Welcome to the land of wonders, where time travel is possible, space travel a reality, and "what ifs" come to life. Join me as I explore new worlds--and old ones--filled with scientific wonders, new civilizations, and strange new mysteries to consider.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
Dive-shop owner Kelsey Chase has been searching for a meaning for his life. The death of his wife has left a void in his heart, and he doesn't know how to fill it. Then, a tragedy forces him out of inactivity. Three young, foolhardy divers descended into Devil's Hole; only one returned. Chase goes after the two missing ones, but ends up lost himself in the subterranean waterway. He escapes, but his experience puts him the spotlight, and in the sights of a greedy, vindictive business entrepreneur with a fascination for the Loch Ness Monster. Chase finds himself drawn into the other man's theory; the presence of a sexy marine biologist on the dive team doesn't hurt, either. What remains to be seen, however, is whether or not they will succeed in finding what they're searching for. Will they discover the secret of Loch Ness, or will the dangers of its depths spell the end for them all?
If there was ever a book made for a movie adaptation, this is it. I'm surprised no one snapped it up. Then again, maybe I'm not so surprised, since the underwater scenes could become difficult. Still, there are moments in this book that would probably makes Jaws look like a rated G movie. Of course, that particular moment lies close to the end--naturally--so maybe there wasn't enough "oomph" in the beginning segments to make it worthwhile. However, the main focus isn't really the Loch Ness Monster. This is a story about a man's life after bereavement and his eventual return to the everyday struggles of the modern world. In this sense Nessie is only a stepping stone. I admit to picking up the book because of its cryptozoology link, but I enjoyed following Chase's story more than the scene with the--oops, better not tell exactly what he finds. Sorry!
I'd say the best part of the story--besides the terror-filled dives, the miraculous discoveries, the final battle with the deep, and Chase's story--is the postulation of subterranean waterways beneath the Scottish Highlands and Death Valley (I'm not kidding, you'll have to read it to understand). It sets everything against a realistic backdrop that makes the rest of the novel seem equally plausible, including the existence of unknown creatures living in a Scottish loch and why no one can ever find them.
Despite the distance between Honolulu and Inverness--and the extreme unlikelihood of my ever visiting Scotland--the Loch Ness Monster remains a source of fascination and interest for me, even moreso than Bigfoot, who is considerably closer to home (sort of). Maybe someone out there will eventually produce this book into a movie. If so, I'll break my standing habit of waiting for the video or cable release and see it in the theaters!
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