The Anomaly – Michael Rutger

Not all secrets are meant to be found.

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?

I first want to say that I was initially confused about what this cover was. It was only when I read the description that I realized I was looking at an entrance to a cavern. This is a great cover that uses the darkness to symbolize what is within that cave.

“Will we find the cavern? I don’t know. But I do know this: in search for the truth, it matters not whether we find. It matters only that we continue to seek.”

Nolan leads his team of four production crew members of his web series on the path of an explorer from 1909. They head to the Grand Canyon to find a cavern hidden high within the rocks. They hope to gain a large audience and possibly have an actual TV network channel. They find this mysterious rumored cave, just when they thought there was no hope. As the camera rolls, they soon discover that there is much more than they could have ever expected inside that cave. What exactly did they find inside, old burial grounds, new species, or something their darkest fears could not compare with? Nolan knows their lives are all at risk and he does everything he can to find an escape.

I was initially put off by this book. After the first chapter, I simply was not hooked. I actually put the book down, about to not finish my first book…ever. Against my husband’s suggestion, I picked it back up. I felt it deserved more than a one chapter chance. Boy am I glad that I did! While reading, I had flashbacks to the movie The Cave, which I really loved.

The characters here were great but for me, the protagonist, Nolan, was the best. He was recently separated and seemed very vulnerable. He had a real interest in this show he was doing, having the most drive to explore. The other characters were good and added to the story, driving the plot.

“Good. Because in the movies, half of the time it turns out to be a curse that raises an ancient demon or something and to be honest that’s kind of the last thing we need right now.”

The pace of this story was very slow to begin with. It picked up quickly once they were in the cave. It was just the build-up to those events that almost bored me. The plot was compelling, throwing new twists in around every page turn. There were not many dull moments in the cave. Too many strange events were taking place for them to sit idly inside. When I read this, I envisioned it as a movie. I would see this movie for sure! It is action-packed with some edge of your seat, thrilling scenes.

If you are looking for an Indiana Jones type of adventure with, as the novel says, themes of X-files or other Sci-Fi mixed in…this is a great choice for you. Once the real story began in the cave, I had a hard time putting this novel down. I was always on the edge of my seat, sometimes horrified with what was happening.

Have you read this novel? Does it sound like something you would enjoy? Have you read other stories by this author? Let me know what you think below.