Spooky Reads Day 30: The Anomaly by Michael Rutger

Title: The Anomaly
Author: Michael Rutger
Page Count: 352
Rating: A
Format Read: BOTM Hardcover  
Genre: Science Fiction Thriller
Keywords: YouTube, Aliens, Horror
Kid Appropriate: No

Synopsis from Goodreads:

If Indiana Jones lived in the X-Files era, he might bear at least a passing resemblance to Nolan Moore -- a rogue archaeologist hosting a documentary series derisively dismissed by the "real" experts, but beloved of conspiracy theorists.

Nolan sets out to retrace the steps of an explorer from 1909 who claimed to have discovered a mysterious cavern high up in the ancient rock of the Grand Canyon. And, for once, he may have actually found what he seeks. Then the trip takes a nasty turn, and the cave begins turning against them in mysterious ways.

Nolan's story becomes one of survival against seemingly impossible odds. The only way out is to answer a series of intriguing questions: What is this strange cave? How has it remained hidden for so long? And what secret does it conceal that made its last visitors attempt to seal it forever?

My Review:

This was my June pick for Book of the Month and I was so excited because YouTube + conspiracy theories + archaeology + my home state sounds perfect! But when I picked up the book the prologue was really weird so I kept putting off actually reading it. I shouldn't have because it was so much fun I ended up finishing it in 24 hours once I actually started!

Nolan (our mc) was both lovable and generic. By this I mean he had fewer crazy traits than most and could easily morph into someone you know. For me I kept picturing an older Shane Dawson. With this flexible identity it was easy to get into the story following him.

Ken was a stereotype, but in the fun way. Rutger could have made him sleazy but I'm glad he didn't. Pierre was basically a puppy. Molly shifted too much quickly in my opinion to ever feel truly connected to her. For the length of the novel her rapid shifts felt disjointed. And finally I liked our villains (no spoilers!). They were just weird enough that it worked well with the science fiction world created here.

The setting of the cave was by far my favorite aspect. It was expansive enough to be creepy and get the heart rate up but small enough you aren't confused the entire time.

This definitely is not a read after prestigious awards in literature but it's genuinely fun with its heavy doses of adventure and sarcasm mixed with a dash of science fiction to keep you wondering.