"Saving Cascadia" by John Nance

Saving Cascadia
John Nance, Simon and Schuster, Inc., © 2005, 539 pp.
Reviewed by Cheyne, Grade 8
Marshall Middle School Alternative Program

Douglas Lam is a seismologist whose theories are dismissed as ludicrous. He insists that the island Cascadia is too dangerous to settle on, as developing it would be the trigger for 300 years of pent-up energy to be released in a monstrous earthquake. But no one believes him, including millionaire developer Mick Walker. Despite Doug’s efforts, Mick completes a luxury resort on Cascadia Island. Hundreds of guests are invited to the grand opening.

But on the night before the resort officially opens, Doug’s theory is proven true. Earthquakes begin rattling the northwest coast, and cities like Olympia, Bellingham, and Seattle, Washington crumble. The Cascadia resort and all its visitors are put in severe danger, and all the possible escape routes have disappeared. The public finally listens, evacuating the pacific coast. But is it too late? Doug fears that when the big one hits, it will be followed by a killer tsunami!

I think that this is a very suspenseful story that is at times slow because of the excessive detail. Sometimes it seemed as if the characters were doomed, and yet the book completely surprised me in the end. I think that anyone looking for a thriller with an exciting plot should investigate this novel.