Really interesting with good scientific detail. ( )

The story revolves around an ancient civilization that has been frozen in time beneath the ice in Antarctica and five scientists from around the world that have converged at the research facility to study and excavate the site. By them exploring and trying to uncover the ruins they set off a chain of events with dire consequences. The first part of the book was a little slow as the background and skill of each scientist is explored, but as time went on and everything started meshing together, then the book picked up speed as the "creature organisms" came to life, stalking and preying on the scientists. Giving it four stars.
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A sci-fi thriller including evil aliens and a government research/cover-up. Not particularly original. Chapters were broken down with the POV of one of six characters. Set-up of the premise took most of the first half of this book, making it difficult to stay interested. By the time the alien/monster finally arrives on scene, I almost didn’t care if anyone made it out.

Introduction of the government conspiracy angle is presented in the rescue with no hint of its existence beyond one of the characters was once employed by NSA. The rescue was very deus ex machina. The only saving grace is the epilogue that lays a path for a sequel - one which I doubt I will read. ( )

Nice Spin on Area 51. This was a fun take on Area 51 that sets up what should be an excellent series to come. Rare if not unique in how it blends somewhat common ideas (some as old as at least the 1950s) to create something altogether new. Truly excellent work, particularly for fans of scifi or thrillers. Very much recommended. ( )

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I will start off by saying that I am a fan of McBride’s work, who I feel has been getting better with each new release. I find myself doing research after reading his books because the factual background is very detailed and interesting. His novel “Sunblind” was one of my favorite books that I read in the year it was published and I felt it was an interesting monster story set into a non-fiction (and quite emotional) frame. He is continuing this trend here. Subhuman is filled with information about ancient civilizations interacting with extra-terrestrials—think Chariots of the Gods--as well as really interesting and strange scientific anomalies that really have no explanation. It was a bit of an “info-dump” at times I will admit but to me it made the first 25% of the novel really fly by. I was thinking that McBride was entering Michael Critchton-land and was pleased.

The middle 50% got a bit talky for me and I had some trouble with some actions of the characters who I felt were acting out of character to throw caution to the wind and then be surprised when it all hit the fan. The last 25% really got down to the meat (pun intended) of the story and once again I was engaged and the final scenes were especially well done.

This is the first in a new project that promises to be a high-tech version of X-files and, in McBride’s hands, will probably be a very good series. He is upping his game by taking on something this ambitious and I am looking forward to future installments.

Solid 4 stars.
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