Jonathan Maberry's Joe Ledger series continues to get better with each installment. The characters are well drawn, the setups are intense and believable and the narration by Ray Porter is the perfect voice and tone for this incredible series.

I listened to an advanced readers copy of the audiobook of Cave 13 thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. This was my first Joe Ledger book, so I had a bit of a learning curve, but the book was interesting, and fun. The audiobook was wel narrated, and kept the reader interested.

I don't think I'd suggest this is as your initial foray into the series, but if it is, it is still quite compelling.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this audio ARC.

I really should not have chosen a title just bc it has the number 13 in the title. I thought it would be something different. Oh well. Live and learn.

Ray Porter’s voice was nice. The story was boring and I could not get into it.

This book puts you right in the action from the first chapter. It is very well written and super technical. Unfortunately, it just isn't for me. But this is a me thing, not the book or writing. If you enjoy military thrillers, this is perfect for you. There is a lot of very technical military information, and the book is action packed. The characters were well fleshed out, just not relatable to me because of the military expertise.

The audio book is very well done.

Cave 13 is not a novel I would normally have picked but I was drawn in by the initial description. It is the 3rd book of the Joe Ledger series but they give you enough background that you pretty much understand what is going on. There are a whole host of characters that you need to keep track of, which is a little difficult at times, so maybe reading the first 2 novels would be helpful. I loved the narrator who does each persons voice specific to their character and keeps the novel moving. The general premise is that Joe and his international team are pit against others in a deadly arms race, complete with biological warfare. As the race heats up in the Middle east discoveries are made, treasures are found and 'brother turns against brother". This novel makes you feel like you are there and helps you have a better handle on what it might be like to be involved in the factions pitted against each other in this ongoing war. I really enjoyed this audiobook and would recommend it.

Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International are plunged into a new set of dangers as a deadly arms race opens up in the Middle East. A new set of Dead Sea Scrolls have been discovered and it opens up a torrent of greed and terrorism. This starts a race against the clock.

I found Joe Ledger the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability. Talk about tough as nails with a soft spot! And I LOVED his dog! You will have to read this to find out!

This book has a little bit of everything…espionage, historical mystery, biblical mystery and plenty of action! This would make a great tv show. It moves quickly and is definitely entertaining. I had no idea which way the story was going to turn next.

I am glad I listened to it because it is a long read. But the narrator, Ray Porter, is captivating and keeps the story moving quickly.

Need an action packed thriller with a kick…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Mayberry has written a romp in book 3 of the “Rogue Team International” series. He combines characters from previous novels to save the world (again). As always, Ray Porter does a phenomenal job bringing the different characters to life. He has his work cut out in this one because there were so many, but he sold each one.

“Cave 13” earns four stars. A fun action/adventure story that keeps the reader engaged. The humor, camaraderie, and a mission impossible worthy plot tie together to make a welcome distraction. My thanks to the author and Macmillan Audio via Netgalley. All opinions are mine and freely given.

Whoa!! This took me on a wild and unexpected journey that left me absolutely captivated! This is completely different from anything that I have read and I enjoyed this immensely. The narrator, Ray Porter does a phenomenal job bringing this story to life. So many interesting tidbits that I have come across this book. The idea behind the treasures was great and I really was intrigued with the entire story. The story had good pacing and just the right about of action in the story.

I was looking so forward to reading this book and it took me three different times to finish it and although once I got to chapter 11 in the shadow group I was totally down but then we went to the unnamed island with his perfect love and I was just over it in other books I have love Captain Joe Ledger but I really quickly got over him expounding how great his perfect girlfriend is and how beautiful she is and how he hears sweet music and sees butterflies when he’s around her blah blah blah I was so done with that. Put the chapters with Aydelott Doc Holliday and Jill ledger at work was awesome even though the book was back-and-forth and time it wasn’t hard to keep up with and although this isn’t the first book in the series it was still completely awesome to read as a standalone and I also thought the way they drove Russo crazy with the guy coming in and saying nothing was awesome this was just an awesome book I am not big on books about terrorism but OMG if you love horror stories mix with international intrigue and Captain Joe ledger in love you will like the spot. Some of it I absolutely loved but some of it not so much. I will still be reading books by this author as he is new to me and enjoyed everything 100% but only loved this one for the most part. I want to thank Net galley AN McMillan audio for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

An Explosive Rollercoaster Ride of Action, Intrigue, and Emotional Depth

Book Information

"Cave 13" authored by Jonathan Maberry, is a 528-page thriller published on August 29, 2023. The audio version is narrated by Ray Porter and spans 19 hours and 5 minutes. This is the 3rd book in Maberry’s Rogue Team International series. Thank you to MacMillan Audio for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International are called to engage as a dangerous arms race threatens to spark new wars in the Middle East. A newly discovered cave holds Dead Sea Scrolls with books of actual magic, sought after by terrorists and corporations. However, those who approach the scrolls go insane, raising questions about whether it's ancient magic or a new bioweapon causing this madness.

My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed Jonathan Maberry's latest offering, "Cave 13." This book is a non-stop action-packed thriller from start to finish, delivering a pulse-pounding experience that will keep you glued to the pages. Maberry doesn't just write a story; he crafts an experience that will haunt your thoughts long after you've closed the book. This is book three in a spinoff series and while it can be read as a standalone, I can't help but wonder if reading the first two books in the series would have enhanced my enjoyment even more.

One of the standout features of "Cave 13" is Maberry's ability to craft comprehensive descriptions that immerse you in the story's vivid world. The book boasts multiple storylines that intertwine seamlessly, creating layers of intrigue that keep you guessing. There are several unexpected twists and, most impressively, a major surprise that, despite the subtle clues scattered throughout, caught me completely off guard. It's a rare treat when a book can genuinely surprise its readers.

It's worth noting that "Cave 13" doesn't shy away from violence and turmoil. The story revolves around a paramilitary group fighting terrorism, resulting in a high body count. Maberry's descriptive style extends to the depiction of violence and its physical and emotional consequences on the characters. What sets this apart from your typical thriller is the addition of "magic" elements, which infuse the violence with a trippy and hallucinatory quality, making it a unique reading experience.

While action and violence are prominent, "Cave 13" also delves deeply into interpersonal relationships, adding layers of emotional depth to the narrative. The characters are brilliantly developed, with Joe Ledger standing out as a multi-dimensional protagonist. Maberry not only focuses on their skill sets and backgrounds but also delves into their emotional journeys. Many of these characters have faced dark events in their past, and the novel explores how these experiences influence their thoughts and actions in the present. The introspective moments add complexity rarely seen in military thrillers.

So, a few minor quibbles, "Cave 13" is not a quick read due to its length, so readers looking for a rapid-fire adventure may need to adjust their expectations. Additionally, while the vivid descriptions of mind-altering "magic" are fascinating, there are instances where they feel slightly overused, and one particular use of magic to advance the plot seemed out of sync with the characteristics of every other instance. The thematic thread of "magic" could have been developed further (as was suggested in the book summary) to match the depth of other story elements.

The audiobook version, narrated by Ray Porter, is amazing. Porter's exceptional voice, impeccable timing, spot-on intonation, masterful accents, and perfectly paced delivery enhance the already gripping story. As I write this review, I am heading it read by him in my head and I have to say it makes the review sound much better. His narration is so spot-on that it's like he's whispering the secrets of the universe directly into your ear - a performance that audiobook lovers won't want to miss. It's one of the finest audiobook performances I've experienced, and I'll be actively seeking out more of his work.

Recommendation

"Cave 13" is a Pandora's box of suspense and surprises – once you open it, you won't be able to look away. It’s a thrilling addition to Jonathan Maberry's literary universe, offering a heart-pounding mix of action, well-crafted characters, and emotional depth. A captivating journey that will leave you eager for more. Highly recommended.

Rating

4.5 RTI Stars

I got about halfway through this title. Although I was generally enjoying the listen, I just felt that it was definitely part of a series, the Joe Ledger series, and I needed more backstory.

I can see how this book could be a standalone, but there were just too many references to past characters, adventures and exploits that I felt dissatisfied with my progress.

Maberry writes very well, fleshes out his characters masterfully, cunning and cutting dialogue, complex story lines with chilling science and military believability.

I just feel I need to read some early Joe Ledger novels to feel more immersed in the book. I own a few Joe Ledger books, I think maybe the first one and I want to read that next.

Also, the book bounces around a lot between dates and locations, that I think is not easy to follow in and audiobook format. I wanted to flip back a few pages to clarify what was happening and I wish I had the book on my lap!

Joe Ledger, Jonathan Maberry’s iconic hero, returns to action in Cave 13. Ledger has been the star of well over a dozen of Maberry’s novels and while I feel you’d more or less be able to understand and enjoy Cave 13 without having read those previous novels, I highly recommend reading them all. Joe is such a complex character that has been through so much, unless you’ve read those previous adventures I don’t know that you can truly appreciate what an awesome character he is. Reading some of the previous novels will also familiarize yourself with a number of the returning characters. Now as for Cave 13, the story is smart, complex and, as you’d expect from a Ledger adventure, filled with intense action. It’s also a lengthy adventure, with the audio clocking in at just over nineteen hours, but the pacing is excellent and you won’t want to stop listening/reading. With hundreds of books under his narrating belt, the odds are if you’ve been listening to audiobooks for any length of time you’ve listened to a book narrated by Ray Porter. And as always, he delivers. Cave 13 is a worthy addition to the Joe Ledger legacy. And if this does happen to be your first Joe Ledger book, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do, but you’ll enjoy every minute of it. I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review an advanced copy of the audio version of Cave 13.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1OVTUBRWJV0OD/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Lots of information given on the characters of the book! Takes you on quite an adventure! Very action packed! I did not realize this was the 3rd book so feel I may have missed something!? Overall a great read!!

Fast paced, action packed, thrilling read. This was my first book by this author despite it being the third book in the series. I will definitely be reading more from this author. There are some disturbing things in this book (I.e. the kids in the beginning) and may not be suitable for all audiences but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Cave 13
Rogue Team International #3
Jonathan Maberry
Is magic real?
ISIS discovers a new cave filled with Dead Sea Scrolls. One of them is a book of magic. Could magic be the Weapon of Mass Destruction for this era? Everyone wants possession of the scrolls and the information found within them. Anyone that goes near them hallucinates and becomes insane.
This book is filled with violence and horror. This book did not appeal to me. I’m not sure why but I just didn’t get into it.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Cave 13 for review. As always the review is my unbiased opinion.

This was my 1st book by Jonathan Mayberry but it's def not my last! I jumped into this series with this book, book 3, and I am now going to go back to the beginning and listen to books 1 & 2 b/c I loved it so much! The author did such a great job of making the characters come to life that I feel invested in them and want to know more about them! Also, the audiobook narrator is one of my faves so that made this book so much better!

This is my first exposure to this author and it did not disappoint! This is a shockingly dark, provocative and disturbing action/military thriller. The characters are well-developed though not necessarily likeable. None of them are whom they appear to be. If you are looking for a military thriller with a complex but believable plot surrounded by lots of action, this book is for you. I couldn’t put it down. This thriller grabs you from the first page and doesn’t give you a moments rest until the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

*I received a complimentary audiobook copy of this work from NetGalley.

There are numerous entries in the Joe Ledger series of novels and somehow they remain exciting and captivating. The characters are familiar and getting back into them seems an easy task for Maberry.
I have mostly listened to these on audio with the great Maberry and Porter teaming up to create something really special. I could listen to this series all dang day long.

Joe is back from the Darkness (sort of) and once again must fight evil forces that continue to threaten the globe. All his friends are here including some ghosts from the past. And a Ghost from the present. And even a surprise cameo from another famous “fix-it” man. Very cool.

4 Stars and a worthy edition to the Ledgerverse.

“That will feed the scorpions…the baby will like that.”

Cave 13 by Jonathan Maberry is another dynamite addition to the Rogue Team International series. Cave 13 is book 3 in this series where we follow our beloved rough-and-tumble crew led by Joe Ledger. Think about your favorite action movie with an A-list cast then ratchet it up 10x. That is this book, well... actually that is any book containing Ledger.

I have followed Maberry's Joe Ledger character in other works since 2009 and this book here... is one of my favorites. The character work is stunning and superb, the plot points are both cinematic and shocking, and the storytelling is swoon-worthy. Maberry was my first auto-buy author ever and continues to be, his work leaves me speechless. Even the chapter headings are succinct and polished. BRAVO!

Thank you MacMillan Audio for this ARC with its crisp audio quality. The audiobook starred Ray Porter, my all-time favorite narrator, who embodies every character he narrates; Porter is Joe Ledger in my mind! Maberry and Porter are ear candy and my favorite dynamic duo!

I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Nothing I say will describe how much I loved this audiobook. It feels like forever since the last book.

Why do I love the Toys & Church characters so much!!

Joe is somewhat recovered and tasked to do something he considers being sidelined but nope he stumbles upon … a world threat!

The gang is back plus some great side characters and a bunch of call backs to the mustache twirling bad guys of yore.

Fun!

Fast paced!

Occasionally gruesome!

You don’t need to read the prior books but you’ll have a much richer, fuller experience. Read them all! They’re awesome!

Writing is impeccable. The dialog is believable and at times hilarious. I love Joe’s wit & sarcasm and Ray Porter will always by Joe Ledger in my mind … how many times has Joe Ledger read me other books lol.

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio … this was my most anticipated book this year and it didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait for the next in the series.

6+ stars