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Savage Survival Hardcover – September 30, 2007

4.2 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

Millions of earthmen have been captured by aliens and are being put through the strangest and most terrifying survival tests ever imagined. Young Lyda Brightner's first experience after being thrown into the midst of undisciplined humans is so horrible that she vows she will never let it happen again, and that somehow she will live long enough extract revenge on the creatures responsible. She doesn't know that the trials are just beginning. Again and again she has to call on the only resources she has available: her own innate bravery, her quick mind, her unwavering belief in the innate goodness of the majority of humans and ultimately, her belief that eventually she will find someone to love. But even if she lives through all this, she will still have to face the final question. What do the aliens have in mind for the few survivors? Savage Survival is a coming of age novel like no other and Lyda Brightner is a character you'll remember forever.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Savage Survival is more than a story of survival, it's a cautionary tale that blows open the standard concepts of strength and power. Lyda is an amazing heroine, one whose strength lies in her ability to adapt and a personal sense of honor she refuses to compromise. Darrell Bain has written a truly fascinating story, one that will stay with the reader long after the book is closed. I highly recommend Savage Survival to anyone looking for a book that has it all--a fast and furious plot, powerful characters and a message as frightening as it is empowering. --Kate Douglas, author of Wolf Tales.

About the Author

Darrell Bain is the author of over two dozen books in many genres. He has become well known for his fast-paced tales and unusual plots. For the last several years he has concentrated on humor and science fiction. Darrell is currently writing the fourth novel in the series begun with "Medics Wild."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Twilight Times Books; Limited edition (September 30, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 193335366X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1933353661
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

About the author

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Darrell Bain
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I have read about 20,000 books in my lifetime, much of it science fiction but history, mystery, war, popular and historical fiction as well. I also write and have a variety of books published in print and as e-books. I like to write humor and adventure/mystery/science fiction/suspense/thriller novels and short stories. I have worked in the medical field, am a Vietnam Veteran and currently live and write in east Texas where my wife Betty and I owned a Christmas tree farm until two years ago. I like to correspond with fans and can be reached through my web site, www.darrellbain.com We have two dachshunds that I've written about. I currently have about fifty books in print.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
59 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read, with a fast-paced story that maintains interest. The characters are well-developed, and one customer notes the strong female lead.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read.

"Another captivating read from Darrell Bain. If you are familiar with his work you might consider this his best effort to date...." Read more

"...In any case, the story maintained my interest and was entertaining from start to finish...." Read more

"I really like Bain's writing style and approach to a new and refreshing twist to SFI FI. I read everything he writes...." Read more

"...All three I have read are good smooth reads. Very enjoyable. This one and another just missed five stars, just a tiny bit missing...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, finding it engaging and well-paced, with one customer noting that the first few pages hook readers in.

"...If you like sci-fi, strong characters, great pacing, and a clever story...this should be near the top of your current must-read list." Read more

"...In any case, the story maintained my interest and was entertaining from start to finish...." Read more

"...Good solid scifi. You will like them. Thanks DB, I have another good author to keep track of now and quite a few of your books to read yet." Read more

"One of Bains best ! The first few pages will hook you in and then keep you guessing. Quite an easy read and a little predictable, but very enjoyable...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...If you like sci-fi, strong characters, great pacing, and a clever story...this should be near the top of your current must-read list." Read more

"The characters are well defined and the plot is hard to put down. One wants to know what happens next. Good sci-fi." Read more

"this was a good story, with well made characters...." Read more

3 customers mention "Strength"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the book, with one noting it has a strong female lead and another describing it as good hard SF.

"...A strong and clever young woman, Lyda Brightner, takes on more trials and tribulations than anyone should in ten lifetimes...." Read more

"...Survival is pretty good science-fiction that reads well and has a strong female lead...." Read more

"Good hard SF..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2012
    Another captivating read from Darrell Bain. If you are familiar with his work you might consider this his best effort to date. Not your typical alien invasion story. I judge a books worth on how much I am entertained (easy to put down or a non-stop read through) not on any particular style, message, educational value and such. If you like sci-fi, strong characters, great pacing, and a clever story...this should be near the top of your current must-read list.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2016
    Savage Survival details the account of Lyda Brightner, an 11 year old girl who gas been abducted by aliens, along with millions of other humans. Deposited in the desert southwest, Lyda is almost immediately and savagely abused by an ex convict who has set up his own vicious little niche in this new reality.

    Using her inate ability to survive, Lyda escapes and finds her way to organizing her own clan of decent people who stand up to the outlaws. Nothing lasts forever, as she and the others find out as the spider-like alien mechanical constructs, herd the remaining humans into huge spaceships to be taken to site after site. Each one more scary and hazardous than the next.

    Lyda and the rest face new and daunting survival challenges at every step. The humans must overcome obstacles and face their most secret fears in order to survive. Those few of the original millions who do survive will face the toughest challenge of all.

    This is a good story. While many things are left unexplained, the reader gets the sense of the main character's thoughts as problems are solved and temptations are faced down. Each time the humans are rudely introduced to a new reality, Lyda has to make friends and forge new alliances as she goes, while grieving for friends that are left behind.

    The only complaint that I have with the story is that it spans a period of around five years, yet there is nothing in the book to tell the reader that a long period of time is passing. Lyda goes from being 11, then 'she guesses' that she's just over 12, then 14 and hen 16, yet the story just continues as if this is all happening over the course of a few months.

    In any case, the story maintained my interest and was entertaining from start to finish. I hope that there's a sequel on the horizon since there is plenty of story yet to tell.

    Read it, you'll like it. Another winner from Mr. Bain!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2014
    I really like Bain's writing style and approach to a new and refreshing twist to SFI FI. I read everything he writes. This is just another example of his originality.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2011
    This is my third DB book. I have liked them all. As a previous reviewer said his books do stick with you. Two of them pop back up from time to time in my head.

    I think he uses alien corporate viral nano's in his writing to infect my brain. Questions arise: why am I here? peanutbutter or chocolat? why does my cat want to kill me?

    All three I have read are good smooth reads. Very enjoyable. This one and another just missed five stars, just a tiny bit missing. Not sure what it was. Like four stars is bad, wish I could write like this. Still very good reads and I will read all of them now for sure.

    Aliens round up large populations of humans and put them in various and dangerous situations. The reason is not clear at all. Well written and glad I bought it.

    A note on his pricing, good long samples and the book price is very moderate. This does add a bit to the satisfaction. A few other authors are following this model and I approve, and I show it by purchasing and good reviews when earned.

    Good solid scifi. You will like them. Thanks DB, I have another good author to keep track of now and quite a few of your books to read yet.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2016
    Wise aliens teach us through adversity. As usual all humans either learn sweetness and light or they must die. Surprise, surprise. Gee, golly, gosh.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016
    I was somewhat worried about the storey line but after completing it I was completely enamoured and loved it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2012
    One of Bains best ! The first few pages will hook you in and then keep you guessing. Quite an easy read and a little predictable, but very enjoyable. Ending is a cracker !
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2010
    Savage Survival is a war of the mind, where aliens round up humans and put them in heinous camps. A strong and clever young woman, Lyda Brightner, takes on more trials and tribulations than anyone should in ten lifetimes. She finds a way to lead in times of dreadful misery, and brings light to a dire situation. The story shows the best and the worst of humanity-- but it also shows us that if we have a magnanimous heart, intelligence and some motivation, we can come out a winner in almost any situation. The story is creative, intelligent and not your typical science fiction story--it surprised me. The ending was good, but I wanted more, so I gave it a 4 instead of a 5. I suspect Lyda Brightener would respect my honesty. The story was fast paced and an easy read, but don't be fooled--it's deep and had me thinking long after I'd finished the story.