Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Well-paced animal-rescue sequel with admirable hero.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In CAVERN OF SECRETS, after a bitter-cold winter hiding out in the Sudden Mountains, Raffa, his cousin Garith, and his friend Kuma decide they must head back to civilization. While it's a dangerous idea after they stole back Kuma's bear friend from the clutches of the shady Gilden Chancellor, they have to find out what happened in Gilden. Are the other animals still trapped in cages, taking daily doses of a vine that helps control their minds? And what happened to Garith's father who worked as an apothecary for the Chancellor in her secret animal labs? And where are Raffa's parents, who refused to help the Chancellor? While it will be dangerous to return, when Raffa's bat Echo becomes sick he knows he needs to seek the advice of his parents. They stop in Kuma's village first and are in for a shock. Even though it's the farthest from Gilden, guards are out looking for them. And shortly after they arrive, the controlled animals come and wreak havoc.
Is It Any Good?
If you're someone who adores animal-rescue videos, this apothecary adventure series will reel you in like a turtle caught in fishing line heroically saved by a kayaker and his Swiss Army knife. Raffa is the selfless character at the heart of Cavern of Secrets whose determination to free captive animals drives most of the exciting action in the story. Having his likeness on Wanted posters everywhere adds to the cloak-and-dagger danger and keeps the story moving.
While the pacing is great, sometimes Cavern of Secrets feels as if it sacrifices clarity and logic for action, leaving a few questions unanswered: Why wasn't Raffa trying harder to find his parents? He barely asks questions of his friends when he arrives in Gilden. Why didn't he just give an antidote to his cousin to deliver since he's the one who doses the animals anyway? Why isn't Raffa spreading information about this secret animal project to others in the government? What good will it do to just rescue animals if more will just be obtained? Between those questions and the cliffhanger ending, much is left swirling around readers' minds -- readers who will surely be excited about Book 3.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the animals in Cavern of Secrets. Why is Raffa so worried about Echo's eyes turning black again? Why does he wants something different for Echo than he does for the other animals?
Humans exert a lot of control over animals. Do they deserve to be wild?
What do you think will happen to Raffa in Book 3? Will you keep reading?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jim Madsen
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper
- Publication date : March 7, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate