The Flock [Large Print]

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.

An amazing book from novelist and short story writer James "Bob" Smith. Imagine a creative, engaging dinosaur story that didn't involve Velociraptors, T-Rex's, gene splicing or Steven Spielberg!

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.

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!