Review: Will blow your mind away
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 11, 2014
Having read JC Ryan’s previous book, ‘The Tenth Cycle’, I knew the second one would either be a let-down or at least equal to the first book in terms of all its literary qualities. But I’m glad to report that this second book, ‘Ninth Cycle Antarctica’, sets the bar significantly higher in all aspects: from suspense, to the depth and intricacy of plot, to pacing, to masterful storytelling, and even the overall entertainment value. Indeed, author JC Ryan took on the challenge of writing an even greater book—and succeeded in a flourish.The book, this time, is about the mystery surrounding Antarctica, somehow ushered in by the video footage salvaged from a doomed Navy SEAL mission in the said continent. The footage seems to indicate intriguing artefacts buried under the perma-ice. But this is only the tip of the iceberg (pun intended), as what really gets the folks at the Rossler Foundation itching for answers is the existence of a map that accurately shows the coastlines of Antarctica—a map that could have possibly be drawn from space, with the use of advanced imaging equipment able to penetrate the ice cover. But there’s one major catch: the said map was made in the 16th century, and the sheer lack of answers as to how that was possible propels Rossler Foundation’s Charles Summers to head over there and investigate. Joining their team is a wild card: marine veteran Josh Rossler, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, haunted by his demons and his guilt. Of course, what’s a Rossler Foundation mission without the murderous intervention of the Orion Society, who stealthily infiltrates Summers’ team, with the ultimate goal of taking over once summers and his men are dead.Now, if that fails to get your juices flowing, then nothing will. Because, at bottom, the ‘Ninth Cycle Antarctica’ is a darned great read—author JC Ryan masterfully uses the kind of stuff you usually find featured on shows like ‘Ancient Aliens’, intricately weaving such mysteries in such a believable plot that you’ll find your heart racing merely a few pages into the book. The magic thing that holds the whole plot together is JC Ryan’s literary craftsmanship—he has that uncanny knack to put little “ plot bombs” along the way, compelling you to keep on turning the pages as he carefully strikes a balance between his careful use of verisimilitude and jaws-dropping plot twists. When I say you will not put this book down, I’m not kidding.Thoroughly satisfying, ‘Ninth Cycle Antarctica’ is a definite must-read—and if I may say, should also have a movie version. Fans of suspense thrillers who love well-woven conspiracy theories and a bit of romance on the side will find their thirst slaked. Get a copy today—well-deserving of the five-star ratings it gets.