A review by karlakayjenniges
The Copper Man by Debra Castaneda

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

"What he did not feel was guilt. What he had done, he would do again."

"I CURSE THIS PLACE"

The year is 1985 when "The Copper Man" experienced a tragic event. His pain and anger caused him to exact revenge on the small mining town of Tribulation Gulch, Wyoming.

35 years later the copper mine is reopening. The redevelopment of the mine has awoken something sinister and the peoples lives are now in danger. It lurks in the shadows, it visits where it wishes, it follows, and until it gets what it wants there is no hiding from it.

There are so many things that occur, building the suspense as the story unfolds. The beginning starts out with an anxiety laden occurence adding excitement to what lies ahead. Families and friends are reuinited with rekindled relationships, new friendships are built, and buried secrets are revealed. The imagery described throughout adds to the feel of claustrophobia including narrow tunnels, deep underground within the copper mines, poisoned waters, and polluted air quality. Horrible accidents happen and disturbing messages show up leading up to the appearance of "The Copper Man". There is an intense feeling, waiting in anticipation of what may occur next and how bad it will be.

This may be scary to some readers and not so much to others. What I enjoyed about it was the whole dynamics. The characters, the setting, and the suspense.

I have read the other two books in the "Dark Earth Rising" novels and I have enjoyed all of them. Castaneda is a great writer and I love these books based on urban legends.