Cavern

by Jake Page

Set in and around the town of Carlsbad, New Mexico--home to both the Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP), the underground dumping area for irradiated materials, and the magnificent Carlsbad Caverns-- Cavern is a truly terrifying thriller, laced with flawless science, caving research, and an excellent romance. The salt tunnel excavations for the WIPP site, and the entombment of radioactive material might seem a dangerous enough risk for humanity; but when a newly revealed series of immense caverns leads to the discovery of a colony of colossal bears that have survived and adapted to their subterranean environment since the ice-age glaciers disappeared from what is now the desert southwest, not only is man at risk, but the whole Department of Energy's multi-billion dollar investment in WIPP. "Cavern is one of the most gripping novels I have read in ages. It is a grand adventure story, a tale of intrigue, science, and terror set in a warren of caverns deep under the Southwestern desert. But it is more than just a heart-pounding it is a story populated with richly drawn characters, unforgettable descriptions of a magical underground world, exceptionally fine writing, and a creature guaranteed to arouse your most atavistic fears. Jake Page knows his science, and he has created a story that is all too believable. This is most definitely not a novel for anyone with a heart condition or claustrophobia. Read it with the lights on and the doors locked."--Douglas Preston, coauthor of Relic and Thunderhead

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Jake Page was a celebrated editor, science writer, and novelist who made complex topics accessible through wit and clarity. Though he never studied science formally, his role editing Natural History Books at Doubleday sparked a lifelong passion for explaining science to general readers. As science editor and columnist at Smithsonian magazine, he wrote with elegance and humor on a wide range of subjects, from aspirin to Zane Grey. Page authored dozens of books, including works on birds, earthquakes, and Native American history. His fascination with the American Southwest led to a mystery series featuring a blind sculptor-detective. Collaborating with his wife, photographer Susanne Anderson, he produced detailed cultural studies like Hopi and Navajo. His major nonfiction achievement, In the Hands of the Great Spirit, traces 20,000 years of American Indian history. Whether exploring anthropology or writing fiction, Page championed curiosity, clarity, and the belief that science was too important to remain only in expert hands.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Carlsbad Cverns bookstore. It's really a good read, page-turner. Better than I anticipated! Interesting characters and solid research to give it some substance. I started looking up information on Short-Faced Bears after reading it.

[Allison White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining in a ridiculous way, but loses points for mis-using the word “spelunking” and making up a bunch of stuff about my hometown when it’s already got all the color it needs and then some

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun read! Thrilling and the right amount of scary! Great characters and so fun to read a book set in the southwest.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprisingly good, actually, very good, read. The action moved along rapidly with a lot of good descriptions. So often authors get carried away with such lengthy prose, that it becomes a hindrance to the story's pace. Page maintained excellent control over this temptation.
All of the characters developed nicely and maintained their integrity of character.
And lastly, a great ending. I can imagine a sequel with Cassie and Jack fending off intruders. A lot to choose from; government, cavers, hunters...

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, action packed, and full of scary things for different people. Caves, bears, radioactive waste, murder mystery... I happen to like caves and geology and prehistoric creatures and salt domes - all of which make an appearance. This was a good thriller, right up my alley. Even though it was somewhat predictable and highly improbable, it makes you think: huh, what if?

[Cindy Veneris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was an entertaining read. Good characters, a bit melodramatic, but what do you expect with giant cave bears terrorizing folks?