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Cab's Lantern
Cab Marin, owner of a struggling Caribbean dive shop, is helping marine biologist Vicki Jennings collect data for her thesis when they happen upon two amazing an antique ship's lantern that continues to glow deep underwater, and a massive barracuda that appears to be standing guard. Cab is a scientist at heart and these mysteries renew a passion for discovery that died out when a previous reach for the stars fell disastrously short. He commits himself to uncovering the lantern’s secret while Vicki abandons her thesis to study the barracuda. Their intertwined quest for the truth endures competing priorities and a budding romance but takes a fateful turn when a local treasure-hunter concludes that they have found the gold-laden El Conquista. Left with nothing and now an ocean apart, Cab and Vicki must continue their search for rational explanations while finding their way back to each other. In a world where nature alone makes survival a challenge, they learn that life’s most rewarding treasures are found in unexpected places.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2011
43 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Russell
5 books4 followersI am a tale-spinner. My childhood heroes were Jules Verne and Victor Appleton II, architects of fantastic adventures. Hemingway stepped in when I discovered that the trials and triumphs of real people – those with limited physical and financial resources – were even more intriguing than science fiction. Today I try to follow that example with my own characters. They are the ‘you and me’ of the world, ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, beaten down perhaps and yet determined to succeed. Invariably they find adventure, romance and self-fulfillment, as should we all.
When not absorbed in the pages of some new author or hammering away at my latest manuscript I can be found living and running in Stowe, VT. Visit my website at www.CabsLantern.com and feel free to drop me a line at JeffRussell@CabsLantern.com.
Happy reading!
When not absorbed in the pages of some new author or hammering away at my latest manuscript I can be found living and running in Stowe, VT. Visit my website at www.CabsLantern.com and feel free to drop me a line at JeffRussell@CabsLantern.com.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 24, 2016
A romance and thrillling story about Cab, a boat captain wo will take Wicki under his wings to show her around, diving underwater so she can get some data and information for her thesis They will make a beautiful discovery and as the story unfolds, so is their relationship. I love the way the author incorporated the science and research side into the book (as a research assistant myself it was quite fun to read about it!). Also, kudoos to the setting for it being in the Caribbean <3 The characters were quite developped and complex I'd rather say, but something in them, maybe their arrogance? I'm not quite sure yet, but something in these characters didn't quite connect with me. The story arc overall has nice flow to it. However, it didn't hold nothing really impressive.
Thank you to the author for giving me a free e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.
Trang- Book Blogger and Book reviewer
http://bookidote.wordpress.com
November 15, 2015
This was a very interesting story, the characters were very complex and at time a little too much. I liked the premise of the book, a man who basically gives up and begins to charter boats for a living, meets a woman who is a marine biologist who is searching for information for her thesis. I felt the main characters were a little bit too arrogant at times and their constant fight to one-up each other was tedious and a bit much. I would have liked to see the characters to be a little on the softer side.
Overall, the writing itself was fantastic and the flow of the book was perfect, it rolled along smoothly and this should be a five-star book, but the characters didn't do much for me, therefore I give it four.
Overall, the writing itself was fantastic and the flow of the book was perfect, it rolled along smoothly and this should be a five-star book, but the characters didn't do much for me, therefore I give it four.
August 25, 2015
After reading Jeff Russell's 'The Dream Shelf'. I just had to get my hands on this one. Cab's Lantern is the first installment to a series, the second being 'Afterlight'.
Set in the gorgeous tropics of the Caribbean, and with plenty of adventure flows from the watery depths of an old shipwreck. Discoveries are strange and the mystery keeps you on your toes and ahead of the game throughout with twists and turns galore.
I have to admit, my favorite genre to read is suspense and thriller's and Cab's Lantern certainly contains plenty of that and with a touch of romance that lends a hand, it makes for an enjoyable saga.
A strange encounter with a sea creature is in the midst. One whom seems to be guarding something down there among a ruined ship wreck.
What is the Lantern's secret?
Will the protagonists Cab Marin and Vicki Jennings survive the treacherous journey of this new underworld?
A tale of fantasy fills riches that lay unearthed and surround 'Cab's Lantern'. Definitely one for your Kindle library
Set in the gorgeous tropics of the Caribbean, and with plenty of adventure flows from the watery depths of an old shipwreck. Discoveries are strange and the mystery keeps you on your toes and ahead of the game throughout with twists and turns galore.
I have to admit, my favorite genre to read is suspense and thriller's and Cab's Lantern certainly contains plenty of that and with a touch of romance that lends a hand, it makes for an enjoyable saga.
A strange encounter with a sea creature is in the midst. One whom seems to be guarding something down there among a ruined ship wreck.
What is the Lantern's secret?
Will the protagonists Cab Marin and Vicki Jennings survive the treacherous journey of this new underworld?
A tale of fantasy fills riches that lay unearthed and surround 'Cab's Lantern'. Definitely one for your Kindle library
July 1, 2015
This is a fun book with a touch of romance and plenty of excitement that kept me entertained! Great book to read!
August 9, 2020
Cab’s Latern — Jeff Russell (25 chapters) August 6-8, 2020
I didn’t start off liking this book very much. I mean, I downloaded it, so I liked the premises, but the words were heavy scientific and I realized quickly that this wasn’t going to be one of my normal reads.
And, it’s true...it is very scientific in words. But it is also heavy on passive writing sections, and not a lot of dialog. The dialog and characters are somewhat overbearing to begin with, but if you stick with the story until the end, you do see character growth and the interacts between each other made this reader happy.
I have read reviews that this book is hard to read and get into, and one reviewer stated that skim reading was required, and while I agree there were times I found myself reading faster to get to the next part, I didn’t find I was doing that repeatedly in the book.
The author does note at the end that Jules Verne was a well-loved author of youth, so it’s not surprising that this story reads like a Verne’s story. Even so, while I thought this book might end up being a 2 star. I liked it enough to be generous by the end.
Three stars.
I didn’t start off liking this book very much. I mean, I downloaded it, so I liked the premises, but the words were heavy scientific and I realized quickly that this wasn’t going to be one of my normal reads.
And, it’s true...it is very scientific in words. But it is also heavy on passive writing sections, and not a lot of dialog. The dialog and characters are somewhat overbearing to begin with, but if you stick with the story until the end, you do see character growth and the interacts between each other made this reader happy.
I have read reviews that this book is hard to read and get into, and one reviewer stated that skim reading was required, and while I agree there were times I found myself reading faster to get to the next part, I didn’t find I was doing that repeatedly in the book.
The author does note at the end that Jules Verne was a well-loved author of youth, so it’s not surprising that this story reads like a Verne’s story. Even so, while I thought this book might end up being a 2 star. I liked it enough to be generous by the end.
Three stars.
May 25, 2019
What an exciting romp!
Mystery, hidden intentions, murderous enemies. From one breathtaking description to the next connect-the-dots for the story, this will be a fun read you don't want to put down.
Mystery, hidden intentions, murderous enemies. From one breathtaking description to the next connect-the-dots for the story, this will be a fun read you don't want to put down.
November 17, 2015
First, I wish to thank Mr. Jeff Russell for giving me a free copy of "Cab's Lantern" to read so that I could give my honest review.
Wow! I just finished this book and I cannot wait to read the sequel. This is an incredible story unlike any other. The setting is in the Caribbean, mostly. There are some academia within these pages. As a researcher myself, I felt giddy to read about it. This is a very intelligent book, written extremely well in layman terms so that nothing went over my head. It is a great book for most everyone.
The story is about a guy who kind of gave up on himself, and decided to become a charter boat captain. Cab takes on a client. Vicki is working on her doctorate degree in marine biology. The two butt heads, puff out their chests, and try to out boss each other. To say they don't entirely see eye to eye is an understatement.
Through a whirlwind of a week, the two encounter a series of anomalies, shared meals, and a few harrowing experiences. By the end of the week, both of their career choices are in question, as well as their feelings about each other. But, the book doesn't end there.
What makes this story so unique is mostly deep under water. I will not even say any more. You really have to read this book in order to even believe what awaits them in the deep. It is far too good, and even a bit overwhelming to miss out on.
You will develop feelings for the complex characters. Mr. Russell does a very good job of peeling back their layers. What you will find is a certain affinity for some, and a real disdain for others. The ending of this story will leave you begging for more. Mr. Russell delivers with a sequel to the story that you will want to begin as soon as you finish this one.
Wow! I just finished this book and I cannot wait to read the sequel. This is an incredible story unlike any other. The setting is in the Caribbean, mostly. There are some academia within these pages. As a researcher myself, I felt giddy to read about it. This is a very intelligent book, written extremely well in layman terms so that nothing went over my head. It is a great book for most everyone.
The story is about a guy who kind of gave up on himself, and decided to become a charter boat captain. Cab takes on a client. Vicki is working on her doctorate degree in marine biology. The two butt heads, puff out their chests, and try to out boss each other. To say they don't entirely see eye to eye is an understatement.
Through a whirlwind of a week, the two encounter a series of anomalies, shared meals, and a few harrowing experiences. By the end of the week, both of their career choices are in question, as well as their feelings about each other. But, the book doesn't end there.
What makes this story so unique is mostly deep under water. I will not even say any more. You really have to read this book in order to even believe what awaits them in the deep. It is far too good, and even a bit overwhelming to miss out on.
You will develop feelings for the complex characters. Mr. Russell does a very good job of peeling back their layers. What you will find is a certain affinity for some, and a real disdain for others. The ending of this story will leave you begging for more. Mr. Russell delivers with a sequel to the story that you will want to begin as soon as you finish this one.
December 3, 2013
Cab's Lantern by Jeff Russell is a thrilling underwater adventure with a splash of romance. I don't give away much of the plot in my reviews but I will tell you this:
Cab Marin is the owner of Off-Shore Odyssey Diving Expeditions in the Caribbean. Business is slow so Cab is thrilled to take Ms. Vicki Jennings down to the coral reef to take measurements for the thesis she's writing.
From their first dive, the story takes off. They make it to the coral reef but inside an old shipwreck they discover something much more interesting. Something so unusual, it defies logic. And it seems to be guarded by a sea creature they’ve never come across before.
Determined to make sense of what they’ve seen, they begin to research and try to identify the shipwreck and the mystery behind the captain that went down with the ship. Soon, both Cab and Vicki are plunged into dangerous waters. The threat isn’t from the under the sea, but from others who want the glory and fame of such a discovery for themselves.
Mr. Russell’s debut novel was fun, entertaining and filled with twists and turns. I’m excited to read Afterlight, the sequel to see what’s in store for Vicki and Cab next.
Cab Marin is the owner of Off-Shore Odyssey Diving Expeditions in the Caribbean. Business is slow so Cab is thrilled to take Ms. Vicki Jennings down to the coral reef to take measurements for the thesis she's writing.
From their first dive, the story takes off. They make it to the coral reef but inside an old shipwreck they discover something much more interesting. Something so unusual, it defies logic. And it seems to be guarded by a sea creature they’ve never come across before.
Determined to make sense of what they’ve seen, they begin to research and try to identify the shipwreck and the mystery behind the captain that went down with the ship. Soon, both Cab and Vicki are plunged into dangerous waters. The threat isn’t from the under the sea, but from others who want the glory and fame of such a discovery for themselves.
Mr. Russell’s debut novel was fun, entertaining and filled with twists and turns. I’m excited to read Afterlight, the sequel to see what’s in store for Vicki and Cab next.
May 3, 2016
Cab's Lantern is the story the adventures of Cab Marin and Vicky Jennings as the explore the depths of the Cayman islands in search of scientific answers. They discover a fantastic shipwreck and there is an intertwined web of mysteries surrounding it. I enjoyed this book for its sense of mystery and adventure.
I prefer adventure books to be faster paced. In my opinion, the repetitiveness of some of the writing, especially the introspection of the characters could be edited considerably. I found myself losing interest toward the middle of the book. I gained it back again toward the end.
I enjoyed the historical and scientific aspects of the story. The author is good about letting us know which references are known and which are theory. The romantic perspective of the story is subtle and it helps the reader to feel endeared to the characters.
In conclusion, I enjoyed this book. However, I would encourage the author to engage in further editing.
I prefer adventure books to be faster paced. In my opinion, the repetitiveness of some of the writing, especially the introspection of the characters could be edited considerably. I found myself losing interest toward the middle of the book. I gained it back again toward the end.
I enjoyed the historical and scientific aspects of the story. The author is good about letting us know which references are known and which are theory. The romantic perspective of the story is subtle and it helps the reader to feel endeared to the characters.
In conclusion, I enjoyed this book. However, I would encourage the author to engage in further editing.
July 12, 2016
I have been underwater with Cab, Vicki and other characters. It's been fascinating. Because of this novel, Cab's Lantern, I want to protect our oceans and learn more about them. Until reading this novel, I didn't know about the barracuda. I only knew about the big, bad shark. I also liked the mystery of the story. There is a lantern light. It never goes out. Why is the big question. I also liked learning about the main character's past. His failures and the strength to travel new directions in his life.
Oddly, I didn't care much about Phil and his vendetta. Perhaps, I was too focused on the relationship between Cab and Vicki. Also, I didn't believe a person could really hug a barracuda. This scene lacked reality, I thought. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, I hope.cabslantern.com
Oddly, I didn't care much about Phil and his vendetta. Perhaps, I was too focused on the relationship between Cab and Vicki. Also, I didn't believe a person could really hug a barracuda. This scene lacked reality, I thought. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, I hope.cabslantern.com
June 25, 2016
This novel had everything I liked: beautiful setting, sea adventure, romance and a clever plot.
The book gets your imagination going straight from the off with a terrible storm at sea and the consequences that ensue. After this, we are taken to the idyllic island of Grand Cayman and the somewhat haphazard lifestyle of Cab Marin, soon to be joined by the attractive and clever Vicky. From here the story builds with a lot of sexual tension and of course that sunken wreck with the very strange light on the aft end of the ship.
I really enjoyed Cab’s Lantern and I look forward to more of the same.
The book gets your imagination going straight from the off with a terrible storm at sea and the consequences that ensue. After this, we are taken to the idyllic island of Grand Cayman and the somewhat haphazard lifestyle of Cab Marin, soon to be joined by the attractive and clever Vicky. From here the story builds with a lot of sexual tension and of course that sunken wreck with the very strange light on the aft end of the ship.
I really enjoyed Cab’s Lantern and I look forward to more of the same.
October 12, 2011
My book club was lucky enough to read this prior to publication. Jeff Russell attended our meeting and welcomed feedback from all 8 of us. We all enjoyed the book and are looking forward to the sequel that we were assured was being worked on.
March 29, 2016
Awesome underwater adventure!
Jeff Russell has written an Awesome underwater adventure and hopefully a start of a series. The details and descriptions of land and sea made this an enjoyable read for a cold wet raining day.
Jeff Russell has written an Awesome underwater adventure and hopefully a start of a series. The details and descriptions of land and sea made this an enjoyable read for a cold wet raining day.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews