The Descent

Rating:
Summary: The book is only moderately interesting.
Review: The novel, "The Descent" makes a fair read if you can ignore some of the more glaring errors throughout the text. For Mr Long's information an M-16 fires 5.56 mm rounds, not 7.62 mm. This is the kind of shoddy research that makes the reader come to a grinding halt. Claymore mines don't have tripod wire legs, they have metal scissor legs. We haven't used clips in weapons since WWII, and the old M-1. I started reading this novel thinking it would be about spelunking, or perhaps detailed climbing as this is where the author has his expertise. Instead I was treated to what can only be called a nightmare delusion, where the entire world is riddled with caves and caverns, of which we are mostly unaware. The catacombs are inhabited by proto-humans with a society that predates all topworld civilization. This in itself would have been very interesting, but he doesn't stop there. Once you enter this realm they will enslave you and then you will discover that you will slowly become one of them, by some process that remains unexplained. He then introduces scientists and academicians whose only interests seem to be finding...(now hold onto your hat) the Devil. That's right, Lucifer himself. The author presents some really laughable evidence that the Devil really exists, and is planning on taking over the world. This imbecilic evidence wouldn't get past a high school class on mythology. However, it is swallowed entirely by the scientists. This particular thesis is no more than a simplistic view of Christian dogma. It takes an imbecilic turn when severed heads begin talking and take possession of otherwise normal scientists. It's an extremely convoluted explanation for icons and gargoyles throughout art and literature, without taking the time to read or understand the history and geneology of these concepts. When the so-called scientists start to seriously discuss locating Satan, I burst out in laughter. What a hoot..! I think the author, rather than write a novel based on his obvious expertise, decided to write the Dirty Dozen underground...with an eye towards a Hollywood movie. I noticed, at last count, no less than 53 errors of fact, misrepresentations, or plain old dumb ideas which have long been relegated to the dust bin of history.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing story, but could have been much longer..
Review: I found this book enthralling, and could not put it down for the three or four days it took me to finish it. The concept of an ancient civilization beneath the earth is fantastic. The only downfall of this book is it's short length. At about 450 pages, this book's story could be expanded to well over 1000. Overall it was a very good book even though it left many things unexplained.

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.