Customer Reviews

Cavern

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In an undiscovered cavern in Carlsbad, New Mexico, a species of bear thought to be extinct has survived and adapted to the dark confines of its underground dwelling. Undetected for over ten-thousand years his world and our world are about to collide.

Now, I know you're thinking that a pre-historic bear doesn't sound very scary, but these guys are much bigger and more vicious than their modern day cousins!

Jake Page presents a well researched and well written story that comes across very believable. The darkness and tight confines of the caverns are enough to give anyone a severe case of claustrophobia and \ or the willies.

The only letdown was the ending. Too predictable. Just once I would like to see the main character go public with his discovery of a new species instead of keeping it secret from the rest of the world.

The setting is an unexplored cave near Carlsbad Caverns and the scientists who study it  and begin disappearing. Something is evidently down there, and amid issues of nuclear waste and research lies evidence of a new threat to mankind which must be stamped out. Cavern features fast action and a thrilling plot which will keep readers guessing to the end.

I really enjoyed this book when I read it several years ago. I'll admit that the topic had special interest to me because I'm interested in all of caves, New Mexico, mining, geology, and prehistoric things; all of which are woven into the story line, and I think the author did a fine job of crafting this mystery novel in that setting. While I'm at it, I'll put in a plug for all of Jake Page's novels--he's one of my favorite authors, so try some of his other books too, you won't be disappointed (you'll enjoy getting to know the protagonist in most of his other novels, Mo Bowdre!).

This book was ridiculous. The only reason why I read it is that I live in Carlsbad, NM, where the book takes place, and I always enjoy reading books about places I have experienced firsthand.

The book centers around Jack Whittaker, a caver who discovers a giant new cavern in the New Mexico desert. Unfortunately, this cavern contains a vicious Paleolithic bear who has found a way to tunnel into the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, where nuclear waste is stored) salt tunnels. Almost 11 feet tall on its hind legs, this (or rather, these) bears have found a tasty food source in WIPP employees.

Besides the premise of the novel being completely unbelievable, this book could have benefited from some heavy editing and fact checking. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Page did most of his research on the internet, as the book is peppered with unnecessary detail likely intended to add authenticity; but, the attempt achieves just the opposite effect.

Perhaps the worst thing about this "thriller" is that Page devoted several sections to describing the thoughts and emotions of his vicious bear. "She stops, sniffing deeply. Something is different. Irritation turns to anger, and she rises up on her back legs, threatening the new."

If you've lived near Carlsbad, or are a caver, this book may be interesting for its gross inaccuracy. Otherwise, leave it alone.

Jake Page's "Cavern" is a quick, solid read that's both entertaining and educational. Page gets to show off his knowledge of both the New Mexico area and the world of caves. When the protagionist, Jake Whittaker, a master caver, discovers a previously unknown cavern in New Mexico that could rival Carlsbad Caverns, he decides not to share the info with anyone until he can secure the rights to the discovery. What he eventually stumbles upon are some very unusual residents of the cave that begin to start exploring outer areas of the cave that just so happen to infringe on a radioactive waste management company. While it's unclear whether the inhabitants of the cave were affected in any way by the radioactive material, Page, at least, leaves that door open. Whittaker decides to enlist the aid of his ex-wife, Dr. Cassie Roberts who helps to identify the inhabitants and determine what the course of action should be regarding the cave and its dwellers.

As is almost always the case, the government gets involved along with a group of locals who discover the existence of the cave. The main thrust of the plot from that point is a race to see who can gain ownership of the cave without being methodically picked off by the cave's inhabitants.

Page does an adequate job of explaining all the details and making it fit into a fairly believeable plot. There's plenty of action and more than a few chills and thrills from the various claustophobic sortees into the cave. The ending is open-ended enough to suggest that a sequel could follow.

Grab a copy (if you can find one because this book is tough to find) and enjoy an exciting underground adventure!

I wanted more bear action in this novel. It seems the "extinct" bears got less play than the romance? between exes Jack and Cassandra. I know I wouldn't want to be in some deep, dark cave with my ex! All in all this book reminds one of a few recent books like "Extinct" and "The Trench" where thought to be extinct creatures come in contact with man with expected results. I'm not saying this is a bad novel, just that there are better examples of this genre out there.