The Adventures of Mat Rufs by A. Liachenko, is a thrilling adventure novel that explores both ancient and contemporary secrets. This is the first part of a series about Mat, a young Canadian who loves traveling and meeting new people. Mat had intended to explore and eat some wonderful food in rural Mexico, away from the tourist regions, but while exploring a stunning cave inside a volcano, he gets lost and discovers both ancient and global secrets. He sustains injuries and is given medical care in a secret hospital located inside a volcano that no one outside can even fathom exists.

Emily, Mat’s sister, boards a flight from Montreal to Mexico after several weeks without hearing from him. She is unsure of where to begin her search. On the plane, she meets Antonio, a gorgeous man who also researches volcanoes and caverns, and their destination seems to be the same. Emily senses a strong romantic potential. Finally, she reunites with Mat once she reaches the volcano, where they learn that Antonio is a member of one of the drug cartels. At that point, the volcano begins to erupt. Who manages to make it out alive before the eruption?

This is a fantastic introduction to a series. The writing is excellent throughout, and it will keep the reader intrigued. All of the characters had complex personalities and that, in my opinion, appeared to have a realistic quality. The author excels at building tension and plotting entertaining, action-packed scenes. This adventure narrative has a charming fairy-tale feel to it, especially in the sections that are set in these stunning but dangerous caverns. What makes it simple for the audience to identify with the characters is that they are frequently seen attempting to do their best in multiple ways and, in general, defending their communities.

This book focuses on historical civilizations and exploring. It is clear that extensive study went into its writing. This is a fantastic debut novel. I implore you to read this book, and I myself am eagerly anticipating reading more of Mat Ruf’s experiences.

Pages: 241 | ASIN : B0BBFSBX6R