DNF at 35%.

I'm sorry, but this is unreadable. Grammatical errors I can handle, but glaring geographical and colloquial mistakes are too much even for me. Especially since most of them can be resolved with a little bit of simple research. Google the time difference between Arizona and East Africa, and you will realize pretty quickly that the sun rises un Africa BEFORE it reaches the American continent, not the other way around... unless Earth all of a sudden started turning backwards, and we somehow didn't notice.

On top of that, the writing itself is rather uninspired. It's serviceable, if the story is good or the characters are engaging enough to want to follow them. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Characters are one-dimensional clichés - the young mother with a baby, the tough-looking punk girl with who decides to help them, etc. And don't get me started on the baby! The most annoying non-entity out there. He isn't a character, he is a McGuffin for everyone to fret over. And we also get head-hopping, which is, in my point of view, the most irritating feature to encounter in a book. I'm okay with changing points of views, but make the transition logical - do a different chapter for each point of view, or even a different scene, but for the love of all that's holy, don't hop from head to head within the same scene or even the same paragraph! It's confusing. It gives me whiplash, and it takes me out of the story immediately because I want to throw my Kindle at the wall.

I was already done with this book by 20%, but I tried to hang on for another 10% to see if it got any better. It didn't. Judging by all the 5 star reviews, plenty of people enjoyed this book, but it is definitely not my cup of tea.

PS: I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was hoping for a good, silly bit of fun. This is, unfortunately, simply not my brand of camp. The writing style simply didn't click with me.

4 Stars!

When I see a horror/science fiction novel with a catchy title, I am immediately intrigued. This was the case with Frenzy Island by Richard E. Rock. I knew nothing about the author going in and nothing about the book except for the blurb, but the cover and the title caught my interest. I jumped into the novel hoping that the story would live up to the promise I felt from that snazzy cover and title.



When a freak storm strikes a ship of refugees, they are washed up on the shores of an island just north of Madagascar. They are grateful to reach land safely. That gratitude only lasts a short time. This is no ordinary island. It is Frenzy Island and it is inhabited by blue-skinned mutants. When the mutants attack, two sisters and a baby find a gate at a scientific research facility and pray and beg that the locked gate would open somehow. Half a world away, in Arizona, Cynthia is working at a remote monitoring station and sees the two women. She makes a decision that will change her life, and the course of the world’s history, by letting the women into the facility.



Gaining entry into the facility is only the beginning of the danger, however, for the facility was designed to study and protect a secret that could change the world. . .or destroy it. Cynthia finds herself in the middle of a struggle between the company she works for and the women trapped in the facility. As the secret origin of the blue mutants and the reason for the research facility becomes known, it becomes clear that the company’s agenda behind building the base has made everything and everyone else expendable. But what exactly is the secret that lies deep within the base and can Cynthia and the refugee women unravel the mystery and save themselves, and possibly the planet, before it is too late?



I just want to clear something up first. One of the blurbs on the cover of this book say that it is “Jurassic Park meets Contact.” Whoever wrote that either did not read this book or has never seen Jurassic Park. There is absolutely nothing in this novel that is like Jurassic Park. This is not anything bad about the story. I just felt that needed to be cleared up. Honestly, I am not sure exactly what comparison I would make for this novel which, again, is not a knock on the story because it is simply a story that stands up well enough on its own. It is, quite simply, an entertaining novel about an alien encounter that does not need to be compared to any other. The blue men are brutal killing machines that have no morals or compassion with an origin that is somewhat heart wrenching. The aliens are sinister in that their true intentions are not clear. They could be saviors or destroyers. All of this is wrapped up in a conspiracy made by men and smoothed into a fast-paced, adventure/science fiction (with a dash of horror) novel.



Frenzy Island is a fast-paced, action-packed read that kept me moving from one page to the next. The novel starts off with a slowly building story centered around Cynthia to build up the conspiracy and a fast-moving story centered on the refugees and their desperate flight from the blue-skinned creatures. The two stories come together as the novel progresses and the story changes in scope and tone at that point. There is a lot going on in this novel as the aliens get wrapped up in conspiracy theories and politics and even a story of human redemption. There is a little bit of more extreme violence in some of the passages, most notably in the origin of the blue-skinned creatures, although the intrigue and horror becomes more psychological as the novel progresses. Those who are looking for a horror novel may be a bit disappointed as this “horror/science fiction” novel is relatively light on the horror but high on the entertainment. I rocketed through this novel and found it to be highly entertaining while moving along at a brisk pace throughout. Even though it was a quicker read, it had enough detail and story building in it that I never felt as if there was anything important being glossed over. This is the first novel I have read by Richard E. Rock, but it will not be the last. Recommended for science fiction fans and for those who enjoy horror or adventure novels and do not mind expanding their horizons a little. This novel is worth it.



I would like to thank Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and NetGalley for this review copy. Frenzy Island is available now.

I kind of hated the protagonist as a person but really enjoyed her as a character. The plot started to drag a bit at the end, but that might be because the beginning was so engaging. The dialogue was kind of clunky at times and I got a big "how do you do, fellow kids" vibe at times, especially with the protag.

"Frenzy Island" was an entertaining read... though it does feel like more of a spoof towards the end. There are good characters, most of the plot is great (forgive my eye rolls in the latter parts), and is written very well. It's a great book for people who don't always want to take their fiction too seriously, and is a great reminder that reading should be fun.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

All I can say is I want this to be a tv series or movie! A shipwreck that leaves two sisters and a baby awash on an island inhabited with giant “blue-skinned savages.” Sounds creepy right?! Well it is. Add in terrifying science experiments and their only savior is a monitoring station employee in Arizona and this one is about to get chaotic. I don’t want to say too much but I enjoyed this one.
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Thank you Cranthorpe Millner pub and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a sucker for a book featuring terrible happenings on an island. It’s my preferred trope (is that even a trope?)
I enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and I was kept guessing right up until the end
I felt like whenever I thought I knew where the book was going to go, it swerved and threw me a plot twist. I loved how unpredictable this book was
It was creepy too which was what I was hoping for as it’s the season to be creeped out

This is a story about the final frontier.

If you’ve ever been curious about a homicidal version of the dudes from ice planet Barbarians, this is the book for you. This was a strange, but very enjoyable scifi horror adventure- the narrative structure didn’t allow for a lot of connection with the characters, but that worked fine as you didn’t need to know most of them anyway. The protagonist is charming & bold- her love for rock & roll, hot dogs & subverting authority are glorious. Overall, so much fun!

Thank you so much Netgalley & Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the eArc!

In the simplest of terms this wasn't for me. It did kind of give off a murderous version of Ice Planet Barbarians, but not as fun lmfao

I thought that the premise of this book sounded phenomenal and was so excited to read this one. Unfortunately I struggled to get into this story and ended up DNF'ing this book.
Of what I did read, I enjoyed the writing style. I think that if you're looking for an off the wall read that is not too serious this could be the book for you.
I am giving this book 3 stars - just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean that others wouldn't really enjoy it.

If you are looking for something fun, not deep, outlandish, and slightly silly – this is your book. A boat gets swept to an island off the coast during a hurricane and before the survivors can get their bearings, they are set upon by…7-foot tall blue blood-thirsty human savages. And the story just goes from there – aliens, secret government agencies, conspiracies, and a wise cracking security technician in AZ that could be the key to saving the world. This book is definitely not for everyone, but I found it entertaining. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

The writing and editing needs work. A boat of refugees ends up on the wrong island- not only is it not the refugee's destination, there's extraterrestrial activity.

Hi, this was a book with several likable characters who have to endure very strange circumstances to survive. Warning, no one is safe. It jumps off pretty fast. Parts are thrilling.

I think if it was categorized as new adult, and maybe sometimes cheeky, I would have been better prepared for it. I think if you like a breezy novel with some interesting ideas, you might like it.

The only downsides are choppy editing (i thought two different people wrote it) and, especially in early chapters, the word choice didn't always make sense to me. Odd words or phrases leaving me wondering why.

Thank you for the eArc #Netgalley and #CranthorpeMillner

I did not enjoy this book really at all, I'm sorry to say. The prose was choppy and (for lack of a better description) meat-heady. It reminded me quite a bit of the early 90s TV movies the SciFi channel would produce where you could tell they came up with an idea that while not unique or that creative could be interesting and entertaining, and then it was a paint-by-numbers (or write-by-numbers). For a reader who desires easy, brief, escapism, maybe this fits their demand. But it just wasn't for me.

I didn't get on with this book, I am sorry to say. I liked the sound of it, but just didn't enjoy the story, it didn't grab me.

Where to begin with Frenzy Island.

A fantastic cover, an appealing premise, likeable characters, interesting backstories…

There were some parts I didn’t like as much; at times it dragged along or there was too much down time between actually interesting events.

The aspect of the courageous refugee sisters & baby being trapped on the island with mutated savages was awesome in itself, but then the author throws in more bizarre twists that I wasn’t a huge fan of.

Definitely give this book a chance, it is such a unique concept.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for a copy.

Frenzy Island by Richard E. Rock has engaging characters, an intriguing plot, and quick-paced action scenes.
There were a few things that a rewrite and a good editor could smooth out but it was still fun overall.
Don't be fooled by the blurb though--it isn't really like a mash-up of Jurassic Park and Contact. The blurb for the book says, "Two sisters and a baby, shipwrecked refugees, wash up on a mysterious east African Island crawling with giant, blue-skinned savages. They flee to an abandoned scientific facility where incredible and terrifying experiments have been taking place, experiments that could change the course of human history."
As I said the characters are enjoyable and the premise was intriguing, but the tone of the book seemed to wander at times. Most times when the blue beast men were mentioned I chuckled because all I could picture were nude, zombie smurfs...sigh. I think I may have ruined parts of it for myself.
Thank you to #NetGalley., #CranthorpeMillnerPublishers, and Richard E. Rock for the ARC of #FrenzyIsland.

I really did enjoy this fast paced, never ending adrenalin, and spectacular story. Richard E. Rock is a great writer that can fill you with hope and dread by the magic of his words.

This story is about two sisters, Esperance and Godriva, stranded on an island that once held science experiments with detrimental consequences. Both sisters try to survive this harsh environment and find a way off the island. With the help from Cynthia, an employee of the company who owns this island, they are assisted in trying to leave the island before disaster strikes the island again.

The last 50% of this story was so fast paced and exhilarating. I found myself invested in finding out how this could all end. Boy was I impressed and now I must now what comes next. I need to know what happens!!

Thank you #NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for letting me read and review #FrenzyIsland by Richard E. Rock.

Frenzy Island

[Blurb goes here]

First, and just to clarify: Jurassic Park *does not* meet Contact in this Sci-Fi - Horror Mashup. I have no idea who comes up with these 'call-to-action' tag lines...this one, like so many others I've encountered, is way off the mark. This story stands all on its own, no need for 'name dropping.'

This is the second novel by Richard E. Rock., the first one, 'Deep Level,' was really good, but had its share of mistakes. Understandable, since it was the author's first book.

I've read my fair share of 'first times,' most relying on two or three experts to make things better. It seemed to me at the time, that the author confidently thought, there was no need for any of that (I'm just guessing here, and for that I apologize,) but more on that later...

A group of refugees get stranded on an island north of Madagascar, a blessing, since the ship they where in, capsized during a storm. As they set foot on the island, they're attacked by seven feet tall, frenzied, blue, naked humanoids. Two sisters carrying a baby, flee from the scene, chased by a couple of creatures, while the rest of the survivors get killed by the zombie-like monsters. Soon the sisters find their way into a compound, property of SpaceWurd. The monsters, a few steps behind them. A closed door between their attackers and safety.

On the other side of the world, in SpaceWurd's Spaceport (Arizona), Cynthia, a fun and lovable character, lets the two sisters into the complex. What ensues is a very well thought out, interesting, and fast paced adventure, that jumps back and forward between Cynthia and the two sisters.

Going into Frenzy Island, I expected that experience had taught the author not to make the same mistakes again. It didn't. While I loved the story (I can't stress this enough,) I couldn't help but notice that those earlier 'Deep Level' errors where still there: the undeveloped writing, the lack of a good editor, and the unfrequent (albeit a bit annoying) grammar mistakes.

Just like in the after mentioned book, this story shoots like an arrow from the beginning. You're rooting for the likable characters to succeed. And just like in 'Deep Level,' some sixty percent into the book, you get exciting new revelations, but the way they're portrayed dissipates the earlier tension and dread. The sisters, seemingly safe. The blue monsters, at bay. It all winds down. Don't get me wrong, it is still very interesting and imaginative, but without the tension and anxiety brought on by the first part, the second one feels lacking.

Now, does this book deserves a four star rating? I think it does, and let me tell you why: it was a fun, exciting read. A novel adventure. The characters, all likable and not too different from you and I.

Is it perfect? No. I would think is up to the author to fix what's broken.

Thank you for the advanced copy!

This was an enjoyable read with plenty of action and tension. The story itself is about two women and a baby who shipwreck upon an island after hitching a boat ride as refugees trying to get to South Africa when a hurricane occurs.

This island is not at all as it should be and has been used by an evil corporation to conduct experiments. The story contains blue men zombies, aliens, space ships, descriptions of carnage and death along with some political bashing that probably wasnt needed.

Its a fun book and written and paced well. I enjoyed how it all wrapped up making me think there could possibly be a sequel? If you like trashy sci fi horror this is for you.