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The Cave
Thai Mysticism and the real-life story of The Wild Boars Football Team and their leader are woven together in this story of hope, courage, adventure, teamwork, bonds of love and survival.
Word count: 9,530
Cover Designer: Sheila Graber
Editorial Review:
What a pleasure it was to read The Cave by Suzy Davies and be introduced to something exceptionally well written. A fascinating fiction interwoven with true-life drama. An absolutely unputdownable book and a highly recommended read.
– Emerald Book Reviews
Free sample Link: Just click! http://pdb-ebooks.com/_/_/882514/the-...
I very much enjoyed the descriptive passages, especially those linked to the more spiritual or mythical elements of the story when the writing takes on almost a dream-like quality. What Suzy Davies has done is take a well known international event and bring it alive through the personalities of the boys, their relatives and the culture of the Thai people so that it captures the imagination of the reader.
- Linda Hill, Top Book Blogger
5Star Review:
Such an inspirational story of the human spirit in times of crisis, and the unbreakable bond of family and faith. Author Suzy Davies takes us down the path into the cave with the football team, a journey that should have been exciting and fun, that turns into a journey of the unknown with many dangers. We travel between the boys and their families, understanding the joys and sorrows that flood their minds. Human spirit and courage at its best. A great YA read! - Veronica Barton
4-Star Review
" I ... think that the core audience that this book is aimed at will lap it up (10 years and up) and for that reason I very much recommend it."
Word count: 9,530
Cover Designer: Sheila Graber
Editorial Review:
What a pleasure it was to read The Cave by Suzy Davies and be introduced to something exceptionally well written. A fascinating fiction interwoven with true-life drama. An absolutely unputdownable book and a highly recommended read.
– Emerald Book Reviews
Free sample Link: Just click! http://pdb-ebooks.com/_/_/882514/the-...
I very much enjoyed the descriptive passages, especially those linked to the more spiritual or mythical elements of the story when the writing takes on almost a dream-like quality. What Suzy Davies has done is take a well known international event and bring it alive through the personalities of the boys, their relatives and the culture of the Thai people so that it captures the imagination of the reader.
- Linda Hill, Top Book Blogger
5Star Review:
Such an inspirational story of the human spirit in times of crisis, and the unbreakable bond of family and faith. Author Suzy Davies takes us down the path into the cave with the football team, a journey that should have been exciting and fun, that turns into a journey of the unknown with many dangers. We travel between the boys and their families, understanding the joys and sorrows that flood their minds. Human spirit and courage at its best. A great YA read! - Veronica Barton
4-Star Review
" I ... think that the core audience that this book is aimed at will lap it up (10 years and up) and for that reason I very much recommend it."
ebook
First published July 24, 2018
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About the author
Suzy Davies
15 books645 followers
Suzy Davies is an award-winning children's author, who hails from a background in education, counseling and life coaching. Born in Reading, England, she spent much of her childhood in Wales, where her love of birds, animals and nature developed.
Inspired by her own childhood and her knowledge of children, Suzy aims to write fun, lighthearted books to make kids feel good. She believes that when readers are entertained, they learn naturally.
Suzy's YA book, a retelling of The Snow Queen, takes on a darker tone, reflecting Suzy's love of magical fairy tales with Jungian archetypes.
In all Suzy's books, there is a touch of magic.
In addition to writing picture books, middle grade and ya books, Suzy pursues her love of music, and a children's musical will be launching in 2027.
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Book Trailer : The Snow Queen by Suzy Davies
https://youtu.be/A2tqHim6XOo
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/birdwriter2
Blue Sky:
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:o46g...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@birdwriter7
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 19, 2025
This was the most exhilarating ride for me writing this book, and I have a great feeling about it. Imagine how it was when the story unfolded before my eyes, as I was researching and writing it! Then, of course, the enchantment of the mystical dimension - the tragic legend of The Princess of Sip Song Panna, and the story of the monk, which are woven into the story.
The main character of this story is Lek, a small boy who learns to swim and dive. He comes from an untraditional family, and two strong women are behind him when he is stranded with the rest of the Wild Boar Football Team in The Thai Cave.
We see the bonds of love in his family - Khun Mae, (in Thai Language, "Honorable Mother,") and industrious Jintara, Lek's sister who likes to sew, as they pray at their Little Buddha shrine in the garden, and make offerings to safeguard Lek's return home.
As this drama unfolds, and the boys begin to make their way out of the cave, which is flooded by The Monsoon, we see that life is sometimes fragile and "hangs on a thread."
It is only through teamwork, cooperation, the bravery and courage of heroes, that these boys and their leader will be saved. There is one True Hero who does not die in vain. And the enigmatic, enchanting power of the reclining Princess of The Mountain permeates the text.
The stunning cover by world-acclaimed award-winning Sheila Graber seems so right for this book. Sheila won The Royal Television Society's Lifetime Achievement Award for her movie masterpiece, "Lifeline," which shares a common theme with "The Cave." Sheila's animated film captures life's patterns as it unfolds in a visual poetics that share one of the themes of my book.
I am pleased with this story - available in EPUB on Smashwords.
The main character of this story is Lek, a small boy who learns to swim and dive. He comes from an untraditional family, and two strong women are behind him when he is stranded with the rest of the Wild Boar Football Team in The Thai Cave.
We see the bonds of love in his family - Khun Mae, (in Thai Language, "Honorable Mother,") and industrious Jintara, Lek's sister who likes to sew, as they pray at their Little Buddha shrine in the garden, and make offerings to safeguard Lek's return home.
As this drama unfolds, and the boys begin to make their way out of the cave, which is flooded by The Monsoon, we see that life is sometimes fragile and "hangs on a thread."
It is only through teamwork, cooperation, the bravery and courage of heroes, that these boys and their leader will be saved. There is one True Hero who does not die in vain. And the enigmatic, enchanting power of the reclining Princess of The Mountain permeates the text.
The stunning cover by world-acclaimed award-winning Sheila Graber seems so right for this book. Sheila won The Royal Television Society's Lifetime Achievement Award for her movie masterpiece, "Lifeline," which shares a common theme with "The Cave." Sheila's animated film captures life's patterns as it unfolds in a visual poetics that share one of the themes of my book.
I am pleased with this story - available in EPUB on Smashwords.
August 30, 2018
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey.
Author Suzy Davies weaves a noteworthy fiction interwoven with a true-life tale set against the backdrop of the Thai cave rescue of the Wild Boars football team. The author paints a fascinating story in a very vivid and substantial way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and integrity.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Ancient Thai Mysticism and a modern-day tale of The Wild Boars Football Team and their leader's adventure in a Thai cave are woven together in this young adult's story of hope, courage, adventure, teamwork, bonds of love and survival.
Ancient Thai Folklore and A Modern-Day Tale of a Boys’ Football Team’s Cave Adventure combine to weave a story of Lek, a small boy, who learns to swim and dive, and escapes the clutches of the cave’s jaws. It is a tale of family solidarity, of hope and longing. It is also a story of The Princess of Sip Song Panna, a tragic, mystical heroine who bestows her benevolence on the lost boys. It is the story of an International Team who fought for the survivors and won against the ferocity of nature: The Monsoon. Most of all, it is the story of a true hero, who did not die in vain.’
Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
The Cave had every element a good story should have. An intriguing and captivating plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.
If this book is anything to go by, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Suzy Davies in the future. A well-deserved five stars from me.
Author Suzy Davies weaves a noteworthy fiction interwoven with a true-life tale set against the backdrop of the Thai cave rescue of the Wild Boars football team. The author paints a fascinating story in a very vivid and substantial way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and integrity.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Ancient Thai Mysticism and a modern-day tale of The Wild Boars Football Team and their leader's adventure in a Thai cave are woven together in this young adult's story of hope, courage, adventure, teamwork, bonds of love and survival.
Ancient Thai Folklore and A Modern-Day Tale of a Boys’ Football Team’s Cave Adventure combine to weave a story of Lek, a small boy, who learns to swim and dive, and escapes the clutches of the cave’s jaws. It is a tale of family solidarity, of hope and longing. It is also a story of The Princess of Sip Song Panna, a tragic, mystical heroine who bestows her benevolence on the lost boys. It is the story of an International Team who fought for the survivors and won against the ferocity of nature: The Monsoon. Most of all, it is the story of a true hero, who did not die in vain.’
Now, if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
The Cave had every element a good story should have. An intriguing and captivating plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a good book.
If this book is anything to go by, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Suzy Davies in the future. A well-deserved five stars from me.
January 17, 2019
Based on the real life rescue of the Thai boy football team from the flooded caves.
Although The Cave is billed as a young adult book and is a quick read, I think it can be enjoyed on many levels from around the age of 8 upwards, because a great deal of care has gone in to ensuring the style emulates that of traditional fairy stories or morality tales. Language is accessible and well crafted so that confident younger readers could attempt the book independently.
The Cave is an interesting and entertaining retelling of a true event which I found had all the more poignancy because it was based in fact. I appreciated the way in which Suzy Davies made me consider those not directly involved, such as Khun Mae, and I thought the manner in which the story pays tribute to the diver who lost his life in the rescue attempt was very well handled.
I very much enjoyed the descriptive passages, especially those linked to the more spiritual or mythical elements of the story when the writing takes on almost a dream-like quality. What Suzy Davies has done is take a well known international event and bring it alive through the personalities of the boys, their relatives and the culture of the Thai people so that it captures the imagination of the reader.
I thought the themes were very well suited to a teenage audience, with fear and courage, friendship and trust all being explored through the story. I could see The Cave being used as a stimulus for creative writing or drama in middle grade classrooms especially.
The Cave will appeal to a very wide range of readers and is a well researched and fitting tribute to an almost miraculous true event.
Although The Cave is billed as a young adult book and is a quick read, I think it can be enjoyed on many levels from around the age of 8 upwards, because a great deal of care has gone in to ensuring the style emulates that of traditional fairy stories or morality tales. Language is accessible and well crafted so that confident younger readers could attempt the book independently.
The Cave is an interesting and entertaining retelling of a true event which I found had all the more poignancy because it was based in fact. I appreciated the way in which Suzy Davies made me consider those not directly involved, such as Khun Mae, and I thought the manner in which the story pays tribute to the diver who lost his life in the rescue attempt was very well handled.
I very much enjoyed the descriptive passages, especially those linked to the more spiritual or mythical elements of the story when the writing takes on almost a dream-like quality. What Suzy Davies has done is take a well known international event and bring it alive through the personalities of the boys, their relatives and the culture of the Thai people so that it captures the imagination of the reader.
I thought the themes were very well suited to a teenage audience, with fear and courage, friendship and trust all being explored through the story. I could see The Cave being used as a stimulus for creative writing or drama in middle grade classrooms especially.
The Cave will appeal to a very wide range of readers and is a well researched and fitting tribute to an almost miraculous true event.
September 22, 2018
Such an inspirational story of the human spirit in times of crisis, and the unbreakable bond of family and faith. Author Suzy Davies takes us down the path into the cave with the football team, a journey that should have been exciting and fun, that turns into a journey of the unknown with many dangers. We travel between the boys and their families, understanding the joys and sorrows that flood their minds. Human spirit and courage at its best. A great YA read!
October 15, 2018
First of all I would like to thank the author Suzy Davies for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Given that this is quite a short and sweet book I’m going to keep this review exactly that, short and sweet.
I really enjoyed this book which brings us the story of Lek and his family. Given that the story this is based on is still quite recent (It happened in June 2018) I think that the book is very well put together. Lets be clear though, this is a work of fiction and while the author brings in the factual events, there are many mystical elements at play here, which added another dimension to an already fascinating tale. This addition, along with the stories of Lek’s family and what they were doing while he was trapped were very interesting and kept me very entertained.
While this book may not catch the attention of other adults, I do think that the core audience that this book is aimed at will lap it up (10 years and up) and for that reason I very much recommend it.
The Cave can be bought now via Smashwords (all ebook formats available) and will soon be available on Amazon.
Given that this is quite a short and sweet book I’m going to keep this review exactly that, short and sweet.
I really enjoyed this book which brings us the story of Lek and his family. Given that the story this is based on is still quite recent (It happened in June 2018) I think that the book is very well put together. Lets be clear though, this is a work of fiction and while the author brings in the factual events, there are many mystical elements at play here, which added another dimension to an already fascinating tale. This addition, along with the stories of Lek’s family and what they were doing while he was trapped were very interesting and kept me very entertained.
While this book may not catch the attention of other adults, I do think that the core audience that this book is aimed at will lap it up (10 years and up) and for that reason I very much recommend it.
The Cave can be bought now via Smashwords (all ebook formats available) and will soon be available on Amazon.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews