4.5 stars
When I read that this book was a naval military type thriller that featured a fire-breathing, wingéd monster, I couldn't see how the two would work together, to the extent that when Mr Rackman first tweeted about it I thought he was joking. But he has totally pulled off the challenge with Incendiary ~ the dragonesque Horla and her species are completely plausible.
The story starts with a gripping scene from the Vietnam war, then moves onto a ship with a top secret cargo ~ all the stuff of which good action horror stories are made. The novel is pacy and suspenseful, factually convincing and cleverly put together, told from the third person points of view of Dr Mel Villiers, researcher, and the man with whom she has recenty become involved, Captain Steve Warren from the elite SBS unit. Threads of governmental falsehoods, cover-ups and conspiracies run through the book as it moves from Porton Down research centre to a submarine in the Arctic ~ which is where the greatest twist of all takes place. Got me there; I love a surprise I didn't see coming, and it's one that turns the whole story on its head.
The thought of a world in which the human is not the dominant species gives much food for thought, as do several passages about the way in which those in power keep hold of it; the book has a fair bit to say, as well as being a good story. It's an unusual, intelligently-written page-turner, and the Author's Note stuff about dragons at the back is worth reading, too. Tick! ✔
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About the author
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2018
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020
An exciting thriller with well-researched detail and believable characters, the fourth novel by Carl Rackman will pique your interest from the first mention of the creature, Horla.Imaginative and action-packed, this thriller has believable characters and a compelling storyline.
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020
The fast-paced action begins on a transport ship on its way to a research facility in Southampton, England - but what is being transported there and why?
Following the action onboard the ship, the reader is introduced to Dr Melanie Villiers, a research scientist who has been working on the top secret Project Horla for years and something of an ‘underdog’. As we learn about her relationships with the other characters, we find ourselves rooting for Dr Mel against the abrasive people she has to deal with once the terrible creature becomes loose. The plot thickens when we discover that the creature did not escape without help and that it has interesting powers of persuasion.
Aware that the story was taking place in the naval military world, which I know nothing about, I did wonder if I might get lost in some of the terminology and found myself getting tangled up in all of the different code words and aliases, but the descriptions were clear enough that this was not a problem.
The action sequences were very compelling and well-written and made up for some of the relationships between the main characters which sometimes felt a little contrived.
I would love to see a sequel or two concerning this species. All in all I would (and will) definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a little escapism right now.
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Top reviews from other countries
- CathyReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2019
A compelling story
It’s nearly fifty years since a platoon of soldiers in the Cambodian jungle stumbled upon a horrific scene they couldn’t begin to process. Multiple gruesome deaths…a fantasy creature spouting flames….civilians seemingly worshiping the apparition. Now Dr Mel Villiers, a researcher at a top secret facility, along with her boss Dr Harry Egerton, are waiting for the arrival of a cargo ship from America carrying that same creature. Project Horla was being moved to Britain. The head of the project, Isabelle March, is Mel’s nemesis. March bullied and belittled Mel for the four years of her post-doctoral research placement.CathyA compelling story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2019
Egerton is concerned by the lack of updates and response from the ship and daylight brings disturbing images. An elite SBS unit is sent to the ship, with no knowledge of the cargo or what they might encounter, headed by Mel’s boyfriend, Captain Steve Warren. What the investigation team find defies belief and it becomes a fight for survival as they realise the creature is loose and the only survivor is Isabel March.
Incendiary is a faced paced, tension filled story from the start. An extremely well devised mixture of mythological fantasy and contemporary spy thriller with just a dash of romance. The fantasy element is written in such a way as to make it totally plausible, the notion that humans may not ultimately be the superior species on earth adds another layer to the story.
Carl Rackman delivers a compelling, excellently written and researched story. Imaginative and individual as always, the narrative has several unpredictable twists and wonderfully crafted characters you’re never sure of. A thought provoking slant on the motivations and trustworthiness of secret government agencies, and indeed the government itself, is also a believable theme running through. The descriptions and details paint incredible imagery and I couldn’t hazard a guess as to how the story would pan out—or the ending….but it couldn’t have been better. There’s a very interesting author’s note at the end too which is well worth reading.
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- Alan H.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2018
An intelligent firecracker of a novel!
- John CSReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2018
Another amazing work of literary genius from a brilliant author.
