Crystal Caverns is a young adult sci-fi/fantasy novel by S.B. Andresen. It's 2120. Shaken by Christopher's death in Iloora, Sam returns home to the Moon Colony and finds himself plagued by visions of Gaia and Chris. After a brief encounter with his ex-girlfriend, Annie, Sam reunites with his childhood friend, Kaya. While his father, Lawrence Merritt, wants to know everything about Illoora, Sam discovers he has a few secrets of his own. Alongside Kaya, Sam travels to Earth to fulfill his destiny of bringing Gaia's children back home. However, the Assembly's PCOs are on their trail as they embark on a mission to open the Portal of Awareness. Additionally, his father reveals that the Controllers plan to go to Illoora, which might open the rift and destroy space and time as we know it.

S.B. Andresen has packed a lot of lore, mystery, and intrigue into this fascinating sci-fi saga. Crystal Caverns is a stellar installment in this series. The author wastes no time and drops readers into the scheme of things from the get-go, and they become increasingly engrossed with each turn of the page. The worldbuilding is truly impressive, and it helps the reader get immersed in the story. The plot is well-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns, alongside shocking reveals that are bound to take readers by surprise. I enjoyed Sam's friendship with Kaya, but I was even more invested in the relationship dynamic between Sam and his father. The book ends on a cliffhanger as the story continues in the sequel. All in all, this is a fantastic series for young adult sci-fi/fantasy readers.

Samuel of Earth is a champion of Mother Earth, like his mother and her clan before her. With the guidance of the stones, he would bring the children back to Mother Earth. Crystal Caverns by S. B. Andresen tells a story about human beings colonizing the moon and being involved in the exploration of other planets. Samuel's father is powerful in the moon colony. Samuel returns from an expedition bearing very bad news: the death of Chris, who had also been sent on a sensitive mission. Samuel is very sure his father has been hiding something from him, and he is determined to find out what it is. To mourn his friend, Samuel is allowed to go to Earth, where he meets a childhood friend, Kaya. Kaya leads him on a journey into the past and a discovery that will be an eye-opener.

Crystal Caverns by S. B. Andresen is excellently written with perfect narration and a seamlessly flowing plotline that captured my attention from the first chapter to the last. The dialogues are well-crafted and highly engaging, and I loved how vivid the descriptions of events and emotions of the characters were, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The characters were also well-developed. I found this page-turner to be thought-provoking on various issues, such as taking care of the environment and elitism. It got me thinking about how the elites want to control people for their own benefit. The images in the book were also captivating and added to the overall beauty. I look forward to reading something else by this author.

After a grueling journey to the crystalline planet Iloora, Sam returns to the human colony on the Earth's moon with the lifeless body of his dear friend Christopher. He grapples with the decision to withhold the truth about Christopher's death, fearing the consequences of revealing the existence of lifeforms on that planet. But when the young man realizes the key to rejuvenating Earth lies with him, Sam must confront the mysteries surrounding his friend's death and the role of the enigmatic crystals in his quest. Will he triumph, or will his adversaries finally seize the initiative? The answers lie in S.B. Andresen's Crystal Caverns.

Set over a century into a future where most of humanity has abandoned Earth for colonies on the moon, multiple factions are involved in an intriguing story arc where familial tensions set the tone. There is more to this adventure than meets the eye, as a discerning reader will deduce from the relatively simple character development and the several hints interwoven in the conversations. Andresen's incorporation of traditional Native American names and legends into the narrative offers a distinctive cultural element to a story gradually coming into its own. What stands out is how Andresen integrates numerous factions and activities into one seamless plot. Fans of mysteries will be intrigued by the well-placed clues. Sci-fi purists will enjoy Andresen's storytelling style, slow pacing, and outstanding world-building. A romantic undertone is added to an action-packed adventure by the possibility of a romantic triangle involving Sam, Annie, and Kaya. S.B. Andresen deserves praise for creating Crystal Caverns.

In Crystal Caverns by S. B. Andresen, set in 2120, Sam embarks on a journey of self-discovery, triggered by a book from his father's office and comforting a grieving family. Memories flood back of his past, including adventures with his parents. Annie's visit brings up unresolved emotions and reveals her involvement in a quest for a rainbow crystal, but Sam questions her motives. A vision leads him to discover a cobalt crystal and meet Kaya, unveiling a connection to ancient prophecies. Together, they embark on a journey, learning truths about Earth's rulers and Sam's family secrets. Guided by elders and Gaia's spirit, Sam embraces his role as a Keeper of Time. Joined by Kaya and his father, they journey to Australia, facing threats and betrayal, and Sam resolves to prevent further harm and fulfill his destiny in restoring balance to Earth.

S. B. Andresen skillfully and immediately integrates exposition into the narrative of Crystal Caverns to provide essential information about the setting, history, and technology of the story world. Details about the Iloora, the Assembly, the Moon Colony, Earth's demise, and the indigenous communities are all brought out early enough to enrich our understanding of the story's context. I loved the foreshadowing and symbolism that hint at not only what has transpired, but what is to come. For example, the recurring motif of the red stone necklace symbolizes Sam's connection to his mother, his heritage, and the larger quest he is destined to undertake. Similarly, the ancient prophecies, the Keepers of Time, and the split in universal balance foreshadows the epic journey and challenges that lie ahead for Sam as he embraces his destiny. The writing is simple and straightforward, making it accessible to readers who are new to fantasy-science fiction hybrids, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.