This spectacular location serves as the backdrop for a shocking double homicide.

This was a promising set-up; I’m a sucker for books that incorporate science, and especially books that explore the implications of scientific progress. I was however disappointed by its execution. I don’t think its marketing as Crichton-esque is helping its case - Preston’s work is more action movie than science thriller.

The first half was fun and well-paced, but it began to drag when characters started making majorly stupid decisions that resulted in predictable consequences. It ended up feeling unrealistic for something based off of scientific research.

This book also suffers from the main female lead being written quite poorly. She constantly thinks about her weight and wishes she was skinnier. She even skips meals and thinks longingly of sweet treats. This was not a point of character development or a commentary on the expectations women place on themselves - it just reads like what a man thinks might be relatable funny moments for women reading.

I also thought the central plot was in poor taste. I didn’t enjoy the big reveal. The novel felt unresolved at the end, but I don’t know if I actually wanted Preston to actually try to wrap up the plot he’d created.

I was having a lot of fun with the ‘police procedural’ at the start, and I wish the book had stuck with that feeling. It was an easy read that pulled me through and did keep me intrigued for a good chunk. Definitely fun, but didn’t quite deliver on its promises.

This was a quick read and I found the writing to be very basic with a plot that was easy to follow. This sounds like I should have given it a four star rating, but I found the mystery to be quiet easy to figure out so that really was a drag for me. With that said, the science inside the book and the concept were intriguing and that kept me rating this in a solid three star category.

If you a looking for a good beach read or vacation book this will keep you engaged when read without hijacking the whole vacation.

Thank you Net Galley and Tor Publishing for the ARC I read

Douglas Preston's "Extinction" is a gripping thriller that marries cutting-edge science with relentless suspense. Set in the awe-inspiring Erebus Resort in the Colorado Rockies, the novel plunges readers into a world where woolly mammoths and other prehistoric creatures roam once more, thanks to advanced genetic engineering.

When the son of a billionaire and his new wife are brutally murdered, Agent Frances Cash and Sheriff James Colcord are tasked with uncovering the truth. What begins as a hunt for eco-terrorists soon reveals something far more sinister lurking in the shadows of Erebus. Preston masterfully builds tension as the body count rises, and the true threat becomes chillingly clear.

"Extinction" is not just a nod to Michael Crichton's "Jurassic Park" but a thrilling exploration of its own unique horrors. Preston's meticulous research and vivid storytelling create a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining. While some elements may feel slightly implausible, the fast-paced action and well-crafted suspense make this a compelling read. A solid 4-star thriller that will leave you both entertained and thoughtful about the potential consequences of genetic manipulation.

As always Preston has written a firecracker of a book. I love his breathtaking adventures. Highly recommend.