Griffin Reads – Deep Storm

Title: Deep Storm

Author: Lincoln Child

Genre: Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery

Summary:

Deep Storm is a science fiction thriller that follows Dr. Peter Crane, a neurobiologist recruited to investigate a mysterious and dangerous project deep beneath the ocean. At a research facility called Deep Storm, a team of scientists and military personnel are attempting to unravel a discovery that could change the course of human history. But as Crane and his team dig deeper into the secrets of the facility, they begin to realize that the stakes are far higher than they anticipated, with dangerous consequences that threaten not just the project, but the world itself. With the tension building as Crane navigates through treacherous waters, both figuratively and literally, Deep Storm is a high-stakes adventure that combines scientific intrigue with a pulse-pounding mystery.

Content Guide:

• Mild violence and tense situations
• Exploration of scientific experimentation, some with moral implications
• Some explicit language

My Thoughts:

Deep Storm was my introduction to Lincoln Child’s writing, and it definitely made a strong impression. The novel seeks to blend high-concept science fiction with a thrilling mystery, and while it might not reinvent the genre, it definitely hooks you in with its sense of danger and suspense.

The thing that stood out to me most about this book was the writing style. It was fast, some people may say too fast, but after recently trying to revisit Clive Cussler and dealing with pages of backstory for one-chapter characters, there was something reassuring in reading a rousing adventure that never even bothers to give us a physical description of the main character. That might turn off some readers, but for me, sometimes I just want to get to the meat of the story without all that fluff, and this book definitely delivers.

The most interesting parts of this story are the medical investigations of a mystery ailment effecting the crew. It was sort of like an episode of House meets Abyss, if either of those points of reference work for you before they both become too dated for anyone to get them. There’s a pervasive sense of dread throughout the story, making it hard to put the book down.

I will admit that the pacing was so fast that I almost missed the ending when it suddenly appeared. It made me think of a road trip with dad where the reader is forced to to try to experience an ending that is whizzing past their window at 80 miles per hour. Then again, it’s probably just as well we’re going so fast, because if we slowed down, we’d see that the big reveal of this story has just about enough substance for a short story, not necessarily a full-length novel.

Regardless, Child is good at keeping you on edge with an effective narrative and razor-sharp phrasing. While it’s not as deep or philosophical as some other science fiction novels, it delivers a satisfying, high-energy adventure that’s perfect for anyone looking to dive into a thrilling and slightly eerie world.