Dive into the heart-pounding world of Kronos Rising, where ancient marine predators rise from the deep to challenge humanity’s reign over the oceans! Max Hawthorne’s thrilling science fiction adventure series blends meticulous research, vivid world-building, and relentless action, delivering a fresh twist on the monster story genre. Perfect for fans of Jurassic Park or Jaws, Kronos Rising hooks you with its prehistoric terrors and modern-day stakes.
Imagine a quiet coastal town thrown into chaos by a creature that’s been extinct for 65 million years—or so we thought. With its mix of suspense, science, and survival, this series keeps readers on the edge of their seats, craving the next clash between man and monster. Let’s explore how Kronos Rising came to life, its gripping tales, and why it’s a must-read for adventure enthusiasts.
How Kronos Rising Began
Max Hawthorne, dubbed the 'Prince of Paleo-fiction,' launched Kronos Rising in 2014, drawing from his lifelong fascination with marine life and paleontology. Inspired by classics like Jaws and the works of Michael Crichton, Hawthorne crafted a world where prehistoric pliosaurs—massive marine reptiles—survive in the ocean’s unmapped depths. His background as an amateur paleontologist and angler fueled the series’ authentic detail, making the creatures feel terrifyingly real. What started as a single novel grew into an award-winning saga, captivating readers with its blend of science and suspense.
The Heart of Kronos Rising
The series kicks off with Kronos Rising (2014), where Sheriff Jake Braddock faces a pliosaur terrorizing Paradise Cove, Florida. This debut novel sets the tone with fast-paced action and a mystery tied to the creature’s survival. Kronos Rising: Kraken (Volume 1) (2016) fast-forwards 30 years, introducing brothers Garm and Dirk Braddock battling multiplying pliosaurs and a deadly pathogen. Kronos Rising: Kraken (Volume 2) (2018), a Gold Medal winner from AUTHORSdb, ramps up the stakes with epic battles, including a nuclear submarine versus a giant octopus. Kronos Rising: Purgatory (2022) takes readers to Diablo Caldera, a prehistoric island teeming with savage predators.
Themes of survival, human hubris, and nature’s raw power run deep. Hawthorne’s meticulous research into marine biology and paleontology grounds the fantastical premise, while his vivid prose paints creatures that feel alive—think Jaws but bigger, smarter, and older. The series’ settings, from stormy seas to hidden calderas, amplify the tension, and its mix of horror, thriller, and sci-fi appeals to fans of paleo-fiction. Human drama, like Jake’s struggle with loss or the Braddocks’ family tensions, adds emotional weight, ensuring the story isn’t just about monsters.
Why Kronos Rising Resonates
Kronos Rising has carved a niche in the paleo-fiction genre, earning accolades like the 2016 People’s Choice Award and a loyal fanbase. Its blend of scientific plausibility and blockbuster-style action sets it apart from campy creature features, offering a sophisticated yet accessible thrill ride. Fans praise its immersive pacing and Hawthorne’s ability to make ancient predators feel like real threats. The series’ influence extends to inspiring readers to explore marine mysteries, with some even diving into paleontology. Its cinematic potential has sparked calls for a movie, as it captures the primal fear of the unknown lurking beneath the waves.
- First Book Published: 2014 (Kronos Rising)
- Number of Books: 6 (plus a prologue novella, Diablo)
- Awards: 2016 People’s Choice Award, 2018 AUTHORSdb Gold Medal
- Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Adventure
Ready to face the ocean’s deadliest predators? Grab Kronos Rising and plunge into a world where science meets suspense. Max Hawthorne’s epic saga awaits—dive in and hold your breath!