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Dark Island: Into the Abyss
*Dark Island 3: Extinction Evolved (coming soon)
The idea of a hollow Earth filled with vast underground ecosystems is no longer science fiction—it’s science fact. And it’s a world filled with dangers beyond comprehension.
After narrowly escaping the treacherous subterranean realm with their lives, Ian Hunt and Mackenzie Moore are determined to return, and lead a well-armed team of specialists in search of the mysterious Razambe tribe.
This time, they descend further than ever, facing unimaginable horrors in their quest for the truth.
But they soon learn that a far greater threat lurks a legendary creature—one that fears nothing—rules the darkness.
In the Abyss, the line between hunter and prey blurs. Which one is mankind?
The highly anticipated sequel to Matt James’ international bestselling novel Dark Island is here! Dark Island 2: Into the Abyss takes what was discovered beneath Madagascar and ramps it up to eleven, including bigger subterranean environments and even bigger teeth!
What Amazon readers are saying about the Dark Island
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Very Verne-like!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Mr. James once again shows his talent for creating worlds we may never have thought of!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I have read all his books and this one is with the best!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The author makes his beasties very believable and I simply loved our characters!"
The idea of a hollow Earth filled with vast underground ecosystems is no longer science fiction—it’s science fact. And it’s a world filled with dangers beyond comprehension.
After narrowly escaping the treacherous subterranean realm with their lives, Ian Hunt and Mackenzie Moore are determined to return, and lead a well-armed team of specialists in search of the mysterious Razambe tribe.
This time, they descend further than ever, facing unimaginable horrors in their quest for the truth.
But they soon learn that a far greater threat lurks a legendary creature—one that fears nothing—rules the darkness.
In the Abyss, the line between hunter and prey blurs. Which one is mankind?
The highly anticipated sequel to Matt James’ international bestselling novel Dark Island is here! Dark Island 2: Into the Abyss takes what was discovered beneath Madagascar and ramps it up to eleven, including bigger subterranean environments and even bigger teeth!
What Amazon readers are saying about the Dark Island
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Very Verne-like!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Mr. James once again shows his talent for creating worlds we may never have thought of!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I have read all his books and this one is with the best!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The author makes his beasties very believable and I simply loved our characters!"
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
276 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 8, 2025
I was expecting more from book two but overall I still enjoyed this. Definitely less action and more dialogue than the first book. At times, I felt like I was reading a textbook on ancient civilizations and prehistoric creatures with impossible to pronounce names. Also, Ian is so annoying I am rooting for him to die in the next one. However, the last 20% was none stop action and the set up for the third and final book in the trilogy was great.
January 15, 2026
It was alright adventure book. A little to slow for me compared to his usual writing.
January 12, 2025
Dark Island, 1 & 2.
O.K. what did I like or dislike?
Like: everything.
Dislike: only the beasts that got away.
Plus, I think their leader is in need of , a good talking to. He blames himself for everything.
O.K. what did I like or dislike?
Like: everything.
Dislike: only the beasts that got away.
Plus, I think their leader is in need of , a good talking to. He blames himself for everything.
September 7, 2025
I had completed the first book without expecting it to be a trilogy. When I found out it was to wonder where will the book go after the grand finale in the first book and wanted to see whhat Matt does with the story and with the first book still fresh in my memory, I found myself eager to return to Ian Hunt and the murky, teeth filled world beneath Madagascar. Matt doubles down on the sense of subterranean dread and delivers larger set pieces and more relentless action than before. If you loved the claustrophobic tunnels and sudden jolts of the first volume you will get a lot of what you wanted here. The descent is deeper the monsters are bigger and the stakes feel both personal and epic and the built of the hollow world underneath is more detailed with a much more wider spread of fauna.
Where the book really scores is in momentum. Matt knows how to stage a scene and he writes sequences that are vivid and physical. The subterranean environments feel mapped and dangerous which makes the exploration tense rather than merely descriptive. Ian and Mackenzie are pulled through a series of high pressure moments that keep the pages turning and there are a few scenes that are genuinely memorable for their scale and brutality. The author leans into blockbuster energy and for readers who enjoy bold creature work and non stop peril this is a satisfying listen or read.
I could do with some lesser name dropping of animals which made the story predictable. and the book is not without its wobbles. At times the emotional core that anchored the first book felt slightly underused and character beats that should have landed with heavy consequence skimmed past. A few plot conveniences smooth the way forward in ways that made me raise an eyebrow rather than gasp. The pacing can also be uneven. There are long passages of tactical description and gear talk that will delight readers who relish technical detail but may stall those looking for quieter character development between the episodes of violence.
Overall, the book for most parts dipped below 3 stars but a combination of the action set pieces near the end and a surprising death made me rate the book higher to three and a half stars. It is a robust blockbuster of a sequel that expands the mythos and delivers plenty of creature driven thrills. Fans of the first book will enjoy the escalation and the return to familiar faces even if the emotional resonance does not always match the scale of the action.
Recommended for readers who pick up paperbacks for the pure adventure factor and those who like their speculative horror served loud bold and relentless.
February 18, 2025
An exceptional follow up!
Dark Island 2 continues the story of the Madagascar underworld, teeming with hostile life forms. The return of Ian, Mack, Babo, Sam and others underground gave the author more opportunity to describe the underground environment significantly more, as well as describing the creatures better as well, of course, there are new threats as well. The 2nd expedition comes at significant cost, and the epilogue sets the story up for a thrilling finale. The book is just as good as the previous one, with absolutely excellent writing. 5/5 stars, highly recommended for thriller fans and anyone interested in a very visceral reading experience! On to book 3!!!
Dark Island 2 continues the story of the Madagascar underworld, teeming with hostile life forms. The return of Ian, Mack, Babo, Sam and others underground gave the author more opportunity to describe the underground environment significantly more, as well as describing the creatures better as well, of course, there are new threats as well. The 2nd expedition comes at significant cost, and the epilogue sets the story up for a thrilling finale. The book is just as good as the previous one, with absolutely excellent writing. 5/5 stars, highly recommended for thriller fans and anyone interested in a very visceral reading experience! On to book 3!!!
November 29, 2024
Do you want high octane action and explosive plot twists?
Then look no further than The Dark Island Trilogy.
Ian and Mackenzie have returned after narrowing escaping with their lives in book one.
Their search continues to find the elusive Razambe tribe and this time they aren't going in alone.
But what is lurking beneath the surface and is it friend or foe?
Be prepared to have your socks blown off and be warned this book bites back!
Then look no further than The Dark Island Trilogy.
Ian and Mackenzie have returned after narrowing escaping with their lives in book one.
Their search continues to find the elusive Razambe tribe and this time they aren't going in alone.
But what is lurking beneath the surface and is it friend or foe?
Be prepared to have your socks blown off and be warned this book bites back!
November 28, 2024
Mack and Ian Hunt now have a federal team to protect the secret of Madagascar and make sure it's secrets never reach the outside world. Unfortunately the outside world intrudes and causes a dilemma that could wreck havoc on the entire Earth and it's ecosystem! Will they be able to move fast enough to stop the secret from getting out or will their best efforts be in vain?
December 18, 2024
Meh. Weak “best of the best, sir!”
For a bunch of navy seals and special forces operatives, they sure were whiny. The Story line was good, and I enjoyed the setting, however, the inner (and outer) dialogue was quite a bit juvenile considering they were the best of the best, SIR! First book was better, but I’m invested enough to read a 3rd if one follows.
For a bunch of navy seals and special forces operatives, they sure were whiny. The Story line was good, and I enjoyed the setting, however, the inner (and outer) dialogue was quite a bit juvenile considering they were the best of the best, SIR! First book was better, but I’m invested enough to read a 3rd if one follows.
February 14, 2025
Another Hollow Earth hit
This one felt a bit longer than the first, but it was still good. All the horrors of the underground are back, and then some. I really liked the hunt for the ancient tribe, and I hope it's not the last we've seen of them. Pterosaurs were never really on my list of scary dinosaurs, but this book made me rethink that. Book 3 can't come soon enough!
This one felt a bit longer than the first, but it was still good. All the horrors of the underground are back, and then some. I really liked the hunt for the ancient tribe, and I hope it's not the last we've seen of them. Pterosaurs were never really on my list of scary dinosaurs, but this book made me rethink that. Book 3 can't come soon enough!
March 2, 2025
Great ending for a unique storyline
The first boon was great, however the sequel, this book, was so much better. It had so much seat gripping action I could hardly put it down
I usually just give 4 or 5 stars for an outstanding book, and rarely do I give a written review. When I do, it is because the book is outstanding
The first boon was great, however the sequel, this book, was so much better. It had so much seat gripping action I could hardly put it down
I usually just give 4 or 5 stars for an outstanding book, and rarely do I give a written review. When I do, it is because the book is outstanding
May 5, 2025
I thought this book would never end!
This was a good story but I feel like it could have been written in half the time. I became very bored with the countless descents and the grappling with the obstacles found there. I finished this book but if there is a sequel, which the ending suggests, I won’t read more of the same. Sorry.
This was a good story but I feel like it could have been written in half the time. I became very bored with the countless descents and the grappling with the obstacles found there. I finished this book but if there is a sequel, which the ending suggests, I won’t read more of the same. Sorry.
September 8, 2025
Unbelievable Evolutionp
Fantastic second in the series story of life discovered under ground. A group of nearly fearless people dare to go below into various ecosystems to discover what lives there, why and how. It is a fascinating sci-fi story and an intriguing tale of the people who dared. Excellently done!
Fantastic second in the series story of life discovered under ground. A group of nearly fearless people dare to go below into various ecosystems to discover what lives there, why and how. It is a fascinating sci-fi story and an intriguing tale of the people who dared. Excellently done!
January 1, 2025
Great read
The story , the action ,the locations all are wonderfully done. However , the best part of this novel is the
characters and their adventures. Well worth the time to read.
The story , the action ,the locations all are wonderfully done. However , the best part of this novel is the
characters and their adventures. Well worth the time to read.
February 7, 2025
a great continuation of the first book
A great story, consistent w the first. And a very clear path to the third book. Some fascinating sub stories, esp the asuna
Keep them coming Matt
A great story, consistent w the first. And a very clear path to the third book. Some fascinating sub stories, esp the asuna
Keep them coming Matt
April 8, 2025
Great exciting read!
Could this be real? Do we really know, it definitely makes you wonder. We know more about the stars than we do our own planet. Loved the series, keep them coming!!
Could this be real? Do we really know, it definitely makes you wonder. We know more about the stars than we do our own planet. Loved the series, keep them coming!!
December 24, 2024
Oh, My!
This series of books are amazing and fantastic. This is a series of books that you will not want to put down until you've read every page of both books.
This series of books are amazing and fantastic. This is a series of books that you will not want to put down until you've read every page of both books.
January 26, 2025
a great story that kept you on the edge
A great two books, hopefully more to follow in the series, thoroughly enjoyed these book and highly recommend them to anyone
A great two books, hopefully more to follow in the series, thoroughly enjoyed these book and highly recommend them to anyone
March 8, 2025
Great Read
Action was great. Characters were built up nicely. Felt right along with rhem. Recommend this series to any who like nonstop action and adventure.
Action was great. Characters were built up nicely. Felt right along with rhem. Recommend this series to any who like nonstop action and adventure.
March 23, 2025
Top tier thriller
Book 2 is a level up from the first. The story continues but has a much more compelling story with heroes and monsters. Can't wait to read book 3!
Book 2 is a level up from the first. The story continues but has a much more compelling story with heroes and monsters. Can't wait to read book 3!
May 2, 2025
great
Wow, that’s yet amazing .great job book, and I loved that power of your writing. I wouldn’t mind reading more
Wow, that’s yet amazing .great job book, and I loved that power of your writing. I wouldn’t mind reading more
May 14, 2025
Well written sequel
Now, I’m waiting for the next book in the series! Very relatable characters. Why, Bobo? Such a great character! Perhaps his son grows up to join the team!
Now, I’m waiting for the next book in the series! Very relatable characters. Why, Bobo? Such a great character! Perhaps his son grows up to join the team!
June 5, 2025
Very fast read!
Action simply doesn't stop! Reading it is like seeing a motion picture in your head. A fascinating story that'll make you look differently at what's possible.
Action simply doesn't stop! Reading it is like seeing a motion picture in your head. A fascinating story that'll make you look differently at what's possible.
October 5, 2025
Good series
If you like your heroes vulnerable, then get to reading this series by a very talented author. The action is believable as well as the characters.
If you like your heroes vulnerable, then get to reading this series by a very talented author. The action is believable as well as the characters.
December 31, 2025
This is on of Matt’s best books. I highly recommend it.
February 8, 2026
Great read! Monsters, science and mayhem!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews