I have an unabashed love for giant-monster schlock. I really do. Want proof? Look at my collection of Godzilla films on DVD. The "Meg" series has always been one that I've enjoyed in spite of itself. The books have never been particularly well written, aside from some particularly well-researched technical aspects and some fun characterization. But they are good page-turners that give you more than your money's worth.

I really enjoyed this one more than I did the previous one, "Primal Waters," which in turn I liked more than it's predecessor "The Trench" which was a letdown compared to the original "Meg." I think part of that has to do with the fact that we get a new "lead" character in original hero Jonas Taylor's now 20 year old son David, who is enough like his father to keep the tone in line with the rest of the series, but also different enough that it never feels redundant.

The storyline is also a step up from the last installment's reality-tv idea. A middle-eastern tycoon trying to collect supposedly extinct creatures from a sub-ocean cavern and a bunch of animal rights uber-fanatics trying to sabotage the Megs already in captivity.

It's not high art. None of this series is. But damn if it isn't fun.