Tombs of Terror by T. Lynn Adams

Reviewed by Jennifer

Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Violence: A drunk man is murdered. 3 murders reported in the newspaper. All 3 had their throats slit. Severino points a gun at Jonathon. Terrorists kidnap Jonathon; they tie a bag over his head, hit him in the head and drag him away. Previous actions of the terrorists are related. They killed a man, a woman and her baby. They plan to torture and kill Jonathon. They shoot at Jonathon and Carlos as they make their escape. Jonathon is attacked in the hospital; he is poisoned and choked.

Although I wouldn’t call this violence, the creepy factor is high in Tombs of Terror. Jonathon falls into an ancient set of tunnels where hundreds of dead spiders fall on him. He also encounters mummies, skeletons, all kinds of icky bugs and booby traps meant to kill trespassers.

Adult Themes: Jonathon and his father have a rocky relationship. Peruvian terrorists kidnap Jonathon.

Synopsis

While accompanying his father on a research trip to Peru, Jonathon Bradford hears the fascinating story of the ancient Incas whose entire civilization vanished in one night to escape the invading Spaniards. Local legends abound concerning the accomplishment of their escape through a set of subterranean tunnels connecting many cities throughout modern-day Peru. But if these tunnels truly exist, wouldn’t someone have discovered them by now?

While descending a jungle trail from Machu Pichu, Jonathon discovers that the tunnels are all too real. In order to survive, he must learn to avoid the perils concealed in them, face the truth about himself and his father, and push his strength and determination to their limits.

I found the story of the Incas disappearance intriguing and enjoyed Jonathon’s transformation from boy to man. It made me want to do a little more research to find out what is really known about the tunnel system in Peru. I thought Adams did an excellent job of illustrating the differences between the predominantly privileged American way of life and the poor, difficult, yet proud life of many Peruvians. Tombs of Terror is creepy, but my 13-year old is lined up to read it next.