Natural Selection

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When marine scientists begin to see huge chunks bitten out of enormous dolphins, and they can't identify the teeth marks as any sea creature that they know of, they become concerned and intrigued. Using imaginative and aggressive scientific knowledge and paleontology, the scientists immerse themselves in tracking the huge beasts up the California coast, coming closer and closer to what seems to be a group of manta rays that has evolved from prehistoric times into a huge predatory machine. The scientists are horrified to discover that the manta rays present a threat far worse than they imagined. Their research leads to a growing understanding that these manta rays have made stunningly rapid evolutionary leaps rather than become extinct. As evidenced by increasing carnage in the waters, these once-quiet sea inhabitants have become bloodthirsty killers. As the researchers converge upon the mantas, they find themselves facing an even more terrifying discovery: the leader has emerged from the deep and has learned to fly. When it begins viciously attacking human beings on a nearby remote island, the real hunt begins, but will the scientists be the hunters--or the prey? In the manner of Jurassic Park and Jaws, first time novelist Dave Freedman spins this utterly gripping tale, weaving science and thrills in a way reminiscent of Michael Crichton's best reads.