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Review: The Cavern Under the Lake - The Mapscape Adventures #0.5

The Cavern Under the Lake book cover on blue background

Cartography has always been a field I've been interested in, not for myself, but just in general. Thankfully, I've known some cartographers since, so it's been fascinating to learn about all that goes into both the art and science of this work. Having a little bit of that exposure makes the The Cavern Under the Lake by A.D. Downton even more intriguing to read, though it is not necessary to have prior knowledge of mapmaking to appreciate it.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of for children and youth: language (mild expletives that are more commonly used in the UK such as "da**" and "a**", and God's name used in vain by characters who do not profess Him), drinking, smoking

Book Synopsis

The best explorers speak of a power in nature. Not everyone can see it, not everyone can feel it, but it’s there, and it’s dying...

Seeing is believing. That was the world as Levi understood it. But when a young boy goes missing around a mysterious frozen lake, the lone cartographer gets drawn to the edge of a hidden world. A world of stubborn townsfolk, ruthless industry and a stream that never freezes.

Meanwhile, the missing boy, Sigmund, attends a journey of his own. At the hands of a frozen Viking come to life, Sigmund is shown the power of his ancestral inheritance. But that power is fading, and the terrible mark of frostbite is closing in.

The age of exploration is still very much alive in the 1800s, but Levi and Sigmund must both put their convictions aside if their Arctic world stands any hope of surviving…

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This is a riveting debut from novelist A.D. Downton, where readers have the opportunity to experience an Arctic adventure in a fully-fleshed out world, starting with an introduction to the quirky townspeople of Tväre. As a result, there is an impending sense that things are culminating toward something that will forever shift the town. The author paints a wonderfully cold atmosphere that plunges temperatures right down while readers follow Levi, a cartographer; Elvera, a tough but kind woman; and Sigmund, her spirited son, around Lake Tväre. This book is a surprising combination of a spiritual allegory and a realistic scenario of industrialization being played out. The hints of Viking folklore and some of the mysterious happenings under the lake provide a touch of fantasy while many events are rooted within our realm.

I loved how everything came together for the cartographer with enough suspense and twists to keep me engaged in this adventure. My favourite character is Minister Toro, who ends up with some of the best lines in the book. It is well worth reading just to see how he handles himself amongst the other townspeople. This is the type of book that calls younger men to become better people with spiritual lessons referenced throughout. If you're looking for a Christian fantasy and want to see a tale that weaves in stewardship, a sense of belonging, and a connection to the land, The Cavern Under the Lake is a journey that will take you to unexpected places and scenes.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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