The Descent

Rating:
Summary: TO HELL
Review: This book is a great example of a horror book. Ike one of the main characters helps to get you into the book. He looks like a hadel. Or as you will find out hells minions. This book is pack full of action, adventure, drama, romance, and not to mention horror. If you like a few of the above i recommend this book to you. It will be worth your time....

Rating:
Summary: Unexpected depths...
Review: Seriously. I don't mean that as a pun. When I began this book I thought it was going to be a typical "horror" novel. It's not. The reviewers before put it better than I ever could. When something really effects me (like this book did) I become....speechless. I can't readily find the words to express how remarkable it is. I actually found it poetic. A beautifully poetic "horror" novel that almost moved me to tears. Ike is truly one of the most compelling characters I've ever come across is all my days of reading. True, there were some questions that remained at the end, but maybe a sequel would answer them.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: I am so disappointed now that I am through the book...I miss Ike! This has been one of the best books I've read in a long time..I loved the grusome adventure. But there is some holes in the storyline..the china adoption? Elias's deformaties..and why? Some of the chapters could have been expanded more..at least another 200 or so pages could have helped with some of the characters and the sub plots..but over all it held me spell bound at bedtime..I couldn't wait to go to bed to read! Maybe a sequel in the making? Only if it will be just as good as the first. Thank you Jeff!

Rating:
Summary: It should have contained 700 pages
Review: THE BOOK IS DEFINETLY WORTH READING! Although I'm 25 and it is difficult to impress me with an original/imaginative horror or thriller story (maestroes King, Koontz and Barker left me disappointed too often), the first 4 chapters of the book I read on one breath. Further on the narration slows down occasionally, still I was glued to the book every free moment I had. The idea of Hell and its inhabitants and their influence on human civilization fascinated me, because it is real and unnatural phenomena can be explained by natural causes. This book is like a gripping action movie - you are so in it, that forget author's lapses of logics or narration. And yet only 4 stars, because the book might have been SO EXCELLENT and the best thriller I had ever read, but for that it should have contained some 200 pages more and answered all questions that popped in my mind concerning the history and decline of hadal civilization, Satan and his reincarnation and so many more. Judging by other reviews I had read, other readers are of the same opinion. But maybe there will be a sequel in plans, then we can hope for something?

Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable read
Review: I enjoyed "The Descent". It was a well-written novel with shocks, suspense, and well-developed characters. However there were some implausabilities and certain characters that could have used further development. It appears to be condensed or edited too much for the sake of length. An additional 100-200 pages to further explore certain aspects of Hell and some of the characters would have been welcome. Mr. Long has talent, and I wouldn't hesitate to read more of his work. One notable comment: "The Descent" had one of the best shocks I've ever read (and I won't give it away). Very good work. Not perfect, but quite entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling and Imaginative Interpretation of Hell
Review: I take the time to write a review only for those books that Ihave been significantly affected by, either positively or negatively.I just finished this book, and can truthfully say it was one of the most compelling and fascinating novels I have read in some time. I am the daughter of a Rabbi, married to a degreed philosopher, so theology and philosophy are topics near and dear to my heart. I started this book with an open mind as to its format. My husband had already listened to the Audio version and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you read this book hoping for unending adventure, an "Indiana Jones" type plot, you will be disappointed. While there are many instances of pure action and suspense, much of the book deals with archeological, theological and philosophical theories that are more difficult to breeze through. But those are the very things that held me captive all throughout the book. Do not assume this will be an easy read. It's not. But it is well worth the effort. Ending the book felt somewhat like emerging from the underworld - it was a little hard to return to mundane reality. Definitely a winner in my book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent novel that invites you into another world.
Review: Jeff Long does a masterful job making the characters real. You will find yourself looking forward to each chapter as you become part of the expedition group reaching deeper and deeper into the bowels of the earth. The plot is well planned out, the characters come to life with Long's descriptions and the story is so amazing that reading into the wee hours of the night will be the norm because you just can't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: I didn't want it to end!
Review: This is an incredible novel. As a long-time fan of King, Koontz, Herbert, Saul... as well as Crichton and DeMille, I have to admitt, not much scares me. But in The Descent, is the most grisly horror exacted on humans I have ever read. It truly gave me the shivers. But this is hardly just a horror novel. It is adventure, mystery, love and history as well. But the very best thing about The Descent? The fantastic beauty of its prose. Long's use of words puts even Koontz to shame. He is a master of painting a picture with just the right words so it is real enough to step into and walk along. The main characters are unique and special and very, very human. The nightmare Long depicts as Hell is a staggering portrait of pain, fear, hatred and agony. About a hundred pages from the end, I began to get sad because I didn't want it to be over. This is a masterpiece of literature. Read it. You won't be sorry.

Rating:
Summary: Capivating! Left me breathless and trembling
Review: Jeff Long's writing style coupled with his vast knowledge of geology and climbing, make this book a first-class read. This is one that when you pick it up, you can't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: A Unique Journey
Review: I really enjoyed this book! I always enjoy a writer who has put so much research, thought and "blood, sweat and tears" into their book. The only disappointment was the lack of a great, long speech by "satan" at the end. I was waiting for an incredible story to be told by his evilness but it didn't really happen. Otherwise, it was really a compelling, fantastic read. Highly recommended!