Rogue
"Rogue" by Luke Phillips is a gripping creature thriller that dives deep into the myths and mysteries surrounding Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, set against the rugged backdrop of Washington State’s mountains and forests. Published in 2023 by Black Beast Books, this novel blends horror, suspense, and cryptid lore into a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on edge.
The story centers on Nina Lee, a Forest Ranger tasked with investigating a series of missing persons cases in Mount Rainier National Park. What begins as routine work spirals into something far darker when reports of a killer bear and a string of brutal murders suggest a more sinister force at play. Nina’s father hints at a connection to their past, pointing to a vengeful presence tied to Sasquatch legend. This isn’t just a mindless monster tale—Phillips crafts a world where Sasquatch are portrayed as intelligent, tribal beings under government protection, yet one has gone rogue, turning the hunter into the hunted.
Phillips, a zoologist-turned-author with a passion for cryptids, brings authenticity to the novel through detailed descriptions of the natural environment and tracking techniques. His fascination with the "darker side of unnatural history" shines through, grounding the fantastical elements in a way that feels plausible. The book’s pacing is relentless, building to a climactic ending packed with surprises, though some readers note a mid-story lull where momentum dips slightly.
The characters are a mixed bag—Nina stands out as a well-drawn protagonist, but the large cast can be hard to track, and some subplots feel underdeveloped. The violence is graphic, often leaning into gore, which adds to the stakes but might overwhelm those sensitive to brutality. Despite these critiques, Phillips excels at weaving Bigfoot lore into a fresh narrative, exploring themes of revenge, greed, and humanity’s fraught relationship with nature.
"Rogue" has earned praise for its thrilling take on a familiar cryptid, with fans of monster stories and suspense lauding its creativity and depth. It’s not without flaws—occasional pacing issues and a need for tighter editing are mentioned—but it’s a standout for those who enjoy a smart, chilling creature feature. With hints of a sequel, "Southern Rogue," Phillips leaves readers eager for more from this eerie, beast-filled universe. If you’re up for a wild ride through the Washington woods, this one’s a solid pick—just don’t plan a solo camping trip afterward.
You can buy Rogue by Luke Phillips with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3FVEHxg
The story centers on Nina Lee, a Forest Ranger tasked with investigating a series of missing persons cases in Mount Rainier National Park. What begins as routine work spirals into something far darker when reports of a killer bear and a string of brutal murders suggest a more sinister force at play. Nina’s father hints at a connection to their past, pointing to a vengeful presence tied to Sasquatch legend. This isn’t just a mindless monster tale—Phillips crafts a world where Sasquatch are portrayed as intelligent, tribal beings under government protection, yet one has gone rogue, turning the hunter into the hunted.
Phillips, a zoologist-turned-author with a passion for cryptids, brings authenticity to the novel through detailed descriptions of the natural environment and tracking techniques. His fascination with the "darker side of unnatural history" shines through, grounding the fantastical elements in a way that feels plausible. The book’s pacing is relentless, building to a climactic ending packed with surprises, though some readers note a mid-story lull where momentum dips slightly.
The characters are a mixed bag—Nina stands out as a well-drawn protagonist, but the large cast can be hard to track, and some subplots feel underdeveloped. The violence is graphic, often leaning into gore, which adds to the stakes but might overwhelm those sensitive to brutality. Despite these critiques, Phillips excels at weaving Bigfoot lore into a fresh narrative, exploring themes of revenge, greed, and humanity’s fraught relationship with nature.
"Rogue" has earned praise for its thrilling take on a familiar cryptid, with fans of monster stories and suspense lauding its creativity and depth. It’s not without flaws—occasional pacing issues and a need for tighter editing are mentioned—but it’s a standout for those who enjoy a smart, chilling creature feature. With hints of a sequel, "Southern Rogue," Phillips leaves readers eager for more from this eerie, beast-filled universe. If you’re up for a wild ride through the Washington woods, this one’s a solid pick—just don’t plan a solo camping trip afterward.
You can buy Rogue by Luke Phillips with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3FVEHxg
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