I'll admit this first before delving into this review. The Lost Level is the first of the lost in time/space or lost world pulp type novels I have ever read. I always enjoyed watching those types of TV shows but never entered the world otherwise.

There was something different about The Lost Level for me. I can't explain it but I'll say I'm now a fan of the genre at least as far as Keene's telling goes.

The Lost Level follows Aaron Pace and his adventures in the level from the title, a dimension that is inescapable and quiet dangerous. If you've ever seen Land of the Lost or its like then you understand. If not, think of the possibility of a different plane of existence where all the lost things end up, be it people, change in couch cushions, or socks in the dryer. Here is where Aaron has landed through experimentation in level hopping. Aaron meets Kasheena and Bloop, two residents of the Lost Level, and their attempts at surviving the trip back to the relative safety of Kasheena's village is what fills the pages.

To say that I simply loved the story is an understatement. I was immediately drawn in to the diary-esque style of story telling that Keene uses, allowing Aaron to relay his misadventures as he writes down all he can in a found notebook. Aaron is a very likable guy, honest and emotional all while being courageous and strong. Kasheena is, at first, the typical object of sexual desire, but Keene did not write her as the wilting flower. This woman is bad ass and can hold her own, saving Aaron and Bloop more than once. And Bloop, the furry cohort a-la Chaka from Land of the Lost, is a nice addition to the trio with his awesome prehensile tail that can wield a sword as well as any Conan or Red Sonja type.

The story is fast paced and the adventure never slows not even at the end. Set as the start to a series, The Lost Level should be appealing to anyone who enjoys action packed, lost in time tales but also to anyone that likes a well-told story. I've even suggested it to my husband (the anti-reader) and I rarely do this. He usually just looks at me and laughs. ( )

I very much enjoyed this book. It touched me on several different levels. (pun not intended) In addition to being an engaging story by itself, it also tied into the occult and conspiracy theories of the real world. Plus many times it referenced elements from Keene's other works. And most importantly, it had heart.

Aaron Pace discovers a way to open doors to other dimensions and quickly starts exporing. Suddenly he finds himself trapped in a new, or I suppose I should say different, dimension. A dimension which is an amalgam of pieces from other worlds and times. A place where a modern robot could end up in a fight with a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Aaron soon finds two new companions who accompany him on his discoveries through the land, or if you prefer the level.

In the Afterword, Keene acknowledged multiple sources for this lost world / man-out-of-time story including among others Edgar Rice Burroughs, the TV show "Lost", the TV show "Land of the Lost" and Mike Grell's comic book "Warlord". And while I can only admit to being a fan of "Lost", I will admit to loving this type of story. Who doesn't want to experience the mysteries of the future and the wonders of the past and also thrive due to your "normal" life experiences, all with a beautiful companion at your side? It appeals to the want-to-be hero in all of us. THE LOST LEVEL gives us all of that. At the same time, Keene weaved in different elements from his Labyrinth mythos. We heard about Ob's invasion of a world. We saw some familiar clicking monsters from the sea. And we got hints of more, more missed or more to come. Or maybe both. (Cue dramatic music) Anyway, it's more than enough to make us Keene fans squeal with delight. The characters that we experience this all through might fit the lost world stereotype but they don't lack originality. They are loving blends of pop culture. For example, Bloop is a blend of Chewbacca, Groot, the blue-furred Beast and probably more that I don't see; Keene made sure we realize this by including references throughout the story. The book was written with love and respect for the genre and readers should love it. ( )

The Lost Level by Brian Keene

Aaron Pace discovers a dimensional travel through a passage called the Labyrinth. He is happy to explore this new place. Soon he meets Kasheena and Bloop, natives to this new place. In the new dimension he finds dinosaurs, giants robots, cowboys, reptilian people, and bizarre things like the grass, it literally can kill you. He realizes he is trapped in this "Lost Level" and it becomes a race against time and for his life, as he needs to find his way out, and soon.

At first I felt the story started out a bit too slow. It (starts off) told in narrative form, from Aaron's point of view. But then it picks up and there is more dialog and action. Aaron is very likable, the story is unique and very original. I liked that a lot. The different creatures and people he meets along the way were fascinating, and at times fun. There was danger as well, which added action/adventure. Overall it was a good read. I feel those who like adventure/action and some horror will enjoy The Lost Level. ( )

I tore through this book in a weekend. It is that much fun!

Taking pages from various "lost world" stories, Keene rolls out his own take on the genre. With influences ranging from The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle, the Pellucidar series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and up through the television series Land of the Lost and Lost, this story romps through dinosaurs, lizard men, killer robots, deadly vegetation and other dangers.

While the tropes are there (in a good way,) Keene also weaves in his own touches. There are some nice modern knuckle-down-and-do-it survivalist methodologies, which are often glossed over in such fiction. It adds veracity to the hero, Aaron Price. Keene's fiction is all connected and in this case, literally - there is a Labyrinth between worlds in time-space. Unfortunately, if travelers in the Labyrinth are not careful, they can wash up into the Lost Level - from which there is no return. Also making an appearance are the sinister Global Corporation, a shadowy conglomerate also present in some of Keene's other fiction.

The Lost Level is both homage and pastiche and makes no bones about it, wearing its influences proudly on its sleeve. It is pure Saturday matinee material in the best way. If you enjoy the lost world genre, you need this book! ( )

Wow, what a fast paced epic story! Easy to read, I enjoyed this book but couldn't help feeling the content had the possibility of being fleshed out into about four books! So many ideas from from past, future, and imaginary Earth. I did wonder if he story was aimed at teenagers whereby the speed of events and ideas may have been welcomed.