Hydra’s Wake by Daniel Jones
Title: Hydra’s Wake
Author: Daniel Jones
Genre: Steampunk
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Available: Amazon
About the Book
It’s time to bring back the Creature Feature! Kaiju Hydra Steampunk style!
Hydra’s Wake is an action-packed SciFi Thriller where survival is at the heart of the story. Get ready for nonstop, fast paced action, and all of the carnage expected of a good creature feature! Strap yourself in, please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride!
When dirigible pilot Rogue Whip crashes in the Deep Forest Province of Shell, he takes refuge in an old, abandoned mining camp. However, he quickly discovers the camp is the territory of the four-headed hydra—a rare but vicious creature that mercilessly hunts and kills its victims using its “wake,” an airborne toxin that causes hallucinations.
However, the hydra isn’t the only monster out for Rogue’s blood. The sadistic Lord Albert Richtoff has hired a mercenary to take out Rogue, confusing him with a spy by the same name. As his enemies fall under the influence of the hydra’s wake, Rogue rescues a beautiful but mute woman whom Lord Albert abused and left for dead. To rescue her and survive, the hunted now becomes the hunter. But can Rogue kill both the hydra and Albert, or will they destroy him first?
Review
Hydra’s Wake is a steampunk novel. Taking place on the planet of Shell, the story follows Rogue Whip after he crashes his dirigible. During his attempts to survive, he comes across a mining camp and learns of the dangerous wildlife on the planet, including the hydra. Massive in size and with multiple heads that regenerate twice if decapitated, the hydra also emits a gas called the hydra’s wake, which is believed to cause sever hallucinations. He soon learns that the is being hunted by Lord Albert Richtoff, who believes that Rogue has stolen something from him. Rogue must now avoid Richtoff and his mercenaries while also trying not to get eaten by the hydra.
Hydra’s Wake is a fun and entertaining story. The world of Shell is presented very well as a dangerous place. Rogue is a kind man who just wants to survive and get home, but will also help others. Albert Richtoff is a sadistic monster who enjoys torturing and murdering those he believes have wronged him. All the other characters involved, including Albert’s mercenaries, are well developed with distinct personalities and motivations. The hydra is presented as a force of nature and the sense of dread it instills when it is nearby is excellently portrayed.
Overall, Hydra’s Wake is a fun and engaging story. Steampunk fans will enjoy the descriptions of the vehicles and technology. Fans of kaiju stories will love the way the hydra is presented. Both will be looking forward to any possible follow ups.
About the Author
Daniel Jones is a Creature Feature author who puts the focus of his stories on a variety of legendary and mythical animals.
He was born in California US, growing up in a military family, he lived in several places all around the world; including Japan, Germany, New Mexico, and England. Daniel is an Eagle Scout; an accomplishment he takes great pride in, as well as the oldest of three brothers, and a total child of the 90’s. He currently lives in Maryland, USA with his wife Robyn.
He has a passion for nature and animals and can often be found wandering local parks, zoos, or aquariums in his spare time.
Some fun trivia about him is that his favorite colors are dark green and teal, his favorite animals are Leopards and Rhinos, favorite movies are Tremors, Aliens, and Predator.
