SCAVENGER
David Morrell
Vanguard Press
Thriller
ISBN-10: 1593154410
ISBN-13: 9781593154417

• About the Book
• Critical Praise
• Read an Excerpt
• Author Interview -- March 23, 2007
• E-Card Trailer & Interactive Game/Contest
• Video Interview
• David Morrell's MySpace
• Frank Balenger's MySpace

A bibliography such as that of David Morrell's --- ranging from the creation of an American icon (Rambo, in FIRST BLOOD) to the critical examination of one of the 20th century's most influential authors of existential fiction (JOHN BARTH: An Introduction) --- would lead some writers to take a much-deserved break, if not retire altogether. However, Morrell appears to be blessed with an endless amount of energy. After reading CREEPERS and now its sequel, SCAVENGER, one can only conclude that, even after a quarter-century, he is only getting warmed up.

SCAVENGER, which features the return of the damaged but functional Frank Balenger and Amanda Evert, is quite different from its immediate predecessor --- not only in topic but also in breadth and scope. The novel places its protagonists in two entirely separate settings, uniting them only twice (and briefly at that). Balenger and Evert are together at the beginning of SCAVENGER when they attend what is billed as a lecture regarding time capsules. When the speech is over, however, Balenger finds himself drugged, separated from Evert, and the object of taunting clues issued from an unknown and deadly source whose enigmatic purpose seems to be either to murder Balenger or drive him mad.

Meanwhile, Evert regains consciousness to find herself in a mysterious, unknown location with four other individuals of varying talents and backgrounds, all of whom are subjected to a series of challenges they must solve together if they do not wish to perish separately --- a requirement that is graphically demonstrated repeatedly and with finality. Both Balenger and Evert need to race against the clock as they are manipulated by an apparently omnipresent Game Master who seems to control everything, leaving nothing to chance and everything to choice.

As demonstrated in CREEPERS, however, Balenger is a master of thinking and acting outside the box. As he races to solve the puzzle and save Evert, Balenger discovers that the only way to win the game and defeat the seemingly invincible creature behind it is to break the rules before time runs out for everyone.

SCAVENGER is arguably Morrell's most ambitious and challenging work yet. It is very of-the-moment, combining elements of GPS and video game technology while at the same time steeping itself in a pulp adventure atmosphere reminiscent of Doc Savage and The Wizard of Oz in what is very much today's world. Considered the father of the modern action novel, Morrell continues to reinvent not only himself but also the genre, and keeps his readers on the edge of their seats while doing so.

   --- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

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