What do you think?
Rate this book
Center of the Earth #3
Escape from the Center of the Earth
Escape from the Center of the Earth is the final edition of the blockbusting Center Earth trilogy, closing with a mind-bending climax.
'Help me, it’s Ally. Please help me.'
A ghostly, sobbing voice is detected from the depths of Russia’s Kola super deep borehole – 9 miles down. A Russian team is dispatched in a desperate rescue mission to find the woman. But how did she get there? And how is she still alive?
Meanwhile, the Americans prepare their own expedition after a new rift leading to the Center of the Earth has been discovered at the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific Ocean. Mike Monroe and Jane Baxter agree to accompany the team of soldiers and scientists to seek a compound that is potentially a cure for cancer… a cancer that is slowly eating away at them, and the legacy of their time in the boiling red hell at the core of the planet.
Now, a two-pronged mission seeks answers from the Earth’s interior, a place of impenetrable jungles, fallen kingdoms, and monstrous creatures that have never been seen on the surface and have evolved into nightmarish and deadly forms. But there is something else – a mountainous ancient being that is as old as the world and has been awaiting them. And this time will not let them leave.
'Help me, it’s Ally. Please help me.'
A ghostly, sobbing voice is detected from the depths of Russia’s Kola super deep borehole – 9 miles down. A Russian team is dispatched in a desperate rescue mission to find the woman. But how did she get there? And how is she still alive?
Meanwhile, the Americans prepare their own expedition after a new rift leading to the Center of the Earth has been discovered at the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific Ocean. Mike Monroe and Jane Baxter agree to accompany the team of soldiers and scientists to seek a compound that is potentially a cure for cancer… a cancer that is slowly eating away at them, and the legacy of their time in the boiling red hell at the core of the planet.
Now, a two-pronged mission seeks answers from the Earth’s interior, a place of impenetrable jungles, fallen kingdoms, and monstrous creatures that have never been seen on the surface and have evolved into nightmarish and deadly forms. But there is something else – a mountainous ancient being that is as old as the world and has been awaiting them. And this time will not let them leave.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2021
184 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Greig Beck
46 books1,150 followersHi GoodReaders, I’m an Australian author residing in Sydney with my wife, son and a mad Golden Retriever named Jessie. My novels are now available globally, also in Large Print and now in full AUDIO format.
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
I grew up spending my days surfing at Bondi Beach before entering a career in Information technology which took me around the world. After completing an MBA, i was appointed both an Australasian director of a multinational software company, and tasked with setting up the USA arm of the organisation.
Today, I spend most of my time writing... with plenty left over for surfing.
More information about me and my works can be found at either www.greigbeck.com, or join me on FaceBook (Greig Beck Author).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
January 23, 2022
I love the Center of the Earth series and this (hoping not🤞🏽) last book - 'Escape from the Center of the Earth' - doesn't disappoint. Matt and and his crew decide to go back to the center of the Earth to rescue Ally (who was left abandoned there when Matt and she were trying to escape with their lives from the vicious and demonic beasts that reside in this netherworld). Needless to say, Matt, his cohorts and a group of Russian militia venture back to the place they swore never to return. They don't get far before the blood shed begins and team members are essentially powerless in attempts at thwarting the horrifically brutal and excruciatingly painful deaths delved out mercilessly by an otherworldly plethora of unimaginable evil, conniving, and most vicious of predatory monstrosities.
When the few survivors left begin to start battling their way back towards the Earth's surface it is on-a-wing-and-a-prayer. What ensues is a bombshell filled with horror, high-intensity action and heart-racing suspense - right up to the last sentence.
Narrator Sean Mangan is the only voice I have ever heard narrate Mr. Beck's audiobooks and I think he is fabulous. Hopefully in he will continue in this role indefinitely.
When the few survivors left begin to start battling their way back towards the Earth's surface it is on-a-wing-and-a-prayer. What ensues is a bombshell filled with horror, high-intensity action and heart-racing suspense - right up to the last sentence.
Narrator Sean Mangan is the only voice I have ever heard narrate Mr. Beck's audiobooks and I think he is fabulous. Hopefully in he will continue in this role indefinitely.
December 28, 2021
I love this series. All three books add up to one single great adventure that's riveting. The audiobooks are fantastic. I would love to see the books turned into movies. Maybe even better, Netflix could pick up the rights—considering everything they are doing with adaptations these days.
Want to read
October 31, 2021Better believe the author is and should be writing a book where they go to save Ally. After the position he left her in at the end of the second book, which myself and many others found unnecessarily disgusting and disturbing, it’s practically owed to a fictional character. Very glad to see Greig Beck is following through and I hope she has a great resolution (because there better be a good reason again for that nastiness). And don’t get me wrong, I’m not faint hearted (Marine Veteran here), so don’t think I just don’t have the stomach for horror. There are just some things you don’t include for fictional entertainment.
December 22, 2021
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! It is non stop action packed thriller adventure. I can’t wait to read the next book!
March 27, 2024
Looks like I was right about how this book would start and end. Of course our 2 main characters get dragged back to the center of the earth after swearing in the previous book that they'd never go back. I don't know exactly why, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first 2 in the series. I guess there are just so many terrifying creatures you can create and come up with horrifying deaths before it starts getting a bit tedious to read. There were also some inconsistencies between the books, as though the author sometimes forgot what he wrote in the previous books and now changed it for this final book. For instance one of the characters remembers that her team mate, Martin, ate a fruit which melted his mouth, but in actual fact there was no Martin in the previous book and the character who ate the fruit was called Andy, and it happened in the first book.
This was still a really good series and I envy the crazy imagination of the author.
This was still a really good series and I envy the crazy imagination of the author.
January 5, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, but was critical of the second book, Return to the Centre of the Earth. The latter felt like a rush job towards the end and concluded in an controversial manner with one of the cast in an unsavoury situation. I can't reveal more as it would contain a major spoiler, but suffice to say that it felt disgusting and also incongruous with the author's writing style.
However with this third instalment, I was thoroughly entertained and Greig Beck did a superb job. The book didn't feel rushed and had superb pacing throughout. The storyline was original. The only gripe I may have is that just about everything down there was dangerous. It would have been nice if there more of a balance regarding the danger animals / creatures presented.
I've read that this series is a trilogy, but the epilogue possibly hints at a follow-up. If not, the epilogue serves no real purpose. Personally, I would be excited to read another book in the series, as the epilogue has left the door open for one or more books.
Greig Beck is certainly one of the more entertaining authors out there.
PS. I listened to the book on Audible and the narrator, Sean Mangan did a superb job, albeit reading a bit slow. I increased the playback speed to 1.2x and it helped to develop urgency to the storyline.
However with this third instalment, I was thoroughly entertained and Greig Beck did a superb job. The book didn't feel rushed and had superb pacing throughout. The storyline was original. The only gripe I may have is that just about everything down there was dangerous. It would have been nice if there more of a balance regarding the danger animals / creatures presented.
I've read that this series is a trilogy, but the epilogue possibly hints at a follow-up. If not, the epilogue serves no real purpose. Personally, I would be excited to read another book in the series, as the epilogue has left the door open for one or more books.
Greig Beck is certainly one of the more entertaining authors out there.
PS. I listened to the book on Audible and the narrator, Sean Mangan did a superb job, albeit reading a bit slow. I increased the playback speed to 1.2x and it helped to develop urgency to the storyline.
August 5, 2022
First Read Dec 21
I was so bloody excited this morning to wake up and be told by kindle that my pre-order had finally arrived. And I know I sound like a total fan girl at the moment
(which I am) but To The Centre of The Earth is one of my favourite top 5 books. Greig Beck does a stellar job of
recreating/modernising Jules Verne's Journey To The Centre of The Earth, and this 3rd book in the series did not disappoint.
I devoured every bit of this!
Second Read Aug 22
I was so bloody excited this morning to wake up and be told by kindle that my pre-order had finally arrived. And I know I sound like a total fan girl at the moment
(which I am) but To The Centre of The Earth is one of my favourite top 5 books. Greig Beck does a stellar job of
recreating/modernising Jules Verne's Journey To The Centre of The Earth, and this 3rd book in the series did not disappoint.
I devoured every bit of this!
Second Read Aug 22
May 10, 2022
The book blurb says that this is the final edition of the Centre of the earth trilogy but Beck has left a cliffhanger at the end.....
Reminded me of the Matt Kearns book 3 and then into book 4. and the Primordia trilogy book 3 where the 2nd had seen a similar character stuck back and a rescue in place.
I still feel that with this trio of books, Beck reached his pinnacle in books 1 and 2. Book 2 would be superior for me for the simple reason that after a blockbuster book 1 the followup had to be interesting and nuanced.
Book 3 this one Escape suffers from over exposure like the proverbial radiation in the center of the earth that affects key characters and hence turns out to be weak.
There is no fault in the story telling, pitching the scenes, action sequences, basically all ingredients are in place and put there properly by Beck.
Just the zing is missing.
Yes at the end of Book 2 Ally was left in a awkward position and as a reader I too demanded closure. In this book the start is awesome with Ally's voice.
Mike and Jane are back and immortal. They are in almost every scene and we see lesser characters die almost like henchmen in the movies. I could almost predict who was next on the menu...
Predictable yes...
but Beck also put a lotta effort on the new species of inner earth. We have the mosquito like mimics which brings many sci-fi creature features together.
The previous editions in the series managed to give me some nightmares, this one was like a B movie.
Fans of the series would really enjoy the continuity having invested themselves in some characters.
As put in the previous para's, Mike and Jane are there just for the ride as is Matt. There actually doesn't seem any real reason for their presence in the underworld except to ensure book continuity and maybe Matt's presence as a hero with blockbuster potential after his own series and his frequent presences in the Alex Hunter series.
Their contribution was as much as the henchmen.
Ally comes into her own here. this is her book after all she suffers in book 2, Beck made amends giving her that little bit of haunted victim looking for payback. This could have been stringed further into critical decision failures later in the book but no further development there. she bounces back readily into badass mode. One moment she does not have leg muscles to walk properly and next she is traversing further than Valentina, who has no hang ups but is destined to become fodder.
Greig beck has given some great stories and reinventions of classic stories. He breaks the bar everytime, prescribes a new outlook, new imagination and takes the classics to dizzying heights. He needs to be allowed some fallacies. This is not the one in the zone unfortunately but
I await another one.
Reminded me of the Matt Kearns book 3 and then into book 4. and the Primordia trilogy book 3 where the 2nd had seen a similar character stuck back and a rescue in place.
I still feel that with this trio of books, Beck reached his pinnacle in books 1 and 2. Book 2 would be superior for me for the simple reason that after a blockbuster book 1 the followup had to be interesting and nuanced.
Book 3 this one Escape suffers from over exposure like the proverbial radiation in the center of the earth that affects key characters and hence turns out to be weak.
There is no fault in the story telling, pitching the scenes, action sequences, basically all ingredients are in place and put there properly by Beck.
Just the zing is missing.
Yes at the end of Book 2 Ally was left in a awkward position and as a reader I too demanded closure. In this book the start is awesome with Ally's voice.
Mike and Jane are back and immortal. They are in almost every scene and we see lesser characters die almost like henchmen in the movies. I could almost predict who was next on the menu...
Predictable yes...
but Beck also put a lotta effort on the new species of inner earth. We have the mosquito like mimics which brings many sci-fi creature features together.
The previous editions in the series managed to give me some nightmares, this one was like a B movie.
Fans of the series would really enjoy the continuity having invested themselves in some characters.
As put in the previous para's, Mike and Jane are there just for the ride as is Matt. There actually doesn't seem any real reason for their presence in the underworld except to ensure book continuity and maybe Matt's presence as a hero with blockbuster potential after his own series and his frequent presences in the Alex Hunter series.
Their contribution was as much as the henchmen.
Ally comes into her own here. this is her book after all she suffers in book 2, Beck made amends giving her that little bit of haunted victim looking for payback. This could have been stringed further into critical decision failures later in the book but no further development there. she bounces back readily into badass mode. One moment she does not have leg muscles to walk properly and next she is traversing further than Valentina, who has no hang ups but is destined to become fodder.
Greig beck has given some great stories and reinventions of classic stories. He breaks the bar everytime, prescribes a new outlook, new imagination and takes the classics to dizzying heights. He needs to be allowed some fallacies. This is not the one in the zone unfortunately but
I await another one.
January 14, 2022
Jane and Mike are both fighting the long-term consequences of their two previous expeditions down into the center of the earth. Each determined to save the other, will this final trip allow them to close this chapter of their lives?
I have really enjoyed this trilogy and found this third and final installment to meet – and even exceed – my every expectation. That’s no small feat, I am a huge fan of Greig Beck and now pretty much expect a superlative read from each of his books. Fantastic blending of horror, mystery/suspense, thriller, sci-fi, techno thrillers and best of all an adventurous and amazing expedition style of story are all things that I expect from Mr. Beck and in this story he did not disappoint. I feel it’s important for readers to know this story stands very well by itself – but it is equally very clearly the final part in the trilogy, and I absolutely think readers will have a much more encompassing and enjoyable adventure if they read all three books back-to-back.
I was both cautious and excited to read about Ally. Her part towards the end of the second story was one of the major things that really, truly stuck with me for weeks after I finished reading Return to the Center Of the Earth. While much of it was my own imagination and the somewhat abrupt ending to her section, I feel anyone who reads the second book will completely understand why Ally stuck with me – in both a good and a bad way – for many weeks. So, knowing her story wasn’t over and realizing this book would progress that storyline was both wonderful and frightening for me. Without spoilers – I found myself impressed and deeply satisfied with how this story handles Ally and both the realism of her character and the progress and conclusion that was given to me as a reader. The storyline as a whole absolutely won’t be every reader’s cup of tea (and indeed for some parts it wasn’t to my taste either), but I can’t deny this is one of those stories and trilogies, a character arc that just really hits you in the heart and soul and stays with you. For good or bad it made a serious impact on me and is something I will think and talk about for a long time to come.
Jane and Mike and another set of hard-ass military professionals also were an amazing expedition party. As one would expect there are new monsters, new dangers and new wonders all set in store for them and the reader journeying along. I was thrilled when one of the characters was introduced to the party. No spoilers – but it’s a very well-known character who many fans of Grieg Beck will be hopefully as excited as I was to see added to this adventure. It really helped make the book even more amazing for me, personally, as it’s one of my all-time favourite trilogies of Beck’s.
Readers looking for an adventure, a thrill, a bit of a scare and a can’t-be-beaten “expedition party getting eaten by the monsters” style of story should absolutely be as enthralled as I was. I totally think readers should go back to the first story and read all three, but if you happen to find a copy of this just lying around somewhere then pick it up and devour it – for sure. This is an amazing book, and I can’t wait for more from this author. Highly recommended.
I have really enjoyed this trilogy and found this third and final installment to meet – and even exceed – my every expectation. That’s no small feat, I am a huge fan of Greig Beck and now pretty much expect a superlative read from each of his books. Fantastic blending of horror, mystery/suspense, thriller, sci-fi, techno thrillers and best of all an adventurous and amazing expedition style of story are all things that I expect from Mr. Beck and in this story he did not disappoint. I feel it’s important for readers to know this story stands very well by itself – but it is equally very clearly the final part in the trilogy, and I absolutely think readers will have a much more encompassing and enjoyable adventure if they read all three books back-to-back.
I was both cautious and excited to read about Ally. Her part towards the end of the second story was one of the major things that really, truly stuck with me for weeks after I finished reading Return to the Center Of the Earth. While much of it was my own imagination and the somewhat abrupt ending to her section, I feel anyone who reads the second book will completely understand why Ally stuck with me – in both a good and a bad way – for many weeks. So, knowing her story wasn’t over and realizing this book would progress that storyline was both wonderful and frightening for me. Without spoilers – I found myself impressed and deeply satisfied with how this story handles Ally and both the realism of her character and the progress and conclusion that was given to me as a reader. The storyline as a whole absolutely won’t be every reader’s cup of tea (and indeed for some parts it wasn’t to my taste either), but I can’t deny this is one of those stories and trilogies, a character arc that just really hits you in the heart and soul and stays with you. For good or bad it made a serious impact on me and is something I will think and talk about for a long time to come.
Jane and Mike and another set of hard-ass military professionals also were an amazing expedition party. As one would expect there are new monsters, new dangers and new wonders all set in store for them and the reader journeying along. I was thrilled when one of the characters was introduced to the party. No spoilers – but it’s a very well-known character who many fans of Grieg Beck will be hopefully as excited as I was to see added to this adventure. It really helped make the book even more amazing for me, personally, as it’s one of my all-time favourite trilogies of Beck’s.
Readers looking for an adventure, a thrill, a bit of a scare and a can’t-be-beaten “expedition party getting eaten by the monsters” style of story should absolutely be as enthralled as I was. I totally think readers should go back to the first story and read all three, but if you happen to find a copy of this just lying around somewhere then pick it up and devour it – for sure. This is an amazing book, and I can’t wait for more from this author. Highly recommended.
January 5, 2022
Another great listen. Another journey to the center of the earth and again battling all the creatures of the center.
January 22, 2022
cool continuation
I enjoyed this whole series. The first two were the most epic but this one also had some cool twists and things that seemed too unreal. One of the weird things in this book were how the two previous main characters never seemed to be at risk through the book. Definitely different but I still enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this whole series. The first two were the most epic but this one also had some cool twists and things that seemed too unreal. One of the weird things in this book were how the two previous main characters never seemed to be at risk through the book. Definitely different but I still enjoyed it.
January 4, 2022
The third and final book in this trilogy is an explosive one... I have loved every single page of these books, I love the primordial/lovecraftian themes, the thrilling nature with the elements of horror, humour, suspense and more is all spot on. The world is unique and ever changing, no two bits of it are the same even if they are revisited, the characters are a mixture of familiar faces and newcomers... I especially liked the return of a character from one of the other book series, he was a great addition. I was hoping the ending would have been more final as I wanted an event to happen but on the plus side it has left it wide open for another book/books at a later date which would be exciting. Yet another book I couldn't put down and unfortunately the end of another great series...it just means I get to reread them all again...
January 5, 2022
Terrifying!
Here's hoping I don't have nightmares like the characters in this book do. This series has been difficult to put down but at the same time I had to take a break from it. Its' intense, terrifying and crazy stupid to know that our main characters went down to the center of the earth three times and witnessed the horrible way people of their teams were taken and died. This author holds no punches when it comes to describing the events that took place. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Here's hoping I don't have nightmares like the characters in this book do. This series has been difficult to put down but at the same time I had to take a break from it. Its' intense, terrifying and crazy stupid to know that our main characters went down to the center of the earth three times and witnessed the horrible way people of their teams were taken and died. This author holds no punches when it comes to describing the events that took place. I look forward to reading more of his work.
January 4, 2022
Another great book.
I think there is still material for one more
Trip to The Center of the earth but this time they new to bring Alex Hunter the Arcadian. They had Matt on this books so why not a cross over, that could be fun!
What do you think Greig? Up to the challenge? The fans would love it.
Thanks Greig for another fabulous book.
I think there is still material for one more
Trip to The Center of the earth but this time they new to bring Alex Hunter the Arcadian. They had Matt on this books so why not a cross over, that could be fun!
What do you think Greig? Up to the challenge? The fans would love it.
Thanks Greig for another fabulous book.
February 22, 2022
To sum up my feelings about this series: it's like travelling to a place you'd like to see, with a bunch of people you'd rather not spend time with, and a guide that you do not trust. Ultimately the place is pretty cool, but the people make it impossible to enjoy it. Or rather, the way the author writes them – especially women. I really did not see the point of putting Ally through the particular things she went through, that was nothing but gratuitous. It was not necessary for the plot, or any form of character development. So why include it? When you are going to utilize this particular thing as a plot point (), you should do it with a great deal of care. It was not done with care.
The author also insists on the phrase "female doctor/scientist" even though there is only one doctor, and one woman, and it is the same person, in the team. Why?
The cast consists of character clichés, and you can easily spot who has plot armor and who is expendable (they might as well wear red shirts). Let's not forget that the main character (or the author, rather) forgot a couple of characters (including main character's good friend), when he listed everyone they lost in the first book. Bottom line, very little care is put into the characters.
The science of it all makes no sense, but the pacing is good. I'll give the author that. But on the other hand, these three books have all been the same, basically. Go there, lose most of the cast, leave.
I dunno, I'm honestly just a little bit bummed out that the characters are handled in the way that they are in this series. When I read the epilogue in the previous book, I strongly considered not reading the last one. But curiosity got the better of me, hoping against all odds that the author would try to handle it with care moving forward. Nope.
The author also insists on the phrase "female doctor/scientist" even though there is only one doctor, and one woman, and it is the same person, in the team. Why?
The cast consists of character clichés, and you can easily spot who has plot armor and who is expendable (they might as well wear red shirts). Let's not forget that the main character (or the author, rather) forgot a couple of characters (including main character's good friend), when he listed everyone they lost in the first book. Bottom line, very little care is put into the characters.
The science of it all makes no sense, but the pacing is good. I'll give the author that. But on the other hand, these three books have all been the same, basically. Go there, lose most of the cast, leave.
I dunno, I'm honestly just a little bit bummed out that the characters are handled in the way that they are in this series. When I read the epilogue in the previous book, I strongly considered not reading the last one. But curiosity got the better of me, hoping against all odds that the author would try to handle it with care moving forward. Nope.
December 6, 2021
Greig once more redefines story telling
The story completes the Greig Becks trilogy “To the Center of the Earth” novels based on the novel “Journey to the center of the Earth” by Jules Verne has it creates a gripping story of a world similar to are’s but based on creatures from the worldsancient historys’ past.
The story has large cast of chacthers to draw the reader in has every one has there own story to fill with chacther and be hook and sadden when ever one of them dies. It becomes obvious has story progresses that chacthers are referencing events the story doesn’t over explain but that’s because the author is making a larger story universe by bridging them from other novels he’s writing has the author has shown in a few previous novels all his novels are connected think an MCU of movies but in book format.
I do wish to explain why I gave this amazing series only a four stars for the final novel. It comes down to the lack of try fear of the main villain of this series Dagon that felt the final battle would’ve been more Metaphysical of the mind type of way from how there where warnings of its ability to the literature origin on it I thought more psychic abilities being used against the human chacthers trying to fight it. The brutish fight style it used was a bit too d-class giant monster style no special or creative attacks to get hooked on made the ending anti-climatic for me.
The story completes the Greig Becks trilogy “To the Center of the Earth” novels based on the novel “Journey to the center of the Earth” by Jules Verne has it creates a gripping story of a world similar to are’s but based on creatures from the worldsancient historys’ past.
The story has large cast of chacthers to draw the reader in has every one has there own story to fill with chacther and be hook and sadden when ever one of them dies. It becomes obvious has story progresses that chacthers are referencing events the story doesn’t over explain but that’s because the author is making a larger story universe by bridging them from other novels he’s writing has the author has shown in a few previous novels all his novels are connected think an MCU of movies but in book format.
I do wish to explain why I gave this amazing series only a four stars for the final novel. It comes down to the lack of try fear of the main villain of this series Dagon that felt the final battle would’ve been more Metaphysical of the mind type of way from how there where warnings of its ability to the literature origin on it I thought more psychic abilities being used against the human chacthers trying to fight it. The brutish fight style it used was a bit too d-class giant monster style no special or creative attacks to get hooked on made the ending anti-climatic for me.
August 29, 2025
Caving is something I will never, ever do. The idea of crawling through pitch-black tunnels instantly takes me back to those terrifying horror movies I watched as a teenager — no thanks! But that’s exactly why I loved this book: I got to experience all the claustrophobic thrills and dangers of going underground without leaving my couch.
The story is full of tension and unexpected twists, with that constant edge-of-your-seat feeling that not everyone is going to make it out alive (don’t worry, no spoilers). The underground world is described so vividly that it feels both dangerous and strangely beautiful, which only adds to the suspense.
What I especially enjoyed was the relationship between Jane and Mike. If you’re expecting a dramatic, steamy romance, you won’t find it here. Instead, what shines through is their deep connection — a partnership built on loyalty, trust, and always being there for one another. In a story where survival is never guaranteed, their bond gives the book real heart.
Overall, this was a thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s suspenseful, fast-paced, and surprising in the best ways. For anyone who loves adventure but, like me, would never dare go caving — this book lets you experience all the danger while keeping both feet safely above ground.
The story is full of tension and unexpected twists, with that constant edge-of-your-seat feeling that not everyone is going to make it out alive (don’t worry, no spoilers). The underground world is described so vividly that it feels both dangerous and strangely beautiful, which only adds to the suspense.
What I especially enjoyed was the relationship between Jane and Mike. If you’re expecting a dramatic, steamy romance, you won’t find it here. Instead, what shines through is their deep connection — a partnership built on loyalty, trust, and always being there for one another. In a story where survival is never guaranteed, their bond gives the book real heart.
Overall, this was a thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s suspenseful, fast-paced, and surprising in the best ways. For anyone who loves adventure but, like me, would never dare go caving — this book lets you experience all the danger while keeping both feet safely above ground.
March 8, 2024
If you're looking for something where you can put your brain on autopilot for a bit, the Center of the Earth series is it. Certain elements seemed influenced by scenes from various movies in mind - perhaps it's the subject matter or the author's own cinematic viewing experiences. Not a negative, as most light thrillers tend to have set pieces like action movies.
As far as Escape from the Center of the Earth goes, just as a few of the protagonists are weary of being "persuaded" to return to the area, if you end up reading the book in a sequence (like I did) instead of giving some time in between, you might feel the same. It's pretty apparent who will live and who will die, as there are plenty of random one-dimensional characters named and discarded. The characters with ongoing series or appearances in other characters' main series (as of the date of this book's publication) are given plot armor galore.
I felt the ending was a little rushed, but in hindsight there wasn't much leading up to it plot wise, beyond seeing a few new sights and just trying to get out alive. There is an open ended epilogue, so will see if Beck revisits this part of his shared fictional universe again.
As far as Escape from the Center of the Earth goes, just as a few of the protagonists are weary of being "persuaded" to return to the area, if you end up reading the book in a sequence (like I did) instead of giving some time in between, you might feel the same. It's pretty apparent who will live and who will die, as there are plenty of random one-dimensional characters named and discarded. The characters with ongoing series or appearances in other characters' main series (as of the date of this book's publication) are given plot armor galore.
I felt the ending was a little rushed, but in hindsight there wasn't much leading up to it plot wise, beyond seeing a few new sights and just trying to get out alive. There is an open ended epilogue, so will see if Beck revisits this part of his shared fictional universe again.
December 5, 2021
Book Three.
Workers over the borehole in Russia hear a voice over their listening equipment, "Help me, my name is Ally Bennett, please help me."
In the US, Jane is working at a university when she is approached by a strange man with a proposition - he wants to take a team back to the Center of the Earth, to collect samples of the salve that Jane and Mike used to alleviate their cancerous lesions. And, he tells her, Mike is ready to go - if it means saving her.
Mr. Beck writes a good story, expanding and improving on the themes forst established by Jules Verne over 150 years ago. This series is Sci-Fi/Horror.
After reading several of his books, you can pick up on the 'who's going to live and who's going to die' clues fairly rapidly.
This book is the story of two different paths to the center of the earth, one sent down in Russia to attempt a rescue of Ally Bennett, if she is still alive, and the other going down through a gravity well at the bottom of the Marianas Trench. I enjoyed it.
Workers over the borehole in Russia hear a voice over their listening equipment, "Help me, my name is Ally Bennett, please help me."
In the US, Jane is working at a university when she is approached by a strange man with a proposition - he wants to take a team back to the Center of the Earth, to collect samples of the salve that Jane and Mike used to alleviate their cancerous lesions. And, he tells her, Mike is ready to go - if it means saving her.
Mr. Beck writes a good story, expanding and improving on the themes forst established by Jules Verne over 150 years ago. This series is Sci-Fi/Horror.
After reading several of his books, you can pick up on the 'who's going to live and who's going to die' clues fairly rapidly.
This book is the story of two different paths to the center of the earth, one sent down in Russia to attempt a rescue of Ally Bennett, if she is still alive, and the other going down through a gravity well at the bottom of the Marianas Trench. I enjoyed it.
July 23, 2023
Three novels - To the...Return to the...Escape from the...This review addresses the entire series.
All novels portend a solid reason for going on the perilous journey - one book because of a woman's memories of being there before, one because the Russians are going and America needs to stop them, and one to rescue someone who is still there. Ghouls and deadly creatures of all descriptions live down there, in everything - from the caves to flora to fauna to a blood-red sea. Dozens of creepy descriptions of one grizzly thing after another...after another...after another....after ....... well, you get it, right?
Found myself pushing fast-forward quite a bit - because, well, if you've seen one creature the size of a house with fangs and slime dripping from eyeballs who is ready to eat you - you've seen 'em all, right?
Fan of Jules Verne? Go for it; he is quoted many times. Otherwise, you'll be rolling your eyes.
All novels portend a solid reason for going on the perilous journey - one book because of a woman's memories of being there before, one because the Russians are going and America needs to stop them, and one to rescue someone who is still there. Ghouls and deadly creatures of all descriptions live down there, in everything - from the caves to flora to fauna to a blood-red sea. Dozens of creepy descriptions of one grizzly thing after another...after another...after another....after ....... well, you get it, right?
Found myself pushing fast-forward quite a bit - because, well, if you've seen one creature the size of a house with fangs and slime dripping from eyeballs who is ready to eat you - you've seen 'em all, right?
Fan of Jules Verne? Go for it; he is quoted many times. Otherwise, you'll be rolling your eyes.
December 23, 2025
23/12/2025
3.5 ⭐
I am so fucking glad they have finally come to their senses and stopped going to the centre of the earth because, quite frankly, I don't know if I could have handled any more of the stress this series caused me.
Letterboxd | Instagram | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph | Hoemance Book Club | Graphicsathon | Scoobathon | Wishlist
3.5 ⭐
I am so fucking glad they have finally come to their senses and stopped going to the centre of the earth because, quite frankly, I don't know if I could have handled any more of the stress this series caused me.
Letterboxd | Instagram | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph | Hoemance Book Club | Graphicsathon | Scoobathon | Wishlist
April 5, 2022
More of the same action and adventure as the first two books, with the addition of a major character from some of the author's other books. The transition from Book 2 to Book 3 didn't completely work for me. The attitudes of two major characters make a very abrupt (and unrealistic) change. The weird Russian versus American conflict from Book 2 does a complete turnaround here, with no explanation. I can accept and appreciate short action-adventure books, where the fast-paced action is the primary focus, with setup, story logic, effective ending, and character progress having a minimal role. But that formula doesn't really work for every book in a series without an overall story arc and without internal consistency. For this series, and for the author's Primordia series, a third book is one too many.
November 16, 2022
After finishing this book all I could really think was 'that's it?' - which is something that could be applied to this entire series. It's an interesting twist on a classic story, and I really like the imagery and imagination of the author in creating the various killer creatures at the center of the earth.
That aside, overall this book read too similar to the the previous two for me. Once again, Mike and Jane travel to the COTE with a huge supporting cast which you just know are all going to butchered before the end so there's no reason to really care about any of them. The final battle with Dagon is rather tame, and there's another annoying non-ending which leaves the door open for more sequels. For me this series has run it's course. It's fun in sections, but not enough for me to recommend it.
That aside, overall this book read too similar to the the previous two for me. Once again, Mike and Jane travel to the COTE with a huge supporting cast which you just know are all going to butchered before the end so there's no reason to really care about any of them. The final battle with Dagon is rather tame, and there's another annoying non-ending which leaves the door open for more sequels. For me this series has run it's course. It's fun in sections, but not enough for me to recommend it.
March 9, 2022
Great thrill ride
I have been doing a lot of reading lately about archaeology adventures, heroes fighting any number of battles against any number of sinister foes, and titanic clashes between humans and aliens in distant galaxies.
One thing I have noticed in all of these adventures, thrilling as they were, is that there is a lot of talk, lots of backstory, lots of blah blah blah. There was very little of that in Escape from the Center of the Earth, and when backstory was employed, it was very artfully, and briefly, done.
Greig Beck was able to keep the story moving and still reveal enough about the characters to make them interesting.
It was one heck of a thrill ride, and if that’s what you like, this is the book for you.
I have been doing a lot of reading lately about archaeology adventures, heroes fighting any number of battles against any number of sinister foes, and titanic clashes between humans and aliens in distant galaxies.
One thing I have noticed in all of these adventures, thrilling as they were, is that there is a lot of talk, lots of backstory, lots of blah blah blah. There was very little of that in Escape from the Center of the Earth, and when backstory was employed, it was very artfully, and briefly, done.
Greig Beck was able to keep the story moving and still reveal enough about the characters to make them interesting.
It was one heck of a thrill ride, and if that’s what you like, this is the book for you.
February 24, 2022
More monsters and horrible ways to die.
Not much different in this one. New people go to the center of the earth, don't believe the warnings of the survivors, said new people die in a horrible way, everyone realizes they shouldn't have come back here. *shocked Pikachu face
Feel like this is turning into a snuff story now where it's just about people dying in the worst ways by the worst kind of monsters imaginable.
Don't get me wrong I enjoy the story, writing and the world built. However, it's just getting repetitive now and I would like it to end.
For fans of monsters and the macabre.
Not much different in this one. New people go to the center of the earth, don't believe the warnings of the survivors, said new people die in a horrible way, everyone realizes they shouldn't have come back here. *shocked Pikachu face
Feel like this is turning into a snuff story now where it's just about people dying in the worst ways by the worst kind of monsters imaginable.
Don't get me wrong I enjoy the story, writing and the world built. However, it's just getting repetitive now and I would like it to end.
For fans of monsters and the macabre.
July 1, 2025
Compulsive reads
Have just finished the third book in the Journey to the Centre of the Earth series. They kept me reading from the start . The characters are well fleshed out ,have history and personality . So you can relate to them.
The Adventures were full of strange and stunning things . Also sad and soul destroying like real life. If you long for the days of ' Adventure ' just start reading . Now looking for more by this author can't wait to see what his imagination brings. Hope he does more on these three . He has a convert .
Congrats Greg Beck on great clean adventures no reliance on sex and sleaze for cheap thrills
Have just finished the third book in the Journey to the Centre of the Earth series. They kept me reading from the start . The characters are well fleshed out ,have history and personality . So you can relate to them.
The Adventures were full of strange and stunning things . Also sad and soul destroying like real life. If you long for the days of ' Adventure ' just start reading . Now looking for more by this author can't wait to see what his imagination brings. Hope he does more on these three . He has a convert .
Congrats Greg Beck on great clean adventures no reliance on sex and sleaze for cheap thrills
January 3, 2022
Good addition to the series- not quite as good as the other 2, but still enjoyable to read. Not sure if it’ll be the last one as it left some things open, such as Dagon being alive still. I’m glad he saved Ally from her awful fate. I also love that we found Katia again, and that she’s healed and in charge of the red people.
The reader of the audiobook is so bad at accents (the English guy? A mix of Australian and American… definitely not English!)
It’ll be interesting to see if we get a forth book.
The reader of the audiobook is so bad at accents (the English guy? A mix of Australian and American… definitely not English!)
It’ll be interesting to see if we get a forth book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Going through a bit of a Beck-athon at the moment. I read the original books a few years ago and came back to this one recently.
Look, it's not going to change your life, but is definitely a fun read.
Look, it's not going to change your life, but is definitely a fun read.
December 19, 2021
Another Good Journey
Very Good read. Consistent story line, believe able characters, and further develops and expands the world that Mr. Beck has envisioned. Does leave itself open for at least one or two more books though, which is fine. Sea faring race storyline is wide open. Would like to see more history of the underworld, and correlation with original Center of the Earth concept.
Very Good read. Consistent story line, believe able characters, and further develops and expands the world that Mr. Beck has envisioned. Does leave itself open for at least one or two more books though, which is fine. Sea faring race storyline is wide open. Would like to see more history of the underworld, and correlation with original Center of the Earth concept.
February 17, 2024
I Lack Words of Praise
The tale begins and the action starts immediately and doesn’t stop. The horrors and terrors are logical, the characters are endearing, and the ending is both heartbreaking and satisfying.
However, it does leave room for a fourth book and I sincerely hope the author has one on the way because I want to know the ultimate fate of the “red people” and the cosmic horror known as Dagon.
The tale begins and the action starts immediately and doesn’t stop. The horrors and terrors are logical, the characters are endearing, and the ending is both heartbreaking and satisfying.
However, it does leave room for a fourth book and I sincerely hope the author has one on the way because I want to know the ultimate fate of the “red people” and the cosmic horror known as Dagon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews