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Center of the Earth #2
Return to the Center of the Earth
Mike Monroe and Jane Baxter barely survived their terrifying journey to the center of the Earth. But a burning curiosity still tormented them about the origins of the pale creatures in the stygian darkness of the caves, and why were their dreams also haunted by something huge and monstrous that seemed as old as time itself?
Now, news of a Russian military expedition has forced their hands, and also meant they must go back to a place they swore they’d never return. But this time they’re going with a team of highly skilled mercenaries and scientists to help them track the Russians and also help unlock the secrets hidden at the center of the planet.
But what they find is something that evolution created in an environment vastly different to that of the benign world of the surface. And something that waits eagerly for their return.
Return to the Center of the Earth is the sequel to the bestselling action/adventure blockbuster To the Center of the Earth and ramps up the thrills and terror in an awe-inspiring story that will leave readers gasping for breath.
Now, news of a Russian military expedition has forced their hands, and also meant they must go back to a place they swore they’d never return. But this time they’re going with a team of highly skilled mercenaries and scientists to help them track the Russians and also help unlock the secrets hidden at the center of the planet.
But what they find is something that evolution created in an environment vastly different to that of the benign world of the surface. And something that waits eagerly for their return.
Return to the Center of the Earth is the sequel to the bestselling action/adventure blockbuster To the Center of the Earth and ramps up the thrills and terror in an awe-inspiring story that will leave readers gasping for breath.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2020
557 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
48 books1,163 followersHi GoodReaders, I’m an Australian author residing in Sydney with my wife, son and a mad Golden Retriever named Jessie. My novels are now available globally, also in Large Print and now in full AUDIO format.
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 7, 2023
A bit of a let down!
The first book in the series was brilliant and fully deserved its five star rating and, perhaps, the author should have left it there. This sequel lacked the originality of the first book and was more of a sci-fi story, with the action taking place deep under the earth rather than in deep space. This mission was military in nature, as opposed to scientific discovery. They were also chasing a rival team of pesky Russians who were hell bent on triggering WW3. We had nightmare inspiring monsters, bloody and vicious fighting and heart rendering scenarios. The epilogue was particularly sad. It was an exciting read however, just not the same standard as the original story. I won't be bothering with the next instalment.
The first book in the series was brilliant and fully deserved its five star rating and, perhaps, the author should have left it there. This sequel lacked the originality of the first book and was more of a sci-fi story, with the action taking place deep under the earth rather than in deep space. This mission was military in nature, as opposed to scientific discovery. They were also chasing a rival team of pesky Russians who were hell bent on triggering WW3. We had nightmare inspiring monsters, bloody and vicious fighting and heart rendering scenarios. The epilogue was particularly sad. It was an exciting read however, just not the same standard as the original story. I won't be bothering with the next instalment.
July 4, 2022
A decent sequel to Beck's To the Center of the Earth.
But this still continues a recent trend for me with Kindle Unlimited titles. One where I'm positively surprised and very much entertained by the first book and then somewhat disappointed by the second because it's just more of the same.
I feel like this was a little less creepy, the world didn't evoke the same sense of wonder, and the book also had less exciting caving parts. But it's hard to tell how much of this feeling is down to raised expectations and/or that for me a series just gets boring very quickly if it doesn't add anything new.
Sure, the groups of cavers get down to the center of the earth for different reasons this time around but ultimately it leads to the same outcome. They want to achieve spoilery thing, discover a few unexpected [spoilers removed], take (too many) risks, some pay for it and at some point all the survivors want is to get out of there ASAP.
The characters were slightly improved compared to the first book and Beck's writing remained on the same level, which means it was good.
Overall, 3 stars for some good entertainment. But I could just as well have skipped this one.
Recommended by Cathy
But this still continues a recent trend for me with Kindle Unlimited titles. One where I'm positively surprised and very much entertained by the first book and then somewhat disappointed by the second because it's just more of the same.
I feel like this was a little less creepy, the world didn't evoke the same sense of wonder, and the book also had less exciting caving parts. But it's hard to tell how much of this feeling is down to raised expectations and/or that for me a series just gets boring very quickly if it doesn't add anything new.
Sure, the groups of cavers get down to the center of the earth for different reasons this time around but ultimately it leads to the same outcome. They want to achieve spoilery thing, discover a few unexpected [spoilers removed], take (too many) risks, some pay for it and at some point all the survivors want is to get out of there ASAP.
The characters were slightly improved compared to the first book and Beck's writing remained on the same level, which means it was good.
Overall, 3 stars for some good entertainment. But I could just as well have skipped this one.
Recommended by Cathy
September 25, 2021
This is no literary masterpiece, but Beck’s book is a fast-moving, action-filled ride, teeming with nasty beasties that are guaranteed to give you nightmares. It was a mostly a nice diversion, however the end is so revolting that I should probably drop my rating to a 2.
December 8, 2020
Loved it.... second book and it was just as faced paced. Greig Beck might be my favorite author right now. Can’t get enough of his action packed books.
September 22, 2021
'Return to the Center of the Earth' continues the Center of the Earth series with Mike Monroe and Jane Baxter reluctantly agreeing to join forces with a group of scientists and highly trained soldiers after learning of a Russian military commission, and compelling a
'Return to the Center of the Earth' -
a place they told themselves (and each other) was never to be returned....
Mike and Jane also hope to find answers to questions which they can only get by returning to this netherworld (barely escaping with their lives after the first expedition) and yet again subjecting themselves to constant life and death battles with the most vile of creatures at every turn of the bend.
Another exciting adventure which has a bit less action and much more character development.
Mike and Jane also hope to find answers to questions which they can only get by returning to this netherworld (barely escaping with their lives after the first expedition) and yet again subjecting themselves to constant life and death battles with the most vile of creatures at every turn of the bend.
Another exciting adventure which has a bit less action and much more character development.
January 16, 2021
4.5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book. GB definitely went overload on creative freedoms and it was both amazing and one thousand percent horrifying. The creatures and landscape of this lost world will give me nightmares for awhile to come I’m sure. I love that he was able to use government connections and intervention as the reason for the two MCs returning down there. I mean it’s a shame but really not hard to imagine a government wanting to manipulate this below ground world and use it for/turn it into a weapon. Let me also not forget to mention the bugs which blew my mind, if possible they are even grosser and creepy this time around. It certainly did not help that everything was far too smart and well versed in killing. I enjoyed the first book but this one was really awesome and blew my mind. I made the mistake of growing to like some characters who had ZERO chance of survival. I knew this going in and learned the hard way 😳☠️ {Note to characters: touch nothing when down below and do not begin to think you have an understanding to anything that’s down there. Everything down there has been growing and killing for a millennia longer than anything we are used to and literally everything is deadly and will kill you!!!}
I was so shocked when I saw this second book on Amazon, I knew I had to read it ASAP and I’m so glad I did. While book one was a good read, it doesn’t hold a candle to this book and how Awesome (and chilling) the Return was. If you enjoyed the first book, get ready to keep the lights on and your bug spray at the ready. Great great read once again from Greg Beck and I can’t wait for whatever his crazy mind conjures up next.
I absolutely loved this book. GB definitely went overload on creative freedoms and it was both amazing and one thousand percent horrifying. The creatures and landscape of this lost world will give me nightmares for awhile to come I’m sure. I love that he was able to use government connections and intervention as the reason for the two MCs returning down there. I mean it’s a shame but really not hard to imagine a government wanting to manipulate this below ground world and use it for/turn it into a weapon. Let me also not forget to mention the bugs which blew my mind, if possible they are even grosser and creepy this time around. It certainly did not help that everything was far too smart and well versed in killing. I enjoyed the first book but this one was really awesome and blew my mind. I made the mistake of growing to like some characters who had ZERO chance of survival. I knew this going in and learned the hard way 😳☠️ {Note to characters: touch nothing when down below and do not begin to think you have an understanding to anything that’s down there. Everything down there has been growing and killing for a millennia longer than anything we are used to and literally everything is deadly and will kill you!!!}
I was so shocked when I saw this second book on Amazon, I knew I had to read it ASAP and I’m so glad I did. While book one was a good read, it doesn’t hold a candle to this book and how Awesome (and chilling) the Return was. If you enjoyed the first book, get ready to keep the lights on and your bug spray at the ready. Great great read once again from Greg Beck and I can’t wait for whatever his crazy mind conjures up next.
September 6, 2021
A year after the first book, some of the survivors get together again for a repeat performance. We quickly get to the creepy parts.
Can I just say that I find it ridiculous that Alastair just reads that old script, after explaining at length, why it‘s so difficult to do just that. Anyway….
The caving part in the first book was longer and more fun. This time around I liked the part at the center of the Earth better. Once we reach the center, the narrative splits again to two groups of explorers, much like the first book. Different objectives though. The first book was mainly about being lost, about meeting whatever is down there and about escaping, with a small side story. This time around the reason for the trip is a different one and takes up a tiny latger slice of the narrative.
The book is just as fast-paced, with the expected head count, brought about by a colourful array of nasty critters. Escapism at its best. Just the brain candy I was looking for. And this is much better written than those Meg books by Alten. Beck actually writes well, the characters are not just cardboard cut-outs and the women aren‘t objectified and defined by their looks.
Trigger warning for rape — in the off, not graphic, but leading to some nasty imagery.
Can I just say that I find it ridiculous that Alastair just reads that old script, after explaining at length, why it‘s so difficult to do just that. Anyway….
The caving part in the first book was longer and more fun. This time around I liked the part at the center of the Earth better. Once we reach the center, the narrative splits again to two groups of explorers, much like the first book. Different objectives though. The first book was mainly about being lost, about meeting whatever is down there and about escaping, with a small side story. This time around the reason for the trip is a different one and takes up a tiny latger slice of the narrative.
The book is just as fast-paced, with the expected head count, brought about by a colourful array of nasty critters. Escapism at its best. Just the brain candy I was looking for. And this is much better written than those Meg books by Alten. Beck actually writes well, the characters are not just cardboard cut-outs and the women aren‘t objectified and defined by their looks.
Trigger warning for rape — in the off, not graphic, but leading to some nasty imagery.
December 21, 2020
Ruined by disgusting epilogue
The premise itself is fun, a remake of journey to the center of the earth, only from more of a horror standpoint. I enjoyed much of this book and the first one, perfectly entertaining although no shining work of literature.
The following isn’t really a spoiler of the plot, but more how the book spoiled itself. I can read books that include rape and not hate the whole thing due to it, when handled with respect for the fictional victim by the author. The early on reference to a previous rape is off putting enough, and immediately made me cringe and consider stopping reading, based on how it was covered. But I tried to put it from my kind and read through, only to have it more disgustingly revisited in the epilogue. Like the author has some sort of bestiality rape fantasy he just had to enact on a tough and capable female character. It was for no discernible reason, it added nothing to the story. Just a gratuitous rape scene for any sickos to enjoy, destroying the memory of a strong and capable fictional woman and leaving you cringing in disgust and wondering wth this author daydreams about 🤮
The premise itself is fun, a remake of journey to the center of the earth, only from more of a horror standpoint. I enjoyed much of this book and the first one, perfectly entertaining although no shining work of literature.
The following isn’t really a spoiler of the plot, but more how the book spoiled itself. I can read books that include rape and not hate the whole thing due to it, when handled with respect for the fictional victim by the author. The early on reference to a previous rape is off putting enough, and immediately made me cringe and consider stopping reading, based on how it was covered. But I tried to put it from my kind and read through, only to have it more disgustingly revisited in the epilogue. Like the author has some sort of bestiality rape fantasy he just had to enact on a tough and capable female character. It was for no discernible reason, it added nothing to the story. Just a gratuitous rape scene for any sickos to enjoy, destroying the memory of a strong and capable fictional woman and leaving you cringing in disgust and wondering wth this author daydreams about 🤮
July 18, 2022
First read December 2020
Second read July 2022
Second read July 2022
February 12, 2022
Fan-Freakn’-Tastic!
I thought the first book was great - LOL This 2nd book is pure awesomeness. Like wow, thrilling adventure continues only this time with some special military muscles to help. I loved it! Even with all the extra help and firer power, the core creatures are still unstoppable. I so wanted them to be destroyed completely. I loved that finally a human type civilization was found. The cliff hanger at end with Ally. I gotta read next book now to see if Ally survives.
This was such a great read. All the characters were well developed as I found myself rooting them on. The journey descriptions of all the surroundings were exciting and suspenseful. There was not one dull moment in book. A fast page turner. The writing style is easy flowing and I’d have to say I was impressed with all the scientific nouns and their descriptions being compared to what we have in our world today. It clearly showed the author did his research and how he put it in understanding lingo for us ordinary folks just shows how excellent a writer he is.
Excellent read
I thought the first book was great - LOL This 2nd book is pure awesomeness. Like wow, thrilling adventure continues only this time with some special military muscles to help. I loved it! Even with all the extra help and firer power, the core creatures are still unstoppable. I so wanted them to be destroyed completely. I loved that finally a human type civilization was found. The cliff hanger at end with Ally. I gotta read next book now to see if Ally survives.
This was such a great read. All the characters were well developed as I found myself rooting them on. The journey descriptions of all the surroundings were exciting and suspenseful. There was not one dull moment in book. A fast page turner. The writing style is easy flowing and I’d have to say I was impressed with all the scientific nouns and their descriptions being compared to what we have in our world today. It clearly showed the author did his research and how he put it in understanding lingo for us ordinary folks just shows how excellent a writer he is.
Excellent read
December 20, 2020
A horrifying return...
I knew there would eventually be a sequel , and here it is. This book was a non-stop page turner, and the horror within is some of the best I've ever read. I do so love that Greig ties in so many of his books into a larger universe, and I hope it does eventually culminate into something.
I knew there would eventually be a sequel , and here it is. This book was a non-stop page turner, and the horror within is some of the best I've ever read. I do so love that Greig ties in so many of his books into a larger universe, and I hope it does eventually culminate into something.
December 27, 2020
This review was delayed, thanks to being read during the Christmas season. It’s so hard to stay on track while wrapping, shopping and having family over. Thank goodness, I am getting it finished before the new year.
So I read book one, To the Center of the Earth, and was blown away. The ‘creep’ factor, along with simply grossing me out was impeccable. So how did Return to the Center of the Earth measure up? It brought it all to a close, neatly, painfully and nightmarishly. I think the ending to this book was the worth imaginable, as far as occurrences go. I felt horrible after I read it- because... well, No SPOILERS... so you’ll just have to read the book.
Return to the Center of the Earth, reunites us with Mike and Jane. Having survived their first experience, at the center of the earth, they find themselves back in the den of all evils. They’ve been lured under guise, with good intents and purposes, but still- every good path is paved with ... well, it doesn’t go as planned yet again.
In the land of monsters, giants and things that want to eat you instead of bumping int he night, our team is after something important. Something that can change the face of the United States, the world even. In order to find such an item, they have to chase after someone else who’s decided to go down below. Can they find them in time, or will they be eaten along the way?
Return to the Center of the Earth is definitely a play on the classic tale by Jules Verne. Filled with great excerpts from the original tale, Beck fills you with wonder, fear and revulsion. This ain’t your grand daddy’s book and you will feel horrified at the very ending of the story- but it’s what he does! He tells a fun, adventurous story, with something along the lines of a bad taste in your mouth. If you don’t like it, you obviously don’t do horror. Ha!
Anyway, great read- five star read- I’m ready for more!
Cheers!@
So I read book one, To the Center of the Earth, and was blown away. The ‘creep’ factor, along with simply grossing me out was impeccable. So how did Return to the Center of the Earth measure up? It brought it all to a close, neatly, painfully and nightmarishly. I think the ending to this book was the worth imaginable, as far as occurrences go. I felt horrible after I read it- because... well, No SPOILERS... so you’ll just have to read the book.
Return to the Center of the Earth, reunites us with Mike and Jane. Having survived their first experience, at the center of the earth, they find themselves back in the den of all evils. They’ve been lured under guise, with good intents and purposes, but still- every good path is paved with ... well, it doesn’t go as planned yet again.
In the land of monsters, giants and things that want to eat you instead of bumping int he night, our team is after something important. Something that can change the face of the United States, the world even. In order to find such an item, they have to chase after someone else who’s decided to go down below. Can they find them in time, or will they be eaten along the way?
Return to the Center of the Earth is definitely a play on the classic tale by Jules Verne. Filled with great excerpts from the original tale, Beck fills you with wonder, fear and revulsion. This ain’t your grand daddy’s book and you will feel horrified at the very ending of the story- but it’s what he does! He tells a fun, adventurous story, with something along the lines of a bad taste in your mouth. If you don’t like it, you obviously don’t do horror. Ha!
Anyway, great read- five star read- I’m ready for more!
Cheers!@
February 4, 2026
I don't want to sound too harsh here, but Beck's second book in his Center of the Earth series (and it kills me that an Aussie spells "center" like that) starts well, providing a plausible reason why Mike and Jane would return for a second bout of almost certain death, and sets up a memorable enough group of cannon fod-errr characters - including a somewhat antagonistic military guy - but then takes so many shortcuts in the second half of the novel, it feels like Beck ran out of steam writing it.
A second set of characters are introduced who are largely dispatched off-page or in the distance, one character saves another only for the saved character to also die off-page and achieve nothing with their initial survival, and the way things wrap up for some of the characters to make it to the final 25 pages of the book is so far from satisfying, it was enough to lower my score by half a star. Oh and the brewing war between two modern super-powers also fizzles out (though, to be fair, maybe it picks back up in the last book?).
BUT - and it's a big "but", hence the capital letters - Beck's imagination is truly impressive. The creatures and the world they live in are awesome, and I wish there was a bit more time for them to do their thing, rather than having two or three characters wiped out at a time and thereby racing to the end of the book.
So, Return to the Center of the Earth just gets a pass. And I guess I'll be back for the final book in the series. But I hope Beck is holding back some good parts for said final book, because the trajectory on this series is heading south faster than a functioning gravity well.
2.5 (Rounding up to 3)Underworld Gods for Return to the Center of the Earth.
A second set of characters are introduced who are largely dispatched off-page or in the distance, one character saves another only for the saved character to also die off-page and achieve nothing with their initial survival, and the way things wrap up for some of the characters to make it to the final 25 pages of the book is so far from satisfying, it was enough to lower my score by half a star. Oh and the brewing war between two modern super-powers also fizzles out (though, to be fair, maybe it picks back up in the last book?).
BUT - and it's a big "but", hence the capital letters - Beck's imagination is truly impressive. The creatures and the world they live in are awesome, and I wish there was a bit more time for them to do their thing, rather than having two or three characters wiped out at a time and thereby racing to the end of the book.
So, Return to the Center of the Earth just gets a pass. And I guess I'll be back for the final book in the series. But I hope Beck is holding back some good parts for said final book, because the trajectory on this series is heading south faster than a functioning gravity well.
2.5 (Rounding up to 3)Underworld Gods for Return to the Center of the Earth.
May 18, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series. The concept was great, the action spot-on, and the book felt "adventurous". However, the sequel did not impress me. The story moved along rather slowly, and the constant explanation of evolutionary processes bored me. The book feels like a low budget Hallmark movie - not bad, but not great.
Perhaps the novelty of the first book has worn off, and there is no way the sequel could live up to it. However, it still feels that the sequel lacked gloss. The first book had loads of atmosphere, and I felt that I was there. The sequel felt like a rush job and wasn't as polished. It felt as though scenes were individually written and hastily put together. The editing of the story doesn't match Greig Beck's usual standards. While I don't want to give any spoilers away, the end especially also left me uncomfortable. It was unnecessary and grotesque.
But the book is still an enjoyable read. If I read it first, I would probably have given it 3.5 stars. It has a bit of the last Indiana Jones movie, Kingdom of the Chrystal Skull, feel to it. Yes, it is the same characters in the same world, but somehow, it just doesn't live up to those before. I still enjoyed it but feel just a little cheated – perhaps I was expecting just too much from the sequel.
Perhaps the novelty of the first book has worn off, and there is no way the sequel could live up to it. However, it still feels that the sequel lacked gloss. The first book had loads of atmosphere, and I felt that I was there. The sequel felt like a rush job and wasn't as polished. It felt as though scenes were individually written and hastily put together. The editing of the story doesn't match Greig Beck's usual standards. While I don't want to give any spoilers away, the end especially also left me uncomfortable. It was unnecessary and grotesque.
But the book is still an enjoyable read. If I read it first, I would probably have given it 3.5 stars. It has a bit of the last Indiana Jones movie, Kingdom of the Chrystal Skull, feel to it. Yes, it is the same characters in the same world, but somehow, it just doesn't live up to those before. I still enjoyed it but feel just a little cheated – perhaps I was expecting just too much from the sequel.
April 25, 2021
Greig Beck is one of my favourite authors when it comes to this genre and it was very interesting to read this book.
Jane and Mike barely survived, the last time they went to the centre of the earth, but they are going back. With a crack team to support and protect them, but still... Along the way, they encounter all sorts of beasties, most of them hostile, in a world which is clearly nothing like anything they are familiar with.
The author has an incredible imagination, clearly, and I always get pulled into whatever world he goes into. I wonder how many members of a team are going to survive to the end of the book and what gruesome thing happens to them along the way - all part of the process with these kinds of books.
Good, solid book.
4.5 stars from me.
Jane and Mike barely survived, the last time they went to the centre of the earth, but they are going back. With a crack team to support and protect them, but still... Along the way, they encounter all sorts of beasties, most of them hostile, in a world which is clearly nothing like anything they are familiar with.
The author has an incredible imagination, clearly, and I always get pulled into whatever world he goes into. I wonder how many members of a team are going to survive to the end of the book and what gruesome thing happens to them along the way - all part of the process with these kinds of books.
Good, solid book.
4.5 stars from me.
March 25, 2024
Okay, haha, I guess when at the end of the previous book when the survivors made it back to the surface and promised to never ever go back to the center of the earth, they were lying.
I enjoyed this book, it was sort of written like a book that would have taken place during the Soviet Union, and with the arms race with Russia and the U.S.
Again, the author displayed extraordinary imagination for the creatures and people we come across.
Apparently though, the more people you send down there, the more die.
I think I have a very good idea how the third book in this trilogy is going to start and end.
I enjoyed this book, it was sort of written like a book that would have taken place during the Soviet Union, and with the arms race with Russia and the U.S.
Again, the author displayed extraordinary imagination for the creatures and people we come across.
Apparently though, the more people you send down there, the more die.
I think I have a very good idea how the third book in this trilogy is going to start and end.
May 15, 2022
Entertaining. Exactly what you expect it to be and want it to be.
June 3, 2024
2.5/5*
This was the same as the first one but with more annoying characters and unnecessarily disturbing rape
This was the same as the first one but with more annoying characters and unnecessarily disturbing rape
June 29, 2023
I was going to give this book 4 stars until I read that damn epilogue.
My god. I am horrified and traumatized.
My god. I am horrified and traumatized.
August 16, 2024
This was disturbing... I mean, I liked it a lot even though sometimes the plot was predictable.
But the end was just... I almost suspected this but nontheless it was cruel to read and I felt sorry.
This was a great book and I'd read it all over again!
But the end was just... I almost suspected this but nontheless it was cruel to read and I felt sorry.
This was a great book and I'd read it all over again!
May 15, 2021
So in Return to the Center of the Earth, the plot seemed to be unable to replicate the “magic” of the first book. The caving atmosphere and theme is mostly absent. Instead the plot starts out as and for a while looks like it will solely be an international politics and war thriller with the creatures and the center of the earth being only a backdrop. The earthquake volcano bombs used to blow up American bases by the Russians just was too corny for me.
Also, that epilogue, while true to the story, just didn’t need to be there. It can be vaguely hinted at implied at like the story had set up for, but the author didn’t need to full on depict and describe it. There’s just some things better left not done. Like seriously, why? Those two pages were not necessary. But, since the author has done this, I feel Greig Beck is obligated to create a third story where they go back for Ally to save her from her fate after Mike and Jane have left so many others behind for dead (however hard it may have seemed to retrieve them). #SaveAlly
Read the rest of this and other reviews on my blog at https://theowllightlibrary.wordpress....
Also, that epilogue, while true to the story, just didn’t need to be there. It can be vaguely hinted at implied at like the story had set up for, but the author didn’t need to full on depict and describe it. There’s just some things better left not done. Like seriously, why? Those two pages were not necessary. But, since the author has done this, I feel Greig Beck is obligated to create a third story where they go back for Ally to save her from her fate after Mike and Jane have left so many others behind for dead (however hard it may have seemed to retrieve them). #SaveAlly
Read the rest of this and other reviews on my blog at https://theowllightlibrary.wordpress....
May 27, 2021
Return To The Center Of The Earth was another outstanding read from Greig Beck. It’s the sequel to To The Center Of The Earth and finds the heroes from the original tricked into going back again. Of course, more mayhem ensues.
It’s full of constant, non-stop thrills, gory mayhem and little time to catch one’s breath. The writing was superb with solid third-person limited and past-tense writing. The narrative was brisk and never bogged down with endless exposition. While there were plenty of detailed descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the fantastic underworld, these descriptions were still brief and to the point. The author wasted no space rambling.
The story moved, he drew a great cast of characters, and came up with a host of nightmarish icky bugs, enough to keep me satisfied. I even got claustrophobic at times as he described some of the caving.
While some of the same stuff was revisited, there were plenty of new surprises added plus new plotting to make this a great sequel. I had a fun time right to the very end. Highly recommended.
It’s full of constant, non-stop thrills, gory mayhem and little time to catch one’s breath. The writing was superb with solid third-person limited and past-tense writing. The narrative was brisk and never bogged down with endless exposition. While there were plenty of detailed descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the fantastic underworld, these descriptions were still brief and to the point. The author wasted no space rambling.
The story moved, he drew a great cast of characters, and came up with a host of nightmarish icky bugs, enough to keep me satisfied. I even got claustrophobic at times as he described some of the caving.
While some of the same stuff was revisited, there were plenty of new surprises added plus new plotting to make this a great sequel. I had a fun time right to the very end. Highly recommended.
July 23, 2023
Three novels - To the...Return to the...Escape from the...This review addresses the entire series.
All novels portend a solid reason for going on the perilous journey - one book because of a woman's memories of being there before, one because the Russians are going and America needs to stop them, and one to rescue someone who is still there. Ghouls and deadly creatures of all descriptions live down there, in everything - from the caves to flora to fauna to a blood-red sea. Dozens of creepy descriptions of one grizzly thing after another...after another...after another....after ....... well, you get it, right?
Found myself pushing fast-forward quite a bit - because, well, if you've seen one creature the size of a house with fangs and slime dripping from eyeballs who is ready to eat you - you've seen 'em all, right?
Fan of Jules Verne? Go for it; he is quoted many times. Otherwise, you'll be rolling your eyes.
All novels portend a solid reason for going on the perilous journey - one book because of a woman's memories of being there before, one because the Russians are going and America needs to stop them, and one to rescue someone who is still there. Ghouls and deadly creatures of all descriptions live down there, in everything - from the caves to flora to fauna to a blood-red sea. Dozens of creepy descriptions of one grizzly thing after another...after another...after another....after ....... well, you get it, right?
Found myself pushing fast-forward quite a bit - because, well, if you've seen one creature the size of a house with fangs and slime dripping from eyeballs who is ready to eat you - you've seen 'em all, right?
Fan of Jules Verne? Go for it; he is quoted many times. Otherwise, you'll be rolling your eyes.
December 14, 2025
14/12/2025
3.75 ⭐
What do you mean there's a third one???? These people are crazy crazy.
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3.75 ⭐
What do you mean there's a third one???? These people are crazy crazy.
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January 5, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in this series.
But this one contained a couple of scenes that really ruined it for me.
The first scene involved the ultimate fate of a character that briefly appeared at the beginning of the first book.
That scene, I personally felt, dragged the story down a bit, and did nothing to enhance the story telling.
The story itself was great after that, at least until the end.
The final scene was really unnecessary, and really detracted from the entire book. As it involves two of the secondary characters from this book, and their ultimate fate. Which I think could have been left a mystery. Especially one of the characters. That scene was really really unnecessary, and left me soured on the whole story, and it is unlikely I will read any of the authors works in the future.
But this one contained a couple of scenes that really ruined it for me.
The first scene involved the ultimate fate of a character that briefly appeared at the beginning of the first book.
That scene, I personally felt, dragged the story down a bit, and did nothing to enhance the story telling.
The story itself was great after that, at least until the end.
The final scene was really unnecessary, and really detracted from the entire book. As it involves two of the secondary characters from this book, and their ultimate fate. Which I think could have been left a mystery. Especially one of the characters. That scene was really really unnecessary, and left me soured on the whole story, and it is unlikely I will read any of the authors works in the future.
June 3, 2021
Don't let this one slip by you. You will regret it if you do. Great read!
Better than book one. You don't want to miss this one. I thoroughly enjoyed "To the Center of the Earth" and so was both surprised and very happy to find out that there was a sequel. If you are a fan of horror fiction, mixed with a well told military romp, don't let this one slip by you.This was an especially good book and kept my interest throughout. This is one of those that leaves you sad to get to the end, satisfied, but sad, and mildly horrified. Mr. Beck has a real knack of making you invested in the characters and making you really feel for them and their trials and triumphs. I have read everything Beck has written that I have access to and he has yet to let me down. To you, I say READ THIS BOOK and to Mr. Beck I say thank you and keep up the good work.
Better than book one. You don't want to miss this one. I thoroughly enjoyed "To the Center of the Earth" and so was both surprised and very happy to find out that there was a sequel. If you are a fan of horror fiction, mixed with a well told military romp, don't let this one slip by you.This was an especially good book and kept my interest throughout. This is one of those that leaves you sad to get to the end, satisfied, but sad, and mildly horrified. Mr. Beck has a real knack of making you invested in the characters and making you really feel for them and their trials and triumphs. I have read everything Beck has written that I have access to and he has yet to let me down. To you, I say READ THIS BOOK and to Mr. Beck I say thank you and keep up the good work.
February 24, 2021
Another winner.
I had read the original Jules Verne story, and seen the movie starring James Mason, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Greig Beck's take on the original was very well done, and I enjoyed it as well.
So, I followed along on this second adventure to the center of the Earth. The dangers are still there, the creatures are even more hideous and ruthless, and the stakes are higher.
Beware the ending though, for a couple of characters it is devastating.
If you've enjoyed his other books, you will like this one. If you haven't read any others by him, pick up the first one and let the reimagining of Jules Verne's story carry you away to a world of danger and horror that Lovecraft might enjoy.
I had read the original Jules Verne story, and seen the movie starring James Mason, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Greig Beck's take on the original was very well done, and I enjoyed it as well.
So, I followed along on this second adventure to the center of the Earth. The dangers are still there, the creatures are even more hideous and ruthless, and the stakes are higher.
Beware the ending though, for a couple of characters it is devastating.
If you've enjoyed his other books, you will like this one. If you haven't read any others by him, pick up the first one and let the reimagining of Jules Verne's story carry you away to a world of danger and horror that Lovecraft might enjoy.
December 8, 2021
I devoured this in a day. A lot of people hate the epilogue, and I kind of do but also kind of don't. I understand why it was included. It's not only sequel bait, but it makes sense that the military bravado of Harris got what was coming to him. And it also makes sense, knowing what Jane and Mike told us about the dog-people, that they would keep Ally for breeding. The author does a good job of setting up who's going to die and who isn't, and I have a strong feeling that Ally will be back in 3, and will somehow survive. I'm also curious about whether the red people keep Katya alive, or if they give her to the ascention fate that they seem to give their other elders. Overall, I enjoyed it more than I probably should have, and am ready to go ahead and start the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
Kindle Unlimited Read - This book is pretty much the same as the first one - if you liked that you'll like this, if you don't, you won't. There's a larger cast of characters, but once again 90% of them are only there to be gruesomely murdered by the monstrosities that exist at the Center of the Earth. There's a subplot involving evil Russians using some kind of pulse weapon to obliterate surface USA military bases to explain as to why our heroes return to the place that almost killed them last time. Much like the last book, it's entertaining if a little silly. Knocked a star off for the very depressing Epilogue. Since these are all on KU, I'll probably end up reading the last one to see how things finish up.
September 27, 2023
This series continues to be such a great time. It's action packed and gave what I thought was a pretty good storyline. It made it believable why Jane and Mike would legitimately go back. I liked the introduction to new characters with different skill sets.
I did feel like some scenes resolved too quickly, and they were over as soon as they started. Then again, it is a short book, and that's understandable.
I felt like Beck does a great job of describing both the world, creatures, and situations so well that I really could picture what was going on. The creatures described actually gave me the creeps.I know there's already movies based on this kind of thing, but I really wouldn't mind seeing this version in a movie.
I am really intrigued by how the final book will go.
I did feel like some scenes resolved too quickly, and they were over as soon as they started. Then again, it is a short book, and that's understandable.
I felt like Beck does a great job of describing both the world, creatures, and situations so well that I really could picture what was going on. The creatures described actually gave me the creeps.I know there's already movies based on this kind of thing, but I really wouldn't mind seeing this version in a movie.
I am really intrigued by how the final book will go.
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