This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
I'm a practicing physician, dad, grandpa, and husband in Southern California. As well as being an avid hiker and backpacker, I accompany medical-mission groups to less-developed parts of the world. I wrote Culling the Herd in response to the dangers humanity is causing to our environment, but I definitely do not recommend the solutions posed by the characters in the novel. Please check out my previous novels, Sierra Quest and Gunther’s Cavern (the latter a Young Adult novel).
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Culling the Herd by Edward Etzkorn is a bold narrative that follows the journey of Chloe Freestaff, a young journalist who wants nothing but to gain recognition in her profession. She follows a group of scientists determined to save mankind from itself. These scientists believe that overpopulation is causing irreversible damage to the earth and they are looking for a way to stop it. She is lured by the kindness of Herb, a PhD, and his wife, Lavinia, so she joins their group, but not long after, she begins to understand that others in the group may have sinister plans that could bring untold suffering to humanity. She is trapped. Now she must fight for her survival and find a way to escape and get the secret out before it’s too late, but can she outwit the cunning of this group?
Edward Etzkorn’s novel is a great success, a story that deals with real issues facing humanity and our environment. I enjoyed the way the author treads the unfamiliar scientific terrain, the compelling cast of characters, and the riveting plot. The story begins slowly, but the pace is measured and intriguing as it moves forward. The conflict is monumental and I enjoyed the fact that the protagonist has many flaws. She’s had a failed marriage and for a long time has survived only on her instincts for the major decisions she makes. It is interesting to notice the way she develops throughout the story. Culling the Herd has twists and unexpected surprises that will beguile readers and keep them turning the pages. This is a well-crafted story with memorable characters, an exciting conflict, and an engaging plot.
