Dark Woods Options

[Ravenheart]

I just came across this book on Amazon and was wondering if anyone has heard of it or has read it.

[Bushman]

Haven't had a chance to pick it up yet but there was a copy of Dark Woods in my stocking this morning.

[sierramadre]

I have heard that this is good!! Keep us posted if you dont mind.

[Marigold Bumbler...]

There was a thread or two about this book awhile ago, everyone agreed that it was a great book.

I read it recently and I loved it!!

[primateer]

I just recently reviewed the book here on the BFF. Here's the page. M.K.
http://www.bigfootforums.com/index.php?showtopic=8777

[Ravenheart]

Before I started this thread I did a search but didn't get any results for some reason.After reading the review,I'm picking this up for sure.

[RabidMonkey]

Here is the previous discussion.

[peregrine]

This fall I read two bigfoot-related works of fiction: “Where Legends Roam” by Lee Murphy (2001), and “Dark Woods” by Jay Kumar (2004). I'll attempt to briefly compare and contrast the books.

“Legends” features an enigmatic hero, George Kodiak, a weathered cryptozoologist with a knack for getting himself into (and out of) exotic predicaments. The silly formulaic plot includes a familiar menagerie of superficial characters, including an eccentric billionaire, slimy villains, conflicted stooges, and (of course) a lovely romantic interest. Lee Murphy appears to have a good handle on sasquatch lore, but some of his geologic/geographic settings were not well conceived.

Based on cover art, far-fetched premises, the book’s large print, short length, and size (6” x 9”), and the author’s action/adventure storytelling approach, I initially thought “Legends” was aimed at a juvenile audience. Unfortunately, quite a bit of graphic violence is detailed in addition to a gratuitous torture/sex scene, disappointing factors which, in my mind, preclude the book from inclusion in suggested reading lists for younger readers.

I cannot recommend “Where Legends Roam,” although I do believe that some readers will find its outrageous cast of characters and fast-paced action entertaining.

“Dark Woods” relates the tale of a stubbornly ethical deputy sheriff, Frank Vaughn, who risks his job, marriage, and life in his determination to do what he sees as right: ending the sufferings of a wounded animal. What starts out as a hunter’s seemingly simple quest burgeons beyond his control as a (generally tenable) series of events having international repercussions quickly engulfs him and others.

“Woods” was a difficult book for me to put down. The story line, based on the premise that the documentation of the sasquatch will result in an upheaval of society, was intriguing, and plot twists kept me guessing. The characters were satisfactorily developed and believable, although a bit one dimensional, particularly the obsessed professor. Kumar obviously did his homework regarding background research into the mysterious subject of the book (being particularly indebted to Grover Krantz) as well as the cultural and natural history of the region. There was a place or two where I thought the story dragged a bit as the author sought to educate the reader about some of the prevailing sasquatch biology theories, but it’s possible that those unfamiliar with sasquatch literature would find the information helpful and interesting.

I recommend “Dark Woods” as an excellent example of sasquatch-related storytelling.

A minor complaint with both authors is that I felt they took liberties regarding sasquatch behavior for the sake of creating plot crises. I suppose such literary license is to be expected, but surely an author exists somewhere with the creative wherewithal to write a story (or screenplay) that doesn't rely on an aggressive sasquatch.

[Squatchaholic]

Thank you, Peregrine, for your concise reviews. Now I know to add "Dark Woods" to my winter reading list.

[zoom1200]

I liked the book. it had some pretty creepy parts in it. but the end leaves a bit to be desired, otherwise a fun read.

[ByondByond]

i just finished this book
it was very entertaining and thought provoking. the author did good job giving several different views on the subject with the " gov. vs. lumber co. vs. ethical hunter vs. science" characters.

best bigfoot fiction since the "the making of bigfoot"
lol

are there any other decent fiction books like this? (dark woods not the other)

thx
D

This post has been edited by ByondByond: Dec 30 2004, 07:19 PM

[peregrine]

i just finished this book   
it was very entertaining and thought provoking. the author did good job giving several different views on the subject with the " gov. vs. lumber co. vs. ethical hunter vs. science"  characters.

best bigfoot fiction since the "the making of bigfoot"
lol

are there any other decent fiction books like this? (dark woods not the other)

thx
D

For another book of this type you might try "Track of the Bigfoot: Book II of the Cryptids Trilogy."

I guess I was pretty rough on "Where Legends Roam." You can find mostly positive reviews of Lee Murphy's book at Amazon.

[ByondByond]

cool
thanks i'll check it out