Risingshadow
Speculative Fiction Books
  • About
    • Home
    • Articles
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Staff Members
    • Newsletter
    • Finnish (FI)
  • Books
    • New Releases
    • Coming Soon
    • Books of the Year
    • Bookshelves Activity
    • Recently Added
    • Advanced Search
    • Reviews / Comments
    • Genres and Tags
    • * Submit Book
  • Community
    • Discussions
    • - Recent Messages
    • - Recent Topics
    • - Hot Topics
    • - Popular Topics
    • - Search
    • CHALLENGES
    • - Reading Challenge
    • - Book Trivia Quiz
  • Home
  • Books
  • John Birmingham
  • Dave vs. the Monsters
  • Emergence

Emergence

Dave vs. the Monsters #1 / 3
by John Birmingham
Emergence (Dave vs. the Monsters #1) by John Birmingham
Unrated

For fans of Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne comes an action-packed new urban fantasy series featuring a tough, bleakly funny, down-on-his luck oil rig worker with an unlikely destiny as a monster-slayer and savior of the planet.

“Monsters,” said Vince Martinelli. “There are monsters on the rig, Dave.”

Dave Hooper has a hangover from hell, a horrible ex-wife, and the fangs of the IRS deep in his side. The last thing he needs is an explosion at work. A real explosion. On his off-shore oil rig.

But this is no accident, and despite the news reports, Dave knows that terrorists aren’t to blame. He knows because he killed one of the things responsible.

When he wakes up in a hospital bed guarded by Navy SEALs, he realizes this is more than just a bad acid trip. Yeah, Dave’s had a few. This trip is way weirder.

Killing a seven-foot-tall, tattooed demon has transformed the overweight, balding safety manager into something else entirely. A foul-mouthed, beer-loving monster slayer, and humanity’s least worthy Champion.

Amazon: Check Best Offer

FantasyUrban Fantasy
Release date: April 23, 2015

Book Order
Amazon
Kindle
Audible
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon Europe

Your Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves

Readers also enjoyed

Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles #1)
★ 8.46 / 15
Written in Red (The Others #1)
★ 8.18 / 11
Rivers of London (Rivers of London #1)
★ 8.14 / 15
Odd Thomas (Odd Thomas #1)
★ 8.10 / 11
Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows #1)
★ 8.06 / 15
Neverwhere (Neverwhere #1)
★ 8.02 / 76
Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1)
★ 8.00 / 11

Join the Discussion
You can post as a guest or sign in for more features.
Have questions about this book or want to share your thoughts? Join the conversation!
John Birmingham

John Birmingham

John Birmingham is an Australian author whose work blends history, speculative fiction, and an unflinching look at human resilience. With a knack for writing high-octane thrillers and thought-provoking dystopian narratives, Birmingham has made a name for himself as a writer unafraid to push boundaries—whether exploring the devastating consequences of alternate history or tackling the existential chaos of the modern world.

Birmingham's storytelling career began with a unique mix of commentary on the absurdity of life and an exploration of what happens when the world as we know it suddenly shifts. His Axis of Time series, which imagines a world where a modern naval fleet is transported back in time to World War II, was one of his early forays into mixing historical events with speculative twists. The series not only captivated readers with its thrilling action sequences but also sparked conversations about the nature of war, power, and humanity's ability to adapt.

Read more ...

Birmingham’s work stands out in its ability to balance intense action with complex character development. In his The Disappearance series, for instance, he delves into the aftermath of a global event that causes people to simply vanish, offering a deep dive into the chaos that ensues. The tone is darker, filled with high tension and a palpable sense of loss, but there’s always an underlying current of hope and resilience that shines through.

Though his novels often deal with apocalyptic and dystopian themes, Birmingham’s approach is deeply human. He doesn't just ask "what if the world ended?"—he asks, "what do we do next?" This curiosity about the human spirit is central to his work, making his stories not just thrilling but thought-provoking as well.

Beyond his novels, Birmingham has a reputation for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on society, politics, and culture. His career as a journalist and columnist informs his writing, allowing him to craft stories that are not only engaging but also grounded in real-world issues and dilemmas. His sharp, satirical voice, combined with a deep understanding of human nature, elevates his books beyond mere entertainment into a space where readers can reflect on the world around them.

As a writer, Birmingham has always been unapologetically bold. Whether he’s dissecting the horrors of war or imagining an alternate history where civilization is upended, he brings an honesty and grit to his storytelling that resonates with readers. His works are an exploration of what happens when the world we know crumbles—and how we rebuild from the wreckage.

In every novel, John Birmingham invites readers not just to escape into thrilling narratives but to think about the world we live in, challenging them to ask tough questions and, perhaps, reconsider how we might react when faced with the unimaginable.

Photo: CraigPRichmond / CC BY 3.0

Dave vs. the Monsters

Dave vs. the Monsters consists of three books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Emergence (Dave vs. the Monsters #1)
Unrated
Resistance (Dave vs. the Monsters #2)
Unrated
Ascendance (Dave vs. the Monsters #3)
Unrated


^ Top
Follow Us: Newsletter | Facebook | X | Mastodon | RSS
Hosted by Planeetta Internet Oy
© 1996 - 2026 Risingshadow. All rights reserved.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Privacy Policy