The Secrets We Carry

by Megan Noel Opava

The Secrets We Carry is not your normal post-apocalyptic novel. The adventure takes place underground in an ancient abandoned mining cave in the mountains. Dystopian meets cult meets adventure.

When the bombs detonate throughout the country, a small group of visionaries retreat to their shelter in an ancient abandoned cave system in Big Sur, California. In the cave, they plan to make a new and improved world in response. Their vigilantism is hard for them to grasp sometimes but their doubt could be the evil getting into their minds according to the charismatic leader. Miranda’s taken on a rollercoaster of moral dilemma as she struggles to decipher what’s for the greater good and where one must draw the line and what’s real and what’s only in her head. Secret passageways and ancient beliefs are slowly uncovered. Is it the people, the land, the caves, the control, or something more ancient that’s messing with these people’s minds? Time is distorted and natural rhythms are altered.

299 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2022

About the author

Megan Noel Opava is the author of the debut psychological cult thriller “The Secrets We Carry.” The novel’s dark manipulation was inspired by her short time in a “church” in the Deep South in South Carolina as a kid. The story is set in an abandoned mining cave where control and darkness prevail under the guise of a future utopia after the world ends.

Opava is working on her second novel that is set in the rugged and unforgiving mountains of Big Sur, CA in the 1800s. The book will be a psychological thriller using real historical events and folklore she discovered rummaging through old archives and hiking around with the old time locals.

Opava’s favorite genre to read is horror. She believes those books serve as a safe place to feel her emotions. She also loves non-fiction and other genres especially books that write what it felt like not what actually happened.

Reviews

[Madison Kopeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (with acknowledgement to the fact that you have to be accepting of a fewwww new author tropes)

SUPER fast read. Great plot. Author definitely uses her skill and background well. Super easy to dive into and stay into. Makes you think, makes you wonder...makes you hold your breath for the characters you grow to love...definitely all the ingredients for a great read and it was that!

There are a few punctuation issues that I found distracting...and other little errors, but still definitely worth the read.

[C.C. Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Taking a chance on an indie book is always a chance but this one surprised me greatly! It had a little bit of everything and had me really fearful for what was going to happen to the main characters. Amazing job for the author!

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be captivated as a series of devastating explosions rock the nation, leading a courageous few to seek refuge in the depths of a mystical cave system in Big Sur, California. Here, their bold visionaries embark on a mission to forge a brave new world in the face of devastation. But as doubt creeps into their minds, they question whether their vigilantism is a force for good or an insidious evil. Join Miranda on a thrilling rollercoaster of moral dilemmas as she grapples with the blurred lines of right and wrong, separating reality from mere figments of her imagination. Dark secrets and ancient wisdom slowly come to light, leaving us to wonder: is it the people, the land, the mysterious caves, or something far older that manipulates their very thoughts? Brace yourself for a mind-bending journey where time twists and nature's rhythms are shattered. This is not your typical post-apocalyptic tale. Prepare for a sinister cult that aims to seize control and unleash chaos from the depths of an unknown cave. I look forward to more from this author. Highly recommend.

5 star rating
2 skull dread rating

[Kevin Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured my attention in the first sentences and kept me invested and enthralled through the last page! The characters, the settings, the twists and turns… this book will coax you into the deep dark world in the post apocalyptic cave, get your heart into your throat and twisting in your seat. I was guessing and hooked to the end!

I highly recommend reading this and look forward to the next one!!!

[Don Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a post-apocalyptic setting, Megan has created a realistic essay on cult grooming, layered within some graphic portrayals of how zealots might behave in survivalist conditions. It isn't pretty. The story has some fantasy elements, but the most captivating aspects of the book are the realistic. A fine debut novel, showing that this talented author has more to share with us.

[Sophia-Rose Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of good things happening in this story: intriguing background, action packed, twisty and turny, unsure who to trust, good characters, friendship— so much!

I, though, couldn’t give 5 stars based solely on grammar and layout. Sorry.

[Neal Romriell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secrets We Carry is a fantastic page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The setting and characters are stunningly believable, and it is obvious that Megan has left something very personal in her story.

[Mika Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I loved the gore and how the author brought light to all the things that happen underground. It was a rollercoaster. Can't wait to read more by her.

[Andreya Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Story and page turner. Story did lose me towards the end, but a good read.