The Cavern

by Apryl K.B. Lopez

Fans of Divergent, Wool, and The Giver will love this underground world filled with action, intrigue, and the search for light in the darkest places.

Cavern citizens have been engineered to thrive underground—taking advantage of optical bioluminescence and other traits to heal faster. They require genetic perfection and send anyone, infants included, “down the River” to their deaths to remove any perceived stains on Cavern society. Mera’s eyes lack their required glow—a notable defect—and her life is spared solely due to her parents’ influence. Now, she must prove herself by earning a spot in the Cavern’s elite military branch—the Service.

During Mera’s Deciding Duels, she suffers a blow to the head that unleashes a hidden ability. When her adrenaline rises, Mera sees the electric synapses that control a person’s every move. With this newfound ability, she battles her way to the Final Melee where she faces four others, including Jonas—a mysterious young man from the Tunnels. During the Melee, Jonas accidentally kills another combatant, saving Mera and winning them positions in the Service.

As Mera faces deadly rivals in the Service, she discovers Jonas’s ties to dangerous Cavern secrets and her own family’s part in a growing rebellion. Mera must decide which path to take: trust that Cavern life is perfect the way it is; or follow Jonas through the Cavern’s dark history and uncover her connection to the mysterious Surface above.

Buy The Cavern to read an action-packed YA Dystopian/Light Sci-Fi that will leave you hungry for more!

Genres: Young Adult

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2019

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm probably biased because Apryl and I have been friends for 25 years and she's in my critique group BUT, this book is legitimately good. I've read tons and tons of YA dystopian in my time and Apryl hits all the great tropes and adds something new and interesting to them. Her writing is also evocative and her characters likable and multidimensional. The Cavern has the right blend of action, romance, and intrigue. Her world building is vivid and imaginative. This book is so fun to read. I read an early draft months ago and when I sat down to read this final version, I still couldn't put it down. Do ya self a favor and read this book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for its twisty, film-worthy plot; layered, fierce, yet likable characters; and an amazing world that feels a little like Divergent meets City of Ember. I can't wait for the next book to be released!

[Joseph Ingegneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Great descriptions and character development! I really got wrapped up in the story. I could see this turning into s movie!

[Valerie Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun to read! Science fiction with a hint of romance want to be and mystery. The storyline was great! The characters melded together perfectly. There was action, suspense and tons of surprises, like the end of chapter 35 where I almost crapped my pants on the surprise. It was a total, “what the?” and then some of the gaps were filled in. Awesome!
Meraleen (I love her name) fought her way to the service, even though she was a defect and the whole Cavern kept reminding her. Jonas is from the tunnels and his father is a real jerk. But both 20 year olds strides to be the top to enter the service.
Just like today, if you are different, have a disability or a different color, you are bullied and that continued for Mera in her Service barracks. Jonas and Mera found that they made a good fighting team and they helped each other to relax, concentrate and fight better. But they never thought they would be running for their lives and heading to the service.
This is book 1, boy I hope book 2 is out, I need to find out what happens!