Rating: 
Summary: Very real Sci-Fi
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Jeff's descriptions of the characters painted a very clear picture in my mind of who he was describing. The concept and story are very original. Detail is at the forefront. No doubt about it - this novel is very graphic and violent. Jeff's descriptions had me actually imagining the smell of the dead. Ike is a grand character. Ali is remarkable - a real martyr to her job. I loved it.
Rating: 
Summary: Definitely a page-turner!
Review: I enjoyed this book very much but was confused at times jumping from one group of people to the next Just when I thought I knew what was going on Long would introduce another topic. Overall, a great book. Couldn't wait to see the "real Satan" at the end.
Rating: 
Summary: So-so...
Review: I read this book after reading Subterranean by James Rollins. That was a mistake. Rollins' book is a hard act to follow. As a result, I found this book interesting but not up to the hype.
Rating:
Summary: Sign me up
Review: for the subterranean tour of this wonderfully imagined world. I'm genuinely claustrophobic and love wide open spaces -- don't even like descending into the basement of my house -- but I found myself understanding Ali's willingness to spend the rest of her life in that horrific underworld. Long's novel achieved for me what few others have done -- I'll never look at the sky the same way and I'll never trust what might be underfoot. Despite a few plot threads left dangling, I'm totally satisfied. Long can write superbly thrilling action sequences that quicken your pulse and exquisite imagery that you will slow down and savor -- and the blood and gore aspects are not overdone. The ending anticipates a sequel but one isn't really necessary. I don't think I could handle anything this intense for quite awhile -- think my next read will be some King or Barker -- something a little lighter. Wow.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: This book is very gripping. Mr. Long should be recognized as a talented writer and be given the attention he needs. The book fastly grabs your attention and keeps it fixated on the chilling stories of hell on earth. I like this book very much, and recommend it to other readers.
Rating:
Summary: Great beginning with a so-so middle and not -so-great ending
Review: This book has a great beginning. One of the best in recent memory. However the middle gets very slow and the ending is very unsatisfying with way too many unexplained and downright illogical events or non-events. I look forward to Jeff Longs next novel as this one shows great promise.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Adventure You Will Love!
Review: I was initially intrigued by the story line after hearing a bookstore owner on NPR whole heartedly recommend this book. He gave a brief description of the story and I ran as fast as I could to the library. I couldn't put it down for a week, my family has been neglected and I wasn't the most awake person coming into to work each day. The bathroom light was left on for 3 nights in a row, and my son was pleased to know it was to keep the monsters out of mom's closet not his. The writing was intelligent and filled with adventure. I highly recommend this book, it really turned me back on to reading. I think the story is screaming for a sequel. Thanks Jeff Long! -Michelle
Rating:
Summary: an excellent heart pounding read
Review: delving into the depths of the human psyche and determining the horrors that become reality. Jeff Long weaves this tale of the "Real Hell" with such enthusiasm and grace. This is a definite must read.
Rating:
Summary: quite good
Review: I would like to defend this novel. The review below this mentioned big holes in the story line. All those that this reviewer mentioned were not holes at all. The reader is simply not a very good reader. Branch was inoculated in Antartica. Thomas was also inoculated in Antartica. I would imagine that the distance and rock and whatever protected Ali from the biological gas. Branch was attacked by a whole group of hadal, cut up etc. Prolonged contact with them seemed to transform humans mostly to that thing mentioned later about the transference of energy from the hadal head to the japanese scientist. This was the best book I've read in months if not this year
Rating:
Summary: Hang on tight for a gripping ride!
Review: What a satisfying read. I, too, am a voracious reader (3 novels over Labor Day--inc this one), and I'd like to heartily recommend The Descent. Many twists & turns--I love it when I can't figure out where we're going with something. This book is quite original, taking us down roads (literally & figuratively) that we don't ususally go. I'm still sorting through some of the philosophical/religious themes and still processing some rather unusual images (my dreams were a little screwy last night, actually). Definite page turner! It works on so many levels.
| 
