Subterranean

In James Rollins' explosive debut novel, a hand-picked team of experts ventures into the frozen depths of Antarctica, uncovering a hidden subterranean world of ancient wonders and unimaginable horrors. As they delve deeper into this labyrinth of secrets, they discover they're not the first—and the truth they unearth could doom them all. Subterranean is a pulse-pounding thrill ride of adventure, mystery, and terror that will keep you breathless until the final page.

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RELEASED ON: Jun 01, 1999 Subterranean

From #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins comes Subterranean—his electrifying debut novel that plunges readers into the heart of the unknown.

Beneath the ice at the bottom of the Earth lies a magnificent subterranean labyrinth—a realm of breathtaking wonders and terrors beyond imagining. Archaeologist Ashley Carter leads a team of elite specialists on a daring expedition to explore this hidden world and unlock its ancient riches. But they are not the first to venture here. Those who came before them never returned.

As the team descends into the darkness, mysteries older than time awaken, and revelations that could change the world forever emerge. Yet some forces should never be disturbed. In this isolated realm of shadows and secrets, one devastating truth threatens to doom them all: they are not alone.

Blending non-stop action, cutting-edge science, and heart-stopping suspense, Subterranean is pure Rollins: a high-stakes adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

In the frozen abyss, the past is waiting—and it’s hungry. Don't miss Subterranean—dive into the depths and experience the thrill that launched a legendary career!

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Critical Acclaim

“A gripping deep Earth adventure.”
— New York Times bestselling author Charles Pellegrino

“Kept me turning the pages well into the night!”
— Author John Saul

“Mind-boggling. ‘What if’s’ abound in the thrilling novels by James Rollins.”
— Sacramento Bee

“This guy doesn’t write novels-he builds roller coasters.”
— Booklist

“His books have everything…Rollins is a master of controlled chaos.
— Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Rollins does his job: thrills promised, then delivered…Propulsive doesn’t begin to describe what Rollins achieves.”
— Tampa Tribune

“He just keeps getting better and better.”
— Barnstable Patriot (MA)

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Q&A

Since the first book, I’ve always written to entertain: to get the blood flowing, the heart pumping. One of the best compliments I get about a book is when I hear it kept someone up all night. Then I known I’ve done a good job. But over the years, I’ve learned that entertainment can have a greater impact if it leaves the reader with something to think about afterward, to raise some question, to pique some curiosity. I strive my best to do both. It’s one of the reasons I include a “what’s true and what’s not” section at the end of each book. It points in a general direction for anyone who wants to pursue the details of a book in greater depth.