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Subterrestrial
An accident during the construction of a tunnel beneath the Bering Strait leads to the discovery of a network of caverns and evidence that hints at the survival of a primitive human species. Led by DARPA technologist Reinhard Thyssen, a team of experts from around the globe is dispatched into the subterranean maze to discover all they can before the caves completely flood.
Something lurks in the darkness, though…a creature that has evolved into a predator unlike any the world has ever known, and it’s up to the scientists to make sure that it never reaches the surface. If they can survive that long.
Something lurks in the darkness, though…a creature that has evolved into a predator unlike any the world has ever known, and it’s up to the scientists to make sure that it never reaches the surface. If they can survive that long.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
About the author
Michael McBride
132 books455 followersMichael McBride was born in Colorado and still resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He hates the snow, but loves the Avalanche. He works with medical radiation, yet somehow managed to produce five children, none of whom, miraculously, have tails, third eyes, or other random mutations. He writes fiction that runs the gamut from thriller to horror to science fiction...and loves every minute of it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 7, 2022
Ocean Horror!
Backstory:
A tunnel accident under the ocean out in the Bering Strait reveals a huge maze of subterranean tunnels that lead to an ancient species and when it is discovered it sends Reinhard Thyssen who works for (DARPA - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to gathering an expert team together so they can all go down into the ocean depths to investigate.
There are quite a few people that Thyssen pulls together for the ocean expedition, but once they get down there they all realize that the maze is more treacherous than they thought and while they are down there exploring they come across some form of creatures in the water that want to do them harm.
Between trying to survive the creatures and making sure they all don't run out of tank air the team will do anything to survive, but they feel that Thyssen is hiding something from them and that he has lead them on a death trip down to the ocean depths!
Thoughts:
This is my second book by this author and I was pulled in right away to the storyline as there is action right away with the tunnel accident. The gathering of the expert team took time though and there was information for each character of their field of expertise.
I felt the story was great and the pace was quick, but the reason this book is not getting five stars is because there was more cavern and water action with the characters trying to traverse the maze, plus there are tons of characters including the team to keep track of as well which made this book character overload.
The first part of the book was kind of slow with world set up and learning about who the team would be but the last half of the book was when it took off with underground cavern exploration. Giving this book four "Subterranean Shiver" stars!
Backstory:
A tunnel accident under the ocean out in the Bering Strait reveals a huge maze of subterranean tunnels that lead to an ancient species and when it is discovered it sends Reinhard Thyssen who works for (DARPA - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to gathering an expert team together so they can all go down into the ocean depths to investigate.
There are quite a few people that Thyssen pulls together for the ocean expedition, but once they get down there they all realize that the maze is more treacherous than they thought and while they are down there exploring they come across some form of creatures in the water that want to do them harm.
Between trying to survive the creatures and making sure they all don't run out of tank air the team will do anything to survive, but they feel that Thyssen is hiding something from them and that he has lead them on a death trip down to the ocean depths!
Thoughts:
This is my second book by this author and I was pulled in right away to the storyline as there is action right away with the tunnel accident. The gathering of the expert team took time though and there was information for each character of their field of expertise.
I felt the story was great and the pace was quick, but the reason this book is not getting five stars is because there was more cavern and water action with the characters trying to traverse the maze, plus there are tons of characters including the team to keep track of as well which made this book character overload.
The first part of the book was kind of slow with world set up and learning about who the team would be but the last half of the book was when it took off with underground cavern exploration. Giving this book four "Subterranean Shiver" stars!
May 3, 2016
SUBTERRESTRIAL, by Michael McBride, is yet another example of the superb writing skills blended with impeccable research that McBride is known for. When put together, this combination gives you an outstanding story so filled with plausible data, that you are able to completely suspend any doubts and LIVE for a time in the reality he's shaped.
After the collapse of an underwater man-made tunnel, a previously undiscovered "island" is brought to the surface--along with many other cataclysmic effects spreading to the surrounding areas.
Reinhard Thyssen, head of the major Havensen company, immediately sets out to recruit a team of uniquely qualified specialists. Included here are Dr. Brook Calder, marine biologist; Dr. Emily Hart, primatologist; Trey Payton, evolutionary anthropologist; Dr. Mihn Duan, speleologist; and Aidan Mitchell, rescue diver. Thyssen wastes no time in gathering his new "crew" to the Speranza Station, near Wales, Alaska. While none of the specialists are quite certain what they will find, Thyssen makes cryptic remarks of a new discovery . . . "The Watchers".
This is where McBride shines in his meticulous research in everything from underwater/diving situations, structural integrity of stations beneath the ocean, and various forms of nature (both plant and animal) in relation to the environmental conditions they would require for survival. Add to that his incredible imagination, and strong characterization skills, and we have a unique--yet plausible--storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat with each new revelation.
McBride writes outside of the box--utilizing both reality and speculation to draw forth something utterly new, yet believable. The characters, with their distinctive personalities, bring a lot of conviction to this enthralling thrill-ride of a novel.
The best possible praise for this book, I feel, is that by its conclusion, McBride had me seriously thinking: "What if . . . .?"
Highest recommendation!
After the collapse of an underwater man-made tunnel, a previously undiscovered "island" is brought to the surface--along with many other cataclysmic effects spreading to the surrounding areas.
Reinhard Thyssen, head of the major Havensen company, immediately sets out to recruit a team of uniquely qualified specialists. Included here are Dr. Brook Calder, marine biologist; Dr. Emily Hart, primatologist; Trey Payton, evolutionary anthropologist; Dr. Mihn Duan, speleologist; and Aidan Mitchell, rescue diver. Thyssen wastes no time in gathering his new "crew" to the Speranza Station, near Wales, Alaska. While none of the specialists are quite certain what they will find, Thyssen makes cryptic remarks of a new discovery . . . "The Watchers".
This is where McBride shines in his meticulous research in everything from underwater/diving situations, structural integrity of stations beneath the ocean, and various forms of nature (both plant and animal) in relation to the environmental conditions they would require for survival. Add to that his incredible imagination, and strong characterization skills, and we have a unique--yet plausible--storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat with each new revelation.
McBride writes outside of the box--utilizing both reality and speculation to draw forth something utterly new, yet believable. The characters, with their distinctive personalities, bring a lot of conviction to this enthralling thrill-ride of a novel.
The best possible praise for this book, I feel, is that by its conclusion, McBride had me seriously thinking: "What if . . . .?"
Highest recommendation!
October 30, 2022
I don't have !much to say about this but a good story for the October month!
February 5, 2016
I was lucky enough to read Subterrestrial when it first came out and got a nice beautiful copy from the Amazon Kindle Scout program. I may be biased but I have to say it's by far the best book I've received from Kindle Scout.
It seems that I don't need to give you a plot summary because most of the reviews I've read have already done that for me. If you liked Burial Ground, you will love Subterrestrial. If you're familiar with his work then you already know that you have picked up something good. That you have found an author who always seems to manage to top himself and not because any of his previous work was less than stellar. If you haven't read McBride, this is a good place to start. If you like intelligent thrillers, Michael McBride is your guy.
From the author of my favorite book, Condemned, comes another brilliant, fast-paced, expectation-bending suspense. McBride doesn't just throw something at you and expect you to believe it, he will convince you that it does and with research that makes it more than plausible. When you're done reading Subterrestrial I recommend reading Condemned, Sunblind, Snowblind, and pretty much everything else you can find by Michael McBride, your next favorite author.
It seems that I don't need to give you a plot summary because most of the reviews I've read have already done that for me. If you liked Burial Ground, you will love Subterrestrial. If you're familiar with his work then you already know that you have picked up something good. That you have found an author who always seems to manage to top himself and not because any of his previous work was less than stellar. If you haven't read McBride, this is a good place to start. If you like intelligent thrillers, Michael McBride is your guy.
From the author of my favorite book, Condemned, comes another brilliant, fast-paced, expectation-bending suspense. McBride doesn't just throw something at you and expect you to believe it, he will convince you that it does and with research that makes it more than plausible. When you're done reading Subterrestrial I recommend reading Condemned, Sunblind, Snowblind, and pretty much everything else you can find by Michael McBride, your next favorite author.
October 20, 2017
Subterrestrial by Michael McBride is a great book and I loved the suspense, the characters, and the great plot. I like stuff like this, and Godzilla, and other great things that the government might make. Great fun fantasy. Love it.
January 16, 2016
I enjoyed this latest one from Michael McBride, but I really wanted to like it more. The story line is good as usual, however, I got bogged down a bit in the caves while the protagonists were floundering around trying to find the way out. If it had a little haircut, or maybe just one creature thread in the labyrinths, I think it would have flowed better for me. I have a feeling there were two books in here kind of mashed together. Still a well written, solid effort from one of my go to authors.
May 6, 2022
Image Friendly Version
If you have ever found yourself watching late night “documentaries” on the History Channel, or SyFy, then you know the tasty pool of weird from which Michael McBride writes.
Global warming has opened up an entrance deep into the earth and the military just can’t wait to find a use for it. Thus they gather up a bunch of self-involved suicidally eager scientists who pass through the gate marked Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here without a backward glance.
There were too many characters, but that was remedied at speed!
The Epilogue was a marvel that fixed all my remaining issues with the story. I would gladly read a sequel.
While not up to his Unit 51 standard, I can see this as a rough draft.
*audibook note: It was read competently but devoid of sound effects. This story dearly needed production as opposed to a man whisperer screaming Scree! Wha Ah! Scree! Wha Ah!
If you have ever found yourself watching late night “documentaries” on the History Channel, or SyFy, then you know the tasty pool of weird from which Michael McBride writes.
Global warming has opened up an entrance deep into the earth and the military just can’t wait to find a use for it. Thus they gather up a bunch of self-involved suicidally eager scientists who pass through the gate marked Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here without a backward glance.
There were too many characters, but that was remedied at speed!
The Epilogue was a marvel that fixed all my remaining issues with the story. I would gladly read a sequel.
While not up to his Unit 51 standard, I can see this as a rough draft.
*audibook note: It was read competently but devoid of sound effects. This story dearly needed production as opposed to a man whisperer screaming Scree! Wha Ah! Scree! Wha Ah!
Want to read
March 18, 2016This is copy number 14 of 56 signed and numbered copies, signed by Michael McBride. The book also contains a hand written manuscript page, also signed, bound into the book following the signature page.
August 15, 2016
Terrible, repetitive, canned writing. Good topic but the author ran out of material after 50 pages. From there it is a repetitive chase scene.
Terrible, repetitive, canned writing. Good topic but the author ran out of material after 50 pages. From there it is a repetitive chase scene.
Terrible, repetitive, canned writing. Good topic but the author ran out of material after 50 pages. From there it is a repetitive chase scene.
March 28, 2016
found myself skipping and skimming whole paragraphs because of the excessive scientific and medical jargon. the story was pretty predictable
August 14, 2021
Excellent build-up of tension throughout the book and I love the underground world the author created and brought to life.
August 20, 2017
Ugh! Ugh!
I read through this super fast, just to get it over with. The idea was appealing to me because underground tunnels frighten me, but the story could've flowed better. It was choppy and you didn't really care about the characters. The end felt rushed, and the characters that did survive, shouldn't have, according to their "deaths". No more from me.
I read through this super fast, just to get it over with. The idea was appealing to me because underground tunnels frighten me, but the story could've flowed better. It was choppy and you didn't really care about the characters. The end felt rushed, and the characters that did survive, shouldn't have, according to their "deaths". No more from me.
July 14, 2016
4.5 stars, rounded up. This is yet another fine example of the fruits of Michael McBride's tireless research - everything in it seemed plausible and well-explained, without getting too bogged down in details. The characters were well-drawn, and the plot was well thought-out, and focused on subject matter I find extremely interesting - hidden underground worlds, strange creatures, science and evolution.
I will admit that through the middle this one felt like it dragged a little when the team got separated and the story followed each of them round-robin, but that may have been because I was reading in small chunks, which meant it was sometimes a while before I got back to one particular story thread. I totally understand why it was done, and usually don't mind it, but for this book it made it a little slower going for me.
While I won't say this is my favorite of his work, it's a great book - I have yet to read anything from Michael McBride that I didn't greatly enjoy. He takes his craft very seriously, and is starting to get the mass-market exposure he has deserved for some time now. Check him out if you haven't read him yet. I might suggest Sunblind or Ancient Enemy as a place to start, but this also would be a good first exposure to his work.
I will admit that through the middle this one felt like it dragged a little when the team got separated and the story followed each of them round-robin, but that may have been because I was reading in small chunks, which meant it was sometimes a while before I got back to one particular story thread. I totally understand why it was done, and usually don't mind it, but for this book it made it a little slower going for me.
While I won't say this is my favorite of his work, it's a great book - I have yet to read anything from Michael McBride that I didn't greatly enjoy. He takes his craft very seriously, and is starting to get the mass-market exposure he has deserved for some time now. Check him out if you haven't read him yet. I might suggest Sunblind or Ancient Enemy as a place to start, but this also would be a good first exposure to his work.
April 9, 2016
When I think back to how exciting the description of this book was, I realize the anticipation of reading was better than actually reading it.
There were too many indistinguishable characters- wait, which woman was the shark scientist? which woman was the monkey scientist? didn't that guy die already?- and the 'underground dwellers' were unfortunately only described a little bit on this page... and then more in the next chapter... and a little more fifteen pages later. Combine these drawn-out revelations with the book's main activity (running from indistinguishable cavern to indistinguishable cavern or swimming frantically / obsessing about the "fifteen minutes of air") and it's a frustratingly long exercise in patience for the reader. Amazingly, at least, this is a 'happy ending' kind of book.
PS: I do like the author a lot- try Snowblind for a better oh-God-we're-being-hunted-by-weird-creatures story. Your best bet for a creepy underground adventure is The Descent by Jeff Long.
There were too many indistinguishable characters- wait, which woman was the shark scientist? which woman was the monkey scientist? didn't that guy die already?- and the 'underground dwellers' were unfortunately only described a little bit on this page... and then more in the next chapter... and a little more fifteen pages later. Combine these drawn-out revelations with the book's main activity (running from indistinguishable cavern to indistinguishable cavern or swimming frantically / obsessing about the "fifteen minutes of air") and it's a frustratingly long exercise in patience for the reader. Amazingly, at least, this is a 'happy ending' kind of book.
PS: I do like the author a lot- try Snowblind for a better oh-God-we're-being-hunted-by-weird-creatures story. Your best bet for a creepy underground adventure is The Descent by Jeff Long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
SUBTERRESTRIAL takes us to the frozen north of Alaska in Michael McBride's newest thriller.
Mix greed, technology and humans you can be guaranteed all hell will break loose.
The story starts deep underground when engineers fail to do their job. And, as usually happens, disaster comes exploding on the scene. Now it is a race against time to save as many lives as possible. However, there is another factor that no one counted on.
If you ever wondered if your weird Uncle Fred evolved from some bizarre freak of nature, you may well be right. Subterrestrial offers an intriguing answer.
Subterrestrial will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Fans of Douglas Preston and Michael Chrichton might find this story of interest also.
Mix greed, technology and humans you can be guaranteed all hell will break loose.
The story starts deep underground when engineers fail to do their job. And, as usually happens, disaster comes exploding on the scene. Now it is a race against time to save as many lives as possible. However, there is another factor that no one counted on.
If you ever wondered if your weird Uncle Fred evolved from some bizarre freak of nature, you may well be right. Subterrestrial offers an intriguing answer.
Subterrestrial will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Fans of Douglas Preston and Michael Chrichton might find this story of interest also.
February 16, 2016
From one dark chamber to another trying to keep your head above water. After the first few chambers, my interest wandered. I was glad when it was over.
March 30, 2016
Good premise and scary predators, but too many characters that were not fleshed out to become at all invested in any of them. would work better as a movie minus a few characters.
October 31, 2018
40% DNF. Returning!!!
This book had 5 star potential but the narrator's voice is monotone. The man sounds half dead. And the author goes into too much scientific detail about everything which causes me to drift off and get confused when the "action" scenes start. I can't keep up with who is who and wtf is going on. This book could easily be 100 pages less with riveting suspenseful action packed scenes, if not for the fucking boring science "lessons" the author decided to impart on his readers. If I wanted to read about research science then I would've bought a fucking science text book or a fucking national geographic magazine! This is supposed to be a horror syfy. I understand and appreciate an author who does his/her research to make the story more "realistic" but come the fuck on, they don't have to include every fucking detail in the story!!! So fucking disappointed.
It's a damned shame because this author writes about the kind of horror I am looking for but unfortunately his delivery of them are subpar.
This book had 5 star potential but the narrator's voice is monotone. The man sounds half dead. And the author goes into too much scientific detail about everything which causes me to drift off and get confused when the "action" scenes start. I can't keep up with who is who and wtf is going on. This book could easily be 100 pages less with riveting suspenseful action packed scenes, if not for the fucking boring science "lessons" the author decided to impart on his readers. If I wanted to read about research science then I would've bought a fucking science text book or a fucking national geographic magazine! This is supposed to be a horror syfy. I understand and appreciate an author who does his/her research to make the story more "realistic" but come the fuck on, they don't have to include every fucking detail in the story!!! So fucking disappointed.
It's a damned shame because this author writes about the kind of horror I am looking for but unfortunately his delivery of them are subpar.
Shelved as 'dnf-series-dropped'
May 7, 2016The science is slightly hinky and all the five star reviews make me suspicious. Beyond that it often feels like the author is trying to dazzle us with big words. Yes, you can say the Last Glacial Maximum, or you could just say the last ice age, so that all the non-science geeks would have a better understanding. Granted, sometimes I am nit-picky, there is nothing technically wrong with saying agamid lizards, but I've never actually heard anyone tack "lizards" on, they just say agamids; gneiss is metamorphic rock, so it seems rather redundant to say "metamorphic gneiss". There seems to be a sweeping statement about sharks and where they can and can't go, but bull sharks are known to swim as far inland as St. Louis. As for some of the writing on the reef inhabitants - if your biologist husband starts laughing at what you are reading to him...
I've not given up yet, but I'm less than fifty pages in (I think) and I feel like the author didn't do enough research, doesn't understand what he did research, or just didn't care, and covers it up with scientific jargon. But, I'm also willing to admit I've been in a bit of a mood lately and am feeling rather peevish.
I've not given up yet, but I'm less than fifty pages in (I think) and I feel like the author didn't do enough research, doesn't understand what he did research, or just didn't care, and covers it up with scientific jargon. But, I'm also willing to admit I've been in a bit of a mood lately and am feeling rather peevish.
July 28, 2016
Not a great sci-fi - too much plot and not enough story
December 10, 2018
This had so much potential but was bogged down with a lot of unnecessary scientific and medical jargon!!
You know when you're reading any legal document or scientific document, or even talking to an expert, and you think to yourself.. I wish they would dumb this down for me.. well that's what I felt here! I love a bit of science thrown in when needed, but to use big words just for the sake of it made me roll my eyes! When I read a creature feature, I want mindless fun, I want creatures, I want killing, I don't want everything overly explained to me and I definitely don't want to work for my entertainment!! Subterrestrial was a chore to get through!!
The plot also felt extremely choppy. It went from tunnel to tunnel, from person to person and from creature to creature with no rhyme or reason. There were so many times while I was reading when I went... WTF, I thought the creature was an ape?? How has it got scales now? It was when I was about half way through that it finally dawned on me we were dealing with a few different things.... though apart from the ape, I'm still not 100% sure what other creatures there were!!
The characters weren't that well developed. There were a lot of experts from different sections but I couldn't tell you much about them. None of them stood out, and I didn't really connect with any of them.
In all, this wasn't for me. I was going to put it aside quite a few times, but I kept going. This hasn't put me off this authors work though, because I've read some of his others and thoroughly enjoyed them! I just think that he needs to remember that readers want entertainment, not an overly scientific explanation of everything! I don't care if it doesn't make sense, once it entertains me, I'm happy!!
Joel Richards read this well. He had plenty of tones and voices for the characters and I enjoyed his performance. He was able to hold my attention even when I wanted to drift off because I was bored.
You know when you're reading any legal document or scientific document, or even talking to an expert, and you think to yourself.. I wish they would dumb this down for me.. well that's what I felt here! I love a bit of science thrown in when needed, but to use big words just for the sake of it made me roll my eyes! When I read a creature feature, I want mindless fun, I want creatures, I want killing, I don't want everything overly explained to me and I definitely don't want to work for my entertainment!! Subterrestrial was a chore to get through!!
The plot also felt extremely choppy. It went from tunnel to tunnel, from person to person and from creature to creature with no rhyme or reason. There were so many times while I was reading when I went... WTF, I thought the creature was an ape?? How has it got scales now? It was when I was about half way through that it finally dawned on me we were dealing with a few different things.... though apart from the ape, I'm still not 100% sure what other creatures there were!!
The characters weren't that well developed. There were a lot of experts from different sections but I couldn't tell you much about them. None of them stood out, and I didn't really connect with any of them.
In all, this wasn't for me. I was going to put it aside quite a few times, but I kept going. This hasn't put me off this authors work though, because I've read some of his others and thoroughly enjoyed them! I just think that he needs to remember that readers want entertainment, not an overly scientific explanation of everything! I don't care if it doesn't make sense, once it entertains me, I'm happy!!
Joel Richards read this well. He had plenty of tones and voices for the characters and I enjoyed his performance. He was able to hold my attention even when I wanted to drift off because I was bored.
December 1, 2020
This is a toss up between 3.5 and 4 stars. I really can't make up my mind.
The first third of the book introduces the main and side characters. There was a bit too much technical, scientific, biological jargon for my liking and it stopped me from getting fully immersed in the story. In fact, i nearly gave up. But i stuck at it as i've read other books by Michael and they have been great.
Two thirds of the way in and the main point of the story starts to come through. The sense of dread and claustrophobia are weaved within the pages and you get the sense that this isn't going to turn out well. Again, quite a lot of jargon which pulled me out of the story.
The final third started to cut down on the jargon and concentrate on the characters, as they tried to remove themselves from the pickle (understatement!!) they had found themselves in. I got fully involved at this point and willed them on, reading quicker and quicker. A few red herrings and twists had me cursing as i became emotionally attached to the characters.
Overall, it was a hell of a tale. But i felt the book could have been cut down in length - i mean, there's only so many ways to describe a character being stuck/lost in a tunnel. Plus jargon and descriptions could have been removed (not all, but certainly a lot). Saying that though, that might be part and parcel of why he is a good storyteller. This is just my opinion after all.
The first third of the book introduces the main and side characters. There was a bit too much technical, scientific, biological jargon for my liking and it stopped me from getting fully immersed in the story. In fact, i nearly gave up. But i stuck at it as i've read other books by Michael and they have been great.
Two thirds of the way in and the main point of the story starts to come through. The sense of dread and claustrophobia are weaved within the pages and you get the sense that this isn't going to turn out well. Again, quite a lot of jargon which pulled me out of the story.
The final third started to cut down on the jargon and concentrate on the characters, as they tried to remove themselves from the pickle (understatement!!) they had found themselves in. I got fully involved at this point and willed them on, reading quicker and quicker. A few red herrings and twists had me cursing as i became emotionally attached to the characters.
Overall, it was a hell of a tale. But i felt the book could have been cut down in length - i mean, there's only so many ways to describe a character being stuck/lost in a tunnel. Plus jargon and descriptions could have been removed (not all, but certainly a lot). Saying that though, that might be part and parcel of why he is a good storyteller. This is just my opinion after all.
August 8, 2021
Subterrestrial
by
Michael McBride
Here we have your typical monster hidden for thousands of years until man stumbles upon it and then the mangling of bodies begins.
It wasn't that bad of a story if you like the cookie-cutter monster type books. It is very similar to other books I've read, from different authors and this author. Not sure which of his books copied which, but this one and the others weren’t that bad.
There was blood, your typical shredding deaths, shocking deaths, and some happy miracles, but it just couldn't reach that third star.
2 stars
by
Michael McBride
Here we have your typical monster hidden for thousands of years until man stumbles upon it and then the mangling of bodies begins.
It wasn't that bad of a story if you like the cookie-cutter monster type books. It is very similar to other books I've read, from different authors and this author. Not sure which of his books copied which, but this one and the others weren’t that bad.
There was blood, your typical shredding deaths, shocking deaths, and some happy miracles, but it just couldn't reach that third star.
2 stars
October 20, 2023
Intense and Action Packed
November 3, 2018
Could have been exciting
I was determined to finish books if at all possible. This book made me consider that that experiment was over.
An underworld discovered with proto humans from sixty-five million years ago (dinosaurs and most mammals didn't coexist), sixty five million year old plants (the atmospheric composition, geology and weather patterns supporting that fauna and flora had ended) and a proto avian raptor was a bit much. The characters behaved in a weirdly stupid way. They are led by a sociopath from Homeland Security who doesn't mind setting up others to die, which is very plausible. He's surprised that the danger he expected could affect himself. That might be plausible, it fits that profile, I think.
The lack of a planned response from the controlling Agent who expected trouble is too weird. The Journey to the Center of the Earth is not well served by this book. The reptiles are so vicious that it's hard to understand how the proto humans survived for millions of years. Hunters follow game, and if it's across a new land bridge so be it. Tunnels to nowhere not as likely.
I gave the writer my attention and time and in return I expected at least a logical plot. The writing wasn't bad and with a little attention to background for all the major characters and a more logical plot, some of the other elements could probably be made to work.
I doubt that I will read more by this writer.
I was determined to finish books if at all possible. This book made me consider that that experiment was over.
An underworld discovered with proto humans from sixty-five million years ago (dinosaurs and most mammals didn't coexist), sixty five million year old plants (the atmospheric composition, geology and weather patterns supporting that fauna and flora had ended) and a proto avian raptor was a bit much. The characters behaved in a weirdly stupid way. They are led by a sociopath from Homeland Security who doesn't mind setting up others to die, which is very plausible. He's surprised that the danger he expected could affect himself. That might be plausible, it fits that profile, I think.
The lack of a planned response from the controlling Agent who expected trouble is too weird. The Journey to the Center of the Earth is not well served by this book. The reptiles are so vicious that it's hard to understand how the proto humans survived for millions of years. Hunters follow game, and if it's across a new land bridge so be it. Tunnels to nowhere not as likely.
I gave the writer my attention and time and in return I expected at least a logical plot. The writing wasn't bad and with a little attention to background for all the major characters and a more logical plot, some of the other elements could probably be made to work.
I doubt that I will read more by this writer.
January 28, 2018
This starts with a pretty spectacular disaster -- a great set up for what turns out to be a lot of slipping and sliding through caves that inexplicably fill with water and then drain just in time to save the poor humans who never really stop to ask themselves ‘what the hell is going on here?’ Every character takes their turn at closing in on death and then miraculously surviving. Sure, you say, but this what books like this are all about. Danger! Creatures! Unexplainable underground habitats. I get that. And this is a good diversion from books a little more based in plausibility. It’s a fantasy horror adventure with a countdown to see who survives. You may reach a certain point where you won’t care who survives because all the characters are interchangeable and you begin to not know who’s who. But if you liked action sequences: this author has designed an excellent template – then used it over and over again. Consider this a guilty pleasure that’s OK to skip sections if you want too.
January 2, 2017
An exciting action-horror thriller. Just be aware that action and horror is about all there is. All of the characters and the overall plot exist only to support the "surviving hidden monsters" scenario. The only mystery is which characters do not survive and which others cheat death many, many times. Slight Spoiler: two characters escape death MOST improbably.
I found the book to be essentially a screenplay for a simplistic monster movie with lots of CGI-F/X. It can be an OK read if you have realistic expectations.
I found the book to be essentially a screenplay for a simplistic monster movie with lots of CGI-F/X. It can be an OK read if you have realistic expectations.
December 25, 2017
2.5 stars. I was in the mood for a story about monsters hunting people. I got that. However, the climax drags on for far too long, to the point where it becomes numbing. The author also tends to use technical language way too much and without sufficient explanation. It's great to do your research when writing a novel, but remember that you're writing for a lay audience not trying to impress scientists with your understanding of their field.
It's not BAD but it's not good either. Exactly mediocre. But hey it was free via Prime and it scratched a particular itch.
It's not BAD but it's not good either. Exactly mediocre. But hey it was free via Prime and it scratched a particular itch.
January 26, 2016
Second half of book was good, ending excellent but getting there through first half was agonizing!!
Good story but way to much slow narrative in first few chapters but some really good characters. A decent read.
Good story but way to much slow narrative in first few chapters but some really good characters. A decent read.
August 18, 2020
Breathtaking
Detaied, vividly described narrative.
Three dimensional characters.
The action, once it began, was relentless.
The ending was deliberately kept open. Plus, a detailed bibliography would have been nice.
Otherwise, very good indeed. Recommended.
Detaied, vividly described narrative.
Three dimensional characters.
The action, once it began, was relentless.
The ending was deliberately kept open. Plus, a detailed bibliography would have been nice.
Otherwise, very good indeed. Recommended.
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