The Cave of Darkness

The Transporter Series #2

by Rachel Lopez, Emily Burkey (Editor), Amanda Hovseth (Editor)

Abandoned by those she loves…Betrayed by her most trusted…Meadow has no choice but to seek refuge with the Geeks, a group of scientists formerly associated with the Ganders. Meadow finds herself living underground in an elaborate science complex, biding her time until the next transport into hell’s plane. She must make the trip to save Mark, the boy who gave his soul to save her own.Given little time to rescue Mark from the confines of hell, Meadow embarks on a new mission, she must navigate the Cave of Darkness, where Mark is being held before it’s too late. The Cave of Darkness, a desolate place where even Satan’s fiends dare not venture, is cursed. The darkness within the cave contains power that can drive the strongest mind mad.Will Meadow make it in time to save Mark or will the Cave of Darkness claim two new souls as its own?

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2019

Reviews

[Mary Luce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Cave of Darkness” is the second novel in the Transporter series by Christian author Rachel Lopez. As the story opens, Meadow Fields – who has recently discovered that she is a Transporter, able to visit Hell and return – is being whisked away to safety in the Geeks’ compound by two lifelong friends and (unknown to Meadow until just days ago) protectors. She is being pursued by the Ganders, a family of scientists who were responsible for making Transporting a possibility. The first two chapters recap Lopez’s first book in the series, The Water Cave, well enough that the plot isn’t too confusing to those who have jumped into the story with this second book.
As often happens with young believers, Meadow’s experiences over the tumultuous days before the story opens have driven a wedge between her and God. She remembers to renew her relationship with Him and draws on His strength as she embarks on her quest to save a young man from a previous era who had been wrongly trapped in Hell.
Lopez has taken “what if” and gone to great lengths with it, and there are plenty of springboards for discussion within the pages of The Cave of Darkness. The book is solid on doctrines like salvation without being overly preachy. Meadow experiences normal teen girl issues such as “who am I” and “which guy is right for me” while reconciling the fact that she has an odd superpower and a responsibility to use it in accordance with God’s leading. The book is suspenseful and entertaining while providing food for thought. Other than a few puzzling word choices, the book flowed well and kept my attention. If you enjoy speculative fiction with a Christian message woven throughout, this book is well worth the time.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns in this one! Meadow's mental and physical battles greatly reminded me of Joseph's struggles from the Bible. The Cave of Darkness expertly wove in a call to have faith even in the darkest situations (in Meadow's case, literally) and to trust Him even when life is hard.

One of my favorite parts is not only the message I mentioned above, but also the growing "relationship" between Meadow and a certain family member. I wasn't expecting to have a soften heart towards that character, nor was I prepared how my feelings would change towards Evan too. Well done, author!

Though the ending wasn't a super cliffhanger, I am EAGERLY looking forward to book three. I REALLY want to see a certain character "come back" so to speak. Definitely an exciting (though heartbreaking at times) novel in the continuation of The Transporter Series!

(P.S. Meadow knows how to kick some demon butt, and look cool doing it!)

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this series. It’s heartbreaking, exciting and keeps you engaged. I truly love the way meadow is a take charge young woman, even when scared she can handle what comes her way. Looking forward to more of what Rachel has to offer. Keep up the great writing.

[Missy Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is totally captivating. It sucks you in and makes you not want to put it down. I love how good overcomes evil and totally fell in love with the characters. It truly is a must read.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the series by Rachel Lopez. She did a great job of continuing the story from the first book, and I am already anxious for the third installment. The author writes very descriptively...it was easy for me to create a visual in my mind's eye of the characters and their surroundings. I found myself drawn into the story very quickly and definitely invested in what was happening and what action was to come. This is definitely not a cookie-cutter novel! The author has a vivid imagination and uses that to the fullest when writing. There are enough plot surprises to keep this an interesting read. I enjoyed the Christian themes thoughout. She did a very good job of sharing Scriptural truths without being overly preachy. Great job, Ms. Lopez!