Cave Dweller

by William Nikkel

“William Nikkel’s 'Cave Dweller' has everything I ripping adventure, buried mysteries, and intrigue that spans centuries. Written in a fantastic cinematic style, I read this book in one sitting. Great story, great adventure, great new writer!” —James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of “Blood Line” “I must say that William Nikkel knows how to draw you into his story and hold you there…. In many ways Nikkel is like a latter-day Jules Verne, having written a thoroughly enjoyable adventure tale that follows a band of scientists from sunlit coral reefs to the subterranean depths of remote coastal mountains to remarkable discoveries fraught with high danger…. And above all that, this is a thriller with a message—and one as old as the cave-dwellers.” —Gary Braver, bestselling author of “Tunnel Vision” December 7, 1941, Pearl Five Japanese two-man mini-subs speed toward the mouth of the harbor. Four mini-subs are sunk or captured. The fate of the fifth sub, I-16, is unknown. Late at night, nearly three quarters of a century Marine biologist Jack Ferrell sails into a mysterious fog off of Kauai’s Na Pali coast. Dense fog banks don’t form in Hawaii . . . or so he thought. They certainly don’t glow in the dark. Concealed within the mist is the sloop Julie Ann floundering in a rogue remnant of drift net. A young woman’s scream pierces the damp air, and he rushes to her rescue. The next morning, Jack dives to check the damage done to the reef by the net and discovers a sunken WWII Japanese mini-sub and the answer to a Pearl Harbor the fate of I-16. But in a depression in the coral, lies a greater a human skull the size of a grapefruit. Through a colleague, he learns the skull is from an extinct species of child-sized human being that lived 12,000 years ago on the remote Indonesian island of Flores. But this skull is no 12,000-year-old fossil. In search of answers, Jack, the woman from the Julie Ann, two close friends, and a select team of scientists plunge into a subterranean world deep within the rugged mountains of the mystical Na Pali coast. And what should have been a routine scientific excursion becomes a deadly encounter with the unknown and a race against time when the expedition battles the elements, personal fears, and even one of their own to unearth the key to the origin of the skull and the surprising truth behind one of Hawaii’s famous The Menehune.

Genres: Adventure, Thriller

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2014

About the author

William Nikkel is the author of four Jack Ferrell novels and a steampunk, zombie western featuring his latest hero Max Traver. A former homicide detective and S.W.A.T. team member for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department in Bakersfield, California, William is an amateur scuba enthusiast, gold prospector, and artist who can be found just about anywhere. He and his wife Karen divide their time between California and Maui, Hawaii.

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick enjoyable read. The story itself got a little far-fetched, but what good swashbuckling adventure doesn't?

[Zachary Creasman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good fun adventure. I really enjoyed the exploring of the caves and learning more about Hawaiian culture. One of the major problems I had with this book was the complete 180 that Lisa did. I get the idea of making her into a femme fatale but I think the author took her character change a little too far. However, the biggest issue I had with this book was to complete absence of Katie from the previous two books. After the author spent almost the entire book finding a way for Jack and Katie to get back together and then she's not even mentioned once in this book really threw me off and I was definitely disappointed in that development, especially as I enjoyed Katie's character and having her be replaced by Lisa's terrible character was a significant disappointment.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menehune

Very exciting, complete with everything needed to make an amazing story. In Hawaii, there are tales of legendary people who no one can be sure exist. A group of scientific explorers go where the dangers and thrills take them in search of any evidence they can find of the legends. An archeological adventure with strong characters and emotions.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facinated

I couldn't read this book fast enough but sorry it ended. Enough legend, mystery and mistic for everyone! Try it!

[Dennis E. Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally different than what I'm expected after the first chapter.

A real different story line than I expected and was pleasantly surprised. Good amount of trauma and action. I almost made the read in one day but lost it with two chapters to go at 4 AM and could not stay awake, first thing I did when I woke up was finish the book even before having my coffee.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good adventure and really enjoyed the location!

Good for anyone who loves an adventure. Folks that are claustrophobic will get additional thrills with this book. Pretty straightforward story without depth, but fun to read!

[Douglas Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast read, but a B movie plot.

[Constance Doornenbal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adventure

Exciting fast paced adventure,hard to put down.Jack is the guy who can do anything but pass up a pretty lady

[ann fritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY good

Kept me up all night. Good plot with good twists. Will read more by Mr Nikkel. I thought it was the perfect length.

[Daniel L Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting

Great story with believable situations for the most part. I did get drawn in to it fast and stayed throughout the duration. Well worth reading.

[Clay Carley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adventure

Plenty of action. A little choppy in the beginning but a good story over all. A good mix of adventure and possible archeology.

[Amanda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book. Hard to put down