The Black: Evolution

By: Paul E Cooley

Narrated by: Paul E Cooley

They thought they’d escaped…

After fleeing the doomed oil rig Leaguer and the creature that destroyed it, Shawna Sigler and Catfish are rescued by a shadowy government agency. Upon discovering that samples of the M2 substance have survived, they agree to join a classified project to study the creatures and find a way to destroy them.

Ensconced in a secret underground lab, Shawna and three scientists who survived the events at HAL study the creatures while Catfish develops new weapons. Shawna realizes a troubling trend as the experiments progress: the M2 samples are evolving.

Tying together the first three books, The Black, Arrival, and Outbreak, The Black: Evolution adds to the M2 mythos and leads to a fiery conclusion.

©2024 Paul E Cooley (P)2025 Paul E Cooley

Switching the narrator was confusing but I really liked the conclusion to this story!

I get why the author did it. Certain things like Jay's Looney Tunes impressions come through much better, but after 3 books of the other narrator it took some getting used to. Also odd how Certain aspects from book 1 were retconned like Catfish & Shawna's intimacy. Overall I really enjoyed the conclusion it was a great finale, if a little disjointed.

nothing like the first 3

the structure of the book is pretty much the same as the others however this one leaves a lot to be desired as far as suspense, fear, and terrifyingly gripping go. Best part of it all is you really don't need to read the 1st 3 books to understand what's going on, the first act reintroduced and rehashed the original stories and act 2 is used to clear up some mystery and provide clarity but the ending of the book feels unsatisfying and cut short. I think if you're a fan of the series give it a listen and enjoy the world being created as much in this book sets up for the future

Paul is a strong writer of suspense.

there was a lot less tension and suspense and action in this novel compared to the 1st 3. a little too much character relationship dialogue.

Meh

I was hoping this would be as exciting as the earlier novels but it’s a lukewarm finale. I think it’s the end. Not sure I’d buy another one. There is way too much talking and not enough M2. Overall kind of a let down.

A continued Evolution I want to hear more about!

There is a lot that I liked about this book, and hearing how the creature continues to evolve is fascinating. I also really appreciate the author's looney toons impressions! I am really excited to see this continued and I appreciate all the effort put into the book itself as well as the reading of it by the author. This has become a book series I have enjoyed revisiting multiple times.