Why I bought it: I was throwing books into my Amazon cart last year and this was one of them. It's set in a series of caves under the ice in Antarctica--two settings I love--and I thought it looked like fun. So I bought it.
The plot in brief: When a plane crashes over Antarctica, it reveals a vast underground system of caves. The first team sent in to explore them disappears without a trace. Capt. Alex Hunter leads the second team, along with five other trained commandos, several scientists, and a fierce and fiesty petrobiologist named Aimee Weir. Alex has some very special skills that make him perfect for this kind of expedition, and he's going to need every single one of them. Because that plane that crashed? It awakened something living in the waters deep within the caves. Something ancient, and murderous, and hungry. And it's not the only thing hiding in the dark.
My thoughts: This action-packed thriller requires a willing suspension of disbelief in order to fully enjoy it because aspects of it are a little far-fetched, but it's also a fast-paced, well-written and entertaining thrill ride. And it held my interest in these crazy coronavirus days. Plus, I really liked the main characters. (Super soldiers are kind of awesome.) And those ancient creatures lurking in the black depths of those caves beneath the Antarctic ice? Pretty creepy and terrifying. Beck has written several other Alex Hunter novels, and I wouldn't mind reading another one, or two. Maybe the next time I'm filling my cart with books, I'll throw another one in. Because this was a fun read. Not literary, or deep, but definitely fun.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
Happy Reading!
Fun, exciting, fast-paced? Exactly what is needed!
ReplyDeleteA good popcorn read. :D
DeleteHi Lark, it sounds like a good read and Antarctica a fascinating place. I have wondered what it would be like to live in the town closest to north or south pole. Great that you are making it through the TBR shelf. I'm reading a book now from my TBR shelf too because otherwise when will I get around to it?
ReplyDeleteNow is the perfect time to tackle those TBR books. I might even get around to that Trollope novel that's been sitting on my shelf for 3+ years. Maybe. :D
DeleteSounds like one of those weird novels that can take your mind off of reality for a while. Might be the perfect kind of read for these times. I keep finding myself drawn to sad books even though I keep telling myself to avoid them. It just seems like everything I'm reading right now turns out to be a bit more depressing than I anticipated it would be. Maybe it's all in my head, though, and I'm judging the books based on what's all around me.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't do sad or depressing right now. Even if the novel isn't super sad, if it's a little bit too close to reality or about a hard or depressing subject I just can't make myself read it.
DeleteAs I'm reading your description, I can totally see this being a movie! Part of me thinks I would love to go to Antarctica but then I'm thinking it would be a bit scary too.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I like to go there by book! ;D
DeleteThis one sounds really fun. I actually have an autographed copy of Beck's Dark Rising that I read many years ago. I remember it being a really fun action book. It may be time to revisit his work.
ReplyDeleteI think that one has Alex Hunter in it as the main character, too. Beck seems to write fun action reads. I'll definitely be reading more by him. :)
DeleteI love books that are set in or partly set in Antarctica! Not sure why. I'll never go there, but still. I'm going to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm always drawn to books set in extreme settings like Antarctica. And I think it's partly because I know I will never go there. :)
DeleteLooking at the cover I can see why you grabbed it. You know I love a good snowy setting so I may just pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteIt's got some good suspense in it, too. :)
DeleteThis sounds like such a fun read and the perfect one for right now. I've been noticing I'm gravitating more towards the books with "far-fetched" plots. Anything too realistic hasn't been able to distract me from all the virus worries.
ReplyDeleteI've been avoiding realistic reads right now, too. I want to escape reality right now. :)
DeleteLike it.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of this one, it sounds completely crazy and I love a bit of crazy. :-D
ReplyDeleteIt is a crazy ride, that's for sure. :)
DeleteI like those settings, too. :)
ReplyDeleteThey're just so cool.
DeleteIn our current situation, I don't mind a little unbelievable plot or setting as long as it keeps me intrigued or entertained. ;)
ReplyDeleteI so agree. And this one did keep my entertained. :)
DeleteIf it managed to hold your attention, even if parts were a little unbelievable, I call that a win! :)
ReplyDeleteEspecially in these days, right? :D
DeleteThat does sound fun.
ReplyDeleteIt was. :)
DeleteI'm glad you liked this one as it is on my ever increasing TBR! I've liked other books by the author.
ReplyDeleteI thought this one was just fun. He's an author I'll be reading again. :)
DeleteI've not heard of this author before but this sounds right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple of his books now and enjoyed them all. :)
DeleteOooh, this sounds fun! I love Antarctic settings, too. I'll have to give this one a go.
ReplyDeleteThe cave setting deep under the Antarctic was cool. And the creatures living down there? Very creepy. :)
DeleteThis sounds like a great escape--thrilling and suspenseful. I am glad you enjoyed this, Lark!
ReplyDeleteIt's a little unrealistic, but very entertaining. :)
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