This book gripped me from the very beginning, despite the fact that the pacing is quite slow. This is not a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute kind of story. It takes its time, more of a controlled burn, slow build psychological type of horror as you (and the characters) imagine a million terrible things that could happen as events progress.

I will say, the humour surprised me. There were genuine laugh-out-loud moments, small observations or bits of banter that struck me as hilarious just as the tension was ratcheting up. The break was welcome, and added to my enjoyment of the story.

I liked Nolan a lot, and I'd love to read more books with him as the central character. He's funny, self-deprecating, smart, and genuinely likeable. The other characters were well developed as well; I warmed up to Ken even though I hadn't expected to, and I liked Molly and Pierre quite a bit as well.

I'm keeping fingers crossed that this will be turned into a movie. It would make a spectacular blockbuster! ( )

The Anomaly by Michael Rutger is a fantastic thriller.

This book wasn't for me - I will say that up front. I was really bored even though I wanted to love this book. Normally thrillers get me hooked, but this one fell flat. I've been stressed lately, so it's probably a lot more of a me factor than a book factor. Keep that in mind as you're reading this review.

The writing itself is great. I think Michael Rutger has quite the talent! The book has a fun story going on and keeps you on your toes.

For me, the story just bored me. I couldn't get into it even though it was reading in my brain like a fun Indiana Jones-like adventure. Throw in a bucket full of horror, and you've got this book. It's honestly so great, but my brain just couldn't get into it. It's creepy and thrilling in all the best ways. I think maybe this book didn't sit as well with me because it felt like a movie. It felt like it was trying to be cinematic but my brain wasn't seeing the movie. It's an odd feeling. I wasn't scared but I could tell it was horror.

I felt like it didn't move fast though, which is what I expect of a thriller. I may also have been bored because I felt like nothing was happening until the end of the book. It's a lot of talk.

I think most readers will love this. It is super good due to the writing style and creative ideas. All the fantastical and horrifying elements are there to make for a great book.

One out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. ( )

It appears I am in the minority. I thought it was just awful. Would never recommend to anyone. ( )

The only problem about these books is they are toooooo short!

Not that they need an extra word added to them, just that I want to frolic in this universe forever, but then before I know it the book is over and I am left book drunk for more!

This installment is powerful. The themes of being true to yourself, and not being able to hide from life or change who you are as a person are so strong through out this heartbreaking tale.

I get Cora's want to forget. It be released from the poison that has a hold on her mind, but man does she go through some growth during her stay at Whitethorn. I loved all the various characters she meets, they are written so deeply, even the ones that only have a few scenes. Everyone has a story they are running from, or being held back from and Cora makes waves in their lives whether she wants to or not.

You'll love this series if you love books that inspire you to fight for your right to live the life of your dreams. ( )

I knew I needed to read this book when the blurb stated that the main characters would be like a modern version of Indiana Jones in an X-Files era. I LOVE Indiana Jones!

Nolan Moore is a YoutTube celebrity, hosting his own web show where he's trying to find if the truth is out there ... Nolan loves mysteries, although he's not a true archaeologist. He used to be in the movies, well he was a screenwriter. But, he's very passionate when it comes to his show.

This time he's retracing the step of an explorer from 1909 who claimed that he had found a mysterious cave in the Grand Canyon. It would be marvelous if Nolan and his team found the cave ... or would it? It turns out this little expedition may be more dangerous than Nolan had anticipated...

One thing I really loved about THE ANOMALY was how it took a long time for the true horror to happen. You just know it would, and you sit there turning page after page waiting for the BAM moment. And, when it happened, WOW! This is definitely a book for thriller/sci-fi fans. A group of people put together, getting more and more paranoid, or do they have a reason to fear the unknown? Also, I had no idea what would happen. Everything was just as mysterious as for the characters in the book. Fabulous book, recommend it warmly!

I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy for an honest review! ( )