3 star temporary place holder rating while I go to the front of the series and start over...

I am way more invested in Alex Hunter than I anticipated (Jack Reacher, with very low-key Harry Dresden vibes... Jason Bourne combined with John Taylor? Military demi-fiction baddie)

I also feel like I could pick out a few books that weaved inspiration into the work. But like I said, going to the beginning to work my way through.

UPDATE : jumped my stars up to 4.5
So thus far, in the series, we have direct mentions of Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, HP Lovecraft (specifically the Necronomicon) and Peter Pan. I can make inferences into Jurrasic Park, Jason Bourne (memory loss, surviving a lethal shot to the head and all).

Our hero returns to Beneth the Ice in search of a long lost submarine. While we explored some different areas in our prehistoric bubble, I was hoping to see the return of more monsters from last time (sand beasts) and while we met some creepy lampray spiders, I was wanting more of the world.

BUT honestly still phenomenal