Review of Zona: The Forbidden Land

[Seetha E]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Zona: The Forbidden Land" by Fred G. Baker.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The plot of Fred G. Baker's Zona: The Forbidden Land is immensely captivating. The author leads us on a journey through 36 chapters in three sections. Randall Taylor, the uncle of Dr. Grant Taylor, vanished while on a mission to examine sightings of animal species and variants in restricted regions of Siberia, in a territory known as Zona, which is under federal jurisdiction. The unassuming Dr. Grant arrives in Russia to take responsibility for the estate he has left behind.

Part 1 discovers there is more to the tale Attorney Boris is telling him pretty quickly. He realizes that accepting things at face value is not always the best approach. The estate reveals numerous secrets and intriguing interactions. Dr. Grant is disappointed that he did not accompany his uncle on his adventures. Interactions with Attorney Boris Ustinov, Captain Oleg Godunov, his love interest Irina Ustinov, and meetings with other principal investors compel our protagonist to participate in the second expedition to investigate the truth about his missing uncle and learn more about the forbidden land.

Each scene is portrayed in vivid detail, enabling the reader to immerse themselves in the moment and feel the full spectrum of emotions, ranging from despair and fear to happiness and sorrow. Colonel Max Volkov leads a well-rounded and capable team for the upcoming expedition. The security squad consists of 13 highly trained members, with Yuri assigned as Irina's safeguard. The scientific team comprises ten professionals: a chief medical officer, biochemists, botanists, zoologists, psychologists, and a plant taxonomist. Along with them, they have four support personnel members also on the team. Despite the briefing provided by Col. Volkov, the team discovered that the terrain and wildlife in Zona were completely unfamiliar and surprising.

The new species of terrifying foes continue to make it challenging to survive. Their psychological and physiological endurance is repeatedly tested by the challenging terrain and climate, untamed creatures, and various flora and wildlife. They learn that the exotic plants and something in the air alters their sexual urges and make them more enthusiastic about other things as well; they are also suffering emotional overload. When you think that's everything they have to deal with, additional stunners arrive.

Does the squad succeed in penetrating Zona despite the terrain, potentially fatal encounters, and out-of-control emotions? How many members of the extensive teams survive? It's a fascinating read. I could not stop flipping the pages as I teetered on the edge. The author's steady pace and consistent dose of surprises—wolves, large cats, and exotic flora and fauna—were things I enjoyed. The writing was straightforward and compelling. Because every description was so thorough, it produced real-feeling imagery. The characters had depth, and as a reader, I could believe everything described on such a journey was likely to happen. I can't help but wonder if Zona, the forbidden land mentioned in the book, actually exists. Could it be based on a covert operation that really happened?

There are several consensual sexual encounters and profanity as the story progresses. It seems natural under the impact of the surroundings and circumstances they find themselves in. For the reasons mentioned above, this book is strictly for adults. There are detailed descriptions of violent encounters with wildlife. Readers who do not appreciate gory violence should also refrain.

I have no negative comments about this book. I did not detect any flaws in the book, which speaks highly of the editor. For the reasons mentioned, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. I suggest this book to mature sci-fi readers. You will thoroughly enjoy this book.

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Zona: The Forbidden Land
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Sarah Zain]

It seems that there's more than one storyline. Your review shows the important points that any one could search for in a review. Great review Seetha.

[Seetha E]

Thanks Sarah, for taking the time to read and sharing your thoughts.

[Thangam 1212]

You seem to have really enjoyed the book. The book has many characters and is set in a very very interesting Zona. I would like to find out more about the dangerous animals and flora. Nice and detailed review.

[Mikespice Mike]

Very detailed review I enjoyed reading it... Continue the good work

[VPNair]

Engaging review Seetha. The book appears to be worthwhile. I like thrillers/mysteries. Will be nice ti find out if uncle randall survived after all.

[Ram Uday Mahajan]

Wanted to know more about this book as I am planning to read it. Thanks for the insight.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Zona: The Forbidden Land" by Fred G. Baker.]

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5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The plot of Fred G. Baker's Zona: The Forbidden Land is immensely captivating. The author leads us on a journey through 36 chapters in three sections. Randall Taylor, the uncle of Dr. Grant Taylor, vanished while on a mission to examine sightings of animal species and variants in restricted regions of Siberia, in a territory known as Zona, which is under federal jurisdiction. The unassuming Dr. Grant arrives in Russia to take responsibility for the estate he has left behind.

Part 1 discovers there is more to the tale Attorney Boris is telling him pretty quickly. He realizes that accepting things at face value is not always the best approach. The estate reveals numerous secrets and intriguing interactions. Dr. Grant is disappointed that he did not accompany his uncle on his adventures. Interactions with Attorney Boris Ustinov, Captain Oleg Godunov, his love interest Irina Ustinov, and meetings with other principal investors compel our protagonist to participate in the second expedition to investigate the truth about his missing uncle and learn more about the forbidden land.

Each scene is portrayed in vivid detail, enabling the reader to immerse themselves in the moment and feel the full spectrum of emotions, ranging from despair and fear to happiness and sorrow. Colonel Max Volkov leads a well-rounded and capable team for the upcoming expedition. The security squad consists of 13 highly trained members, with Yuri assigned as Irina's safeguard. The scientific team comprises ten professionals: a chief medical officer, biochemists, botanists, zoologists, psychologists, and a plant taxonomist. Along with them, they have four support personnel members also on the team. Despite the briefing provided by Col. Volkov, the team discovered that the terrain and wildlife in Zona were completely unfamiliar and surprising.

The new species of terrifying foes continue to make it challenging to survive. Their psychological and physiological endurance is repeatedly tested by the challenging terrain and climate, untamed creatures, and various flora and wildlife. They learn that the exotic plants and something in the air alters their sexual urges and make them more enthusiastic about other things as well; they are also suffering emotional overload. When you think that's everything they have to deal with, additional stunners arrive.

Does the squad succeed in penetrating Zona despite the terrain, potentially fatal encounters, and out-of-control emotions? How many members of the extensive teams survive? It's a fascinating read. I could not stop flipping the pages as I teetered on the edge. The author's steady pace and consistent dose of surprises—wolves, large cats, and exotic flora and fauna—were things I enjoyed. The writing was straightforward and compelling. Because every description was so thorough, it produced real-feeling imagery. The characters had depth, and as a reader, I could believe everything described on such a journey was likely to happen. I can't help but wonder if Zona, the forbidden land mentioned in the book, actually exists. Could it be based on a covert operation that really happened?

There are several consensual sexual encounters and profanity as the story progresses. It seems natural under the impact of the surroundings and circumstances they find themselves in. For the reasons mentioned above, this book is strictly for adults. There are detailed descriptions of violent encounters with wildlife. Readers who do not appreciate gory violence should also refrain.

I have no negative comments about this book. I did not detect any flaws in the book, which speaks highly of the editor. For the reasons mentioned, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. I suggest this book to mature sci-fi readers. You will thoroughly enjoy this book.

******
Zona: The Forbidden Land
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Zona offers a pretty wild adventure. The perfect rating makes me really hooked to know more about this weird place!

[Gerry Steen]

I have read many reviews of this book, and the majority of them rate this story highly. Siberia, strange animals, danger, adventure, mystery, and a Russian backdrop—all very intriguing for me.

[Spoorthy S]

I'm definitely in for a wild adventure with the flora and fauna of Zona. It kind of rhymes! Anyways, thanks for the review. Although I haven't yet started it, I suppose it will end up in my TBR soo enough. Thanks for the review!

[Anu Anand]

I’ve read this book too, and I felt the same thrill while following the squad through Zona. The pacing, vivid descriptions, and constant sense of danger made it really engaging. The wild terrain and creatures felt almost real. Thank you @Seetha E for the great review!

[Priya Murugesan]

I absolutely love the plot. But the adult content and gory descriptions make me think again. Anyway, I will give this book a try if I get a chance. Thanks for your wonderful review!