The Legacy of the Gods, Book 1: Poseidon’s Children (2012)
Man no longer worships the old gods; forgotten and forsaken, they have become nothing more than myth and legend. But all that is about to change. After the ruins of a vast, ancient civilization are discovered on the ocean floor, Coast Guard officers find a series of derelict ships drifting in the current—high-priced yachts and leaking fishing boats, all ransacked, splattered in blood, their crews missing and presumed dead.
And that’s just the beginning.
Vacationing artist Larry Neuhaus has just witnessed a gruesome shark attack, a young couple torn apart right before his eyes….at least, he thinks it was a shark. And when one of these victims turns out to be the only son of Roger Hays, the most powerful man in the country, things go from bad to worse. Now, to stop the carnage, Larry and his new-found friends must work together to unravel a mystery as old as time, and face an enemy as dark as the ocean depths.
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REVIEWS:
“Poseidon’s Children is some of Michael West’s best writing and storytelling!” ~Maurice Broaddus, author of King Maker and Pimp My Airship
“Gave me nightmares!” ~Anne Boedeker, E! -Entertainment Television
“Good book. A brand new breed of paranormal creatures. Great descriptions and imagery. A nice easy read!” ~Red Headed Bookworm
“4 Stars! I enjoyed Poseidon’s Children… I found the characters to be intriguing and well written.” ~The Red Reader
“Michael West has created a story that is as much event driven as it is character driven, with several characters offering viewpoints for the action and mystery to play out. Michael doesn’t hold back on the gruesomeness, either. The introductory scene involving the ‘shark’ attack gives a pretty clear idea that there will be more horrific elements than what readers might expect from conventional urban fantasy. What comes as no surprise, however, is the richly laid out history of the underwater progeny that are making their presence known. And by the time you reach the third act, all bets are off, and you wonder just where the story is going to lead in the next book. Poseidon’s Children is a strong blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, and it seems like it’s about time some Atlantian-style source material got the spotlight.”~The Rabid Fox
“5 out of 5 stars! (Poseidon’s Children) is a phenomenal read that had me riveted from the start. It is a mixture of horror, fantasy and myth that takes you on a roller coaster ride…The story is extremely well developed and takes you smoothly from one scene to the next. The description of the characters is so well defined that you can see them in your mind while you are reading about them. I find this to be a rare talent. Most authors are descriptive; but not all can paint an actual picture of what you should see. My only complaint is the book ended and now I have to wait for the next one to be published. If you are into a good fantasy read with some touches of horror, you will love this book. If you are just looking for a good read, I highly recommend this one.” ~ Eva’s Sanctuary
“If John Carpenter wrote prose, his pen name would be Michael West. Poseidon’s Children reads exactly like a Carpenter film in all the right places, which isn’t much of a surprise since Poseidon’s Children was originally conceived as a screenplay. West proves that he can flawlessly write vivid scenes with a director’s eye, tactfully inserting all of the Hollywood hallmark scenes and expectations into prose, without pulling the reader away from the story; explosions, fascinating creatures, budding romances between protagonists, a cult of Cthulhu-like worshippers seeded on earth from an alien identity, and a fabled city risen from the darkest depths of the earth. This novel makes for one hell of a read.” ~ Sci-Fi Guys Book Review
“5 out of 5 stars! I cannot put Poseidon’s Children specifically in…Cthulhuian mythos, or Horror, or Thriller, or Fantasy, or Science Fiction…If I had to I would say Urban Carnivale! but they do not have that subgenre…yet. Michael may just be the first. I literally did a fist pump and giggled when I read the opening scene…the writing style, the cleverly woven plot devices…everything fits overlayed into this frantic masterpiece. Oh and the love scenes! *fanning myself* All of them, including the ones that were a bit harder to read, (involving one of the bad guys!)…Poseidon’s Children will always have this ‘hook’ in the flesh of my subconscious.”~ Cabin Goddess
“This novel plays on our primal fear in true Michael West style…another white knuckle ride with its mix of urban fantasy, science fiction and horror with the ancient mythological world colliding with the modern. I can honestly say that I have never read anything like this before. Part of you is amused and incredulous, another is horrified but you are always thoroughly entertained. Just when you think you have a firm grasp of what is going on West jerks the carpet right from underneath you! With its compelling cast of characters, gripping plot, twists, gore and a showdown between New York mobsters and sea monsters you cannot accuse this one of being pedestrian! Conspiracy theorists, fans of science fiction and horror will all love this and the ‘Legacy of Gods’ series is off to the strongest of starts.” ~ The Independent Review
“I found the characters to be intriguing and well written, as well as the mix of genres. I am not a fan of thrillers or horrors at all, however, the urban fantasy blend in Poseidon’s Children was enough to allow me to enjoy the story without being completely put off. I also found the plot to be well developed, keeping me hooked throughout the story while sending my mind on a whirlwind adventure. I couldn’t say what Mr. West was going to throw at me next. It gave the novel that edge of excitement and suspense necessary to capture a reader like myself…All in all, I found Poseidon’s Children to be a good, if different, read and would recommend it for anyone ready to go on a roller-coaster of an adventure.” ~ The Magick Pen
“Poseidon’s Children starts out a lot like Jaws, except the sharks in Poseidon’s Children have hands. ‘What kind of mythological creature would you like to be?’ is a common question among paranormal book discussion forums and the book blog hops. I’ve never had an answer to that question until now. I want to be one of Poseidon’s children. It would be awesome to be able to transform between a sea creature and a human. If I had a set of gills, my life would be complete. Poseidon’s Children is a great start to the The Legacy of the Gods series. The ending provides a lot of setup for the next installment, but we are given a complete story prior to the sizable epilogue. I greatly appreciate when a series book can be read as a stand alone. I’ve been trying to ease into the urban fantasy genre and being that Poseidon’s Children was dark and scary for an urban fantasy, it was a great selection for me. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes in the next book.” ~ Book Den
“One of things I appreciated about the book…was I think that there is a character out there for everyone. This book has a lot of characters in it, so you are pretty much guaranteed to find someone you like within, someone you can identify with and want to know more about. And the characters all compliment each other pretty well, which I think is a pretty nice achievement by the author, especially with a cast as large as it was in this book…I do really like that the book has a good pace. Once the book gets going it really doesn’t stop, it keeps the reader interested in the plot throughout the entire thing. It does a really good job of making you want to know what is going to happen next…The book is a really quality read. The writing is good, the plot line is solid, the characters are well formed and easy to identify with. I like any book that makes me think, and makes me think I know what is going to go on next and then have the author completely surprise me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy or horror. But if you are like me and you avoid horror at all costs, I think you might want to give this one a try, because it really is a great molding of the two genres.” ~ Urban Fantasy Reviews
“Poseidon’s Children represents a bit of a change of pace for Michael, being the first volume of his urban fantasy series, The Legacy of the Gods… yes, there’s the horror and the gore, but also the sense of something far more sinister, intelligent, and calculating behind it. This is a story about lost civilizations, mythological pantheons, and honest-to-gosh sea monsters, with enough contemporary elements (scientists, billionaires, artists, authorities, and hit men) to effectively anchor things and keep it at least plausible. It takes a while before we understand how all the characters fit into the story, and some of them only creep into the story to be dragged off in a frenzy of blood a few pages later, but it all works. The multiple viewpoints give it a cinematic feel, and the way in which Michael builds the characters ensures we’re never at a loss as to who is dominating the scene. Even with all the additional demands of setting up a multi-volume urban fantasy series, Michael still keeps the pacing tight and the storytelling sharp. There are moments of comedy and romance to help temporarily alleviate the tension, and enough awe-inspiring moments of mythological monstrosity to keep even the most jaded reader engaged. I hadn’t expected to enjoy this one as much as I did, but I am definitely looking forward to the next chapter, especially after that cliffhanger ending, which introduces another layer of horror to the fantasy.” ~ Beauty In Ruins
“Michael West delivers a compelling tale of sea monsters and horror as this tale of Poseidon’s Children unfolds. With its vast cast of characters and multiple viewpoints, West has created a story that flows nicely, splicing together horror, romance, intrigue, and betrayal. The story is easy to follow and keeps readers interest, especially as the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together. Characters that previously did not seem to connect with others suddenly become key players and their plights are expanded upon as Poseidon’s children, forced to hide their true nature among humans, decide to fight back. I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this story…the idea of Atlantis has always intrigued me, and I loved that this story was built around that ancient city, as well as evoking mythology and the gods as well. It’s very well written…definitely worth the read. ” ~ Books: The Cheapest Vacation You Can Buy
“5 out of 5 stars! Mr. West crafted both a thought provoking story and a tense, action packed runaway. Interesting characters abound in this book. You have archeologists, artists, authors, gangsters, psychopaths, the Coast Guard and shape changers. West does a good job crafting each player and making them believable. The story is colorful, entertaining and well plotted. There is something for every reader and the story provides fodder for every imagination. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend.” ~ Azure Dwarf’s Horde of SciFi & Fantasy
“9 out of 10! Poseidon’s Children has short, sharp, jolting chapters which are incident packed. I enjoyed reading as the different lives and stories became interconnected…Larry in particular is another West character who has to face up to the issues and events of his past in order to overcome his present problems. Fortunately his loving girlfriend Peggy is there with him to offer support and both will go on a life changing journey together…Also with its theme of an ancient religion and small town America hiding a big secret this has all the right ingredients to shock and entertain.” ~ Fantasy Book Review
“4 stars! This book got my attention right away with its amazing plot and great writing. Michael West is a tremendous author for mixing both urban fantasy and horror in this way, and I might have to try a few other books of his. I’m really intrigued by the way he ended this book as well, setting up the next book in the series perfectly. All in all I found this to be a great start to the series and I’m waiting to see where this talented author takes this story!” ~ Ali’s Bookshelf
“I realized one day that I had chewed half a nail off, and that’s when I had that moment of ohhhhh it’s grabbed me hook, line, and sinker. It is a great tale with action, adventure, revenge, drama, mythology and the wildest sex scene I’ve ever read. Seventh Star Press should consider an erotic imprint as Michael West knows how to write a steamy scene, even when one of those involved has gills. The horror had me biting my nails, the sex scene had me fanning my face, and the story had me absorbed. A great book that I highly recommend.” ~ Jess Resides Here
“I want to see the movie—I certainly hope they’ll make one. Poseidon’s Children by Michael West reads with all the excitement and scares of a good Stephen King novel, filled with a fine mix of different characters, lots of interesting and believable viewpoints as events proceed, plenty of cliff-hangers, and an intriguing premise that goes from pleasantly disturbing to earth shatteringly dangerous. Plus, like the master, Michael West isn’t afraid to kill off a few characters, leaving readers wondering who will survive.” ~ Sheila Deeth, Gather.com
“I really enjoyed this story. The writing was just spot on for me. The different characters were unique and well-written and oh boy are the gods back with all their brutality and glory… this story just seemed to have everything going – writing, characters, plot, action. Great read!” ~ Alchemy of Scrawl
“4 Stars! Poseidon’s Children is the first of four books in Michael West’s new series The Legacy Of The Gods….we are given well rounded characters, even if they can be considered monsters. The very end of the book should leave readers wondering where West will be going next. Since it doesn’t tie into his other books, Poseidon’s Children would be a good book for people who are looking to give his books a try. I know I really loved it, so if you do give it a try, I sure hope you love it just as much.” ~ Mermaid Heather
“4 Stars! The concept of this book is insanely imaginative. Drawing on extensive knowledge of the deep, Mr. West creates truly horrifying creatures that literally leap out of the pages. The plot is well developed…and despite the subject matter, it is actually believable. The entire thing is very well written…I particularly loved the author’s description of the ‘transformation’ that some of the characters go through. And the character development is excellent. All of the ‘unrelated characters’ are so strongly developed so the reader will have a sense of confidence to where the plot is going toward the end of the book. Overall it is a good and captivating read. I will definitely think twice before heading into any ocean. And I will NEVER swim at night.” ~ Amanda Amaya, I Read a Book Once
“Poseidon’s Children is a brilliant Lovecraftian horror story that pays homage to the man who invented horrors that climbed from the sea. Of course the best thing about a Michael West Lovecraftian story is that his characters’ dialogue will sound real and natural, not like the original H P Lovecraft’s constant problems with dialogue…A welcome addition to any bookcase, whether it be a real or computerised one and another 5 star book from a 5 star writer.” ~MikesFilmTalk
“Set in Colonial Bay, New Hampshire, (Poseidon’s Children) is the very embodiment of what I loved about summer reading. Reading this novel brings back sitting at the beach, watching the sun sink behind the water and feeling watched, like the small resort town had those very secrets written about in those pages. After reading it, though, you may rethink your decision to swim in that wild body of water, wondering what might be lurking there….” ~ Bubble News
“4 Stars! One of the best things about Poseidon’s Children were the characters. I loved how fleshed out everyone was, and even though the cast is large, it was easy to tell whom was speaking and when. Another thing that I really liked were the monsters themselves. I was so concerned they’d read like something from a cheesy Syfy movie, but instead, I found myself genuinely scared of them. Thankfully I don’t live near an ocean because if I did I might be a bit hesitant to step in the water after reading this…Overall, Poseidon’s Children was a great book and I cannot wait to see what the author brings to the table for the rest of this series. I highly recommend picking up Poseidon’s Children and giving it a go. If you like originality mixed with great writing, thrills and chills, then you’ll definitely want to read this book.” ~Blood, Sweat and Books
“4-stars! I love books that take place in and around the water so I was excited when I realized that Poseidon’s Children would involve Atlantis…I did enjoy the theories offered, and the illustrations really jumped off the page. It is also interesting that this tale is told from the viewpoint of several characters… There are some pretty gruesome moments and the bad guys are truly revolting. I was impressed with the imagination and amount of detail that went into bringing these creatures to life. The journey from character to character at the end gave me more than one opportunity to say, ‘I did not see that coming.’” ~Bitten by Books
“A great story that held me, it is dark fantasy tipping close to the edge of pure horror. Michael West brought a tale worthy of Lovecraft to the 21st century, making it real and natural, bringing the unnatural brimming beneath the surface up from the depths.” ~ I Smell Sheep
“It’s not often I find myself short of words on a book I’ve recently read, but such is the case with Michael West’s Poseidon’s Children. An odd mish-mash of various genres – horror, thriller, sci-fi, and urban fantasy – that threw out some interesting new ideas. Being the first book in a series, a few plot threads are left dangling, but enough is explained that most will be satisfied. I’ll likely be searching out more from Michael West in the near future.” ~Ravenous Reads
READ SAMPLE CHAPTER HERE.
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Read the entire Legacy of the Gods series from the beginning, and hear it narrated by S. W. Salzman on audiobook! #ListenToTheLegacy