Review---Leviathan
LAST UPDATE 5/23/09
Leviathan by David L. Golemon, Thomas Dunne, 5/09, $24.95, ISBN 978-0-312-37663-5
The Event Group is back for its third mission in this series which started out as a kind of X Files variant, but has moved closer to action adventure with this latest. Someone has started attacking ships of various nations on the high seas, destroying them so quickly that many are unable even to send a distress signal. Before long we realized that a rogue submarine using unprecedented technology is loose in the oceans and preying on any victim that comes within reach. The similarity to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne is more than coincidental; it turns out that the chief villain is descended from the man whose life inspired Verne to write that novel. Anyway, the Event Group is enlisted in the effort to hunt down and neutralize the menace in an exciting if not always entirely plausible story. This one is a kind of men’s adventure novel with more ambitious prose and read as pure entertainment, it’s pretty good and a lot better than its two predecessors. 5/23/09
3rd? I thought this was the 4th book.
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Dear Jim--
You are correct, Leviathan will be the fourth book in the Event Group series. Sometimes you wish you could correct and criticize critics in their own research...but, what can I say?
David Lynn Golemon
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I've really enjoyed reading the first 3 event group books. I can't wait to get my hands on this one...I've alreay pre-ordered it on amazon.
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Dear Don--
Thank you for taking a chance on the Event group. I know in these hard times, it may be hard for readers to commit to a series, but its always nice when they do. As for your pre-order of Leviathan, many, many thanks, and I know you won't be disappointed as Leviathan was my favorite book to write because of the research involved in not only getting the real life literary facts straight, but for the science elements involved.
Again, thank you for the kind note.
DLG
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Mr. Golemon;
I have read all 3 of your books and was very impressed. I love the french guy, I really do. Once again Bravo Mr. Golemon.
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Dear Tammy--
Thank you for writing. First I want to say to all of those who write to me, that starting off calling me MR. Golemon really confuses me. I start looking around for my father, as he is the only Mister Golemon i have ever known. It's strange after working all of my life to be called Mister, David---for anyone who reads my books----will always be the acceptable form of greeting....your first names, and my first name, that's all friends need.
As for Colonel Henri Farbeaux, it seems our French friend is getting quite a following, and most of the notes I have recieved about him are from the female side of the scale---I believe I may have created a monster that may not be able to be controlled!
Again Tammy, thank you!
Sincerely,
David Lynn Golemon
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David,
Colonel Farbeaux is perfect, he's cold, smart and complex with an edge of romance. He's a bad boy with all the good boy traits...lol. Just perfect.
Also can't wait for the 4th book, I keep going back to Legend and Event to make sure I know everything about him. I have a feeling he's not going to be in this one its not time, he still has to mourn his wife. So David come on and start on the 5th so I can read more....
Sincerely,
Tammy T. Wilson
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David: I hope the unsolved riddle of the 700 mph object in the Atlantis area (which seems to be a tease to Leviathan, judging from the review on the site, is also a hint that Jack might return from the dead, so to speak. He did disappear in the water, after all. I picked up the first Event Group novel because of my interest in UFOs. I've picked up the others because you've hooked me. Keep it up. (Nice spell check feature, by the way.)
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Dear John--
Thank you for your note and comments on ANCIENTS. The tease you have read in that novel may have every intention of becoming a fact in the next book, LEVIATHAN. With anticipation growing around the globe for the release of Leviathan, I want everyone to know, the answers they are seeking will be all squared away ......well, maybe.
Regards--
David Lynn Golemon
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Dear David, Just wanted to add my compliments. I just finished the Ancients and I am waiting with high expectations and great anticipation for your next coup-de-grace (I saw the french reference above
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Dear Tim--
Thanks for dropping the Event Group files a line, it is much appreciated along with your very nice compliments. The anticipation that many readers are showing in regards to the approaching publication date of Leviathan is bringing excitement to me and my entire family. I guess the way Ancients left off have a lot of people, either mad, or curious as to the avenues the Event Group will take to replace Colonel Jack Collins.
With the marketing campaign almost here for Leviathan, many more readers ought to be drawn in for the further adventures of the Event Group.
Thank you for writing!
David Lynn Golemon
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Hey David,
I just got finished reading Ancients and LOVED it! But I was compeletly disappointed that you may (or may not?) have killed Jack Collins off. Please bring him back!! Sarah needs him!! And, he is the glue that holds the security team together. I am really looking forward to the next installment of the Event Group Files, thanks for writing such an amazing series! And feel free to magically bring back Jack! Thanks!
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Dear Samantha--
You know how hard it is to raise someone we love from the dead? Jack Collins WAS a miracle worker, but rising from the dead is more in Stephen Kings line of work than mine....but there still may be a few surprises for you in LEVIATHAN!
Thanks for writing!
DLG
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I've read the first two books Event, which I loved and Legends loved it too. When I got to Ancients I was disappointed that you killed off Jack Collins. I have a habit of latching onto a character and enjoying them through the series. So his death (or maybe not) through me. Nonetheless I will buy and read Leviathan.
Hopefully we'll see Jack collins again.
Some of my other favorite authors have also killed off a main character (Karin Slaughter, Matthew Reilly-Although Jack West is actually alive).
So please consider resurrecting Jack Collins he was the heart of the team and replacing him will be extremely difficult.
Thank you for letting me ramble on.
M. F Silvernale
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Dear Marilyn--
Thank you for writing to Event Group Files. Death, though hard for people reading fiction, is never as devastating as real life, therefore I must say that the death of Jack Collins, served a higher purpose---Jack was always dedicated to risking his life in order never to allow a bad person to triumph, that was just the make up of his character. Now, when you read Leviathan, I promise you that Jack's legacy will live on through the men and women he has effected since joining the Event Group. And with the shocks and surprises about to be delivered to my loyal readers on August 4th, I think I will have satisfied everyones curiosity about the true strength of Department 5656---The Event Group!
Thank you again for writing---
DLG
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Love the books. The level of effort in the detail and research that goes into the background of the stories is incredible. I've read them all and can't wait for LEVIATHAN to come out. I only have one problem with your books - I read them too fast, can't put them down - and then there's a long wait until the next. The best thing that I ever inherited from my parents is a love of reading, and your books just make me happy that that love was passed down. Please never stop writing.
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Dear John--
I thank you for inviting the Event Group into your life. I do write two Event group novels a year, unfortunately the market can only bear one at a time on a yearly basis. My publisher, St. Martin's wants to bring that number to two within one calendar year. You see the success of the Event Group novels has taken everyone in the publishing world by surprise---even myself. So, it is a nice dilemma to be in at this point.
As yourself, I inherited a love for reading from my parents. As a child of the Baby Boom, my preference at a young age was for any monster movie the old black and white televisions could provide, but as a side I started reading and eventually got hooked. As for me not to continue writing the adventures of the Event Group? Never fear my friend, I have twenty-two novels outlined and ready to go at a moments notice, and I feel young enough to at least get that many to you before I go on the 'Big Vacation.'
The next novel, Leviathan will be here the first part of August, that will be followed up in late Spring or early summer by Primeval which is now completed. That is followed by Legacy and then Nest. So hang in there, you'll get them as soon as I write them, and I will be appreciative of everyone who, like yourself, takes a chance on Department 5656!
Sincerely,
DLG
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I am looking forward to your next book, as I have enjoyed immensely the first two. I hope it comes out with the ability to download to my kimble. Please keep up the great entertainment!
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Dear Alma--
All of the Event Group novels will eventually be downloadable through electronic means, there is also plans on making the complete series available on audio, so keep reading and I will keep writing!
Regards,
DLG
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I have read the first three books to this series already and I can't wait to get my hands on Leviathan. I read about the original Event book on amazon and just happened upon the book at half priced books which was stuck in the wrong section of the store. The original Event book is one of my all time favorite SciFi books to date and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Have you ever been approached regarding any sort of movie deal? I would love to see Event on the big screen.
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Dear Michael--
Thank you for writing, and your praise for EVENT has touched a good place in my heart. As for your question on the Event Group coming to the big screen, the books have been requested by four of the major studios in Hollywood and several of the larger producers. If they can keep budget costs and estimates down on the project and they don't change any of the Event Group story lines, we may have an answer for you in the near future.
Sincerely,
DLG
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Hi, David: Lots of surprises in Leviathan. Many thanks. Now I might have to read The Count of Monte Cristo to understand a lot of the references better.
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Leviathan is one of those books you can't put down. I love the book and the characters and the history. It's fascinating. It's one of those series where you begin to care about the characters as if you knew them. Thank You.
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Dear Kevin--
Thank you so much for the praise you passed along for Leviathan---believe me it is very much appreciated!
Sincerely--
DLG
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Any chance of having an e book version?
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Dear Fernando--
Thank you for your question. The Event Group novels are in the process of going digital and audio, so hang in there, it a lot of words to transcribe and we are slowly proving my publishers trust as far as gathering together the best fans in the world.
Regards,
DLG
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Loved the first three Event Group books, and am excited that there will be a least four more! Can hardly wait!
Was disappointed in your knocking off Jack Collins. Experienced the same sort of angst when John Lescroarts did away with one of my favoite characters in his Dismas hardy books - but I'm sure I'll eventually get over it.
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Dear Bob--
You may get over the death of Jack Collins faster than you think!
DLG
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I just wanted to say I just finished the Ancients and am getting ready to start Leviathan. I love all the books so far, Ancients being my favorite. Collins and company keep me entertained from the very first page. As noted elsewhere, you have seemed to move the series into a more adventure/thriller type as opposed to an X-Files variant which it had been initially compared to. Was this a conscious move, did it just kind of happen and will future books continue this way or will there be more X-Files type stories to be told? No matter what, i really look forward to more of the Event Group. Thanks for some great stories.
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Dear Greg--
The X-Files comparison is complimentary indeed. And in answer to your question, action/adventure will always be the strength of the Event Group novels. However, venturing into the areas of science fiction and horror is always on the table. Always remember one of the main theories of department 5656 is that every story, no matter how ridiculous, has a basis in fact. That includes werewolves, vampires, monsters and the occult. Just wait for the next Event group story---PRIMEVAL, we will touch on legend in that story and it should be very exciting and most entertaining.
DLG
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I just finished LEVIATHAN and, Wow, what a great and fun read it was. From the opening chapter to the last two sentence paragrahp i couldn't put this one down. The characters are wonderful, the story fast and fun.
Keep em coming, please. As someone else had mentioned, i definitely see the EVENT GROUP in the same light as i see Rollins, Reilly and other writers in the same genre.
thanks for another fun one
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DEAR DAVID; I JUST FINISHED READING "LEVIATHAN", IT WAS GREAT, YOU REALLY ROCK WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING. I WAS CLOSE WHEN I FIGURED OUT WHAT THE PLOT WAS ABOUT. DON'T QUIT WRITING ANY TIME SOON. NOW ON TO "PRIMEVAL". THE AREA IS NORTH AMERICA, SO I CAN ONLY THINK OF 2 THINGS WHICH WOULD INTEREST THE EVENT GROUP; (1) THE "WENDIGO OR " THE BIGFOOT" (SASQUATCH - NORAMINDIAN NAME). I SUSPECT IT IS NUMBER 2. I AM EXTREMELY FAMILIAR WITH THE SMELLY ONE, HAVING LIVED IN THE INTERIOR MAINLAND OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, AND AT THE AGE OF SEVEN FIRST HEARING ABOUT THIS CREATURE FROM A FULL-BLOOD INDIAN, AS HE NEATLY AND QUICKLY GUTTED A DEER. MYSELF AND 2 OTHER GUYS SAT AT THE EDGE OF THE BENCH WE WERE SITTING ON, TOTALLY HANGING ON HIS EVERY WORD, (COULD HE SPIN A YARN!!). HIS NAME WAS JOHNY PHILIPS, AND HE LATER TOLD ME. THAT MOST INDIANS IN THE NORTHWEST OF CANADA AND THE U.S. BELEIVED IN THE CREATURE. I AM A CONFIRMED SCEPTIC, BUT ALWAYS KEEP AN OPEN MIND. THROUGHOUT MY LIFE I ACCUMULATED A LOT OF MYTHOS AND ANOMALIES IN OUR HISTORY, THAT DON'T FALL IN TO THE ACCEPTED CURRENT WORLD VIEW. I COULD BE WRONG, AND IT COULD BE ABOUT THE CHUPACABRA OR THE OGOO POGO. BY THE WAY I LIKE YOUR CHARACTER "HENRI FARBEAUX". AS YOU WRITE I CAN SEE HOW EASY IT COULD TURN INTO CINEMATIC FILM. THE EVENT GROUP WOULD HAVE TO BE UNKNOWNS. EVERY MENTION OF CAPTAIN HEIRTHALL I COULD SEE KATE MULGREW, AND AS FOR HENRI,,,JOHN RENO. WNEN I GET STARTED I DON'T KNOW WHEN TO STOP. I THINK YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST WRITERS I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN A LONG WHILE, AND YOU HAVE A GREAT FUTURE AHEAD. I AM SO GLAD THE I LOOKED AT "THE EVENT" SKIMMED THROUGH IT, AND QUICKLY PURCHASED IT. NOW I REMAIN IN SUSPENSE AND AWAIT YOUR LATEST. WITH REGARDS, TERRENCE GIBBONS
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Dear Terrance--
Thank you for the interesting note, I appreciate anyone who takes a chance on my novels. No matter how I am approached I will not give anything else away on PRIMEVAL, you are on your own to guess the subject matter. However, the editing on PRIMEVAL has just been completed and the story is very much to my satisfaction and the ending is to die for!
DLG
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Dave,
Your way of writing is something new and imaginative, I am very impressed. I've read many science fiction and historical fiction books and must say that I am most satisfied with the Event Group books. More so than the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik. Keep doing what you're doing and best of luck.
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Dear Kyle--
Thank you for the high compliment, believe me my friend the stories will keep coming as long as people like you appreciate them!
DLG
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I just finished Leviathan and I thought it was great. Ancients was the first of your books I had read. I liked it so much that I followed the series backwards to Event, while waiting for Leviathan to come out. Is another Event Group book in the works?
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Dear Todd--
Thank you for writing the Event Group Files. Reading the novels backwards to reach Leviathan had to have been a chore, but congrats on doing it the hard way! And yes, PRIMEVAL will be out in the summer, and it will very much be worth the wait!
DLG
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You have been great since "The Event" but I don't know how you just get better with each book. Now tell us when the next one will be out and what it is going to be about!
Your Fan
John.
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Nothing wrong with any of the books they are all great! Fun to read cause the people are like real people.
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Dear John--
Thank you for your note. The personnel of Department 5656 are kept to a standard, they have to be on a level with actual people. Their reactions, their fears and their concerns have to be believable, other wise, what's the use in pulling for them. Not the movies, not a lot of the written word has REAL people anymore, but superheros. I the world of the Event Group, bad things happen to good people and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice has to happen, and in most cases it hurts.
Regards,
David Lynn Golemon
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Hello David!
I have read all of your books and am a big fan. Thank you for sharing your work with everyone.
I am so excited about Primeval. I was wondering if you could give us a description of it? Since it's new and not out for awhile I haven't been able to find a description anywhere. Any thing will do, even a few lines...just anything, I'm desperate!
Thanks again!
-Mike
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Dear Mike--
My agent passed this note onto me and I thought that indeed I had been very selfish in not sharing just a small piece of the storyline for Primeval.
For you and all of the rest that read the Event Group adventures, I think its about time I at least give everyone a tease.
The story itself is of a faster pace than previous adventures, taking place in only 24 hours from beginning to end. The bulk of the story takes place in the great northwest of the Canadian wilderness. From 20,000 years before modern man walked onto a new continent, through the Russian revolution and the mystery's surrounding the Romanov family, and then finally to the radical age of Aquarius in the late 1960's, the story will unveil the greatest legend in history concerning North America. An animal that predates man's existence by a million years, a giant that walks in the footsteps of man and haunted his nighttime for the past twenty thousand years.
If you've ever wondered what was out there in the dark of the woods, if you've ever thought about if the stories were true about he forest primeval, how come no proof has ever been found about this greatest of all legends, and if you've ever wondered why man has always been afraid of the dark, Primeval will begin to answer all of those for you.
With new bad guys and old antagonists along for the ride, the Event group once more delves into the realm of international intrigue and supernatural horror as they again probe the places where man was never meant to go.
I hope I've piqued your interest, because the rumor is that PRIMEVAL is to be released early because of demand from the reading public. To everyone of my readers I will say this, Primeval was truly fun to research and write, giving me a chance to show the mystery of what our world still is.
Thank you,
David Lynn Golemon
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Hey David!
Thanks for the tease about Primeval! I am really looking forward to the new book and can not wait for it come out. In fact, my whole family can't wait for it! I have gotten everyone hooked on the Event Group. Keep up the great work and please tell your publishing company that we need more than one book a year!!! I can't find any other books to read in the mean time... nothing else is as much fun! Thanks again!
Sam Carter
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Dear Samantha--
Thank you for your note and comments. I have told my company and they have indeed bumped up the printing schedule, I don't know by how much yet, but anything is an improvement.
And thank you for getting your family involved in reading the adventures of the Event Group, we need all the exposure we can get even though the Publisher is showing tremendous faith in the series as they keep wanting more and more stories.
Again, thank you Sam,
David Lynn Golemon
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David,
I recently got the first three books of the series from my girlfriend as a birthday present because she knows that I love to read. I just wanted to write and say that I have enjoyed them immensely and I'll be rushing out to to pick up Leviathan and Primevil. I know I'm a little late to the game but I can't wait to enjoy the rest of the series. It's hard to find an author that you really mesh with and it's works like these that make me and hopefully others excited about reading. Thanks for all the obvious hard work you've put into them.
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Dear Travis--
Thanbk you for the fine compliments on the adventures of the Event Group and your letter to the Group files. Rest assured, its never, ever too late to come into the storyline since companies like Barnes & Noble like them as much as yourself, they have signed on to carry the series for the forseeable future.
Thanks again...now, get your girlfriend to reading!
DLG
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