A fairly enjoyable science-fiction romp, as long as you overlook one major flaw. 

I'm talking about Lincoln Child's Deep Storm.  This is one of those books you can easily imagine made into a movie.  With its fascinating undersea setting, thought-provoking premise, and non-stop action, I can easily see this becoming a big-screen hit.

But if they do turn it into a movie, I hope they'll fix the book's main problem.

I won't spoil the plot for you, so forgive the vagueness:  Dr. Crane is asked to come to Greenland, to be transported miles - literally - below sea level where a research facility has been doing some highly-classified work for the past two years.  Sadly, many of the researchers have come down with a mysterious illness, and Dr. Crane is being asked to identify the source, and to treat the disease.  Of course, Dr. Crane is told one story about why the facility exists.  Later he's told another.  But the reader understands that the real purpose is being kept a secret, and will only be revealed much later.  And when all is finally revealed - well - let's just say, "Very well done, Mr. Child!"

Yes, the premise of this book is a good one.  Thought-provoking, indeed.  As far as the science that's doled out to us - I have to be honest.  I have no idea if any of it is realistic, possible, or just plain ridiculous.  But it sounded plausible to me, and I'm not one to pick apart science fiction for its adherence to reality.  After all, this is supposed to be a fun, fictitious novel.  So, despite criticism from others regarding the implausibility of parts of this book, I'm going to say that the science was fascinating, and definitely enjoyable to read.  I also felt that it was given to us in the right dosage.  Not too much that it bogged down the book.  And not glossed over so quickly that it made no sense.

And the setting makes for a delightful tale.  After all, life in such a cramped, confined space, miles below sea level can be extremely stressful, and the researchers who have been there for two years can't help but be ‘changed' by the experience.  I think Child does a pretty good job of describing the conditions, and the pressures of such a setting.   I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the various decks, meeting rooms, laboratories, and sleeping quarters.  I was easily able to imagine the setting, and the claustrophobia such conditions could bring about.

So why do I say this book is flawed?  The main problem is the lack of development for any of the secondary characters.  They are stereotypes to the point where they might as well wear signs on their foreheads: "bad guy", "good guy", "geeky scientist", "by-the-book military guy", "mysterious person so you don't know if I'm good or bad until the end".  Beyond basic descriptions of their roles in the story, I can't tell one character from another.  I just finished the book yesterday, and I can't remember anybody's name beyond Dr. Crane.  The other characters are just that dull, that undefined, and that forgettable.

So the story is a good one, and the book quite enjoyable.  But the bland characters do tend to weigh it down just a bit.  Still, I'd recommend it.  And if they do turn it into a movie, I'll be there!



Also by Lincoln Child:
Death Match

Recommended: Yes