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The Cavern
It has been five years since biochemical warfare destroyed the world. Five years since anyone could breathe the air outside of the cavern. And almost five years since the inhabitants of the cavern have seen any outsiders besides the group known as the Elite, who allow them to live there. Until Elsie shows up.
Elsie can't remember where she came from or how she got here. And she doesn't remember the world ending. Luckily, the cavern inhabitants are kind and understanding-except for Angelo, who thinks she is a spy for the Elite. Soon Elsie becomes enmeshed in cavern living and indispensable to those around her. But Angelo can't help but wonder if she knows more than she's letting on.
A dystopian young adult novel, The Cavern explores questions of hope, love, and survival at the world's end.
Elsie can't remember where she came from or how she got here. And she doesn't remember the world ending. Luckily, the cavern inhabitants are kind and understanding-except for Angelo, who thinks she is a spy for the Elite. Soon Elsie becomes enmeshed in cavern living and indispensable to those around her. But Angelo can't help but wonder if she knows more than she's letting on.
A dystopian young adult novel, The Cavern explores questions of hope, love, and survival at the world's end.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2025
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14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 29, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a quick and pleasurable read. The characters were engaging and the storyline had enough questions and mystery to keep you wanting more. I found myself eager to turn the pages to find out the answers to the mysteries. I struggled whether to give this book a three or four star review, in the end I settled on 3.5 stars because there were some questions that I wanted answers for that I felt were never adequately explained. As well, I found the ending to be a little anticlimactic. The bow was tied a little too neatly a little too quickly and a little too simplicitly . It was puzzling why this answer at the end of the book wasn’t discovered earlier. #TheCavern #NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a quick and pleasurable read. The characters were engaging and the storyline had enough questions and mystery to keep you wanting more. I found myself eager to turn the pages to find out the answers to the mysteries. I struggled whether to give this book a three or four star review, in the end I settled on 3.5 stars because there were some questions that I wanted answers for that I felt were never adequately explained. As well, I found the ending to be a little anticlimactic. The bow was tied a little too neatly a little too quickly and a little too simplicitly . It was puzzling why this answer at the end of the book wasn’t discovered earlier. #TheCavern #NetGalley
July 4, 2025
After meeting the author at Barnes and Noble, I picked up a copy of “The Cavern”. It was a nice, quick read and a nice break from what I typically read. Even though I do not usually read Dystopian novels, I really enjoyed the element of this one with the status of the world being questionable with a little bit of romance mixed in. A great book if you’re looking for something on the shorter side!
April 23, 2025
I think I would rate this book a 3.75 stars. I really enjoyed the concept of this book and I thought it was fairly well executed. The one thing I thought was a little bit confusing was I couldn’t really tell when it was a flashback or present day so I had some struggles with that. As well as the tense, normally, I don’t really have problems with it, but this time there were some instances where it kind of bothered me.
As for the characters, I really enjoyed all of the characters. They all had some piece of reality to them, and it made them seem more dimensional and real. I thought they were all different and had their own personalities and opinions which I’ve really enjoyed and the ending was really well thought out. From start to finish that ending was so good.
The romance in this was also really nicely executed. It felt at some point where it was not believable, but I liked the romance between all the side characters and I felt like the romance in general wasn’t overpowering, but just gave us a little bit of flavor.
This dystopian was definitely a very fun and enjoyable read, and it also held so much truth to what could happen to our world which I thought was scary but also at the same time really needed to be said. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book especially if you like dystopian with a hint of romance.
As for the characters, I really enjoyed all of the characters. They all had some piece of reality to them, and it made them seem more dimensional and real. I thought they were all different and had their own personalities and opinions which I’ve really enjoyed and the ending was really well thought out. From start to finish that ending was so good.
The romance in this was also really nicely executed. It felt at some point where it was not believable, but I liked the romance between all the side characters and I felt like the romance in general wasn’t overpowering, but just gave us a little bit of flavor.
This dystopian was definitely a very fun and enjoyable read, and it also held so much truth to what could happen to our world which I thought was scary but also at the same time really needed to be said. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book especially if you like dystopian with a hint of romance.
May 6, 2025
40/100 or 2.0 stars
I will start with the thing this story does well, as it would have been a one star for me otherwise: I liked that it can act as a great story for middle grade and/or younger teens that are trying to get into the post apocalyptic genre. It does still have content that is triggering, but considering the genre, it is very tame, hence the younger audience can read it for the most part. The writing style also flows well enough.
That is really mostly where there good things end. The book does things that I personally don't care for, that isn't entirely the author's fault, but it doesn't make for a great story. There are no true conflicts outside of one male character (trying to avoid spoilers). Everything is too easily resolved, so it never feels like much of anything is really happening. Then there is the agressive miscommunication too. The main character, Elsie, is around 22 or 23, but she reads and acts like she is 15 or 16. This also made the sexual content a little uncomfortable to read, since her character feels like a teenager.
I do not like it when stories rely on any sort of memory loss of a main character in order to make the story happen, since this story wouldn't have worked if Elsie had her memories. I am not a fan of stories taking so much time with a character's dreams either. This is something that does work for many readers, so I can acknowledge that some readers will like or even love that aspect of this story.
I can see how it would be a hard sell to have a bleak post apocalyptic world, people love critisizing "The Road" by McCormac for that exact reason, but this story has too many happy endings to literally everything. We don't even really get much from the one character that was causing the only conflict in the story. The ending was rushed and the epilogues added more than I personally thought was needed.
All of this to say that what did not work for me is what works in the book's favor. It is a solid story that can give young readers an introduction to the post apocalypse genre without it being too graphic/violent/sad/bleak/etc. There are plenty of stories in the genre that are a hard read for adults that can handle harsh content, so this is a good start to test whether or not the reader will even like the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest reveiw.
I will start with the thing this story does well, as it would have been a one star for me otherwise: I liked that it can act as a great story for middle grade and/or younger teens that are trying to get into the post apocalyptic genre. It does still have content that is triggering, but considering the genre, it is very tame, hence the younger audience can read it for the most part. The writing style also flows well enough.
That is really mostly where there good things end. The book does things that I personally don't care for, that isn't entirely the author's fault, but it doesn't make for a great story. There are no true conflicts outside of one male character (trying to avoid spoilers). Everything is too easily resolved, so it never feels like much of anything is really happening. Then there is the agressive miscommunication too. The main character, Elsie, is around 22 or 23, but she reads and acts like she is 15 or 16. This also made the sexual content a little uncomfortable to read, since her character feels like a teenager.
I do not like it when stories rely on any sort of memory loss of a main character in order to make the story happen, since this story wouldn't have worked if Elsie had her memories. I am not a fan of stories taking so much time with a character's dreams either. This is something that does work for many readers, so I can acknowledge that some readers will like or even love that aspect of this story.
I can see how it would be a hard sell to have a bleak post apocalyptic world, people love critisizing "The Road" by McCormac for that exact reason, but this story has too many happy endings to literally everything. We don't even really get much from the one character that was causing the only conflict in the story. The ending was rushed and the epilogues added more than I personally thought was needed.
All of this to say that what did not work for me is what works in the book's favor. It is a solid story that can give young readers an introduction to the post apocalypse genre without it being too graphic/violent/sad/bleak/etc. There are plenty of stories in the genre that are a hard read for adults that can handle harsh content, so this is a good start to test whether or not the reader will even like the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest reveiw.
October 13, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, but it was too weak in every aspect to enjoy. I expected YA book, but language style and depth of plot is more children's book level.
I would say this book is a solid children apocalyptic book, with no depressing aspects of their situation. Language is fitting, book is easy to read, plot simple and easy to follow.
The only reason I would not suggest this book to someone younger then 14 or so, would be started and implied sex scenes, and attempted rape scenes. Even this was not written with gravity it needed.
In the beginning the book is nice, very slow fitting the setting. It goes at certain pace until last 20-30% when a lot happens in a very rushed and barely described way. I feel another 50 to 100 pages would have improved this book a lot.
For apocalyptic survival book, this one is unrealistically upbeat, everything works out, almost everyone is very happy, pretty much no problems exist and everyone loves everyone. Few conflict characters and situations are written in a very childish way. Love is also very young teen way, no adults would talk like that.
All main characters are in their 20s and older, yet almost no one feels older then 16 or how a young teen would imagine perfect adults.
It could have been a good book if it was more serious. Maybe it is on me that I missed level it would be. I would have not read it if it was children's book, because even great books currently don't suit me due to simplicity of language and plot.
I would say this book is a solid children apocalyptic book, with no depressing aspects of their situation. Language is fitting, book is easy to read, plot simple and easy to follow.
The only reason I would not suggest this book to someone younger then 14 or so, would be started and implied sex scenes, and attempted rape scenes. Even this was not written with gravity it needed.
In the beginning the book is nice, very slow fitting the setting. It goes at certain pace until last 20-30% when a lot happens in a very rushed and barely described way. I feel another 50 to 100 pages would have improved this book a lot.
For apocalyptic survival book, this one is unrealistically upbeat, everything works out, almost everyone is very happy, pretty much no problems exist and everyone loves everyone. Few conflict characters and situations are written in a very childish way. Love is also very young teen way, no adults would talk like that.
All main characters are in their 20s and older, yet almost no one feels older then 16 or how a young teen would imagine perfect adults.
It could have been a good book if it was more serious. Maybe it is on me that I missed level it would be. I would have not read it if it was children's book, because even great books currently don't suit me due to simplicity of language and plot.
April 5, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my review.
The Cavern is a slightly futuristic/present day dystopian world forced to live in caverns due to bombing that left the air unsafe to breathe. It has been 5 years since the bombing and the cavern dwellers have a system and way of life that is working for them. Then a new girl arrives out of no where. Where did Elsie come from and can they trust her?
The story plot was interesting and I did enjoy reading this story. It’s on the shorter side and was a quick read. I felt like the book was missing a lot of the meat of the story. Things seemed to move from event to event with no real explanation or time to process. It was missing some of the build up between events.
The ending was all wrapped up nice and neat, which some people like and others may find too convenient. As I was nearing the end, I thought it may leave on a cliffhanger to continue into a second book, but then it was packaged together with an ending in the epilogue.
The Cavern is a slightly futuristic/present day dystopian world forced to live in caverns due to bombing that left the air unsafe to breathe. It has been 5 years since the bombing and the cavern dwellers have a system and way of life that is working for them. Then a new girl arrives out of no where. Where did Elsie come from and can they trust her?
The story plot was interesting and I did enjoy reading this story. It’s on the shorter side and was a quick read. I felt like the book was missing a lot of the meat of the story. Things seemed to move from event to event with no real explanation or time to process. It was missing some of the build up between events.
The ending was all wrapped up nice and neat, which some people like and others may find too convenient. As I was nearing the end, I thought it may leave on a cliffhanger to continue into a second book, but then it was packaged together with an ending in the epilogue.
March 27, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest evaluation of its merits.
I wanted to like this story, and it had a good plot, but there were some structural issues that were off-putting. First, please don't start an apparent dystopian story with your main character saying that what's happening feels like a dystopian story (a little too self referential for my taste).
Also, the transition between vision/dream sequences and reality were a bit abrupt and the use present tense verbs all the way through didn't help.
All that being said, I liked the general story, was happy that the love scene was more discreet than it would have been in a new adult or general adult story and the discovery of what was really going on was clever.
I wanted to like this story, and it had a good plot, but there were some structural issues that were off-putting. First, please don't start an apparent dystopian story with your main character saying that what's happening feels like a dystopian story (a little too self referential for my taste).
Also, the transition between vision/dream sequences and reality were a bit abrupt and the use present tense verbs all the way through didn't help.
All that being said, I liked the general story, was happy that the love scene was more discreet than it would have been in a new adult or general adult story and the discovery of what was really going on was clever.
March 30, 2025
This book had an interesting premise and storyline unlike any other I have read recently. I liked our MC, and found them relatable and engaging. I rated the subtly of the smut rather than the spice more common these days.
I found certain aspects of this a bit confusing with the use of the present tense used thoughout the book despite the changes in reality / dreams / past. I enjoyed the ending but I think it could have been more complex as I found it to be a bit boom, finished, the end, and I would have liked a more in depth explanation.
Overall it was a nice read and I did read this really fast as I was looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley
I found certain aspects of this a bit confusing with the use of the present tense used thoughout the book despite the changes in reality / dreams / past. I enjoyed the ending but I think it could have been more complex as I found it to be a bit boom, finished, the end, and I would have liked a more in depth explanation.
Overall it was a nice read and I did read this really fast as I was looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley
October 31, 2025
"The Cavern" is a solid 3.75 stars! This is a really good debut YA novel by Kelly Keevins. Not my usual genre, but it kept me turning pages and wanting more. "The Cavern" had a little bit of everything - mystery, suspense, romance, characters you love, characters you hate, etc. Considering the number of characters, the character development and backstories were really good! I think it could have easily been a 250-350 page novel with a few tweaks ... but I know that will come with additional books Ms. Keevins releases. This is definitely a book to pick up if you like Hunger Games or the Divergent Series.
December 18, 2025
The Cavern by Kelly Keevins is a great read from start to finish. The characters and their relationships drive the narrative, but the mystery surrounding the sudden appearance of a stranger in the cavern draws the reader in, page by page. The cavern itself, and the community that makes it their home, are vividly depicted.
July 26, 2025
The Cavern had me hooked from the first page! A perfect blend of suspense, imagination, and heart—this fast-paced and immersive YA dystopian novel is perfect for readers who love well-crafted, gripping stories.
August 19, 2025
Kelly Keevins has crafted a compelling dystopian world that makes this book an engaging read. The story centered on survival, trust, and the hope for humanity. The vividly immersive setting easily transports readers into this futuristic world.
April 14, 2025
not my cup of tea but I get the appeal.
Slow burn romance but has a very eery vibe to it
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Slow burn romance but has a very eery vibe to it
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews