The Cave

Author: Steve McGill
Publication Date: February 2009
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fantasy
Copy provided by: Author
Summary (via Goodreads):

When World War I began, Arthur Pratt did what many other Americans did, joining a foreign army to fight while the United States was still trying to avoid entering the conflict. He was reportedly killed in action, though no body was ever recovered, and his surviving family had only letters and photos from the war to remember him by. Eighty years later, Arthur's great-great-grandson Ian is fascinated by the war he's learned about from his family scrapbooks. He wants to be adventurous and brave just like Arthur, which for Ian means testing his mettle against the spooky Butterfield Ranch and a mysterious nearby cave. When weird things begin happening around him, Ian realizes he's being called upon to solve a mystery - but doing so will require venturing into the cave. What he discovers there is more magical - and more dangerous - than he ever imagined, leading the boy to a revelation that will change his life forever. The Cave is a haunting, touching novel, sure to enchant young-adult readers.

Why I read this: The author asked me a while back to review his novel and it sounded like a great mix of history with paranormal elements. Definitely a book right up my alley.

Plot: I really like what was going on in this novel. The main character finds himself drawn to this creepy old house and a cave and what he finds there is both scary and interesting. Ghosts from WWI who grew up in the area haunt the cave and need closure before they can move on from the real world. What a fantastic blend of historical and paranormal elements.
Characters: Definitely can relate to the two boys who feel a draw to adventure and have the kindness to figure out how to help the ghosts of their ancestors passed. I would have definitely ran away though and never went anywhere near that cave again if the same thing had happened to me.

Relatability: Can't say I've encountered any ghosts, but I definitely have a love of history and the tales told were very realistic to the horrors of WWI and what it did to the men who were in it. A quick read and an interesting one.
Cover commentary: Very creepy feel to it.

Rating: 4/5 Roses


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