Customer Reviews

The Flock (Five Star Science Fiction & Fantasy)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like all good thrillers James Robert Smith's The Flock begins with a murder--in this case, several murders by several killers.

The killers are the titular Flock, a community of prehistoric birds which have survived into modern times for the same reason many animals, including man, have prevailed throughout the ages: by being smarter than the creatures which would hunt them. Author James Robert Smith creates a plausible scenario in which a species of large, flightless carnivores have survived the deadliest predator of all (that's us) by limiting its range to a broad, unpopulated area and covering its tracks so as to avoid detection. One member of the Flock specializes in this track-covering, and its interaction with the other members of its group, as well as that of a rogue bird called the Scarlet, comprises one of the many conflicts which must be resolved before the book's end.

The central conflict concerns man's eventual encroachment upon the Flock's habitat in the form of a town owned and operated by a large entertainment conglomerate which is not above murder when it comes to protecting its interests. Also involved are a wealthy environmentalist who suspects the existence of the Flock, a right-wing survivalist group and a park ranger who is caught between their competing interests--and the Flock. Even the Flock has its own internal problem with the reckless Scarlet, a creature which begins to demonstrate a dangerous disregard for the cautionary ways of his peers and intends to start its own Flock by drawing off females attracted to its alpha-male aggressiveness. Smith deftly juggles these multiple points of view, bringing the action to a steady boil which culminates in not one, but two deadly chases.

Few established authors could create and maintain what amounts to almost unbearable suspense. Fewer still could juggle as many themes--many of them familiar to readers of genre fiction--without seeming hackneyed. Far, far fewer still could resolve the narrative in such a manner that is not altogether pat: not all of the bad actors get their comeuppance. However, there is one sharp, darkly hilarious twist which may aid in the continued survival of the Flock. (One has to keep in mind that many birds are notorious mimics.)

Other reviewers have tossed off comparisons to Michael Crichton due to the presence of the prehistoric creatures, but these creatures are not cloned, nor does the plot depend upon piles of narrative-deadening "research" shaped to fit a particular agenda. I was more reminded of Carl Hiaasen, given the Florida setting and the deep appreciation Smith shows for it, as well as the clean prose, realistic characters (even among the animals), and the clever touch put on an overall satisfying ending. As with the best writers, James Robert Smith transcends the various genres he works with in The Flock to create a fast-paced, entertaining story that doesn't feel at all like a guilty pleasure. I look forward to more from this author.

James Robert (Bob) Smith's novel, The Flock, is a worthy first effort, beautifully produced in hardback by Gale/Five Star Books. The flock of the title is a group of prehistoric birds, known as Phorusrachids, which have survived in one of Florida's last remaining wilderness areas. They are impressive, predatory creatures whose survival is largely due to their near-human intelligence; however, their existence is now threatened by both developers and by an eccentric militiaman who owns a portion of the wilderness. A group of environmentalists, who wish to see the land preserved, pit themselves against the exploiters, and in the process discover the existence of the creatures. A complex game of intrigue ensues as the various parties square off, each with its own single-minded agenda.

Smith is a capable writer and has created a remarkably believable backstory for these dinosaur-like creatures. His human characters are mostly colorful -- sometimes a little too colorful -- but the drama never fails to be engaging. The birds themselves, though, are the stars of the story, and their unique characters enliven the book far more than if they were merely one-dimensional, predatory monsters.

When I started this book I didn't quite know what to expect but after the first page I cound not put it down! It was wonderful from the first page to the last. Can hardly wait to read more of this James Robert Smith!

Every year millions of people "Flock" to the tourist trap known as Orlando. Unbeknownst to most of them is that 50 miles to the southeast is the edge of a vast and roadless wilderness area. This part of Florida is home to some of the rarest species of plant and animal life on our planet.

The Flock has made its nest here for many generations. This highly intelligent species is believed to be extinct for many thousands of years. The Flock is smart enough to know that they must remain "invisible" to man in order to ensure their continued existence.

What will happen when a rogue member of The Flock decides to stray off on his own, and ever expanding suburbia encroaches closer and closer to The Flock's home and hunting grounds?

The Berg Brothers want to expand their Salutations, USA development further into the wilderness, while billionaire environmentalist Vance Holcomb will do anything in his power to make sure that doesn't happen.

When Ron Riggs from the department of Fish and Wildlife is called to Salutations to investigate several occurrences of household pets mysteriously disappearing from their yards, the suspense really heats up.

What happens from there is that you will become engrossed in a fast paced page-turner that will keep you up all night.

This was a great read, and I would recommend "The Flock" to anyone!

A professionally written, well established tale of a surviving flock of intelligent phorusrhacids(terror birds) in an isolated Florida savanna. When a greedy corporation starts developing the land and discovers the Flock, the race is on between those that want them destroyed and those that want them protected at all costs... I really enjoyed James Robert Smith's The Flock, it was well paced and filled with excellent imagery and many memorable scenes that just beg to be transferred to the silver screen. My only complaint, as I feel I must give some sense of balance to my review, is that I wanted more from the terror birds viewpoint, every characters perspective was deserved and well balanced, however I craved to know more and see more from the terror birds point of view. Oh well, maybe next time? In the end, I found myself left with two big questions, first off: Why does the novel take place in May of 1999? And secondly: Why were the terror birds given such abilities and intelligence when they werent really called upon until the last minute? I eagerly await the answers to these questions in the upcoming sequel, The Clan. :) Hopefully due out sometime this year, dont keep us waiting too long Smith!

Whether you're an evolutionary biology geek, a Florida history aficionado, a tree-hugging hippie, and/or just enjoy a good engrossing plot, you'll enjoy "The Flock". Florida residents will particularly relate to the dynamics of development vs. conservation and Yankee immigration vs. local & natural history. JR Smith is a well-seasoned writer way past his due for a widely-acclaimed novel. Standby for what I predict to be a prolific career ahead!

When I met John Robert Smith at a signing, he described THE FLOCK as "THE BIRDS Meet JAWS." I thought, I gotta read this. I WAS NOT disappointed!

From the beginning slaughter to the dramatic end game it was truly a FUN READ and fun to imagine as happening.

The story is about a FLOCK of "extinct Terror-Birds" that live on a forgotten & abandoned military base in the Orlando area. They have the equal of human intelligence plus highly developed predatory instincts. They function as a single unit - a family.

After developers build an "Americana" community on a section of that base and people move in and encroach on the land where the FLOCK lives and feeds. All hell breaks loose when SCARLET "black sheep" of the FLOCK goes rogue...

"The Flock" by James Robert Smith (website | Facebook) is a fiction fantasy thriller set in a Florida. The title of the novel comes from a group of prehistoric giant carnivorous birds known as Phorusrhacids. The flock has survived in the Florida wilderness and is now fighting against being discovered by men.

Salutations, FL is a model, ideal and beautiful town owned by the movie studio / conglomerate Berg Bros. The movie studio wants to grow the town, however its neighbors, Marine Colonel Winston Grisham and billionaire Vance Holocomb wants to stop Berg Bros. for their own separate reasons.

Enter Ron Riggs, a Fish & Wildlife employee who is called to Salutations to find out why the residents' cats and dogs go missing. Thinking a big snake is the abductor Ron hires his ex-girlfriend Mary to help him out. However, soon they will find themselves in the middle of a power struggle between three titans who will stop at nothing to further their agenda. In the midst of the power struggle they discover The Flock, a group of intelligent, pre-historic birds who have hidden from humans for centuries.

"The Flock" by James Robert Smith is a fast paced thriller with wonderful pulp elements peppered in the novel.

The characters are fun, even though they are stereotypical with each representing an umbrella group (militants, big business, conservationists), but their interaction is what takes this book to another level. I liked the way Mr. Smith played with his characters' names. The militant is named after the U.S's rightwing / patriotic authors etc. These characters create the engaging drama in the novel, but the giant birds are the true stars.

Mr. Smith has created a somewhat believable story of how these terror birds (Titanis walleri) survived unseen and undiscovered in one of the most populous states in the union. The author has given these birds human characteristics which are interesting (although I didn't understand how come the intelligent, non-flying birds with hand instead of wings never created tools).

This book was a fast read, fast paced and fun at that. The storytelling is brilliant and the descriptive prose is imaginative and detailed. Some of the chapters are written from the viewpoint of the birds, which I found to be very interesting and helped me understand their way of life.

Its difficult not to compare The flock to other prehistoric Creature books, not only does it compare it matches the best in genre. I heartily recommend to anyone who loved Micheal Crighton.

This is a really good book. The stories about the people are great but what I think is outstanding about this story is the birds. Bob Smith did an excellent job in describing the characteristics of "the flock". The story has an outstanding finale' and it really surprised me. It was a WOW! moment for me. This would make a great movie I think. Buy this book. You won't be disappointed.